Management, Law and Policy Publications
Estimating the potential economic impacts of climate change on Southern California beaches
November 2011
Climate change could substantially alter the width of beaches in Southern California. Climate-driven sea level rise will have at least two important impacts on beaches: (1) higher sea level will cause all beaches to become more narrow, all things being held constant, and (2) sea level rise may affect patterns of beach erosion and accretion when severe storms combine with higher high tides. To understand the potential economic impacts of these two outcomes, this study examined the physical and economic effects of permanent beach loss caused by inundation due to sea level rise of one meter and of erosion and accretion caused by a single, extremely stormy year (using a model of beach change based on the wave climate conditions of the El Niño year of 1982/1983.)
State of the Science on Coastal Blue Carbon: A Summary for Policy Makers
May 2011 - by Samantha Sifleet, Linwood Pendleton, and Brian C. Murray
The natural science of blue carbon is evolving rapidly, and many policy makers remain uncertain about the biophysical potential of these habitats as engines of carbon storage. To better manage the ecosystem services provided by coastal blue carbon, we need a good scientific understanding of how coastal habitats sequester and store carbon, where on the planet carbon is stored in these habitats, how rapidly the habitats are being modified with a risk of carbon release into the atmosphere or water column, and the mechanisms and rate of carbon emissions that follow habitat conversion. This report examines the current science as it relates to these topics. In doing so, it aims to give policy makers a feel for what is known and unknown about coastal blue carbon.
Size Matters: The Economic Value of Beach Erosion and Nourishment in Southern California
March 2011
Despite the widespread use of nourishment in California, few studies estimate the welfare benefits of increased beach width. This paper relies on panel data funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other agencies. Beach choices of respondents were combined with beach attribute data to reveal how changes in width affect choice and the economic value of beach visits. We use a random-utility approach to show that the value of beach width varies for different types of beach uses: water contact, sand-, and pavement-based activities. We also find that the marginal value of beach width depends on initial beach width.
Measuring and Monitoring the Economic Effects of Restoration: Recommendations from a Blue Ribbon Panel
December 2010
The recent oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has highlighted how important the region's coasts are to the economy. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has long been measuring the ecological successes of its marine and coastal restoration efforts, but a new panel offers ideas on how to also measure the economic impact of restoration.
Marine Protection in the Gulf of Mexico: Current Policy, Future Options, and Ecosystem Outcomes
October 2010 - by Linwood Pendleton, Larry Crowder, Daniel Dunn, Clare Fieseler, Morgan Gopnik, Catherine Latanich, Mike Orbach, Steve Roady, Mary Turnipseed, Cindy van Dover
Risk Policy and Managing for Uncertainty Across the Regional Fishery Management Councils
May 2010 - by Fisheries Leadership and Sustainability Forum
Short profiles of each council’s approach to risk policy and ABC control rules, developed resource for managers and a foundation for discussion at the May 2010 Forum on scientific uncertainty and risk.
Mid-Atlantic Catch Shares Workshop Summary
April 2010 - by Fisheries Leadership and Sustainability Forum
Summary of presentations and panel discussions at the Mid-Atlantic Catch Shares Workshop, March 16-18 in Williamsburg, VA.
Complexity and Change: Gag and Red Grouper Management in the Gulf of Mexico
February 2010 - by Fisheries Leadership and Sustainability Forum
Discussion document developed by request from council members in the Gulf of Mexico and reviewed by experts in fisheries science and policy.
Principles for Marine Spatial Planning: Outcomes of the Ocean Industries MSP Policy Labs
November 2009 - by Laura Cantral, Larry Crowder, Morgan Gopnik, Linwood Pendleton
Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning in North Carolina
November 2009 - by Linwood Pendleton and Mike Orbach
Legal Bedrock for Rebuilding America's Ocean Ecosystems
April 2009 - by Mary Turnipseed, Larry B. Crowder, Raphael D. Sagarin and Stephen E. Roady
Innovation at the Regional Fishery Management Councils: A Compilation of Practices
February 2009 - by Fisheries Leadership and Sustainability Forum
Profiles of innovative ideas and practices from across the regional councils
North Carolina Groin Installation
January 2008 - by Orrin Pilkey, Megan Dawson, Raphael Sagarin and Sheril Kirshenbaum
Balancing U.S. Interests in the UN Law of the Sea Convention
October 2007 - by Raphael Sagarin, Larry Crowder, Megan Dawson, Jon Van Dyke and Michael Orbach
Iron Fertilization in the Ocean for Climate Mitigation: Legal, Economic, and Environmental Challenges
October 2007 - by Raphael Sagarin, Megan Dawson, David Karl, Anthony Michael, Brian Murray, Michael Orbach, Nicole St. Clair
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