The global human population is growing at an alarming rate and shows no signs of slowing. This fact, coupled with the majority of our population living and working near the coast, means that coastal areas will continue to be a major focus of development and economic activity. Additionally, coastal commerce and other forms of development are critical to the economies of many nations, including the United States.

Bays, estuaries, and the nearshore zone are highly important for the production of fisheries resources as well as for other social and ecological benefits. Coastal tourism, fishing, and recreational activities are extremely valuable to our coastal industries. The world wants and needs both the profitable economics provided by coastal development and also the natural resources supported by the coastal environment.

The concept of sustainable coastal resources has been around for a long time. The word “sustainable” means “to keep alive.” There are, of course, various levels of life support ranging from independently functional to high maintenance. Since many coastal systems are degraded and fisheries resources and other amenities are damaged or lost, it is time to go beyond the concept of simple sustainability to the concept of net ecosystem improvement. The greatest challenge facing our world is how to balance the needs of economic growth while improving the productivity and health of the coastal ecosystems.

Battelle, along with a host of other organizations, is dedicated to developing profitable sustainable methods. Communities throughout the country are seeking ways to maintain their coastal industries while preserving their natural areas.

For example, the City of Anacortes, Wash., wants to revitalize its port and harbor area, which has been a major part of the local economy. The industrial area, however, is bordered by Fidalgo Bay and Guemes Channel, two highly important ecosystems. The town embarked on a project that involved management plans and developmental standards regarding where and what types of building it would encourage along the shoreline while also looking to restore damaged shoreline habitats. The project resulted in a comprehensive set of guidelines to meet the community’s goals.

One element of the project included the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which runs the Puget Sound ferry system. In response to the need to expand ferry operations, which can threaten Washington’s valuable coastal habitat, WSDOT funded and directed a research program to identify the impacts ferry terminals and operations have on eelgrass. The research program also examined design and operation modifications that could be implemented to avoid and minimize expansion impacts. WSDOT’s critical step of including directed science projects into the planning process resulted in an improved design while lessening the impact to eelgrass beds. Furthermore, restorative actions resulted in more eelgrass habitat than what previously existed.

Key elements to the success of these two projects are: 1) the commitment to improve ecosystem conditions along with economic development; and 2) the inclusion of directed science with the planning and design of the projects. Sustainability and economic development can be achieved along our coasts if organizations and industry include a commitment to net ecosystem improvement and invest in the best science during the planning phase of a project.

For more information on sustainable development planning, contact Dr. Ron Thom at (360) 681-3657, ron.thom@pnl.gov.