Shoreline protection trial – 12 months on

In October  2019 ECF implemented a shoreline protection trial by NewPort Quays, in the inner harbour of the Port River.

Coir bags of clean recycled Pacific Oyster shell were laid down, to create an intertidal shellfish reef, and 153 mangrove seedlings were transplanted from Mutton Cove to the trial site.

Twelve months on, most of our bags remain intact, sediment has settled behind the bags and there are signs of a habitat being created e.g. birds feeding, crabs, and other creatures. At least 20% of the mangrove seedlings have survived and are doing well, which is commendable after a summer that broke heat records.

On December 20th, Peri Coleman and Catherine McMahon planted 80 mangrove propagules. Peri was concerned that the mangroves were dropping early this year and so while we’d planned to plant out some propagules early in 2021 we brought the planting forward.

Hermit crabs busy in borrowed shells

Propagules soaking overnight in fresh water

Propagule planted 20.12.20