Treatments consisting of coconut-fiber logs and mats were first deployed in 2008 in areas experiencing various levels and types of erosion. Tests revealed that the logs can persist over long periods of time in lower energy areas, and that mussels attach to the fibers of these products similar to the way they attach to marsh plants. Monitoring data has shown that the logs are able to trap sediment, increasing the elevation of the treated areas, and marsh grasses can flourish behind the logs. The PDE currently monitors the performance of each treatment to determine which attracts the greatest amount of ribbed mussels and which has the most benefits for marsh plants. Additionally, hybrid tactics consisting of the current DELSI design being deployed in tandem with an off-shore breakwater for use in moderate to high energy environments are currently being studied.

If you would like more information about this project, please contact the restoration coordinator or call (800) 445-4935.