The latest Wadden Sea Quality Status Report reveals that salt marshes now span over 42,000 hectares, accounting for 20% of Europe’s coastal marshes.
Around 6,000 hectares have been added in the past two decades, particularly in back-barrier and mainland marshes. This expansion is a positive sign for the region’s biodiversity and coastal resilience.
However, the latest Wadden Sea Quality Status Report also emphasizes the ongoing need to restore natural processes, especially in man-made marshes, which currently account for 57% of the total area. Restoring these ecosystems to their natural dynamics is vital for their long-term health and for balancing human coastal protection efforts with ecological needs.
Find the full report and insights from the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation by pressing the button below: