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Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration  

Working with physical and biological processes to restore freshwater and coastal environments, manage flood risk, increase biodiversity and create resilient communities 

Inlet falls

Healthy ecosystems support thriving communities, resilient infrastructure and sustainable economies. As biodiversity declines and climate change accelerates, restoring degraded rivers, wetlands, lakes and coastal environments is essential to protecting water resources, supporting aquatic habits and creating environmental value. 

At Jacobs, our planners, scientists and engineers support the protection of healthy rivers, coasts and ecosystems. From urban stream naturalization to dam removals and future climate analyses, our solutions draw on physical and ecological sciences to protect and restore the natural functions of disturbed riverine and estuarine habitats and aquatic ecosystems such as rivers, wetlands and lakes. 

Restoring nature, strengthening resilience

Integrating ecological insight, thoughtful design and practical delivery to protect biodiversity and restore freshwater and coastal environments

Environment

Freshwater and coastal restoration

Healthy ecosystems underpin resilient communities, reliable water resources and thriving biodiversity. We restore the natural processes that sustain rivers, wetlands, lakes and coastal ecosystems through science-led analyses, engineering design and nature-based solutions. 

Our services include geomorphology, hydrology and hydraulics, river and wetland restoration design, lake management, floodplain reconnection, environmental flow restoration, dam removal and urban stream naturalization. 

Beautiful Green Water Spring of Zelenci in Autumn, half under water and half above

Biodiversity protection

Successful restoration delivers far more than habitat improvement. We work with clients to increase biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services that healthy landscapes provide — from cleaner water and carbon storage to flood mitigation, recreation and community wellbeing. 

We integrate aquatic and terrestrial ecology, conservation planning, ecosystem services valuation and monitoring to create positive environmental, social and economic outcomes. 

Nature

Design and delivery

Delivering restoration projects requires balancing environmental objectives with technical, regulatory and stakeholder considerations. We work alongside clients from concept through construction, enabling projects to move efficiently from vision to reality. 

Our approach to restoration encompasses planning, engineering design, permitting support, stakeholder engagement, construction services and adaptive management, ensuring projects are practical, compliant and designed for long-term success.

Nature

Nature-based solutions

As climate change increases pressure on water systems, ecosystem restoration is becoming an essential component of resilient infrastructure and landscape management. By integrating nature-based solutions, we’re supporting clients to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, reconnect habitats and create healthier places for people and nature. 

Through a combination engineering, ecological science and systems thinking, we deliver aquatic restoration services that strengthen climate resilience while supporting sustainability and ESG objectives. 

Nature Positive Solutions

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Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration questions, answered

Aquatic ecosystem restoration reinstates the health and function of rivers, wetlands, lakes, estuaries and other water bodies. It improves natural processes, reconnects habitats and creates healthier, more resilient freshwater and coastal environments.

Healthy water ecosystems improve water quality, reduce flood risk, support fisheries and recreation, enhance biodiversity and enable communities to become more resilient to climate change. 

River restoration, wetland creation and rehabilitation, floodplain reconnection, lake restoration, fish passage, dam removal, stream naturalization, estuary restoration and nature-based water management solutions. 

Restoration delivers the greatest value when considered early in planning, alongside infrastructure, flood management or water resource projects. Early integration improves environmental outcomes while reducing delivery risks and long-term costs. 

Success is measured through outcomes such as improved habitat, water quality, ecological connectivity, biodiversity, hydrology and long-term ecosystem performance. Monitoring informs adaptive management as conditions change over time. 

We integrate ecology, hydrology, geomorphology and engineering to deliver aquatic restoration solutions that work with natural processes while meeting regulatory, community and project objectives. 

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Water Resources

Managing water supplies across natural and built systems to strengthen resilience and protect ecosystems.

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Coastal Resilience

Managing coastal risks while delivering adaptive, climate-ready solutions for tomorrow.

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