What is shoreline armoring?
Shoreline armoring is the construction of bulkheads, seawalls, riprap “revetments” such as sandbags or cement, and any other structure to harden a shoreline against erosion. In the past, shoreline erosion was seen as a problem and armoring the best method to control it. We now know that erosion is really the way that Puget Sound replenishes beaches and rivers respond to changes in flow and energy. Scientists estimate that about 700 miles (one-quarter) of Puget Sound shorelines are already armored. As Washington continues to grow, the pressure to armor shorelines will grow, too.
