The new 2.4 mile wide inlet between East and West Ship Islands, known as Camille Cut, is estimated to require approximately 13.5 million yd 3 (10.3 million m 3) of sediment to fill in. The barrier island that protects historic Fort Massachusetts had been divided by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and the new inlet was significantly widened during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Keeping dredged material within the active sediment system, particularly by dumping in areas needing beach nourishment, helps to counteract erosion associated with hard engineering structures such as jetties and groins.Ĭommonly, dredging is completely solely for the purpose of beach nourishment projects such as the case for Ship Island, Gulf Islands National Seashore. Historically most dredged material was placed offshore as the most cost effective option, removing it entirely from the active sediment system and contributing to long-term shoreline erosion. By removing sediment from the naturally accreting area, new sediment transported into the waterway will fill in its place, limiting supply down the coast.

Dredging armored inlets is an unending task.

It is often used to keep waterways and ports navigable for both recreational and commercial users.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi.ĭredging is the removal of material, including sand, silt, gravel and other subaqueous materials from waterways.

Barrier Island Restoration by placing sediment into Camille Cut between East and West Ship Islands.

What is dredging used for