Biological Impact Analysis
As a result of CSMWs initial assessment of issues and concerns with parties involved in sediment management activities through technical and public workshops, an emergent theme was the need to better understand the actual effects that management activities have on coastal biota. It was generally agreed by all participants that more complete understanding and better scientific data are needed for policy-makers, the regulatory community and project proponents in order for them to make well-informed decisions and recommendations.
The CSMW subsequently developed a proposal to compile what is known about potential effects of sediment management on California's natural resources. This is to be done through identification and assessment of available literature sources relating to potential biological impacts of coastal sediment management activities in California, and then development of science-based recommendations to address relevant concerns as they relate to sensitive biota, habitats or ecosystems. The selected Biological Impacts Analyst has assembled known and relevant information into an annotated bibliography, which is currently being incorporated into CSMW's Coastal Reference Database. The Analyst will also report on and explain the bases for concern, consider and recommend ways to facilitate sediment management activities without negatively impacting coastal biota, and report on the pros and cons of ecosystems versus species approach to resource management.
The draft report, "Review of Biological Impacts Associated with Sediment Management and Protection of California Coastal Biota" has been submitted to CSMW for review and comment. Due to the potential for widespread application of the report in environmental assessments and project permitting, CSMW has requested a large number of state and federal resource and regulatory agency personnel to review the report prior to its finalization. Once the comments have been received and addressed, CSMW will announce the availability of this important document.