Nature-Based Solutions & Artificial Reefs
Innovative, sustainable solutions, with decades of experience.
We believe that the future of coastal protection lies in working with nature. Our Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) combine ecological processes with advanced engineering, providing environmentally sustainable solutions that protect coastlines, enhance biodiversity, and support local ecosystems.
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Our team has developed and implemented successful nature-based projects globally, setting a benchmark for sustainable coastal engineering. Below are our key offerings within nature-based solutions and artificial reefs, along with examples of our projects.
Innovative and Sustainable Approaches
Strategic and Cost-Efficient Planning
Global Leadership in Coastal Solutions
Multifunctional Artificial Reefs & Breakwaters
Artificial reefs and breakwaters can serve dual purposes: providing coastal protection from erosion while simultaneously enhancing marine biodiversity.
ICM specialises in multifunctional artificial reefs that are designed to reduce wave energy, stabilise shorelines, and promote ecological growth.
Our Solutions
Working With
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Reefs as Coastal Protection: Artificial reefs that dissipate wave energy, reduce erosion, and protect beaches.
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Enhancing Marine Habitats: Our reefs create habitats for fish, shellfish, and coral, enhancing local marine biodiversity.
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Multifunctional design: Coastal protection, reef restoration, diving / fishing / environmental amenities and surfing opportunities.
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Eco-Engineered Breakwaters: Structures designed to support marine life while offering robust coastal protection.
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Use of low-crested reef structures designed to allow natural sediment transport while providing coastal protection.
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Integration of eco-friendly materials to promote coral growth and biodiversity.
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Real-time monitoring to track ecological impacts and reef performance.
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Emergent, semi-emergent and training walls
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Development of Fish Attracting Devices (FADs)
Key Projects
​Explore some of our recent artificial reef and breakwater projects below:
Mangrove Restoration, Shellfish Reefs & Saltmarshes
Mangroves, shellfish reefs, and saltmarshes serve as natural buffers to coastal erosion, storm surges, and rising sea levels. ICM leverages these natural features to protect coastlines while restoring vital ecosystems that improve biodiversity, water quality, and carbon sequestration.
Our Solutions
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Mangrove Stabilisation: Allowing mangrove forests to serve as a natural barrier against erosion while enhancing biodiversity.
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Shellfish Reefs: Creating or restoring oyster and mussel reefs to filter water, improve habitats, and reduce wave energy.
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Saltmarshes: Restoring saltmarshes to stabilise sediment, provide habitat for wildlife, and sequester carbon.
Working With
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Use of bio-friendly materials to create oyster habitats that also act as wave attenuators.
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Review of coastal dynamics, environmental and social interactions with the site
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Design for coastal protection based on mimicking natural coastal features
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Implement enhancements for improving local environments
Key Projects
​Explore some of our recent mangrove, oyster reef and saltmarsh projects below:
Why Choose ICM for Nature-Based Solutions?
ICM’s Nature-Based Solutions are about more than just protecting coastlines—they are about enhancing ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and creating resilient communities. Our projects are tailored to the unique needs of each site, combining state-of-the-art engineering with deep ecological understanding to deliver long-term coastal resilience.
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From artificial reefs that protect against erosion while supporting marine life, to living shorelines that stabilise coastlines while providing habitat for wildlife, our nature-based solutions lead the way in sustainable coastal management.
