Researchers have developed a novel approach to combating coastal erosion in the Maldives by using artificial intelligence and data-driven submerged structures to rebuild beaches. The project, initiated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) a decade ago and now led by the company Coastal Assembly, combines satellite imagery, ocean current data, and wave modeling to predict erosion patterns and guide the installation of engineered coastal defenses.
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives—an archipelago of low-lying islands—is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms. Traditional coastal protections such as concrete sea walls and sand pumping have proven costly and environmentally damaging. The Coastal Assembly team has instead installed 54 hexagonal structures near Kaafu Atoll cast from marine concrete mixed with sand and crushed shells. These formations are designed to dissipate wave energy while allowing natural sediment to accumulate, effectively extending the beach seaward.
Preliminary results from the project have been promising. Over a 300-foot stretch, the team has reportedly extended the shoreline by approximately 90 feet. The new structures have fostered coral growth and attracted fish and marine life, suggesting ecological as well as physical benefits. Srikanth Devarapalli, general manager of the resort hosting the pilot, highlighted these positive developments, while former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed noted the potential significance of such solutions for island nations facing escalating climate threats.
A key innovation underpinning the work is the use of artificial intelligence to automate the analysis of a decade’s worth of satellite and environmental data, cutting down coastal erosion modeling from months to days. Coastal Assembly now monitors nearly 900 sites worldwide, aiming to rapidly identify vulnerable areas and design tailored interventions. This capability aligns with findings from the United Nations, which cites improved satellite data and mapping as essential for effective climate adaptation, especially among island states that have historically lacked comprehensive observation resources.
Despite the initial success, experts caution that coastal dynamics remain complex and influenced by factors such as seasonal currents and ongoing sea level rise. The long-term durability of these restored beaches and the scalability of the approach to other regions remain to be seen. Hyun Kim, senior adviser at the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, emphasized the technology’s potential to reverse some impacts of sea level rise and noted efforts to facilitate its deployment in other countries facing similar challenges.
Funded initially by organizations including the United States Agency for International Development and National Geographic, Coastal Assembly became a public benefit company last year and has secured several million dollars in venture capital. The company plans to expand its projects beyond the Maldives, with upcoming installations in the Bahamas, Boston Harbor, and Miami.
As coastal communities worldwide confront accelerating erosion and climate-induced sea level rise, approaches that work with natural processes rather than imposing large, costly infrastructures may offer a critical pathway to preserving shorelines and safeguarding vulnerable populations.