Evaluation of seagrass as a nature-based solution for coastal protection in the German Wadden Sea

Seagrass meadows could significantly reduce coastal flooding and erosion risks in the German Wadden Sea, a highly energetic tidal environment. Research indicates that introducing seagrass locally can decrease current velocities by up to 30% in deeper areas and over 90% in shallow regions, while also reducing significant wave heights. This reduction leads to lower sediment mobilisation and enhanced sediment accumulation, potentially helping tidal flats grow to counteract sea-level rise (SLR). The study employed a combination of field surveys for seagrass coverage data and hydrodynamic simulations using the SCHISM model, which integrates waves, sediments, and seagrass dynamics. Findings suggest that seagrass expansion could be a valuable complement to engineered coastal protection measures, particularly under calm weather conditions, by maintaining bathymetry-induced tidal dampening and reducing stress on dike infrastructure.

Jacob, B., Dolch, T., Wurpts, A., & Staneva, J. (2023). Evaluation of seagrass as a nature-based solution for coastal protection in the German Wadden Sea. Ocean Dynamics, 73(11), 699–727. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-023-01577-5