This Spring, TransCoastal Adaptations hosted a series of workshops around Managed Dyke Realignment that brought together researchers and practitioners from Europe and North America to share knowledge around managed realignment as a climate risk reduction strategy. Key discussion topics included the wave dissipation potential of marshes, the lowering of dyke heights through the integration of foreshore marsh into dyke design, bio-geomorphic modelling, and the value of long term post-restoration monitoring. Panelists also stressed the need for implementation and monitoring frameworks, and broad government support to facilitate the uptake of managed realignment projects.
These workshops were very successful, with over 120 people registered and over 90 in attendance over three sessions. Presentations were followed by engaging discussion and questions from the audience. Participants represented various sectors, spanning government departments, private industry, not-for-profit organizations, and academia. Video recordings are available below. These workshops were hosted as part of the project Making Room for Wetlands: Implementation of Managed Realignment for Salt Marsh Restoration and Climate Change Adaptation in Nova Scotia.
Session 1: Foreshores for Climate Risk Reduction
Dr. Iris Möller from Trinity College, Dr. Bas Borsje from the University of Twente, and Dr. Vincent Vuik from Delft University of Technology joined us for this session. Speakers presented evidence supporting the development of foreshore marshes as climate-resilient coastal protective measures, and shared cutting-edge research on role of vegetated foreshores in hydraulic engineering. Click here to learn more about the speakers.
Session 2: Managed Dyke Realignment Design
Dr. Jon French from the University College London, Dr. Joshua Kiesel from Kiel University, and Dr. Stijn Temmerman from the University of Antwerp shared their research with us for this session. Here they discuss the use of geo-morphodynamic modelling for tidal marsh design, the hydrodynamic impacts of managed realignment sites, and best design practices. Click here for more information on our speakers.
Session 3: Implementation and Monitoring
Colin Scott from ABPmer, Jonathan Dale from Coventry University, and Jennie Graham from CB Wetlands and Environmental Specialists joined us to discuss the importance of monitoring pre- and post-implementation of managed realignment projects. Speakers shared lessons learned from implementing managed realignment through a practitioner’s lens, and the variables that influence post-restoration tidal marsh morphology. Click here for more information on our speakers.
