(d) Dredges should be provided with adequate navigational equip- 

 ment to maintain a known position in the vicinity of live coral reefs 

 or other sensitive resources. This will help prevent any direct 

 physical destruction of the reefs or the resources by the dredge and 

 will assist in minimizing sedimentation impact by correctly positioning 

 the dredge. 



(e) Recent aerial photos of reefs and the proposed borrow sites 

 would be helpful in mapping the location of the reefs for positioning 

 the dredge. 



2. Sea Turtles . 



The following are recommended to minimize the effects of beach nourishment 

 operations on sea turtles: 



(a) The composition of borrowed sand should match closely with the 

 natural beach sand both physically and chemically. There is concern 

 that sand compaction may result in higher nesting failure and nest 

 destruction on a recently nourished beach because it is hard for the 

 female to excavate new nests in compact sand (Fletemeyer, 1980). 

 Hendrickson and Balasingham (1966) also suggested that sand particle- 

 size differences on natural beaches influence site selection and 

 nesting of the sea turtle. 



(b) To avoid turtle-nesting season, nourishment should be done 

 during the fall or winter (October to March) . 



(c) Turtle nests should be located if nourishment is to occur during 

 their nesting season (spring or summer) . Surveys should be conducted 



by turtle experts or personnel experienced in locating turtle nests. 

 Nourishment should cease if nests with eggs are located. With the 

 concurrence and proper permits from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 

 National Marine Fisheries Service, and State agencies, the turtle eggs 

 may be relocated to a nearby undisturbed beach before initiating 

 operations. 



(d) Covering the upper beach vegetation should be avoided since the 

 female turtles prefer nesting near dark vegetation (Mann, 1977). 



(e) Since sea turtles nest only every 2 to 3 years, nesting records 

 for a beach area would help establish the use of a particular beach by 

 the turtles and would help in scheduling the nourishment operation. 



(f) Consult with National Marine Fisheries Service regarding impacts 

 of sea turtles seaward of the mean high water line. 



3. Fish. 



The beach and nearshore region is important for some species as feeding, 

 spawning, and nursery habitats which may be affected adversely by siltation 

 or direct burial under borrow material. Faunal surveys should include identi- 

 fication and mapping of these habitats so that they may be considered in 

 planning a nourishment project. Generally, fishes are able to avoid undesirable 



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