Living shorelines involve using natural materials, such as plants, rocks, and biogenic (mussels, oyster, ...) reefs, to protect coastal areas from erosion and wave action. Unlike traditional hard engineering solutions like seawalls and bulkheads, which can in some cases exacerbate erosion and disrupt ecosystems, living shorelines offer a more sustainable and ecologically beneficial alternative and can encourage further flourishing of ecosystems. Recently, hybrid constructions combining natural dune ecosystems in front of a hard dike construction find their way to the operational site practice

In dredging projects, living shorelines are used to stabilise banks and shorelines, preventing the need for (often regular) dredging activities to address erosion or sedimentation issues. By promoting biodiversity, protecting against erosion, and improving water quality, living shorelines serve as an effective and sustainable solution for maintaining coastal infrastructure and habitats.

Wetlands, including both freshwater and coastal types, provide valuable ecosystem services that can complement nearby maintenance dredging efforts. These services include water filtration, flood attenuation, biodiversity support, and carbon storage. Beneficial re-use of dredged sediments in wetland restoration and creation is a direct positive alternative for maintaining or improving water quality in complex estuarine or fresh water systems, as they can naturally remove contaminants, trap sediments, and regulate water levels.

Restoring or creating wetlands enhances the resilience of coastal communities by acting as natural buffers against storms and rising sea levels. Moreover, the natural flood protection scheme results in biodiversity enrichment.

Salt marsh restoration follows a similar principle to wetland restoration, but in this case refer to salinised water which accommodates different types of plant species. Salt marshes are coastal ecosystems that provide critical habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. They are also highly effective at filtering water, trapping pollutants, and stabilising shorelines against erosion. This form of nature-based solution can serve as an alternative to, or complement, dredging by promoting natural sedimentation. 

Importantly, salt marshes can help mitigate the need for overly-regular maintenance dredging by stabilising sediments, maintaining the navigability of channels in a more nature-based manner. As is the case with most nature-based solutions, salt marshes support biodiversity, boost resilience to sea-level rise, and offer a valuable resource for not only climate adaptation, but carbon sequestration too.

The restoration of seagrass meadows is another good example of a nature-based solution to maintenance dredging needs for navigation channels. 

Seagrass meadows are underwater ecosystems that play a significant role in maintaining water quality, preventing coastal erosion, and providing habitat for marine life. Crucially, seagrass species can be found naturally in most coastal regions of the globe, making them an ideal nature-based solution.

Seagrasses help stabilise the seabed by trapping sediments, thereby reducing the need for regular maintenance dredging. Their ability to filter water, absorb excess nutrients, and provide breeding grounds for fish species bring additional ecological gains, as well as being more cost-effective.

The use of responsibly-sourced sand is a common nature-based solution for enhancing coastal resilience and habitat restoration. Sandy solutions can be used to nourish beaches or build dunes, helping to buffer shorelines against erosion and storm surges. These solutions, which allow for the natural dynamics of sandy coastal regions, not only create protection for the hinterland, but can also create space for recreation – famously in the Dutch sand motor project.