Introduction
Enhancing coastal environments requires more than engineering strength; it demands solutions that work with nature. Boskalis has embraced this approach through its Artificial Reefs Program, an initiative that blends coastal protection with biodiversity restoration. The recent project at Hengistbury Head in southern England demonstrates how well this strategy works in practice.
Reefs Supporting Coastal Defense and Ecology
Artificial reefs do more than provide habitat; they also help stabilize shorelines by supporting natural sediment movement. Through the Artificial Reefs Program, Boskalis designs structures that deliver dual benefits, reducing erosion while encouraging ecosystem recovery.
Hengistbury Head: A Living Case Study
As part of a long groyne construction project, Boskalis installed 98 artificial reefs and rocks along the coast. Although ecological outcomes can be unpredictable, the results at Hengistbury Head exceeded expectations. Within just one year, field studies documented starfish, mussels, crabs, and other shellfish colonizing the new habitat. Even a red-listed bird species was observed using the area.
How Reef Structures Improve Marine Life
These reef installations create protective surfaces, feeding grounds, and stable substrates, conditions essential for biodiversity restoration. By offering a safe environment for marine life to settle and grow, the Artificial Reefs Program demonstrates how infrastructure can actively support nature rather than displace it.
A Model for Future Coastal Defense
The success at Hengistbury Head highlights how eco-engineered solutions can protect coastlines while enriching marine ecosystems. Boskalis sees the Artificial Reefs Program as a blueprint for the future, coastal defense systems that enhance, rather than harm, the natural world.