4. Construct tide protection systems. 



Tide gates and physical barriers to the sea could be constructed to protect both wetlands 

 and developed areas that are vulnerable to sea level rise. This type of protection would be very 

 expensive, but in parts of Louisiana such methods are being actively considered to prevent the 

 high rates of wetland loss currently occurring along the Gulf coast. 



These and other alternatives are options now available for planners to consider as means to 

 protect vulnerable coastal wetlands. Although, by themselves, these measures do not constitute 

 the entire solution to the problem of sea level rise, they are an important part of integrated, 

 geographic-scale plans for preparing for sea level rise— one that will ensure that the values and 

 functions provided by coastal wetlands are preserved for society's benefit despite the rising sea. 



<tU.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE; 1988 516-002/80134 



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