Effects of Engineering Projects 

 Richard A. Diener 



The ultimate goal of this project is to amass sufficient knowledge of 

 the effects of various types of engineering projects on the hydrographic condi- 

 tions of estuaries to enable prediction of changes that will ensue. Through 

 this knowledge we may be able to recommend reasonable modifications of pro- 

 jects when indicated to ensure the least damage to, and in some instances to 

 even enhance the value of, estuarine waters. 



Although our present knowledge is sonaewhat deficient, it is never- 

 theless necessary to advise on current projects. For the Texas section of the 

 coast the Galveston Laboratory is working directly with the field personnel of 

 the Albuquerque Regional Office of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife 

 and the Texas Game and Fish Commission. In other sections of the Gulf Coast 

 the laboratory has been working with the Atlanta Regional Office of the Bureau 

 of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and state agencies only on major projects which 

 obviously require research. Thus, Mr. Naab inspected the Freshwater Bayou 

 Project in cooperation with the Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission 

 and personnel from the Wildlife Research and River Basin Studies Branches. 

 The Louisiana Wild Life and Fisheries Commission has released several thou- 

 sand stained shrimp in the adjoining western Vermilion Bay to determine the 

 importance of this marsh complex to the shrimp fisheries. 



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Inspecting Freshwater Bayou, Louisiana, on a mudboat. 



36 



