CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) is a proud sponsor of the 2021 Environmental Permitting Summer School to be held July 21 through 23 July on Marco Island, Florida at the Marriott Marco Island Resort. CSA staff will present three courses: Mitigation of Seagrasses and Mangroves in Florida (22 July); Threatened & Endangered Species in the Marine Realm (23 July); and Beach Renourishment and Nearshore Hardbottom (23 July). More information about these presentations can be found below.

Come visit us (Tony Martin, Chris Echols, and Mary Jo Barkaszi) at booth #107 for more information and to register for our “Just Add Ice” giveaway!

CSA Staff is faculty for the following courses:

Session JJJ: Mitigation of Seagrasses and Mangroves in Florida
Thursday, 22 July 10:30 – 12:10 (Mark Fonseca)
Updated from 2020! This session will address the types of permits (CCCL, ERP, JCP) that apply to marine-related projects and includes presentations on how the ecology and biology of Florida’s seagrasses and mangroves drive the reality of regulatory responses; what restoration options and assessment strategies are available and appropriate; the challenges of the permitting process; and the importance of establishing realistic restoration goals that can be measured as well as attained. Also, some focus will be given to UMAM assessments for seagrass impacts and mitigation; living shorelines, mangrove restoration, and other estuarine restoration techniques; and restoration site selection, techniques, and monitoring in the context of the regulatory environment. This course provides excellent coverage of a very complex subject.

Session QQQ: Threatened and Endangered Species in the Marine Realm
Friday, 23 July 8:30 – 10:10 (Mary Jo Barkaszi)
An extremely timely and informative course that will “cover the bases” from NEPA to permitting; critical environmental issues including Johnson’s seagrass, ESA protected marine species and essential fish habitat, sea turtles, and marine mammals; use of UMAM and HEA for determining mitigation requests; examples of lessons learned in dealing with and applying federal and state requirements to seaports, beach renourishment, and coastal development; and discussion of emerging issues. Audience participation is encouraged!

Session KKK: Beach Renourishment and Nearshore Hardbottom
Friday, 23 July 10:30 – 12:10 (Deborah Kilbane)
Beaches are a valuable resource in Florida, as they provide storm protection to upland infrastructure, nesting habitat to sea turtles, and recreational value to tourists and locals. Since development has interrupted the natural littoral drift of sediment along Florida’s coast, and effective bypassing is not occurring at all inlets, it is necessary to nourish these sandy beaches on a recurring basis. Important aquatic resources are located immediately offshore of many sandy beaches in Florida. This session will present the types of aquatic resources located offshore; methods for offshore ecological monitoring; impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation; and environmental permitting challenges. Come prepared to explore intertidal and subtidal ecosystems!