April 8, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Habitats like tidal marshes, coral reefs, and seagrass beds serve as natural infrastructure that can help protect our coastal communities from flooding, erosion, and storms. NOAA Fisheries works to restore habitat for coastal and marine species, and many of our restoration projects provide natural infrastructure benefits as well. Two NOAA Fisheries-supported habitat restoration projects that have helped reduce flooding are highlighted in a new resource from Engineering With Nature.
Almost half of the nation’s population lives near the coast. Many of these areas are at risk from flooding and rising sea levels. Natural infrastructure projects and other habitat restoration efforts offer communities a safe, effective, and affordable approach to coastal protection.
Engineering With Nature is an initiative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It focuses on developing and implementing nature-based solutions for infrastructure, engineering, and water projects. “Engineering With Nature: An Atlas, Volume 2” is a new resource showcasing 62 projects from around the world. They illustrate how nature-based solutions can help reduce flooding while providing additional economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Two projects supported by NOAA Fisheries are highlighted in the atlas:
- The Southern Flow Corridor project in Tillamook, Oregon
- A series of dam removals on Mill River in Taunton, Massachusetts
Both of these efforts have provided flood protection benefits, in addition to benefiting fish and their habitats.