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Martin Ecosystems

Baton Rouge, LA

225.292.6750
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erosion control

What is EcoShield™?

April 4, 2018

EcoShield

Vegetated EcoShield™ is a green infrastructure product that protects earthen shorelines and stabilizes banks while promoting vegetative growth to create a “living shoreline.” It is a cost-effective, sustainable solution for shoreline erosion.

EcoShield™ was designed as a protective medium for vegetation to establish, grow, and spread. We like to think of it as a pre-vegetated “armoring”; this layered vegetated system provides protection for earthen berms, dikes, terraces and levees while promoting growth for additional protection from waves. Scientific research found that one layer of the base matrix layer WITHOUT vegetation is effective at reducing wave run up heights by 40%! With multiple layers and vegetation, an even more significant reduction can be expected.

EcoShield™ serves two purposes: it compliments flood protection by reducing wave energies and extending the life of shorelines, levee systems, berms, and terraces. It also enhances the natural processes of the ecosystem by creating shoreline habitats for waterfowl, wildlife, and aquatic life.

Benefits of EcoShield™

  • Reduces Erosive Waves
  • Stabilizes Loose Soils
  • Promotes Vegetative Growth
  • Significant Cost Savings
  • Provides Installation Flexibility
  • Lightweight & Easy to Install
  • Minimal Environmental Impact 

Successful EcoShield™ Projects

Buras Boat Harbor: Decades of marsh erosion and subsidence along the levees near Joshua’s Marina in Buras, Louisiana, have compromised the integrity of these levees, which protect the coastal community of Buras against storm surge. This project was designed to protect this important infrastructure. Funding for the project was provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) and Plaquemines Parish Government.

Martin Ecosystems was subcontracted to install 660 feet of Vegetated EcoShield ®  on the south berm in July 2014. Within a week of project completion, a storm came through the area causing damage to the remaining unprotected 4000 feet of earthen berm. High winds caused waves to erode the berm five feet in some places. Martin Ecosystems was again subcontracted to install EcoShield™ on the remaining 4000 feet of unprotected berm. Construction of this phase was completed on September 11, 2014.

Daniel Duhon, of Manchac Consulting, said:

Due to the nature of the borrow material, I think the EcoShield™ served an important role in stabilizing the unstable material. If nothing was done to stabilize the new berm there was the potential to lose a significant portion of the seaward face of the berm due to wind and wave action.

EcoShield
Photo taken April 2016.
EcoShield
Photo taken August 2017.

Delta Farms: The America’s WETLAND Foundation (AWF) brought together public and private partners to create the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) Shoreline Stabilization and Restoration Project in Lafourche Parish, LA. America’s WETLAND Foundation contracted Martin Ecosystems to install 1 mile of EcoShield to protect the levee where the embankment has been eroded.

Since the installation of EcoShield in November of 2015, the landowner has not had to perform annual lifting or rebuilding of the levee as he has had to do previously. The levee remains in tact where EcoShield was installed.

Ethan Miller, Project Landowner and Owner of Delta Farms, said:

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. Over the years we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to stabilize that berm. But looking at the results today, I am impressed. Two years later, the berm is holding and the ecosystems is flourishing.

EcoShield

EcoShield

Bayou Monnaie: A large portion of the marsh in the area near Bayou Monnaie had eroded away, resulting in areas of turbid, open, saline water that provide little value to migatory birds and other wildlife. Earthen terraces were constructed to lessen the erosion, create marsh habitat, and restore water quality. However, the terraces were also susceptible to erosion. Ducks Unlimited contracted Martin Ecosystems to install EcoShield™ along the sacrificial terraces to protect them from erosion. Vegetated EcoShield™ remained in place even following Tropical Storm Cindy and most importantly protected the shoreline from erosion, while the areas unprotected by Vegetated EcoShield™ eroded significantly.

EcoShield

EcoShield

Pre-Grown Vegetation

Vegetated EcoShield™ is pre-grown with native vegetation such as wetland sedges, rushes, and grasses before it even arrives on site. These plants are preferred because they are able to develop superior root structure and the ability to spread. Vegetated EcoShield™ is an important tool for shoreline protection of earthen structures, especially where soils are organic and soft and vegetation has nothing to hold onto. Because the vegetation is grown beforehand, the plants are pre-established and have a chance to grow into the material, take root, and spread.

Installation

The earthen structure must be smooth in order for EcoShield™ to lay flat onto the earthen surface. A 1:4 slope or greater is preferred for optimal performance. Vegetated Ecoshield™ can be installed in 2, 3, or 4 layers determined by the slope and amount of protected coverage required.

Vegetated EcoShield™ requires minimal maintenance with quick and easy installation. To secure the earthen berm in place we use rebar anchor staples and semi-flexible wire mesh. Staple pins may need to be adjusted for initial earthen structure settling and compaction.

Endorsement by The Water Institute of the Gulf

In June of 2015, The Water Institute of the Gulf endorsed Vegetated EcoShield™ as being consistent with the goals and objective of the Coastal Master Plan for Bank Stablization and Shoreline Protection.

For more information about Vegetated EcoShield™, contact our office at 225-292-6750.

Filed Under: Erosion Control Tagged With: America's Wetland Foundation, bank stabilization, Coastal Conservation, coastal restoration and protection, EcoShield, Endorsement, environmental solutions, environmental technology, erosion control, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Innovative Solutions, Martin Ecosystems, Public-Private Partnership, shoreline protection, Shoreline Stabilization, The Water Institute of the Gulf

3 Problems Erosion is Creating for Landowners

January 18, 2018

Erosion, Landowners

The erosion of Louisiana’s coastline is a crisis for us all. It is estimated that every day the state of Louisiana alone loses as much as a football field in land. Unfortunately, funding for projects to counteract this crisis is limited. Now more than ever, we need affordable, sustainable solutions to protect and restore our coastlines. 

3 Problems Erosion Causes for Landowners

The most obvious problem erosion is causing for coastal landowners is the loss of land. However, the loss of land is really not just a problem for landowners; the effects of erosion spreads to people far from the coast.

  1. 1. Erosion makes us more vulnerable to flooding and storm surge. Wetlands provide a buffer for storms and foods. A loss of land leaves us with less protection, making us increasingly more vulnerable to natural disasters.
  • – 7 miles of wetlands reduces a storm surge by one foot.*
  • – The loss of every one-mile strip of wetlands along the coast results in an estimated $5,752,816 average annual increase in property damage. *
  • – Between 60-70% of Louisiana’s population (over 2 million people) live within 50 miles of the coast and become vulnerable without coastal wetland protection.*
  1. 2. Erosion poses a threat to a profitable fishing industry. Louisiana wetlands provide abundant wildlife and fisheries. By 2050, it is estimated that the annual loss in commercial fisheries due to eroding wetlands will be nearly $550 million.*
  • – Louisiana is one of the largest habitats in the world for migratory waterfowl.*
  • – 95% of all marine species in the Gulf of Mexico spend all or part of their lifecycle in Louisiana wetlands.*
  • – 86% of Gulf of Mexico sport and commercial fish species are dependent on coastal wetlands for survival.*
  • – Louisiana’s wetlands are home to some species that are on the endangered or threatened list.*
  • – Louisiana’s commercial fisheries are the most bountiful of the lower 48 states and more than 30% of the nation’s commercial catch comes from Louisiana.*
  • – Louisiana is first in the annual harvest of oysters, shrimp, crabs, crawfish, red snapper, wild catfish, sea trout and mullet. *
  1. 3. Erosion is a threat to the natural gas and oil industry. In fact, 25% of the energy supply of the entire nation depends on the support facilities in south Louisiana. As our wetlands and barrier islands continue to disappear, the wells, pipelines, ports and roads that make the energy industry possible will be more exposed to open water, wave action, storm surges and water traffic. Erosion will lead to more vulnerable pipelines, resulting in ruptures, oil spills and gas leaks, and billions of assets at risk.*
  • – Louisiana is home to the natural gas and oil industry with a value exceeding $16 billion a year. *
  • – 18% of the U.S. oil and 24% of the natural gas originates and is processed or transported through Louisiana coastal wetlands.*

3 Cost-effective Solutions We’ve Engineered for Landowners

Because we’re passionate about the land we love and we want to protect our coastlines, we’ve engineered innovative, cost effective solutions that are producing results. The following are lightweight solutions that protect existing shorelines, create new marsh and restore wetland habitats:

  • – The Floating Breakwater is a floating wave attenuator that utilizes recycled materials and vegetation to create a sustainable green infrastructure product.
  • – Vegetated EcoShield®is a living shoreline product that compliments flood protection by reducing wave energies and extending the life of shorelines, levee systems, berms, and terraces.
  • – EcoBale is a breakwater for reducing waves and trapping sediments. It is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand high energy environments.

We believe that our wetlands are worth investing in and worth protecting. Coastal restoration makes good business sense, and we can all play a part in saving our coast. If you would like learn more about our partnerships for coastal restoration, habitat restoration, and water quality improvement, give us a call at 225.292.6750. 

*Information in this article provided by: https://www2.southeastern.edu/orgs/oilspill/wetlands.html

Filed Under: Erosion Control Tagged With: bank stabilization, erosion control, habitat conservation, Innovative Solutions, shoreline protection, Shoreline Stabilization

Our Love for Water Inspires Us to Protect It

May 11, 2017

Martin Ecosystems began in 2008, and has been family-owned and operated ever since.

Our owner, Ted Martin, grew up in a small fishing village and his love for water began at a young age. Ted and his four children keep the Martin Ecosystems wheels spinning, and they love what they do.

Martin Ecosystems Leadership Team
Martin Ecosystems Leadership Team

The Louisiana coast has been the backdrop for countless Martin family celebrations. It is where we work; it is where we play; it is our home.

The environmental challenges Louisiana faces are worldwide (i.e. marsh erosion, impaired waterbodies, threatened habitats). We are fully dedicated to finding a common link between industry and nature, while solving the most complex environmental challenges with matchless natural solutions.

Our Environmental Commitment Involves Environmental Technology

We are an environmental technology company that manufactures and supplies Floating Treatment Wetlands, Floating Breakwaters, and a bank stabilization solution-EcoShield™.

Our products provide cost-effective solutions for a variety of environmental challenges our world faces today including storm water and wastewater treatment, shoreline protection, and habitat restoration.

Based out of Louisiana, we first developed solutions for the coastal restoration and protection challenges affecting our home state, but today we serve customers in 15 states and several foreign markets.

Our innovative combination of engineering and ecology improves water quality, establishes sustainable habitats and creates resilient shorelines.

We use recycled products with minimal footprints to improve a variety of water environments. We believe it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.

  • We are RECYCLING by using a matrix material made of 100% recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic soda and water bottles to manufacture all our products.
  • We are REDUCING the amount of plastic from entering the environment and going into landfills.
  • We are REUSING post-consumer waste.

At Martin Ecosystems, our commitment to improving and protecting the environment is strong.

Interested in learning more about our company, product lines and services? Give us a call at (225) 292-6750!

Filed Under: Beautification, Erosion Control, Recreation, Storm Water, Waste Water Tagged With: BioHaven, erosion control, floating islands, Louisiana coast, Martin Ecosystems, natural water treatment, Water Treatment

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6265 Benefit Drive, Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225.292.6750
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info@martinecosystems.com

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Copyright © 2021 · Martin Ecosystems

Melanie Martin

Melanie Martin

Director of Finance and Administration

“I want to be a part of something that is bigger than myself and allows me to make a difference for future generations.”

Working alongside her family to protect and rebuild the Louisiana coastline was the reason Melanie chose to become a partner in starting Martin Ecosystems. She wanted to be a part of the movement to protect and rebuild the marshes in which she spent so much time as a child.

In her current role, she is in charge of the company’s financial operations. Before entering the financial world, Melanie received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her art and design background allows her to create specified drawings for products and job proposals.

Chad Martin

Chad Martin

Director of Manufacturing

“It is important that every customer is happy with their purchase. I will do what I can to make sure they are satisfied with the end result.”

A founding partner of Martin Ecosystems, Chad earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a minor in Finance from Montana State University-Billings. Prior to joining the company, he was a residential and commercial building contractor for nearly a decade.

As Director of Manufacturing, Chad’s duties include overseeing product manufacturing, purchasing, inventory, packaging and shipping. He is also responsible for Martin Ecosystems quality control and assurance program as well as corporate safety. He also coordinates and oversees all of Martin Ecosystems’ installations.

When not at work, Chad enjoys spending his time hunting and fishing.

Jason Martin

Jason Martin

Director of Operations

“I enjoy working with our customers every day. My philosophy is to treat people like I would like to be treated—with honesty and integrity.”

Jason studied business management at Montana State University-Billings before starting Martin Ecosystems with his family in 2008. His prior experience in project management and commercial sales provided him with the skills to manage the sales department at Martin Ecosystems. Jason oversees product sales, customer service, and distributor relations. He also enjoys pitching in from time to time to assist with installations, which allows him to gain additional insight into what the customer needs. Spending most of his free time fishing and hunting gives Jason an appreciation of the outdoors. Over time he has witnessed the erosion and loss of family land in South Louisiana and strongly believes BioHaven® Floating Breakwaters, EcoShield® and EcoBale would reverse the trend of Louisiana’s land loss.

Nicole Waguespack

Nicole Martin Waguespack

President

“I believe in doing things right the first time, being honest, and delivering what we say we are going to deliver. I want customers to be satisfied not only with our products, but also our level of service. I think customers appreciate that.”

Martin Ecosystems was founded on a desire to protect and restore the Louisiana coast, and Nicole has been a partner in the company since its beginning in 2008. A graduate of Louisiana State University, Nicole’s science background allows insight into how Martin Ecosystems products work, as well as what it takes to bring them to market. Nicole’s primary responsibility is marketing and advertising, yet she is also involved in product development and research coordination. She has been instrumental in expanding the product lines into new markets, including waste water and stormwater management. Outside of the office, Nicole loves spending time with her husband and daughters. It is her hope that Martin Ecosystems products will provide her children the opportunity to grow up experiencing the remarkable beauty of the Louisiana coast—just as she did.

Ted Martin

Ted Martin

Owner, Founder

“It is not always about making the sale, but developing relationships with those individuals who have the same goal of protecting our environment.”

Establishing and managing businesses is nothing new to Ted, whose history includes a number of successful companies with millions in annual sales. So when he saw the opportunity to manufacture and sell a product that could play a key role in coastal restoration—and work with his family to do it—he knew it was the right choice.

Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering at Louisiana State University, Ted applies his knowledge as a member of the product development team. He is involved in every aspect of the business, including product design, implementing sales strategies, managing customer relations and product promotion.

Ted credits his father for Martin Ecosystem’s philosophy of exceptional customer service which is clearly evident throughout the company. He hopes that his children will continue this legacy for many years to come.