Geiger Point
General Project Information
Project footprint:
1,040 l.ft. (5,200 sq. ft).
Location:
1313 Melbourne Causeway, Melbourne, FL 32901
Can it be visited by the public?
Yes
Coordinating organization:
Restore Our Shores, a conservation program of Brevard Zoo. https://restoreourshores.org/
Timeline
Start date and completion date:
November 2016 – November 2017
Other relevant timeline information:
Project features a double layer oyster bag breakwater design through most of the area, but also a small test of an oyster mat base layer with oyster bags on the 2nd layer was tested (which was unsuccessful structurally). Live oysters were added at a density of 100 oysters/yard3 and were provided by Brevard Zoo’s Oyster Gardening project in partnership with Brevard County. An estimated 33,800 live oysters were added to the reefs at Geiger Point.
The project was funded through a cost-share agree between Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department and St. Johns River Water Management District. Installation was completed by volunteers and staff from Brevard Zoo and Brevard County. Project pursued an Individual Environmental Resource Permit with FL Dept. of Environmental Protection (including an easement to allow for greater working depth at 30 feet from the Mean High Water Line), and a Nationwide 27 Permit with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Project Components
Type of project:
Breakwater
Materials:
Oyster mats/bags
Energy level:
MEDIUM
Optional information
Plant species included:
N/A
Source of materials:
Brevard’s regional Shuck and Share program provided the oyster shell cultch, and Brevard Zoo’s Oyster Gardening project provided the live oysters.
Cultch material used:
Oyster shell collected and recycled by the Shuck and Share program, coordinated in the county by Brevard Zoo.
Cost per linear foot:
~$131/l.ft but this grant also funded the Oyster Gardening project for two years to supply live oysters for these restoration projects.
Contact for more information:
Jake Zehnder, jzehnder@brevardzoo.org