Researchers say the approach offers a “practical, scalable solution” to the “widespread loss” of essential coastal ecosystems.
They say more than 85 per cent of aquatic and marine vegetation, including saltmarsh, seagrass and kelp, has been lost over the past 50 years.
The floating wetlands will host a diverse range of saltmarsh plants, with marine species being trialled on a floating system – which has only been trialled six times previously.
They are designed to deliver multiple environmental benefits, including improving water quality by absorbing nutrients and pollutants.
By effectively creating a floating saltmarsh, the project aims to provide vital habitat for fish and marine life, enhance biodiversity, and restore valuable ecosystem functions to heavily modified coastal environments.
