In September, Virginia-based Norfolk Dredging Company began pumping operations that will place approximately 660,000 cubic yards of compatible material from the Charleston harbor deepening “Post 45” project to Crab Bank, a 32-acre site of prime nesting habitat for many coastal birds. Prior to 2017, nearly 4,000 nests could be found in a single summer along with thousands of offspring. The island also provided rest and nourishment for hundreds of migrating shorebirds. But wind and waves have taken a toll on this unique resource and Crab Bank is now a tiny fraction of its original size. In 2017, Hurricane Irma washed away most of the remaining high ground, removing any opportunity for nesting birds.