Coastal Wetlands ─ Alteration and Remediation

This book delves into human-induced and natural impacts on coastal wetlands, intended or otherwise, through a series of vignettes that elucidate the environmental insults and efforts at amelioration and remediation. The alteration, and subsequent restoration, of wetland habitats remain key issues among coastal scientists. These topics are introduced through case studies and pilot programs that are designed to better understand the best practices of trying to save what is left of these fragile ecosystems. Local approaches, as well as national and international efforts to restore the functionality of marsh systems are summarily approached and evaluated by their efficacy in producing resilient reclamations in terms of climate-smart habitat conservation. The outlook of this work is global in extent and local by intent. Included here in summarized form are professional opinions of experts in the field that investigate the crux of the matter, which proves to be human pressure on coastal wetland environments. Even though conservation and preservation of these delicate environmental systems may be coming at a later date, many multi-pronged approaches show promise through advances in education, litigation, and engineering to achieve sustainable coastal systems. The examples in this book are not only of interest to those working exclusively with coastal wetlands, but also to those working to protect the surrounding coastal areas of all types.

Charles W. Finkl has edited and/or contributed to more than eight volumes in the Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. For the past 30 years he has been the Executive Director of the Coastal Education & Research Foundation and Editor-in-Chief of the international Journal of Coastal Research, In addition to these duties, he is Professor Emeritus at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, USA. He is a graduate of the University of Western Australia (Perth) and previously worked for a wholly owned Australian subsidiary of the International Nickel Company of Canada (INCO). During his career, he acquired field experience in Australia; the Caribbean; South America; SW Pacific islands; southern Africa; Western Europe; and the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Southeast USA.

Christopher Makowski is the Assistant Director of the Coastal Education and Research Foundation, Inc. (CERF) and the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the international Journal of Coastal Research (JCR). He has published numerous peer reviewed papers, authored several chapters, and co-edited and/or contributed to various volumes in Springer's Coastal Research Library (CRL) Series. In addition to these accomplishments, he is professionally recognized by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), served as the Assistant Director of the Marine Science and Biological Research Division at the coastal engineering firm, Coastal Planning & Engineering (CPE), and held the position of Principle Marine Scientist for the municipality of Collier County, Florida, U.S.A. He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and has earned degrees with an emphasis on remote sensing of biogeomorphological resources (Ph.D.) and marine ecosystem diversity and conservation (Master's of Science). In addition to his academic and professional career, Dr. Makowski is also a certified Master Scuba Diver Trainer through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Other professional registrations and certifications include: Journal of Coastal Research (JCR) Editorial Board Member, The International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS) Member, The Florida Association of Environmental Professionals (FAEP) Chapter Member, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Registered Diving Safety Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Member, Coastal Education and Research Foundation (CERF) Board of Directors (Trustees), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Certified Marine Mammal and Protected Species Observer, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor, PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty Instructor, Emergency First Responder (CPR/FirstAid/AED) Instructor, PADI Specialty Underwater Photographer Instructor, and Divers Alert Network (DAN) Sustaining Member.