Port of Redwood City Leads Bay Region with First‑of‑Its‑Kind Living Shoreline Pilot Project

In recognition of the upcoming Earth Day (April 22), the Port of Redwood City is highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship through the development of a Living Shoreline Pilot Project, an innovative approach to shoreline stabilization that uses natural materials rather than traditional hard infrastructure. This project is the first-of-its-kind in the Bay region, allowing the Port of Redwood City to impact future policy and regulatory decisions around addressing rising sea levels. 

In late February, the Board of Port Commissioners approved construction of the Living Shoreline Pilot Project, which will be located along a 180 linear foot section of existing hardened shoreline at the Port. The project is designed to reduce shoreline erosion and protect coastal ecosystems while improving long-term resilience to sea-level rise and climate impacts. 

This project will: 

• Use an innovative stabilization approach that will establish a defined local ecosystem, including 648 square feet of rocky intertidal habitat 

• Install artificial tide pools (ECOncrete®) to promote and improve ecological habitats for sealife and creatures 

• Use signage to educate the public and promote habitat preservation  

Following restoration work, a five-year monitoring plan will go into place. This effort will include reviewing target native and non-native species, sediment accumulation and erosion and more – all in an effort to support adaptive management, planning efforts and future restoration work.  

“This project will provide nature-based infrastructure resiliency with long lasting environmental and educational benefits,” said Kristine A. Zortman, Executive Director of the Port of Redwood City. “By working with nature, we are creating and strengthening intertidal habitat along the Port’s shoreline and helping ensure that our waterfront can be enjoyed for generations to come.” 

The Living Shoreline Pilot Project represents an important step toward scalable, sustainable shoreline protection and supports the Port’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. The project will be constructed later this summer with completion in the fall timeframe.