South Lafourche Levee District deploys advanced data-driven levee protection. March 27, 2026 The South Lafourche Levee District is partnering with Shell to implement a new approach to levee protection at Second Turn in Golden Meadow, La., combining innovative materials with real-time data to strengthen long-term coastal resilience. In partnership with Natrx, a resilience and restoration technology company, and Danos, a family-owned energy services provider, the South Lafourche Levee District is installing 233 custom-engineered LeveeGuard(TM) ExoForms along the levee. These ExoForms, also known as Cajun Coral, are modular structures designed to reduce erosion and support habitat creation. Together, Natrx and Danos coordinated project logistics, including manufacturing and installation, helping move the project from concept to execution efficiently and at scale. "Traditional levee protection and coastal restoration methods are incredibly costly and often require repeated rock and sediment placement that eventually erodes away. Thanks to our partnership with Shell, we are able to test data-driven monitoring so we can break that cycle, gain measurable insight into performance and make smarter long-term decisions," said Nic Matherne, Executive Director of the South Lafourche Levee District. "This project has the potential to revolutionize how we approach levee protection and coastal restoration as these LeveeGuard ExoForm structures can be installed quickly using Danos' local expertise and serve as the foundation for a shared digital intelligence system that allows all project partners to learn and improve outcomes over time." With Shell's backing, the South Lafourche Levee District was able to double its efforts at Second Turn. The project tracks how well the system reduces erosion, builds sediment and supports habitat growth. Natrx's innovative technology also uses environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, a method used to study ecosystem health, to better understand how the structures impact local biodiversity. "We're honored to partner on a project that directly solves a challenge in our community," said Eric Danos, Owner and CEO of Danos Ventures. "Protecting our coast means protecting our way of life in South Louisiana, and we're honored to support solutions that strengthen our communities for the future." Natrx's LeveeGuard(TM) ExoForms are modular, habitat-positive erosion resilience structures custom designed to meet South Lafourche's specific budget, performance and installation requirements while creating a scalable solution that can be deployed across future levee and coastal protection projects. The structures require no maintenance and are engineered to grow stronger over time by slowing water speeds and supporting the natural accumulation of sediment, vegetation and marine life. "We're incredibly proud to see Louisiana-developed technology playing a role in protecting Louisiana communities," said Leonard Nelson, CEO at Natrx. "Coastal restoration has long relied on approaches that are expensive, temporary and difficult to scale. Through projects like Second Turn, South Lafourche Levee District and Shell are demonstrating that innovative, habitat-positive infrastructure can change how coastal restoration is done in this state."

Danos appoints general manager of outsourced operations and decommissioning. (Image credit: Danos) Danos has hired Luis Otero as general manager of outsourced operations and decommissioning, a new leadership role focused on expanding the company's decommissioning portfolio in the Gulf of America and launching its outsourced operations service line. Otero brings 17 years of upstream energy experience, with deep expertise in complex deepwater operations, marine systems and maintenance. He has held senior management roles at Hess and bp, including senior operations and asset manager, turnaround manager, and offshore installation manager. Otero earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico. "Luis's proven ability to lead large-scale, multidisciplinary teams in highly regulated environments makes him the ideal leader as we transform how our customers approach facility operations," said Reed Pere', president of Danos Operations Services. "He will play a key role in shaping our future-forward model and delivering greater value for our clients." "I am honored to join Danos at such a pivotal time," said Otero. "Our focus will be on innovative, efficient operating models that help clients reduce costs while maximizing the life and value of their assets." In his new role, Otero will oversee all Danos decommissioning projects in the Gulf of America and develop the outsourced operations offering, which enables Danos to operate facilities on behalf of customers. This model, common in the North Sea and other regions, helps operators lower operating expenses, defer asset retirement obligations and gain greater flexibility in managing complex assets.

“This acquisition is a significant step forward in delivering even greater value to our customers,” said Paul Danos, CEO of Danos.