Climate and coast: robust ecosystems for food, nature and security
Climate change globally threatens coastal areas. WUR helps government agencies and businesses with smart strategies for robust ecosystems, from the North Sea to the Caribbean. Thit is important for food, nature and security.
Coastal areas are under increasing pressure. Climate change leads to rising sea levels and the warming of seawater. At the same time, space claims for energy, infrastructure and food production lead to choices that affect ecosystems. And thus their societal functions like food supply and coastal defences. WUR supports policy makers, nature organisations and businesses with integrated solutions on the leading edge of climate adaptation, nature restoration and food security.
With field measurements, ecosystem modelling, AI and eDNA, we identify trends and risks. We analyse the effects of human activities on species, habitats and processes and develop scenarios for future-proofing coastal and marine areas. For example, the recovery of seagrass beds, oyster reefs and salt marshes, and measures such as fishery-free zones, area closure or nature-inclusive sand mining. We help policy makers translate ecological insights into policy choices and management actions.
Our strength lies in connecting disciplines: from hydrodynamics to governance, from satellite data to stakeholder dialogue. We work in the Netherlands, the Caribbean and polar seas, with strong networks in Europe.
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Food security is under pressure from changing ecosystems. Shifting fish stocks, acidification and habitat change require adapted fisheries management. We study behaviour and population dynamics of fish species such as plaice and shellfish, and advise on sustainable utilisation, such as nature-inclusive aquaculture and selective fishing techniques. Our analyses link ecology to economic interests, area planning and social justice.
Coastal defences are increasingly taking shape with nature-based solutions. WUR develops strategies in which safety and biodiversity go hand in hand - such as dynamic dunes, living dykes and mangrove restoration. In projects like the Sand Motor, we combine morphology, vegetation dynamics and coastal processes in models that help policy makers in replenishment planning, licensing and area development.
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Expertises
Coral at risk
Coral reefs in the Caribbean Netherlands are under severe pressure from climate change, pollution and human activity, such as overfishing. WUR studies how these changes affect coral health and develops knowledge that policy makers can use to promote the recovery and protection of these fragile ecosystems.
Salt marshes
Salt marshes form the transition from sea to land. They not only provide valuable coastal defences, they are also important nature reserves. We study how these dynamic ecosystems evolve, how they contribute to biodiversity and security, and how their recovery can be supported.
Sand mining and sand replenishment
After water, sand is the world's most widely used natural resource. WUR studies sand mining and sand replenishment: depositing sand along coasts and beaches. We make our knowledge available to dredgers, the fishing industry, nature organisations and government agencies and public bodies to optimally combine coastal safety with fishery and nature in the North Sea.
North Sea in transition
The North Sea is changing fast. It is one of the busiest seas in the world with fishery, shipping and energy generation, while also being an important nature reserve. WUR studies how energy and food production remain in balance with nature in this unique ecosystem.
Coral at risk
Coral reefs in the Caribbean Netherlands are under severe pressure from climate change, pollution and human activity, such as overfishing. WUR studies how these changes affect coral health and develops knowledge that policy makers can use to promote the recovery and protection of these fragile ecosystems.
Salt marshes
Salt marshes form the transition from sea to land. They not only provide valuable coastal defences, they are also important nature reserves. We study how these dynamic ecosystems evolve, how they contribute to biodiversity and security, and how their recovery can be supported.
Sand mining and sand replenishment
After water, sand is the world's most widely used natural resource. WUR studies sand mining and sand replenishment: depositing sand along coasts and beaches. We make our knowledge available to dredgers, the fishing industry, nature organisations and government agencies and public bodies to optimally combine coastal safety with fishery and nature in the North Sea.
North Sea in transition
The North Sea is changing fast. It is one of the busiest seas in the world with fishery, shipping and energy generation, while also being an important nature reserve. WUR studies how energy and food production remain in balance with nature in this unique ecosystem.
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Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Impactful science & technological leadership
- Integrated & strategic advice
- Multidisciplinary & transdisciplinary research
- Unique data & strong networks
- Leading research in climate-resilient ecosystems
Contact us
Are you working on climate-resilient coasts, nature-based solutions, fisheries management or spatial planning at sea? Contact our expert for collaboration, advice or policy support.
dr.ir. MJ (Martin) Baptist
Researcher Marine Ecology
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