1.3 Assessment Approach |
This assessment is based on the general assumption that alteration of shorelines often results in a change in nearshore ecological functions. These changes generally lead to a decline in positive attributes of the nearshore ecosystem, although we acknowledge that alterations do not always result in change, nor are the changes always negative. The role of the assessment in the overall nearshore habitat management process is that of a screening tool which can serve as a basis for prioritizing conservation and restoration efforts in the nearshore, as well as a baseline for future comparison and evaluation. The assessment should be considered a living document, with additional data incorporated as ongoing research clarifies our understanding of nearshore ecological processes and functions and as assessment methods are further refined. It should be emphasized that as a screening tool, this assessment provides only a framework for guiding future action. This tool will be used most effectively by involving the local expertise of scientists who are familiar with the Bainbridge Island shoreline, its ecological resources, and the relationship between alteration and impact.
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