Nearshore Framework

Plain Language Report Summary

(use links at right to view online or to download the full report).

Recently, much work has been done on nearshore issues in the Great Lakes basin. This is due to an increased awareness of the importance of the nearshore to the ecosystem as a whole. As this work is being completed, it is becoming clear that assessment of the nearshore is a larger challenge than previously thought. A new emphasis on the nearshore is emerging through efforts from a variety of agencies and organizations in both Canada and the United States. As pointed out in the Nearshore Framework Work Group’s 2009 report (2009 Report), emphasis on the nearshore and upstream influences is consistent with ongoing efforts of Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) and Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs). The problems of assessing and managing the nearshore may benefit from an Adaptive Management (AM) approach. This report summarizes work done by the Nearshore Framework Work Group as part of the 2009-2011 Priority Cycle to assess the application of AM in a nearshore context, summarize recent science activities in the nearshore, identify potential gaps that should be addressed, and suggest ways to conduct a detailed gap analysis and steps for a comprehensive assessment of the nearshore.

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