Restoring Alabama's Lower Perdido Islands: A Showcase of Conservation Efforts

Strategic Insights -

After years of erosion and storm damage, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has partnered with local organizations to restore 30 acres of subtidal, marsh, dune, and upland habitat on Walker and Robinson Islands in Alabama. The project aims to protect fish and bird habitats, strengthen natural defenses, and promote sustainable tourism practices. The restoration efforts, which began this year, include the creation of new habitats, the reinforcement of breakwaters, and the transplantation of seagrass beds. The project is a significant step towards repairing damage to the land and wildlife caused by erosion and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Key Takeaways:

  • The restoration project covers 30 acres of habitat, including 6 acres of subtidal habitat, 4 acres of marsh habitat, 13 acres of shrub habitat, 3 acres of dunes, and 4 acres of upland habitat.
  • The project aims to protect fish and bird habitats, strengthen natural defenses, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
  • The restoration efforts include the creation of new habitats, the reinforcement of breakwaters, and the transplantation of seagrass beds.
  • The project is funded by NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation and the Deepwater Horizon Alabama Trustee Implementation Group.
  • The project has already shown positive results, with the newly created habitats supporting a diverse range of marine species.
  • The restoration project has contributed to the local economy, with over 130 local workers and seven local subcontractors involved in the effort.
  • The project is part of a larger effort to build a series of living shorelines in the area, including a demonstration project at the City of Orange Beach Waterfront Park.

Statistics:

  • 30 acres of habitat restored on Walker and Robinson Islands
  • 6 acres of subtidal habitat created
  • 4 acres of marsh habitat created
  • 13 acres of shrub habitat created
  • 3 acres of dunes created
  • 4 acres of upland habitat created
  • Over 130 local workers involved in the effort
  • Seven local subcontractors involved in the effort
  • NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation and the Deepwater Horizon Alabama Trustee Implementation Group provided funding for the project
  • The project has already seen a positive impact on the local economy

Sources:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • City of Orange Beach
  • Islands of Perdido Foundation
  • Deepwater Horizon Alabama Trustee Implementation Group
  • Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
  • Alabama Marine Resources Division
  • Alabama Trustee Implementation Group
  • Alabama Audubon
  • Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program
  • U.S. Department of the Interior
  • Dauphin Island Sea Lab
  • Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council
  • Mobile Bay National Estuary Program