Research Papers

Welcome to our Research Papers page, where you'll find a comprehensive collection of in-depth studies showcasing the remarkable products and projects undertaken by Arc Biodiversity and Climate and Artecology. Dive into a wealth of knowledge that reflects our dedication to innovation and cutting-edge solutions. These meticulously researched papers not only highlight the scope and impact of our work but also offer valuable insights into the industries we've influenced. Explore the intersection of creativity and technology through our curated selection of research papers, each a testament to our commitment of Shaping Better Places.

Shelving The Coast With Vertipools

Sea level rise and coastal defenses are causing "coastal squeeze," endangering intertidal habitats. Protected coastlines could lose natural rocky shores, with remaining habitats confined to man-made structures lacking necessary features for organisms. Engineering solutions can help by creating water-retaining habitats on existing structures. A community project in England added artificial rock pools to a seawall, increasing species diversity and attracting new fauna. Despite some disturbance, these "Vertipools" benefited biodiversity and coastal recreation. Collaboration between stakeholders led to an ecologically sensitive design with potential for wider application.

Estuarine Infauna Within Incidentally Retained Sediment in Artificial Rockpools

Artificial coastal structures (ACSs) prioritize human needs like flood defense, often harming marine biodiversity. Efforts have been made to enhance ACSs for marine life through eco-engineering, like creating habitats resembling natural rocky shores with cracks and rockpools. Sediment retention in these features is often seen negatively, but soft sediment habitats are most impacted by coastal construction. A study added concrete retrofit rockpools to a UK estuary, which filled with mud naturally. The rockpools hosted more species than local mudflats, showing sediment-retentive ACSs can provide benthic habitats. This approach offers a new eco-engineering option for modified waterbodies on sheltered coasts.

Effectiveness of Eco-Retrofit in Reducing Wave Overtopping on Seawalls

The terms 'nature-based', 'living shoreline', 'green infrastructure', and 'ecological engineering' are being used for biomimicry-based coastal defense measures. Examples include adding 'vertipools' to seawalls and artificial rock pools to breakwaters to enhance biodiversity. Although biological benefits are clear, there's still limited adoption of eco-friendly measures. Demonstrating that 'green' features can also improve wave attenuation and reduce overtopping could drive change. This study uses physical models to explore wave reduction by retrofitting seawalls with 'green' features like 'vertipools'. Varying protrusions mimicking these features are tested, and their effects on wave overtopping are compared to plain seawalls.

Published Reports

In spring 2022, Arc Biodiversity and Climate produced a feasibility report for the Concrete Coast project. The report outlines ecological enhancements and identifies suitable structural assets along the Yorkshire coast. It emphasises the positive impact of adding 'green' elements to man-made infrastructure for coastal habitats and biodiversity. The report is a guide for coast protection authorities, the Environment Agency, and other stakeholders, offering insights for new projects. Further funding and efforts are needed for implementing the suggested enhancements through consultation, development, and monitoring.