IMplementing MEasuRes for Sustainable Estuaries (IMMERSE)

Research Project, 2018 – 2023

North Sea Region estuaries are dynamic environments subject to persistent and increasing pressures, such as modified tidal ranges, increased flooding, and higher sedimentation rates, which impact estuary functioning and services. Implementation of management measures to address these pressures requires large investments, long planning periods and stakeholder commitment. Moreover, measure development is challenging for estuary managers due to the demand for innovative, cost-efficient approaches which also deliver multiple benefits.

The IMMERSE project will address these challenges by advancing management measures through: (1) exploration of ideas and solutions, (2) feasibility studies and tests and (3) planning for implementation. International cooperation in this highly specialised field will lead to more effective measures, due to exchange of knowledge and experiences on technical and governance issues. Stimulating stakeholder integration by making good use of interactive communication tools will lead to increased acceptance and thus more efficient implementation of measures.

On this basis, IMMERSE will accelerate implementation of large-scale measures that address multiple estuary management challenges, while increasing their cost-efficiency and enhancing stakeholder commitment. The project’s legacy will ensure long-term sustained delivery of measure benefits in the project's estuaries as well as across the region through knowledge and experience transfer.