Though the aim of soft stabilization is similar to hard stabilization in that they both are intending to protect and preserve shorelines, inlets, estuaries, and marshlands, the major separator between these two types of shoreline stabilization are the methodologies that they follow. Hard stabilization often features more non-natural armoring of the shoreline that creates harder, more structural elements as opposed to the more natural, less invasive forms of stabilization that comes through soft stabilization methods.
While there is a sort of continuum between soft and hard stabilization, generally soft stabilization includes the general use of “softer” elements which are often removable or feature minimal use of non-natural structures. Another method of stabilization included under the umbrella of soft stabilization is natural stabilization, which features natural enhancement with no artificial structures added and most closely represents natural shoreline processes. One of the focuses of soft stabilization is to protect the natural processes of shorelines as much as possible while also enhancing the ecological functions/processes of these areas.
An example of the utilization of soft shoreline stabilization can be seen at Figure 8 Island in North Carolina, a case study that will be discussed in more detail later. Next we will outline the various types of soft stabilization and how each of them works to protect shorelines from erosion. Also to be discussed alongside the various types of soft stabilization are the benefits and drawbacks of each methodology and their variable impacts on the environment.
Works Referenced:
https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/DNR/Documents/Soft%20Shore%20Stabilization_ECY.pdf