Transforming San Francisco’s Seawalls into Marine Habitats
In the summer of 2022, an innovative ecological initiative took root along San Francisco’s famed Embarcadero. The installation of 288 custom-made tiles designed to attract marine life is underway, marking a significant advancement in the Living Seawall Pilot project.
Project Overview
Led by scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) based in Tiburon, this project encompasses the deployment of the tiles across three key locations: the Pier 45 Breakwater, the Agricultural Building Seawall, and the South Beach Harbor East Breakwater. The goal is to utilize these tiles to transform the seawall into a productive habitat for diverse marine organisms.
Benefits of the Living Seawall
This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between the Port of San Francisco and SERC, focusing on creating environmentally sustainable waterfront infrastructure amidst the challenges posed by rising sea levels. The design of the tiles imitates natural formations such as coral and tree roots, providing ample niches for marine species to thrive.
Innovative Research Techniques
Researchers are experimenting with various textures and sizes of the tiles at different depths to determine the most effective configurations within the unique conditions of the San Francisco Bay. Early indicators of success show that these previously barren concrete structures are now home to an array of sea life, including:
- Barnacles
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Sponges
- Sea stars
- Algae
Future Implications
The initiative also aligns with long-term planning, as projections indicate a possible two-foot rise in sea levels within the next 30 years. As the Bay Area seeks sustainable solutions to protect both infrastructure and local ecosystems, these living seawalls represent a cost-effective approach. With an estimated investment of $1 million, this project is part of a larger $425 million bond measure approved in 2018 aimed at enhancing San Francisco’s waterfront.
Conclusion
Beyond their ecological benefits, these living seawalls also contribute to protecting city infrastructure from erosion and seismic events, presenting a dual advantage for urban planning and environmental health. As this pilot progresses, it offers promising insights into the potential for similar initiatives worldwide, where urban development meets ecological sustainability.
Image Credit: Jared Erondu/Unsplash
