Over half of Sydney Harbour’s foreshore has been replaced by seawalls, much of which is managed by local councils. To restore marine biodiversity, Sydney councils have partnered with living seawalls, a program with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, that enhances the ecological value of built structures in the marine environment.
Living seawalls modules are fixed to existing built structures, including seawalls, pilings and groynes. The modules are designed to mimic the features of a natural shoreline such as rockpools and crevices to encourage biodiverse marine communities. Providing microhabitats can boost biodiversity by 36%. They also stay up to 10°C cooler than exposed seawalls.
150 species have recently been observed on panels that were installed in North Sydney in 2018. Species include 25 algal, 90 invertebrates and 35 fish species that use the panels for food and shelter.
This Sydney-led initiative is being applied globally, offering adaptable ways to enhance marine ecosystems on built structures.
Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, Lane Cove, City of Sydney, North Sydney, Canada Bay, Northern Beaches, Inner West and Sutherland Shire Councils