BlueTerra Completes Restoration of Bird Island for FWC

Project strengthens critical rookery habitat in the Indian River Lagoon

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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BlueTerra, a Florida-based environmental restoration company, has announced the successful completion of the Bird Island Restoration Project in the Indian River Lagoon in Melbourne, Florida. The project, designed to reduce shoreline erosion, reinforce critical nesting habitat, improve water quality, and enhance shoreline resilience, was carried out for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Why it matters

Bird Island is an ecologically significant rookery island that had experienced progressive shoreline erosion, vegetation loss, and elevation decline due to wave action, storm events, and rising water levels, threatening its function as a safe nesting and roosting site for species such as brown pelicans, herons, and egrets. The restoration project aims to ensure that Bird Island remains viable habitat for nesting birds for years to come.

The details

The restoration project included the removal and reuse of damaged oyster walls around the island, dredging and reuse of fill material to enhance the shoreline's elevation, installing new oyster reefs comprised of limestone boulders and bedding stone, and planting large red mangrove trees behind the new reefs to enhance shoreline resiliency.

  • The Bird Island Restoration Project was completed on March 4, 2026.

The players

BlueTerra LLC

A private, Florida-headquartered company driven by a mission to restore and protect natural ecosystems and bolster the resilience of coastlines and communities.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Florida's fish, wildlife, and natural habitats, overseeing conservation efforts, habitat restoration projects, and public safety related to wildlife.

Taylor Kroll, P.E.

An engineer at WSP who designed the Bird Island Restoration Project.

Kevin Perry

The Director of Marine Construction at BlueTerra.

Caity Savoia

The Biological Administrator for FWC's Aquatic Habitat Conservation & Restoration Section.

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What they’re saying

“Our scope of work included: Removal and reuse of damaged oyster walls around the island, Dredging and reuse of fill material to enhance the shoreline's elevation, Installing new oyster reefs comprised of limestone boulders and bedding stone, and Planting large red mangrove trees behind the new reefs to enhance shoreline resiliency”

— Kevin Perry, Director of Marine Construction, BlueTerra (PRNewswire)

“This project represents a meaningful investment in the health of the lagoon and the protection of one of its important rookery islands. By restoring elevation, stabilizing the shoreline, and reestablishing native vegetation, we are helping to ensure that Bird Island remains viable habitat for nesting birds for years to come.”

— Caity Savoia, Biological Administrator, FWC's Aquatic Habitat Conservation & Restoration Section (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The project is now complete, and the restored Bird Island is expected to continue serving as a safe nesting and roosting site for various bird species in the Indian River Lagoon.

The takeaway

This restoration project demonstrates the importance of investing in the health and resilience of critical natural habitats, like the Bird Island rookery, to support the diverse wildlife that depend on them. By working collaboratively, organizations like BlueTerra and FWC are able to implement effective solutions that protect Florida's valuable ecosystems for the long term.