Reef Arches, Hybrid Seawalls and the Future of Coastal Resilience | The Blue Economy

Can shoreline protection do more than defend against erosion?In this episode of The Blue Economy, Katherine O’Fallon, Executive Director of the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, is joined by Arthur Tiedeman of APH Marine Construction and Nicholas Bourdon of Reef Arches for a practical conversation about nature-based shoreline infrastructure, hybrid seawalls, artificial reef structures, mangrove planters, and the future of coastal resilience.As waterfront communities face aging seawalls, rising costs, permitting pressure, storm exposure, and the need for stronger environmental outcomes, the conversation around marine construction is changing. The question is no longer only how to protect the shoreline, but how to build infrastructure that also creates habitat, supports marine life, improves water quality, and gives homeowners, municipalities, developers, and contractors better tools.Arthur shares the APH Marine Construction perspective on hybrid seawalls, marine construction, installation logistics, contractor education, and why South Florida is entering a major seawall replacement cycle. Nicholas explains how Reef Arches are being used as modular, nature-based structures that can help attenuate waves, support habitat complexity, provide alternatives to traditional riprap, and scale across residential, municipal, and infrastructure projects.Together, they discuss Sunrise Key, Palm Bay, Cape Canaveral, mangrove planters, oysters, ecological seawall tiles, homeowner participation, regulatory pathways, pilot studies, data, grants, and why collaboration across the blue economy is essential if these solutions are going to move from innovation to standard practice.Guests:Arthur TiedemanAPH Marine Constructionhttps://www.aphmarineconstruction.comNicholas BourdonReef Archeshttps://reefarches.comHost:Katherine O’FallonExecutive Director, Marine Research Hub of South Floridahttps://marineresearchhub.orgThe Blue Economy is powered by the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, advancing ocean innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.The Blue Economy | Yachting International Radio