Biodegradable groynes

A method of reclaiming land along a shoreline and offshore area by causing the deposit and retention of particulate material utilizing a plurality of spaced groynes wherein each groyne includes at least two spaced supporting stanchions which support at least one net member defined by generally transversely oriented fiber strands which are spaced to create a plurality of openings formed therethrough through which water will flow to cause particulate material to deposit adjacent the net member and which openings are of a size to prohibit passage of larger solid materials carried by water currents and wherein the net member has upper and lower portions and opposite ends, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) placing the stanchions in spaced relationship relative to one another extending offshore relative to the shoreline;
• b) mounting the at least one biodegradable net member to the spaced stanchions so that the net member extends in a direction defined between the spaced stanchions and so that the lower portion thereof is proximite to an offshore floor to thereby create a buildup of newly deposited solid materials adjacent the lower portion thereof;
• c) allowing the at least one net member to deteriorate and become part of the buildup of newly deposited solid materials.