Increasing the Resiliency of the Shoreline to Protect Against Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Storms
The Malibu Living Shoreline Project (MLSP) aims to restore approximately three acres of sandy beach and dune habitat at Zuma Beach and Point Dume Beach. This project will provide multiple ecosystem benefits such as shoreline stabilization and habitat for native flowering plants and shorebirds. The beaches of Los Angeles are enjoyed by millions of visitors every year—and they can also protect us from climate change.
The Bay Foundation (TBF) implemented this project in winter of 2020-2021, in partnership with the City of Malibu, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, and the California State Coastal Conservancy.
If you love your beach, help TBF protect it by supporting our beach restoration projects.
Project Highlights
Eco-Tourism
Another goal is to increase community engagement through enhanced beach experiences, outreach, and education. In addition to reducing coastal hazards and providing habitat for wildlife, this project will encourage nature-based tourism and increase community awareness of living shorelines, while still allowing all other existing recreational uses of the beach to continue.
Shoreline Resiliency and Enhanced Biodiversity
MLSP increases the resiliency of the shoreline through the restoration of sandy beach and foredune habitat. This project will restore a healthy living shoreline that will provide multiple ecosystem benefits, including shoreline stabilization and habitat for shorebirds and native flowering plants. Together, these benefits will protect the beach and neighboring infrastructure.
Nature-Based Solution to Sea Level Rise
A primary goal of this project is to implement nature-based protection measures against sea level rise and coastal storms. Specialized plants that are naturally adapted to the beach will grow and begin trapping sand that is transported by the wind and pushed onshore by waves. As vegetation begins to grow, so will the dunes. Dunes can provide a natural defense against sea level rise and coastal storms.
Eco-Tourism
Another goal is to increase community engagement through enhanced beach experiences, outreach, and education. In addition to reducing coastal hazards and providing habitat for wildlife, this project will encourage nature-based tourism and increase community awareness of living shorelines, while still allowing all other existing recreational uses of the beach to continue.
Shoreline Resiliency and Enhanced Biodiversity
MLSP increases the resiliency of the shoreline through the restoration of sandy beach and foredune habitat. This project will restore a healthy living shoreline that will provide multiple ecosystem benefits, including shoreline stabilization and habitat for shorebirds and native flowering plants. Together, these benefits will protect the beach and neighboring infrastructure.
