Page 83 - 2023 Sustainability Report

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

In an effort to remedy these problems, RS Shorelines’ affiliate Oysters have an enormous benefit for the environment with
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RS Solutions invented QuickReef . Utilizing a variety of native adult oysters filtering about 30 gallons of water each day.
North Carolina materials, including marine limestone, or marl, Though not currently an endangered species, their worldwide
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from the Company’s Belgrade Quarry, QuickReef works in population has decreased dramatically in recent decades as a
conjunction with other elements of a living shoreline — result of overharvesting, disease and loss of natural habitat.
including local flora and rock structures — to offer a more
“breathable” coastline option that effortlessly blends into the The creation of natural oyster reefs is another effort for
natural environment. RS Solutions spent a considerable which Martin Marietta provides materials, Working with
amount of time searching for just the right mix of natural Restoration Systems Native Shorelines group and the North
materials to use in QuickReef before settling on Belgrade’s Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, the North Carolina
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marl as a primary ingredient in their recipe. Coastal Federation, The Nature Conservancy
(headquartered in Virginia), and a handful of others our
In addition to having a longer lifespan than many products have created an immense impact in recent years.
traditional coastline barriers, living shorelines provide a Since 1996, there have been 15 sanctuaries developed in
number of environmental benefits, including the the Pamlico Sound near the Outer banks with a combined
promotion of marsh land that helps decrease the amount area of more than 350 acres.
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the creation of
valuable habitats for fish, crabs and a host of other
wildlife, including oysters. Many QuickReefs ™ are loaded
with the mollusks within one year of placement, she said.

Living Shoreline Oyster growth on a Quick Reef ™

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