Structured Decision Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi
Project Information
Project Timeline: May 2015. This project is now completed.
Implements Science Theme:
5: Impacts of climate change on coastal and nearshore marine environments
Principal Investigator:
Gregory D. Steyer, USGS National Wetlands Research Center
Co-investigators: P. Soupy Dalyander (Coastal and Marine Geology Science Center, Woods Hole), Mark Byrnes (Applied Coastal Research and Engineering, Inc.), Brady Mattsson (University of Natural Resources & Life Sciences), Michelle Meyers (USGS National Wetlands Research Center)
Co-investigators:
- P. Soupy Dalyander, Coastal and Marine Geology Science Center Woods Hole
- Mark Byrnes, Applied Coastal Research and Engineering, Inc.
- Brady Mattsson, University of Natural Resources & Life Sciences
- Michelle Meyers, USGS National Wetlands Research Center
Key Points
- Applied structured-decision making to a specific restoration project as a case study
- Communicated from a wide range of stakeholders to develop the model
- Case study focuses on the importance and complexity of barrier island damage and restoration
Overview
Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but erode over time. This erosion requires restoration. For example, Ship Island is a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi. Hurricane Camille hit the island in 1969 and split it into two separate islands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to restore the island as part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program. They will use around 22 million cubic yards of sand to close the gap between East and West Ship Islands. This will restore habitat for important species such as sea turtles, shorebirds, and Gulf Sturgeon.
This restoration project is a case study that tests structured decision-making frameworks. This is a systematic, formal approach for evaluating options. We tested its utility for making coastal restoration management decisions. We received input from project stakeholders, scientists, and engineers. The framework used their information, along with modeling and quantitative analysis. This framework informed scenario planning for if the island experienced storm damage during restoration.
The structured decision-making process gave recommendations that can be quickly and effectively applied during restoration. These decisions help maximize the island’s future resilience. Future restoration projects could use this framework and expand on it.