Beach Nourishment Projects

Oral

1653 - Building A National Sand Resource Inventory For The US Continental Shelf

Presenting Author(s)

• JW

  Jeffrey Waldner, PG

  Physical Scientist / Oceanographer
  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Additional Author #1(s)

• JR

  Jeffrey Reidenauer

Additional Author #2(s)

• LT

  Lora Turner

Additional Author #3(s)

• PK

  Paul Knorr

Additional Author #4(s)

• LB

  Leighann Brandt

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Marine Minerals Program, leases sand, gravel and/or shell resources from federal waters for shore protection, beach nourishment, and wetlands restoration. Known reserves of OCS sediment resources have become increasingly scarce due to ever-increasing requests for sand and for higher volumes, resulting from depletion of nearshore and inland sand, major storm impacts, and sea level rise.

To meet future challenges, BOEM’s priority is to create a National Offshore Sand Inventory. Geological, geophysical, and environmental data will be captured in the Marine Minerals Information System (MMIS) to support proactive planning for expected and emergency needs.