ENVIRONMENT

LIVING SHORELINES

COASTAL RESILIENCE

LIVING SHORELINE PROJECTS

COASTAL RESILIENCE HOME
Illustration of a beach with a living shoreline

What does a living shoreline look like? Select a magnifying glass to learn more about each adaptaion.

LIVING SHORELINES

In December 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) completed a Coastal Resilience Study designed to:

  • identify areas threatened by coastal erosion,
  • enhance climate resilience, and
  • advance equitable coastal access to the 18 beaches owned or maintained by the County.

As part of the study, three nature-based adaptation projects (also referred to as Living Shorelines) were proposed at sites deemed to be most vulnerable and of significant value to the community. DBH’s Living Shoreline demonstration projects will strategically install sandy dunes to widen and stabilize the beaches as well as enhance natural habitats for shore birds and other coastal species.

In 2025, DBH completed a feasibility study for the three demonstration projects. Three alternative designs per project site were evaluated and an alternative with the highest cost-benefit ratio per project site was selected to move on to the next planning phase, including preliminary design, environmental documentation and permitting.

Select a beach below to learn more about the proposed project.

Dune system at Zuma Lagoon

ZUMA BEACH

This project will increase beach width by placing more sand on the beach (beach nourishment) and expand habitat through dune creation.

Dune system at Dockweiler State Beach

DOCKWEILER STATE BEACH

This project will enhance dune habitat through the installation of sand fencing to promote sand deposition within the dune field and construction of a low barrier to prevent sediment transport from the dunes into adjacent improved areas (bike path, sidewalk, parking lot).

Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH

This project will increase beach width by beach nourishment and create dune habitat between Topaz Groin and the Redondo Beach Pier.

ZUMA DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

COASTAL RESILIENCE HOME
Diagram of proposed living shoreline project at Zuma and Point Dume beaches.
Diagram of proposed living shoreline project at Zuma and Point Dume beaches.

The concept proposed at Zuma Beach and Point Dume Beach includes widening Zuma Beach via beach nourishment and creating or enhancing dune habitat at both Zuma and Point Dume. The project aims to:

  • Expand public access and recreational opportunities for L.A. County residents and visitors.
  • Increase protection of coastal infrastructure.
  • Increase and enhance sensitive sandy beach and dune habitat.
  • Expand local and regional economic benefits.

PROJECT ELEMENTS

  • Add 500,000 cubic yards of sand to Zuma Beach
  • Create dune habitat at Zuma Beach where winter sand dikes are typically built and along back beach
  • Enhance existing dune habitat at Zuma Creek and Point Dume Beach

DOCKWEILER DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

COASTAL RESILIENCE HOME
Diagram of proposed living shoreline project at Dockweiler State Beach.
Diagram of proposed living shoreline project at Dockweiler State Beach.

The concept project for Dockweiler State Beach includes installation of a sediment barrier along the bicycle and pedestrian path and parking lot and active management of the existing dune system between the Youth Center and the hang glider area.  The project aims to:

  • Reduce the quantity of sediment that is blown onto the path and parking lot.
  • Manage and expand the existing dune system at the site.
  • Provide educational information related to the role that dunes play in habitat creation, risk reduction and resilience planning.

PROJECT ELEMENTS

  • Install 700-foot low wall as a sand barrier
  • Enhance 1.3-acres of existing dune habitat
  • Provide 1.4-acres of additional dune restoration areas
  • Create four beach access points

REDONDO BEACH DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

COASTAL RESILIENCE HOME
Diagram of proposed living shoreline project on Redondo Beach.
Diagram of proposed living shoreline sand placement and dune restoration area.

The proposed project will replenish approximately 10 to 15 acres of public beach between the Redondo Beach Municipal Pier and the Topaz Groin with approximately 300,000 cubic yards of clean, beach-quality sand. The sand will be dredged from the Marina del Rey Harbor entrance channel and sand trap, then beneficially reused to nourish the Redondo Beach shoreline.

The project also includes creating approximately 0.7 acres of coastal dunes, restoring native dune vegetation, and replacing non-native plants with native coastal dune species to improve habitat and shoreline resilience.

Project objectives include:

  • Providing nature-based protection against coastal erosion and sea level rise.
  • Improving shoreline stability, sediment retention, and ecological function.
  • Helping protect public amenities, including beach access points, the promenade, the Marvin Braude Bike Path, ADA-accessible walkways, bike racks, and outdoor showers.
  • Protecting critical public infrastructure, including parking areas, public restrooms, potable water and utility systems, storm drains, the lifeguard facility, and emergency response and communications infrastructure.
    Ground-level rendering of the proposed Redondo Beach Living Shoreline Project showing restored coastal dunes adjacent to the Marvin Braude Bike Path
    Ground-level conceptual rendering of the proposed Redondo Beach Living Shoreline Project.

    PROJECT ELEMENTS

    • Add 300,000 cubic yards of sand to replenish approximately 10 to 15 acres of public beach
    • Create a 0.7 -acre dune habitat at south end (near Topaz Groin)
    • Learn more about the project:

    Aerial rendering of the proposed Redondo Beach Living Shoreline Project showing restored coastal dunes, expanded beach, and the Marvin Braude Bike Path.
    Conceptual aerial rendering of proposed improvements for Redondo Beach Living Shoreline Project.