Hempstead Town Uses Shells To Create Barrier Reef

The Town of Hempstead launched a new project on Thursday to turn discarded clam and oyster shells from nearby restaurants into a barrier reef to protect the southern reaches of the township from flooding.

Hundreds of mesh bags containing the discarded shells will be linked together and submerged in the western bays off the coast of Lido Beach, around Long Meadow Island, in order to restore the barrier island that serves as a natural defense against coastal storm surges. Long Island’s South Shore is protected from storm inundation and the full force of powerful storm waves by this network of barrier islands.

“The devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy and the risks posed by climate change and sea-level rise justify bold actions,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen. “We are dramatically improving coastal resiliency along the South Shore by fortifying and restoring these natural barrier islands to levels not seen in decades.”

The reefs also attract new sea life to support the region’s growing marine economy, and helps clean waters polluted by years of excess nitrogen from sewage and wastewater runoff. Excess nitrogen pollution has led to the degradation of the coastal marshland that help protect the South Shore from flooding.

“Restoring flourishing aquatic life on Reynolds Channel is great for the environment and can help the local economy,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky, the ranking member of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.

Once the materials settle on the sea floor, the reef structure will begin to fill with various species of marine life and over time the structure will create a habitat very similar to a natural reef. When complete, these living reefs will add up to over a half mile when combined with pre-existing Town reef projects along barrier islands in Baldwin Bay, Black Banks and Mill River.

“Artificial reefs act as nursery grounds and habitat for shellfish, fin fish and critically needed sea grass," said Adrienne Esposito, director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. "Healthy bays mean happy people! Long Islanders love living by the water, and it’s our responsibility to restore this magnificent resource.”

Photos courtesy Town of Hempstead