Restoring and Protecting Marine Habitat The Role of Engineering and Technology (1994) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
6 Improving Project Performance
6 Improving Project Performance
Pages 90-101
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 90... ...
Restoration Project Failure The considerable discussion of defining success stems in part from concern Over significant gaps in basic knowledge about ecosystem functions and how to 90
|
From page 91... ...
At the same time, the urgency imposed by continued marine habitat losses demands informed action even if scientific knowledge about ecosystems is incomplete. Recognizing that the state of practice is imperfect, project planning must reflect a general understanding of why projects fail so the basic causal factors can be considered in project goals, objectives, design, and implementation and monitoring.
|
From page 92... ...
THE DECISION PROCESS Goals and Objectives Setting achievable project goals (expected results) and objectives (major project elements for attainment of expected results)
|
From page 93... ...
This information provides a frame of reference for determining what improvements can be made and for developing improvement-specific goals and objectives. For example, a site may be able to support partial restoration to provide a habitat attractive to specific target species, such as clapper rail (an endangered species in California)
|
From page 94... ...
The physical characteristics of the physical domain in turn determine management options, including operation and maintenance protocols, through application of engineering principles and technology. Performance Criteria Specific criteria for measuring success and a monitoring and assessment program need to be established and agreed to prior to project implementation so that all interested and affected parties' expectations are clear (Berger, 1991; Canter, 1993; Westman, 19911.
|
From page 95... ...
Cost Electiveness and Economies of Scale Project cost is an important factor in determining overall success. With limited financial resources on almost all possible marine habitat restoration projects, low-cost, low-maintenance, stable structures and flexible designs are essential.
|
From page 96... ...
Yet when at least some useful information is available with respect to the technology and the habitat, some economies of scale may be possible Implementation and Construction Many well-conceived and executed projects fail owing to a lack of appropriate operating protocols, particularly for maintenance of required hydrologic conditions. Although shortcomings generally result from undetected design flaws, numerous marine habitat restoration projects, both regulatory and nonregulatory, that had adequate designs were poorly implemented or constructed (Landin, 1992c)
|
From page 97... ...
. Marine habitat protection and restoration projects are successful in the absence of monitoring, but the failure to monitor is not sound engineering, scientific, or management practice.
|
From page 98... ...
The approach that follows may be useful to habitat managers in forming a monitoring program for coastal marshes, wildlife islands, mud flats, and other submerged aquatic habitats. Goals and Performance Criteria Initially, it is important to establish both goals for project performance and specific criteria for determining success (NRC, 1990c)
|
From page 99... ...
Meriting monitoring are current and wave movements and resulting sediment transport, colonization and habitat utilization by motile and nonmotile organisms, including their abundance and diversity, consolidation, topographic changes, and water quality. For seagrass beds, survival rates, coverage, and other indicators of growth should be included (Landin et al., 1989c; LaSalle et al., 19911.
|
From page 100... ...
. Maintenance and Management Because fully developing and attaining marine habitat protection and restoration project goals typically requires years, a long-term management strategy is needed.
|
From page 101... ...
A multidisciplinary project design and implementation team can generally overcome or accommodate gaps in scientific or technical knowledge affecting design and performance.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.