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INSTRUCTORS:
Josh Carter, BC.CE
Aubrey Bunger, EIT
Aron D. Hines
Laura Ramsden
Course Length: 1 hour
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the International Conference on Coastal Engineering 2026.
Design and Performance Monitoring of a Living Shoreline Demonstration Project in Coastal Louisiana (17 minutes)
This presentation reviews the design, construction, and five-year performance monitoring of a large-scale living shoreline demonstration project in coastal Louisiana. Participants will learn how artificial oyster reef structures were used to reduce marsh-edge erosion while supporting habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement. The session examines design methods that linked wave attenuation, reef geometry, and shoreline erosion reduction targets. Attendees will explore monitoring results related to structural stability, settlement, shoreline change, oyster colonization, and sediment accretion. The presentation also evaluates project performance during Hurricane Ida and discusses lessons learned regarding foundation design, scour protection, and crest elevations. Engineers will gain practical insights into designing multifunctional living shoreline systems in challenging soft-soil environments. The findings provide valuable guidance for future coastal restoration and protection projects.
Integrating Surface-Subsurface Flooding to Guide Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Cities (13 minutes)
This presentation explores how groundwater dynamics influence the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in flood-prone coastal communities. Participants will learn how surface flooding, groundwater rise, tides, rainfall, and sea-level rise interact during compound flooding events. The session presents a coupled modeling framework linking ADCIRC hydrodynamic simulations with integrated overland and groundwater models. Attendees will examine Tybee Island, Georgia, as a case study for evaluating rain gardens and other infiltration-based solutions. The presentation highlights the importance of accounting for shallow coastal groundwater when designing urban green infrastructure. Engineers will gain insight into how future climate drivers may affect the performance of nature-based stormwater systems. The findings support improved guidance for resilient coastal infrastructure planning.
Nature Based Solutions Along the Texas Coast: A Review of Current and Planned Projects (16 minutes)
This presentation provides a comprehensive review of nature-based solution projects implemented or planned along the Texas coastline. Participants will learn how different project types are being used to address coastal erosion, sea-level rise, habitat loss, and storm impacts. The session applies the IUCN Global Standard to evaluate project effectiveness, planning quality, and implementation practices. Attendees will review project trends across four coastal regions and examine factors influencing successful project delivery. The presentation highlights strengths and weaknesses in current planning approaches, including stakeholder engagement, economic analysis, and long-term sustainability. Engineers will gain a broader understanding of how nature-based solutions are being applied at regional scales. The findings offer recommendations for future coastal resilience programs and policy development.
Evaluating Three Years of a Hybrid Cobble Berm NBS on a Composite Beach: Design Insights (14 minutes)
This presentation examines the performance of a hybrid cobble berm and headland system following three years of monitoring on a Pacific Northwest shoreline. Participants will learn how dynamic cobble berms can be used to provide coastal erosion protection while maintaining natural beach functions. The session evaluates changes in beach profiles, crest elevations, sediment redistribution, and shoreline morphology. Attendees will explore how design assumptions compare with actual field performance over multiple winter storm seasons. The presentation discusses equilibrium beach response, sediment mobility, and lessons learned regarding cobble sizing and design guidance. Engineers will gain practical insights into monitoring and adapting nature-based shoreline stabilization projects. The findings contribute to improving future cobble berm and dynamic revetment designs.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe how living shoreline reef systems can reduce marsh erosion while supporting habitat restoration and ecosystem services.
- Explain how surface water and groundwater interactions affect the design and performance of coastal nature-based solutions.
- Identify key trends, strengths, and challenges associated with implementing nature-based solutions along the Texas coast.
- Discuss how monitoring data can be used to evaluate and improve hybrid cobble berm nature-based solution designs.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Coastal Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Coastal Scientist
- Coastal Resilience Program Manager
- Government Coastal Zone Manager
- University Student or Researcher
How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]