Evaluation and Development of Coastal Protection Measures for Small Islands in the Wadden Sea

Small undiked marsh islands in the Northfrisian Halligen, part of the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea, face increasing flood risks due to climate change. A study led by RWTH Aachen University developed and evaluated new coastal protection measures and strategies for these vulnerable islands, where dwelling mounds are the only dry areas during storms. The research combined technical assessments with economic evaluations and included social measures to raise flood awareness and acceptance. By integrating hydraulic modeling and field studies, the team proposed adaptive solutions tailored to the unique morphology of Hallig islands, offering a model for balancing ecological integrity with human safety in low-lying coastal regions.

Wöffler, T., Schuttrumpf, H., Häußling, R., Von Eynatten, H., Arns, A., & Jensen, J. (2014). EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL PROTECTION MEASURES FOR SMALL ISLANDS IN THE WADDEN SEA. Coastal Engineering Proceedings, (34), 5. https://doi.org/10.9753/icce.v34.management.5