Artificial reefs off a New York City beach can do more than just help sea creatures. They could also save lives

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Almost nothing stood in the way of the pounding waves that crashed into seaside homes in Staten Island’s Tottenville neighborhood when Superstorm Sandy struck the city 12 years ago. But after years of work, a system of artificial reefs largely completed this summer could help soften the blow of future hurricanes. Read more.

What to know: Funded with $111 million in Sandy recovery money, the “Living Breakwaters” constructed about 1,000 feet (300 meters) off the Tottenville beach were conceived to protect residents from future storms. While the concrete and rock barriers can’t stop flooding, project designers say they will sap the force of ocean waves, reducing daily erosion and damage from future storms.   The artificial islands have the added benefit of reviving a bay ecosystem damaged by years of fishing, pollution and dredging. That’s because they integrate “living” features such as tidepools and textured surfaces in a traditional breakwater to better shelter oysters, crabs and fish.   The concept is attracting the attention of other coastal cities, including Florida’s Cedar Key, which was battered last month by Hurricane Helene.

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