Battery Island faces rising erosion; project aims to build living shoreline

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY-TV) – Audubon North Carolina is asking for donations to help restore and protect Battery Island in the lower Cape Fear River.

The non-profit wants to build a living shoreline on the southwest side of the island which they said is a sanctuary for nesting water birds. The island is home to 10,000 nesting pairs of White Ibis every year, according to the organization.

The island has experienced increased shoreline erosion from rising tides, storms and boat wakes. The project would install a 70-foot test reef to buffer waves, stabilize sediment and protect the island’s shoreline.

Karen Mosteller, alderman for Southport said the island also suffered from a dredging project 25 years ago.

“Battery Island is a huge part of our history and part of our community it’s our view shed,” Mosteller said.

Click here to learn more about the project.