Accounting for siltation in the design of intertidal creation schemes
Abstract High siltation rates within intertidal habitat creation schemes can limit their ability to provide sustainable mudflat habitats. However, there are a number of options for reducing siltation rates within schemes including removing more extensive lengths of embankment and fronting habitats, lowering site elevations and creating more extensive channel networks. Regulated Tidal Exchange (RTE) schemes may also be capable of delivering mudflat habitats over longer periods. Further research is needed to assess the relative importance of different factors controlling siltation and the ecological functionality within more heavily managed schemes such as RTEs.