Breakwaters are offshore structures built to protect shorelines. They “break” the waves, playing a crucial role in reducing shoreline erosion, increasing sediment buildup, and promoting the growth of marsh plants and submerged aquatic vegetation. Breakwaters can be constructed with a variety of materials including rock, concrete, or oyster shells. The breakwaters at Project GreenShores sites I and II are made from loose rock and concrete, which provide substrate for oysters to grow, and are great hiding spots for many species.