Biloxi Launched Shoreline Erosion Project

A new living shoreline project aims to protect the area between Hiller Park and Keesler Air Force Base.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Environmental

Isometric editorial illustration showing limestone breakwaters in blue water with green marshland behind, representing coastal restoration. — Biloxi has launched a living shoreline initiative using breakwaters near Hiller Park to combat two decades of coastal erosion and protect local infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local community prioritize living shorelines over traditional seawalls for coastal protection?

A living shoreline initiative has officially begun in Biloxi to combat persistent erosion along the coast. The project focuses on protecting infrastructure and restoring local wildlife habitat.

Why it matters

The shoreline in the Hiller Park area has faced consistent degradation for over two decades, threatening both natural habitats and local infrastructure. This project serves as a proactive measure against land loss driven by environmental factors.

The Hiller Park area has experienced a consistent loss of 1 foot of land per year since the early 2000s due to high winds and boat wake energy. Project engineers are using breakwaters to reduce wave energy and accumulate sediments to support native plant growth.

The players

Mississippi State University Extension Service

This organization provides technical expertise and living shoreline assessments to private property owners.

Keesler Air Force Base

This installation serves as a key boundary for the coastal erosion project in Biloxi.

The details

Engineers are utilizing breakwaters to disrupt wave energy, which allows sediments to accumulate and stabilize behind the structures. This natural stabilization process creates a foundation for native plant growth, effectively strengthening the coast against future erosion.

The area has seen shoreline loss since the early 2000s.
High wind erosion typically affects the area during fall and winter.
The project was reported as underway on September 24, 2026.

The Big Picture

This project follows the guidance established by the Mississippi State University Extension Service for sustainable coastal management. It shifts the regional approach from traditional hardened structures toward nature-based solutions to mitigate the impact of rising erosion rates.

Residents and business owners in the area can now utilize specialized assessments to determine if living shorelines are suitable for their private properties. These natural barriers may provide a lower-maintenance alternative to traditional bulkheads for long-term land stability.

The takeaway

Implementing a living shoreline can effectively mitigate erosion by working with natural wave energy rather than attempting to block it entirely. Property owners should consult with experts to determine if these nature-based solutions are suitable for their specific environmental conditions.