Author(s): Sindhu Sreeranga; Jiarui Lei
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Mangrove restoration portable breakwaters sapling stability Hydrodynamic forces root tensile strength
Abstract: Mangrove restoration projects often face challenges due to the vulnerability of young saplings to wave-induced forces. This study investigates the use of portable breakwaters to enhance the mechanical stability of young (8-month-old) Rhizophora mangle saplings. Experiments conducted in a 3D wave basin demonstrated that breakwaters reduced sapling oscillations by up to 60% in emerged conditions and up to 45% in submerged conditions. Root tensile strength tests showed that saplings protected by breakwaters had significantly stronger root systems compared to those without protection, where the latter group experienced considerable weakening of root tensile strength and increased susceptibility to uprooting. Unprotected saplings displayed larger displacement and more severe root degradation under wave exposure. These findings underscore the effectiveness of portable breakwaters in improving the early-stage survival of mangrove saplings by reducing hydrodynamic stress and enhancing root stability. The results offer valuable insights for optimizing restoration strategies in dynamic coastal environments.
Year: 2025