Saltmarsh Management Manual

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Option Selection

Selection of Suitable Options

The selection of the most appropriate management measure(s) should be informed by a robust, but simple, analytical process (or appraisal) which enables the issues and the consequences of management to be fully understood. This is particularly important within the dynamic coastal and estuarine environments in which saltmarsh occurs, as physical and biological processes in one location may have consequences elsewhere within the system (which in turn may be of an adverse nature).

The following appraisal process is suggested to help ensure that a good understanding of the situation is developed and an informed process of selection is undertaken.

Steps in appraising and selecting a preferred management option

Step 1
Define management objectives

Step 2
Describe the baseline environment

Step 3
Identify the cause of change

Step 4
Assess the implications of alternative management options
for the baseline environment

Step 5
Define the extent of any predicted impacts and actions
(in environmental, social and financial terms)

Step 6
Select the option that will best achieve the management objectives
(including do-nothing),
provide the greatest benefit and the best value for money

Step 7
Design and implement a monitoring programme

Examples of possible management solutions are provided based on different causes of change and the effects that may arise.