Plastic-free Restored Habitats

This project aims to address the environmental problems caused by plastic use in coastal habitat restoration and provide a science-based approach to drive transformative change. Field and laboratory experiments will assess traditionally-used plastic versus emerging plastic-free materials for performance, longevity, and environmental impacts. The sites for the project will be in St. Charles Bay in the Mission-Aransas Estuary on the Gulf Coast of Texas near Rockport and Mosquito Lagoon on the East Coast of Florida in the Indian River Lagoon system.

The project aims to assess the effectiveness of plastic-free alternatives to restore intertidal oyster reefs in coastal environments. It also seeks to quantify any unintended consequences of using polyethylene plastic compared to non-plastic materials in restoration efforts.

A key component of the three-year project involves inclusive planning and engagement, ensuring the active participation of underrepresented groups and stakeholders to drive transformational change in environmental restoration practices. Engagement will target underserved schools, community centers, special-needs adults, and other organizations affected by marine debris, and include educational materials in English and Spanish along with hands-on training. The project will work with multiple partners to engage students in STEM programs, residents of South Texas’ colonias and special needs adults in Florida.  

Additional goals will be to involve students and citizens in oyster reef restoration projects, and to distribute restoration materials across the Gulf of Mexico to stimulate a large-scale shift away from using plastic materials in restoration efforts.