As sea levels continue to rise at alarming rates, the preservation of estuaries and coastal areas has become an increasingly pressing concern.
Researchers have emphasized the crucial role of tidal range schemes in safeguarding these vulnerable habitats, housing, and businesses from the adverse impacts of sea level rise, which is predicted to exceed one meter within the next 80 years.
Tidal range schemes offer a promising solution by effectively limiting high tides to existing levels through the simple yet powerful measure of closing sluices and turbines.
Furthermore, the maintenance of existing low tide levels can be ensured by employing pumping mechanisms, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of these schemes in mitigating the effects of rising sea levels.
Despite their potential benefits, the development of estuarine barrages has faced obstacles stemming from misconceptions about their operation and concerns about the disturbance of ecologically sensitive intertidal areas.
Addressing these misunderstandings is essential in harnessing the full potential of tidal range schemes and unlocking their capacity to provide sustainable protection for coastal regions and estuaries.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive understanding of the ecological, economic, and societal implications of tidal range schemes will be instrumental in effectively advocating for their implementation.
By overcoming misconceptions and fears through informed dialogue and research, we can pave the way for the widespread adoption of these vital schemes, thereby fortifying our coastal areas against the escalating impacts of sea level rise.
The future resilience and sustainability of our coastal regions hinge upon the recognition of tidal range schemes as one of the essential tools in our efforts to combat the looming threat of sea level rise.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 