The Port of San Diego is advancing its commitment to nature-based coastal infrastructure with the expansion of its habitat-friendly shoreline program, following the proven success of its initial installation with ECOncrete’s Coastalock.
From Pilot to Proven Performance
In 2021, ECOncrete’s Coastalock were installed along Harbor Island. After several years of biological monitoring, the results clearly demonstrate success in structural and biological outcomes: The installation was found to be structurally resilient while supporting more than 60 marine species, creating complex habitat and contributing to improved water quality through natural biological processes.
This evidence-based validation provided the foundation for the Port’s decision to expand the use of habitat-enhancing shoreline infrastructure across additional sites.
Diverse local and habitat-forming species developing on and inside the Coastalock
Scaling Nature-Based Shorelines
The newly approved projects will replace sections of traditional rock shoreline with ECOncrete’s eco-engineered system, integrating habitat creation directly into coastal protection infrastructure. These efforts are particularly impactful in San Diego Bay, where approximately 74% of the shoreline is hardened with conventional structures that typically offer limited ecological value.
By embedding ecological performance into these assets, the Port is demonstrating how existing shoreline typologies can be enhanced to deliver measurable biodiversity outcomes alongside long-term stability and resilience.
“These projects reflect the Port’s commitment to protecting the health of San Diego Bay while making sure people can continue to connect with and enjoy our waterfront,” said Port of San Diego Board Chair Ann Moore. “By investing in innovative shoreline solutions that support marine life and strengthen coastal resilience, we’re helping preserve coastal access for generations to come.”*
“San Diego has always been at the forefront of innovation across so many sectors, and the Port is no exception,” said Congressman Scott Peters. “Habitat-friendly shoreline structures will protect and foster local biodiversity and ecosystems, without compromising critical shoreline infrastructure.”
Delivering Nature-Based Infrastructure at Scale
The expansion of ECOncrete’s Coastalock installations in San Diego represents a broader shift in how coastal infrastructure is designed, built, and evaluated. Rather than relying on disconnected mitigation measures, this approach integrates habitat creation directly into the structure itself – enabling on-site environmental enhancement while maintaining engineering performance.
As coastal cities and ports face increasing pressure from climate change, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder expectations, projects like this demonstrate a scalable pathway to deliver resilient, nature-based infrastructure. Fabrication of the new units by local suppliers, workforce and supply chain is scheduled to begin in April 2026 , with construction and installation to follow suit.
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