The research will address the following 2 objectives:

Objective 1: Collaborate with ERDC researchers to develop and apply qualitative and quantitative metrics that evaluate the ecological function (i.e., biomass productivity, sediment accumulation, habitat provisioning, etc.) within and adjacent to living shoreline and natural shoreline sites. The metrics and results will be reported in a yearly report and/or peer reviewed publication as a journal article, technical report, etc. 

Objective 2: Perform comparative analysis of physical parameters, design specifications, and ecological functions at living shoreline and natural shoreline sites. The results of this analysis will be used to develop a living shoreline guidance document that will assist landowners and natural resource managers in making informed decisions about shoreline stabilization strategies.