The City of Sarasota welcomed its first “living seawall” near downtown along Bayfront Park and O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill.

 

Financed by claim funds from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, the city hired local company Reef Ball Foundation to design, build, and install 35 marine-friendly “Eco-Rap” modules along 250 feet of existing seawall.

 

The modules form an artificial, concrete reef with a pattern of crevices and holes the company says will attract a variety of marine life. On the first day of installation, an anhinga – commonly referred to as a “snakebird” or “darter” – was spotted navigating the entire length of the wall in search of a meal!

 

The project is also intended to serve as a traditional seawall – slowing and absorbing wave action in Sarasota Bay while helping reduce shoreline erosion.

 

 

“These modules are one way to improve traditional seawalls,” said Stevie Freeman-Montes, a Sustainability Manager for the City of Sarasota. “The Eco-Rap units go in front of traditional seawalls to provide critical habitat by attracting sea life while also deflecting wave energy.”

 

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will be conducting studies to observe and record the performance of the new seawall.

 

Like snowflakes, no two modules appear alike. Each step along the wall reveals a new pattern of shells, depressions, holes, and miniature versions of Reef Ball Foundation’s signature design scattered offshore near Sarasota’s beaches.

 

“We wanted the seawall to look as natural as possible,” said Vera Cole, the project’s artistic designer. “Every rock was hand-picked and each tidal pool custom-built to fit the module it was put into.

 

“The modules range in height from one layer to three depending on the depth of the water in order to create a seamless look to the wall.”

 

The seawall can be found west of downtown Sarasota on a peninsula just south of the marina plaza. It begins near O’Leary’s dock and outdoor seating, so whether you’re boating around Sarasota Bay, or enjoying some tropical menu items with your feet in the sand, don’t forget to check out this new wildlife oasis!