Introduction

Many suggestions in this book represent feasible but largely untested alternatives for restoring degraded coastal landforms and habitats. Further studies are required to document the practicality of many of these alternatives so they can be implemented to counterbalance the many degradational actions that may themselves be poorly understood, especially in terms of their long-term impacts. Some of the many questions that can be addressed (Table 8.1) are generic and broad scale; some are more site specific and applicable to individual projects; some address negative side effects. The issues presented in this chapter are only a few of the vast number that should be addressed in comprehensive programs for restoring degraded environments in ways that are acceptable to stakeholders.

Nourishing beaches

Evaluating and addressing adverse impacts

Recent publications that identify research needs for evaluating environmental effects of beach nourishment projects include Greene (2002), US Fish and Wildlife Service (2002), Nordstrom (2005), Peterson and Bishop (2005), and Speybroeck et al. (2006). These studies reveal the on-going need for high-quality site-specific investigations of dredge and fill activities and pre- and post-operation differences and rates of recovery of sediment characteristics and biota. Increasing evidence that sediment from nourished beaches is transported offshore and alongshore beyond project limits indicates that biological sampling should occur in locations previously considered outside the area of interest. Few studies are funded for long periods, so cumulative effects are not documented.