Salt marshes protect the coast during storms, a trial with a saltwater marsh removed from Moddergat in Friesland shows.

Dutch researchers have demonstrated that salt marshes can effectively mitigate storm waves, highlighting their importance for coastal protection. The study involved transporting salt marsh blocks to Delft for testing, revealing that these ecosystems can withstand extreme wave conditions while reducing wave energy. The findings support the preservation and creation of salt marshes as a natural defense against climate change-induced storms. The experiment, costing 2 million euros, is part of a broader initiative to enhance flood defenses in the Netherlands, with implications for future coastal management strategies.