SWASH

SWASH - Simulated Waves Affecting Shoreline Habitats

Extension agents, specialists, and other environmental professionals in coastal areas often integrate living shorelines into their programming and, subsequently, conduct related outreach. Here, we present a hands-on tool that can be constructed and used to increase the effectiveness of extension and outreach efforts related to living shorelines, termed SWASH tanks. The primary purpose of the SWASH tank is to demonstrate the reduced wave energy and, subsequently, reduced erosion potential associated with living shoreline projects as compared to hardened structures (e.g., bulkhead), and compare them to a natural vegetated shoreline. As such, a single SWASH tank contains a set of three tanks - each with a different type of shoreline on one side and a wave-generating paddle on the other side.  Even with the known environmental and economic consequences, the traditional method of shoreline protection has been hardened structures, such as bulkheads and seawalls. Many extension staff and other environmental professionals are encouraging the use of living shorelines, which are environmentally and economically superior alternative shoreline protection techniques.


    

Picture Diagrams of SWASH Inserts


Picture Diagrams of SWASH Stand

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