As defined in New Jersey’s Coastal Zone Management Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:7-1.5(CZM), a living shoreline is “a shoreline management practice that addresses the loss of vegetated shorelines, beaches, and habitat in the littoral zone by providing for the protection, restoration or enhancement of these habitats.” As explained in the CZM Rules, this is accomplished through the strategic placement of plants, stone, sand, or other structural and organic materials. There are three types of living shorelines: natural, hybrid, and structural.

Natural living shorelines include natural vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation, fill, and biodegradable organic materials. Hybrid living shorelines incorporate natural vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation, fill, biodegradable organic materials, and low-profile rock structures such as segmented sills, stone containment, and living breakwaters seeded with native shellfish. Structural living shorelines include, but are not limited to, revetments, break-waters, and groins.