The report contains a detailed summary of the discussions at the workshop, key findings and recommendations for resolving some of the issues related to the windows restrictions. The area of interest was restricted to the inlets and bays of the south shore of Long Island, the NY/NJ Harbor and Lower Hudson River. The discussions only covered fisheries windows and did not include similar restrictions to protect birds or mammals. Using this matrix as a basis, NYSG brought academic experts together with representatives of USACE, NYSDEC, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NOAA NMFS at a workshop to review and update the information, examine the feasibility modifying the windows based on the updated information and identify processes that could improve permitting procedures. NYSDEC and other agencies populated the matrix with biological data on abundance, distribution by habitat life stage and timing, and dredging stressors for 17 species of concern. NYSG developed a comprehensive matrix to organize information regulatory agencies used to set windows. NYSG worked with Stony Brook University to evaluate the technical basis for the windows and the feasibility of adjusting them to allow work to occur while protecting fisheries. USACE and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) requested NYSG’s assistance in addressing this long-standing, complex and costly problem. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District, who were concerned that the growing number of fish species covered by state windows restrictions has resulted in a situation where the Corps does not have the time necessary to complete critical dredging projects. Windows refer to the optimal time frame in which dredging might be done while causing the least interference with the life cycle of commercially important marine species, notably fish. This publication summarizes the findings of a New York Sea Grant workshop focusing on the use of dredging “windows” for permitting navigation dredging projects. SeptemNew York Sea Grant announces the publication of the Dredging Windows Workshop Summary.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |