Natural and nature based features for environmental enhancement and coastal storm risk management: a case study on Marco Island, Florida, United States

Natural and Nature-Based systems provide an opportunity for adaptive response to Coastal Storm Risk Management Sea Level Rise. The Tigertail Lagoon/Sand Dollar Island Restoration on Marco Island, Florida, presents a case study designed maintain enhance existing coastal barrier system consisting of 3-km-long sand spit tidal lagoon ecosystem that is otherwise evolving toward closure. part nature-based management plan restore stabilize the sandspit through cyclic use sediment within system. This approach seeks preserve protective habitats landforms also serve as natural barriers protect upland development. Design restoration considers functions wildlife nature evolution complex inlet morphologic features bordered by heavily developed Island. design aims degraded sequence storms since Major Hurricane Irma impacted Southwest Florida in 2017 improve deteriorated habitat enhancing exchange flow channel. Total wetland area will be increased relocating seaward its present location where it was located approximately 2017. reconstructed beach berm enhanced resiliency high frequency weather events. Sediment sourced from innovative trap entrance open while providing beneficial re-use excess continues accumulate at end spit. Components project were analyzed using engineering models methods such Modeling System (CMS) XBeach. Enhancing preserving this island feature productive provides example provided are adaptable responsive sea level rise ongoing processes.