SERVICES
Coastwise consulting provides the marine construction industry with guidance, monitoring and mitigation for projects that potentially impact protected species, necessitated by the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Our Marine Endangered Species Observers conduct protected species observations aboard dredging projects along the United States east coast and Gulf of Mexico. At sea observers perform duties in inclement weather aboard ships at sea for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. Observers identify marine animals at distance, up close, and in pieces to the correct species for: sea turtles, marine mammals, sturgeons, and saw-tooth fish. Observers collect data, tag animals, conduct biopsies, and record biological sampling data for sea turtles and other species of concern.
MITIGATION
Coastwise not only monitors but mitigates. Marine Mitigation projects are designed to provide long-term, ecologically sustainable alternatives that offset potential or realized environmental impacts resulting from human waterway projects. Coastwise Consulting safely captures and relocates endangered sea turtles and sturgeon from dredge sites using commercial shrimp trawlers. Over 2000 sea turtles have been successfully tagged and relocated from harm’s way.
research & Education
Coastwise Consulting provides programs and material for educating the public and private sector about marine endangered species issues. Research and education are becoming as integral to the operations of Coastwise as mitigation and monitoring have been from the outset, serving federal, state and local agencies.