The Barataria Bay marsh establishment project is working to re-establish brackish marsh vegetation to counteract high rates of subsidence, shoreline erosion, and marsh loss, and to create 6.6 acres of brackish marsh habitat by fostering growth of aquatic vegetation. The goal is to create nursery grounds for shellfish, local fish species, and other wildlife as well as nesting and wintering habitat for migratory birds.

The initial challenge, to identify salt-tolerant plants that could be established quickly and successfully in the project area, was completed in fall 2009, but in spring 2010, planting was unexpectedly halted by the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.  Although oil did not contaminate the planting site, its spread and cleanup activities caused all work in the area to be halted. In addition, volunteers were not available because they were involved in cleanup and coastline protection.  Planting is tentatively scheduled for summer of 2011. 

This conservation project encompasses approximately 600 acres of earthen terraces and open water habitat on both sides of the Barataria Bay Waterway. This project is part of a larger effort to help slow erosion along the banks of the waterway.  Significant erosion along the banks of the Barataria Bay waterway has deteriorated and exposed the adjacent marsh to increased water exchange, tidal energy and salt water intrusion, thus resulting in several acres of lost marsh.  Practices to counteract erosion, including rock dikes were constructed in 2002 on both sides of the waterway to protect the adjacent marsh.

To begin reestablishing the marsh, Ducks Unlimited was instrumental in advising and working with the landowner (Madison Land Company, Inc.), along with state and federal agencies to obtain a grant from the North American Wetland Conservation Council via the North American Wetland Conservation Act, to construct 29,000 linear feet of earthen terraces and plant native grasses along the shoreline edge to help buffer wind and reduce wave action.

Volunteers solicited by the Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), planted 22,000 Spartina Alterniflora plants along the shoreline edge. However, the tops of the terraces remain non-vegetated and exposed to wind. This project addresses the next critical step, to establish vegetation on top of the earthen terraces to reinforce the terraces against erosion.

The plan involves planting two rows of Spartina Patens and Brazoria Seashore Paspalum, depending upon the salinity of the soil, on top of the earthen terraces. Planting a combination of both plant species will help colonize the terrace crowns and ensure sustainability. It is anticipated that the plant species will spread quickly to vegetate the crowns or top portions of the terraces.

Once completed, more than 6.6 acres of brackish marsh will have been created.  Establishing wetland vegetation on top of the terraces will provide a means of binding the soil together while acting as a buffer to reduce wind, thus, reducing wave energy, and enabling growth of aquatic vegetation between and adjacent to the terraces.  This Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership project will help create valuable marsh habitat; help foster growth of aquatic vegetation; and provide critical nursery and wintering grounds for migratory birds, fish, shell fish and other types of wildlife.

Project Timeline: Planting is tentatively scheduled for summer 2011. Subsequent monitoring will be conducted throughout the summer to determine success of planting, followed by monitoring to determine improvements in marsh accretion and wildlife improvements. Post planting monitoring at intervals of 6 months and one year will utilize aerial photography as well as staked random plots on the terrace and in associated submerged areas. Long term monitoring will be incorporated into the overarching restoration efforts in coastal Louisiana. 

Partners: This project, part of ongoing coastal restoration efforts in Coastal Louisiana, is led by the Jefferson Parish Dept. of Environmental Affairs. Louisiana's academic community, the Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration (LDNR), and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are all contributing technical services. NRCS, LDNR, Jefferson Parish Dept. of Environmental Affairs and the Madison Land Co. Inc. are providing match for the SARP-NOAA Coastal Restoration Center funds.