Hybrid infrastructure provides a science-based pathway for coastal communities to enhance preparedness, adapt to hazard exposure, and improve the quality of their land–water interface. By integrating nature-inclusive design (NID), breakwaters, seawalls, revetments, and shoreline protections can deliver dual benefits: structural performance and measurable ecological uplift. 

Dual-use hybrid infrastructure can address shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, and storm surges while enhancing marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. In this presentation, three case studies will be discussed, offering engineering, design, and ecological insights for coastal resilience projects. The goal of this presentation is to provide effective examples of how hybrid infrastructure can be applied to strengthen resilience throughout the Gulf of America’s coastal communities.

The three case studies are a hybrid living shoreline in Neptune, NJ, the Living Breakwaters project in Staten Island, NY, and a hybrid revetment in San Diego, CA.

• Hybrid Living Shoreline, Neptune, NJ
  The Hybrid Living Shoreline in Neptune (NJ) uses bio-enhanced articulated mattresses and marsh plantings to stabilize an eroding shoreline. In partnership with the local HOA and the American Littoral Society, the project reduces erosion and increases biodiversity. Monitoring shows improved stability and measurable ecological uplift, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid infrastructure for shoreline resilience.
• Living Breakwaters, Staten Island, NY
  This large-scale project utilizes eco-engineered armor units to protect coastal communities from storm surges, while providing biological uplift. This project creates a blueprint for dual-use breakwaters, demonstrating how ecological design supports long-term community resilience and public awareness.
• Port of San Diego Coastal Protection, San Diego, CA
  A revetment project launched at the Port of San Diego to replace traditional riprap with eco-engineered units that bring ecology into the fold. This project demonstrates measurable uplift in biology and enhanced structural stability. 

These projects show how hybrid infrastructure can redefine coastal resilience and empower Gulf communities to adopt science-driven and ecosystem-positive infrastructure strategies for the future.