Lower Perdido Islands Restoration

Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration)

Coastal landscape management or protection, Coastal ecosystems restoration and maintenance (mangroves, dunes, saltplains, underwater meadows), Improving coastal resilience, Ecological restoration of ecosystems, Restoration of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass), Restoration and protection of ecosystems (including water ecosystems), Protection of natural ecosystems, Protecton and enhancement of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass), Habitat restoration, Habitat conservation, Marine and coastal conservation initiatives, Knowledge creation and awareness raising, Educational and awareness raising programs, Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity, Habitat mapping, restoration and monitoring-focused management

The Lower Perdido Islands project aims to restore wildlife habitat on the islands while maintaining their recreational function. This includes restoring and sustaining marsh, forest, and seagrass habitats, which are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including shorebirds and wading birds such as brown pelicans and great blue herons [1]. Specific goals include: - Create a conservation management plan for the Lower Perdido Islands (Bird, Robinson, and Walker Islands). - Develop restoration initiatives to support critical wildlife habitats. - Address erosion caused by boat wakes and marine debris. - Protect and restore habitats such as seagrasses, marshes, and forests. - Preserve nesting sites for birds and nurseries for local fish. - Contribute to the broader Perdido Bay Watershed restoration plan.

In order to restore and sustain the islands' critical habitat, the project has multiple habitat restoration initiatives. This includes planting trees and shrubs for nesting birds, creating buffer areas for wildlife without human presence, and signs to raise awareness on the habitats, such as signs indicating seagrass. Alongside restoring habitat, they also aim to raise public awareness of the already existing regulations and the importance of the habitats on the islands. The habitat restoration actions will take place on Walker Island and Robinson Island. On Robinson Island, the focus is on restoring/creating three acres of degraded marsh (i.e. by including a thin layer of sediment) and creating four acres of dune habitat to reduce erosion. On Walker Island, restoration placement areas will be created, including marsh habitat, upland habitat and subtidal shoal habitat, while in the west area, marsh habitat will be restored, and dune and shrub habitat that has been lost over the years will be restored [1].

Coastal communities

• Local government/Municipality
• Non-government organisation/Civil Society
• Private sector/Corporate/Company
• Coastal-dependent communities (e.g. small-scale fishers, coastal farmers, and indigenous peoples)
• Marginalized groups: Indigenous communities