Biloxi Marsh Oyster Reef Restoration
Biloxi Marsh Oyster Reef Restoration
This project will build an oyster barrier reef along the eastern shore of the Biloxi Marsh. The Biloxi Marsh platform is relatively stable geologically as it has a fairly low rate of subsidence. However, erosion on the marsh edge by wave action has resulted in significant loss of this productive habitat. Re-establishment of vertical oyster reefs in conjunction with the reintroduction of small amounts river water via West Maurepas and Central Wetlands diversions will help slow marsh deterioration. In addition …
Breton Ridge Restoration: Bayou la Loutre
Breton Ridge Restoration includes the restoration of two historic ridges on either side of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), Bayou Terre aux Boeufs and Bayou la Loutre. Bayou la Loutre begins in Yscloskey and extends into the southeastern Biloxi marshes. Bayou la Loutre ridge is actually two parallel natural levees flanking old Bayou la Loutre (Otter Bayou), which is part of the structural underpinning of the Biloxi marshes. Construction of the MRGO breached the ridges, dramatically altering the hydrology of the …
Breton Ridge Restoration: Bayou Terre aux Boeufs
Breton Ridge Restoration includes the restoration of two historic ridges on either side of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), Bayou Terre aux Boeufs and Bayou la Loutre. Bayou Terre aux Boeufs stretches from Delacroix to Black Bay and has historically helped buffer storm surges for St. Bernard and Plaquemines parish communities and provided critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Severe erosion around the ridge and adjacent marsh has resulted in a loss and narrowing of the ridge. Subsidence of …
Lower Breton Sediment Diversion
This sediment diversion project is planned for lower Breton Sound along the east bank of the Mississippi River, likely across from Port Sulphur. Below the reach of the federal, man-made levees on the east bank, the brackish and salt marshes in the influence area have low rates of loss relative to many other parts of the coast. These low rates of land loss may be attributed to the sediment and fresh water these marshes periodically receive when the river overtops …
Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion
To be located along the east bank of the Mississippi River near Wills Point and upriver of the White Ditch siphon, this sediment diversion will convey fresh water and sediment into deteriorating marshes that drain into middle Breton-Chandeleur Basin. The swamps and marshes in the influence area have disappeared due to a combination of changes in the supply and distribution of fresh water, subsidence, saltwater intrusion, sediment starvation and storm events. This project will reconnect the influence area with the …