Riverside Park 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.

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