Salt marshes to adapt the flood defences along the Dutch Wadden Sea coast

Salt marshes along the Dutch Wadden Sea coast can significantly reduce wave heights, even under extreme conditions, potentially lowering the need for dike reinforcement amid accelerated sea level rise. Explorative modeling by the Netherlands Wadden Region Delta Programme demonstrated that a salt-marsh zone in front of existing dikes could mitigate flood risks while keeping pace with rising sea levels. A salt marsh potential map identified stretches with favorable abiotic conditions and existing seminatural marshes, though integration into flood defenses depends on conservation agreements and cost-benefit analyses. This study highlights the dual role of salt marshes—enhancing natural resilience and reducing infrastructure demands—while addressing practical challenges in their implementation.

van Loon-Steensma, J. M. (2015). Salt marshes to adapt the flood defences along the Dutch Wadden Sea coast. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 20(6), 929–948. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-015-9640-5