Large scale pilot on how to best upscale salt marsh restoration projects with BESE-elements. Looking for an optimal set-up with a minimal amount of material and maximal restoration output (m2).
About this project
Pilot to test different set-ups of BESE-elements to kickstart salt marsh restoration on a large scale; minimal amount of material, maximum amount of outgrowth and restored salt marsh.
Ecosysteem
- Salt marsh
Products
- BESE-elements
Results
- 2 hectares restored
- Several different set-ups allow for optimal outgrowth
Partners
- NIOZ
- Radboud University Nijmegen
Upscale salt marsh restoration with BESE-elements
BESE-elements are proven effective in restoring salt marshes. Pilots have shown that BESE-elements stabilize the sediment, entrap seeds and allow marsh vegetation to grow in a dynamic coastal zone. The next step is to study how placement of BESE-elements in the intertidal zone can optimize restoration success on large scale. Where we want to use a minimal amount of material / hectare.
Restoration set -up
In this upscaling pilot different set-up of BESE-elements are trialed to see which creates the maximal amount of outgrowth of marsh vegetation. Shapes like a checkerboard, elongated stripes and squares made out of BESE-elements were placed on the tidal flat to see which set-up / shape performs best.
Results
Currently now significant differences were visible between the shapes and the amount of outgrowth. They all facilitated outgrowth and could be used in upscaling salt marsh restoration. We are still monitoring the site to see if over the years differences between shapes may arise.
Upscaling restoration efforts cost effectively
In restoration funds are often limited and the restoration area large. To make optimal use of the funds available it is important to know what causes the site to be degraded, in need of restoration. As this determines which kind of restoration method is needed. We can help you with this if needed.
Subsequently to upscale you want to use the most cost-effective method. Therefore, we always advice to first trial BESE-elements on small scale to see if your site benefits from the structures. If successful we can design an upscaling set-up to restore the entire marsh area.
Results
- 2 hectares restored
- Several set-ups allow optimal outgrowth
- No polluting materials used