Managed realignment

Abstract

Managed realignment is a soft engineering approach that aims to create intertidal habitat (especially saltmarshes) through the artificial breaching or removal of flood defenses. The creation of intertidal habitats has two main aims: (1) to offset the loss of designated intertidal habitat (due to coastal squeeze and developmental pressures) and (2) to dissipate wave energy to offer sustainable coastal protection. Managed realignment is becoming a popular coastal management approach in northern Europe. As managed realignment is a relatively new approach, there is a need to better understand the short-to long-term effects on (1) local sedimentary processes, (2) inland flood risk and development of intertidal habitats (and associated biota), (3) and wider socioeconomic and environmental implications.