The research, conducted by Lancaster University, highlights the potential of tidal range schemes in protecting estuaries and coastal areas from the effects of sea level rise. The researchers argue that these schemes are essential to safeguard habitats, housing, and businesses from a rising sea level, which is estimated to be over one meter within 80 years. They propose that high tides can be limited to existing levels by closing sluices and turbines, and existing low tide levels can be maintained by pumping. The development of estuarine barrages has been hindered by misconceptions about their operation and fears of disturbing ecologically sensitive intertidal areas. However, the researchers believe that with modern technology and operating procedures, estuarine barrages are the only practical way to protect these vital habitats. Their research, published in Energy, builds on earlier work by Lancaster University into a combined tidal range electricity generation and cost model, demonstrating the viability of tidal range energy in the UK. This showed how it is possible to maintain the full tidal range within existing dams or weirs.