Restoring the geomorphic and ecological form and function of Trinity-East Island and Timbalier Island.

Terrebonne Basin Barrier Islands & Beach Nourishment

The Terrebonne Basin Barrier Islands are part of the Louisiana barrier island chain that separates Terrebonne and Timbalier Bays from the Gulf of Mexico. The coastal barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast provide critical beach, dune, and marsh habitat—and they also serve to protect fragile interior marshes and infrastructure.

As prime consultant on the project, we’re working on comprehensive numerical modeling, design, and permitting for the restoration of the Trinity-East and Timbalier Islands and West Belle Headland. That meant dredging and placing over 9 million cubic yards (6.9 million cubic metres) of sand for the restoration of 1,100 acres (445 hectares) of beach, dune, and intertidal marsh habitat.

Restoration of the Terrebonne Basin barrier shoreline will provide a buffer to reduce the full force and effects of wave action, provide marsh to capture sediment washing over the islands, and reduce saltwater intrusion, storm surge, and tidal currents on adjacent estuaries and wetlands. Endangered and threatened species such as piping plovers, green sea turtles, or West Indian manatees will also benefit from habitat restoration.