Rivers offer limited assistance in protecting coastal wetlands from sea-level rise, scientists warn

A study published in Science reveals that large dam removal projects may not be an effective solution to combat the loss of coastal wetlands caused by sea-level rise. Researchers found that the majority of U.S. rivers do not deliver enough sediment to match the rising sea levels in their connected coastal areas. Nearly three out of every four rivers analyzed fell short of the required sediment amount by at least 10-fold. The study emphasizes that most U.S. watersheds are small and not significant sources of sediment buildup in wetlands, making dam removal ineffective in these areas. Alternative strategies, such as preserving low-lying land and restoring natural hydrology, are suggested to save tidal wetlands.