Climate and Coast
Climate change has a significant impact on coastal regions throughout the world. Wageningen Marine Research has expertise in nature-based solutions that fortify coastal areas, such as salt marshes, dunes, oyster reefs and mangrove forests. We also conduct fundamental research on the effects of temperature change in seas or coastal ecosystems and the food web. And, finally, we carry out impact studies on wind energy, tidal energy, solar energy and other renewables.
What we can do for you
We help you find answers
Climate change causes an increase in sea levels and temperature. We monitor and study the effects in many areas: for example, the impact of heat stress on clams, shifts in fish populations, the advance of invasive non-indigenous species and damage to vulnerable ecosystems such as coral reefs in the Caribean. Much of this research is commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (Dutch acronym LNV). Our results contribute to policy development.
Wageningen Marine Research has unique practical expertise in nature-based solutions. Natural solutions to protect coasts, fortify dykes and prevent the erosion of sandbanks. We collaborate closely with the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Dutch: Rijkswaterstaat) and engineering agencies towards expertise on the re-use of dredged sediment, sand nourishments and the development of salt marshes.
Our research links expertise on climate change with climate measures to protect and recover marine ecosystems.
Climate goals to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as wind farms, solar arrays and tidal energy, directly impact the coast and the sea. Wageningen Marine Research conducts impact studies and explorative research for energy providers and the government to quantify and mitigate the effects of such measures on marine species and habitats.
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