These artificial reefs off a New York City beach help sea creatures. They might also save lives

"Funded with $111 million in Sandy recovery money, the “Living Breakwaters” constructed about 1,000 feet (300 meters) off the Tottenville beach were conceived to protect residents from future storms. While the concrete and rock barriers can't stop flooding, project designers say they will sap the force of ocean waves, reducing daily erosion and damage from future storms.

The artificial islands have the added benefit of reviving a bay ecosystem damaged by years of fishing, pollution and dredging."