Ocean Research & Conservation Association

The living and buffered shoreline project at Riverview Park spans approximately 300 linear feet. This project, implemented in November 2024, aims to increase shoreline stabilization and improve water quality through the creation of suitable oyster reef habitat.  Approximately 500 oyster reef balls were installed by the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) with the help from community volunteers to create a series of breakwaters that buffer the wave energy, improving coastal resiliency and enhancing habitat. Trained citizen scientists will monitor this site to assess seagrass growth, biodiversity, shoreline accretion, and oyster recruitment.

ORCA is extremely thankful to the project partners, City of Sebastian, One Lagoon Council, and 11th Hour Racing, for their commitment to the Indian River Lagoon.

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) endeavors to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action, and community education and outreach. For more information, please visit www.TeamORCA.org

Riverview Park Living Shoreline

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) endeavors to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science-based conservation action, and community education and outreach. For twenty years, ORCA has advanced coastal conservation through a technology-driven, science-first approach. 

This habitat restoration project at Coconut Point in the Sebastian Inlet State Park aims to increase shoreline stabilization and coastal resiliency through the creation of a living shoreline.  Phase One includes the installation of aproximately 22 Reef Arches (1,200 lb. breakwater units) in September 2026 and the addition of red mangroves along the shoreline. These living shoreline breakwaters will buffer the wave energy that this site experiences, improving coastal resiliency and enhancing habitat. Trained ORCA citizen scientists will monitor this site to assess metrics including seagrass growth, biodiversity, shoreline accretion, and oyster recruitment.

ORCA is extremely thankful to our project partner, the Sebastian Inlet District, as well as the Sebastian Inlet State Park and 11th Hour Racing for their commitment to the protection and restoration of the Indian River Lagoon.

For more information, please visit www.TeamORCA.org 

Coconut Point Living Shoreline

The living shoreline project at Riverside Park spans approximately 120 linear feet. This project, implemented in April 2024, aims to increase shoreline resiliency and improve water quality through the creation of suitable oyster reef habitat.  Approximately 400 oyster reef balls were installed by the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) with the help from community volunteers to create a series of breakwaters that buffer the wave energy, improving coastal resiliency and enhancing habitat. Trained citizen scientists will monitor this site to assess seagrass growth, biodiversity, shoreline accretion, and oyster recruitment.

ORCA is extremely thankful to the project partners, City of Vero Beach and 11th Hour Racing, for their commitment to the Indian River Lagoon.

Ocean Research & Conservation Association

Florida

3 chronologs managed by Ocean Research & Conservation Association

Riverview Park Living Shoreline

Coconut Point Living Shoreline

Riverside Park Living Shoreline

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