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 company, has successfully completed the Bird Island Restoration Project in the Indian River Lagoon in Melbourne, Florida for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The project was designed to reduce shoreline erosion, reinforce critical nesting habitat, improve water quality, and enhance shoreline resilience on the ecologically significant rookery island.

Why it matters

Bird Island is an important rookery that provides nesting and roosting habitat for various bird species like brown pelicans, herons, and egrets. The island had experienced significant shoreline erosion, vegetation loss, and elevation decline due to natural factors, threatening its function as a safe haven for these birds. The restoration project aims to preserve this critical habitat and ensure the island remains viable for nesting birds.

The details

The restoration work included removing and reusing damaged oyster walls around the island, dredging and reusing 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 restoration project was completed in March 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 outdoor recreation.

Taylor Kroll, P.E.

An engineer from WSP who designed the restoration project.

Kevin Perry

The Director of Marine Construction at BlueTerra, who oversaw the restoration work.

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 (bakercityherald.com)

“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 (bakercityherald.com)

The takeaway

The successful restoration of Bird Island demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts between private companies and government agencies to protect and preserve critical wildlife habitats. By investing in the health of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem, this project helps ensure the long-term viability of the island as a safe haven for nesting birds, contributing to the overall ecological balance of the region.