Terrebonne Parish Harbor of Refuge
Project Overview
The seafood industry is the heart of the culture and economy of coastal Louisiana, generating $2.4 billion annually. This industry, however, is increasingly at risk as intensifying hurricanes threaten the livelihoods of fishers and shrimpers who are the backbone of the supply chain. Without their ability to operate, the economic and cultural fabric of the region unravels.The majority of fishers in Louisiana are small, independent operators that own their boats and are the most vulnerable part of the system, facing the most risk economically. Protecting these workers and their boats is not just an economic necessity—it is an ecological and social imperative.
A Harbor of Refuge is a response to the growing need for specialized climate adaptation strategies along the Gulf Coast, offering protection not only for the boats and crews that sustain Louisiana’s seafood industry but also for the fragile coastal environment. Rather than relying on a top-down planning process, we visited these communities, listening to those who live and work along these waters to understand their unique challenges. This work is a model for a network of safe harbors from Florida to Texas that protects the lives and livelihoods of fishers and shrimpers, reduces the environmental impact of storm-damaged vessels, and promotes coastline resilience for frontline communities.
My Role
In addition to spearheading the graphics for this project, I completed the GIS analysis to identify optimal locations for the location of the harbor from a pool of over 3,000 coastal parcels. Using geospatial analysis tools, I applied a series of spatial and attribute queries to filter for parcels that met key criteria: road and water access, a minimum size of one acre, location within the levee system, and other logistical and environmental factors. This process narrowed the search to just 9 viable sites. I also designed the maps and graphics to create clear and compelling visuals that communicate both the data and the design of resilient infrastructure grounded in local knowledge.
This project was completed during my time at SMM
A Robust Gulf Coast Fishing Industry in a Rapidly Changing Climate: Fishing and shrimping in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast is a year-round operation, facing increasing threats from the impact of hurricanes.
Louisiana’s Shrimping Businesses Face the Threat of Industry Shifts: In addition to hurricanes, the industry faces growing pressure from foreign imports, distressing regional foodways and cultural heritage.
The Impact of Natural Disasters on the Shrimping Workforce: For small family-run businesses the economic losses are devastating. Losing a boat can mean an entire year without income.
A Year-Long Technically-Informed Planning Process: Along with data analysis, designers approached the process as searchers, listening to local experts and those whose livelihoods depend on the Gulf.
Harbor of Refuge Site Selection Process: Four levels of data analysis informed by conversations with local experts narrowed down potential sites in Terrebonne Parish.
From Emergency Operations to Blue Sky Days, a Harbor of Refuge Should be Multifunctional: The first tier function protects the boats, the second tier provides additional resilience benefits, and the third adds everyday community value.
A Kit of Parts for a Harbor of Refuge Network: A primary goal of the project is to create a replicable process communities can use across the Gulf to build harbors of refuge tailored to their needs.
Prototype Harbor of Refuge Design at Bayou Grand Caillou: The pilot project site design incorporates all three tiers of functionality.
Serving Community Needs Year-Round: Investments in resilience infrastructure should be multifunctional.
Worth the Investment: The cost-benefit of the prototype harbor was offset by the value of sunken boats, lost income and damage to infrastructure.
Beyond the Economic Benefits: Harbors of refuge protect cultural and ecological resources not captured in cost-benefit analysis.
A Model for Resilience for the Gulf Coast: A network of harbors of refuge would be a critical investment for coastal communities adapting to climate change.