With the Living Seawall Pilot, the Port is testing and studying exciting, innovative engineering with nature concepts from around the world to learn how we can make San Francisco's seawalls more ecologically friendly in the future.
Traditional seawalls are barren, exposed concrete surfaces unlike natural marine habitats and may benefit invasive species over native species. This two-year pilot study, designed by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in collaboration with Port Engineering and Port Maintenance staff, is an opportunity to test and evaluate methods for fostering higher quality habitats to promote biodiversity and for native Bay species. Results could be incorporated into future earthquake safety and flood risk reduction projects in San Francisco and around the world.