 |
|
Conclusions
Limited Information
Beach Health Indicator Information is Limited
Information on beach erosion, beach fill, shoreline structures and beach ecology
is limited. Some states do have good beach erosion data and a few now have an adequate shoreline structures inventory. States are doing a better job collecting and reporting beach access
and surf zone water quality information. Coastal states are providing an increasing
amount of beach health information over the Internet.
The indicator information that is available is often confusing. Results are inconsistent
within and between states because the studies they are based on use different
standards and criteria. Indicator information is also often not easily interpreted
by the general public and elected officials.
Because there are significant gaps and limitations in beach health indicators
information, it is difficult to know the extent to which our coastal and ocean
resources are at risk and how to prioritize responses to the problem areas we can identify.
|