GRAND ISLE — A Louisiana coastal restoration project near Grand Isle has been named one of the best restored shores in the country.

The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association selected the Queen Bess Island Restoration Project as a Best Restored Shore, recognizing its work in restoring coastal habitat affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The ASBPA chose five projects nationwide for the award.

Queen Bess Island is a nesting site for brown pelicans and other colonial waterbirds in Jefferson Parish. Years of erosion and subsidence had significantly reduced the island's available nesting habitat.

The project was completed in 2020 and focused on expanding and elevating the island to increase the abundance and quality of nesting habitat. Work also included improving the existing protective rock ring, breakwaters, bird ramps and habitat plantings to support the island's long-term stability and ecological function.

Funding came from the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment settlement. The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority implemented the project alongside the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, federal trustees and other partners.