PUBLICATION NOTICE: Developing Best Management Practices for Coastal Engineering Projects that Benefit Atlantic Coast Shoreline-dependent Species

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has published the report/note described and linked below. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Report/Note Number:

ERDC/TN EMRRP-SI-38

Title:

Developing Best Management Practices for Coastal Engineering Projects that Benefit Atlantic Coast Shoreline-dependent Species 

Author(s):

Michael P. Guilfoyle, Jacob F. Jung, Richard A. Fischer and Dena D. Dickerson

Purpose/Abstract:

This Technical Note (TN) was developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center-Environmental Laboratory (ERDC-EL), to summarize known impacts on seasonal habitats used by migratory shoreline-dependent birds (primarily shorebirds and seabirds) and nesting sea turtles along the Atlantic Coast by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) coastal engineering activities. The USACE is responsible for maintaining coastal infrastructure including ports, harbors, shoreline stabilization, and maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway System (ICWW) along the Atlantic Coast. This infrastructure is essential to the long-term sustainability of national and economic prosperity by ensuring navigation through ports and harbors that transport goods necessary for national and international commerce. Coastal shoreline stabilization and sediment management can also provide opportunities for reductions in storm surge, flood control, residential growth, recreational activities, coastal habitat restoration, and fisheries management. Routine engineering actions by the USACE includes maintenance dredging and dredged material deposition, beach nourishment, inlet realignment and shoreline stabilization, and dike, sea wall, terminal groin and revetment construction. These actions can alter the shape, structure and function of coastal habitats, and have the potential for both positive and negative seasonal effects on shoreline-dependent organisms. The objectives of this technical note include the following: (1) introducing issues concerning coastal engineering impacts on shoreline-dependent birds and sea turtles, (2) providing suggestions on specific management approaches that can be used to minimize these impacts, and (3) developing insights for future research and monitoring that should be undertaken to ensure that management actions are having the desired effect on target populations.

17 pgs / 4 mb

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

ERDC is a diverse research organization with approximately 2,000 employees operating more than $1 billion in world class facilities at seven laboratories. Its annual program exceeds $1 billion as it supports the Department of Defense and other agencies in military and civilian projects. Principal research areas include Soldier support, Engineered Resilient Systems, Environmental Quality and Installations, Geospatial Research and Engineering, Military Engineering, and Water Resources. “Discover ▪ Develop ▪ Deliver”   ERDCinfo@usace.army.mil