Saving Sugarloaf: Restoration to begin on shrinking NC island that protects Morehead City
A shrinking island in Eastern Carolina is well underway to restoration after the town it protects and several groups came together to save it.
Posted — UpdatedA shrinking island in Eastern Carolina is well underway to restoration after the town it protects and several groups came together to save it.
For the past two decades, Sugarloaf Island has been withering away as strong storms, tides, and rough boat traffic take its toll. The small, unassuming island might not seem worth saving, but it actually provides an invaluable amount of support.
Since them the island has eroded significantly, she says – as much as a football field.
This restoration project is the first time in North Carolina that wave attenuation devices are being used.
While they may seem strange, they have been used in a number of projects in Florida -- and the results have been dramatic.
“They’ve had great success, and the reason we’re using them here is because of the storm surge the island sees as well as the predominant southwest winds in the summertime and the storms have really eroded the area away," said Weaver. "So these devices are going to help stop that erosion, but also help acquire that sand and sediment back which will be planted and in turn will turn back to what it was.”
Scientists say that while some of the results could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to fully show, other benefits will show much sooner.
“Immediately, we will start seeing habitat impacts of the structures," said Weaver. "Immediately fish are going to start using the structures, crabs will start using the area and oysters will start to attach and grow over time on the structures."
Construction is expected to take several months to complete.
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