Dock and Pier Management: Recent Activities by NOAA's National Ocean Service

Few issues confronting coastal managers are as difficult to manage as regulating the construction of private residential docks and piers. The number of dock permit requests has increased significantly over the last few decades. Dock authorizations are now the single most frequently sought permit from coastal managers. For example, the number of dock permit requests received each year in South Carolina increased ten fold over the past two decades from 80 to over 800.

Many coastal managers and citizens are concerned about this proliferation of docks and the potential impacts numerous private docks may have on the environment, navigation, and the ability of the public to access the waterfront. Coastal zone managers expressed a need for credible, relevant, and high quality scientific analysis of the issue. In response, NOAA's National Ocean Service has sponsored the following workshops, white papers and other resource tools to help coastal managers with their small dock and pier management needs.

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Resources at a Glance

While more detailed information about each management tool is found through the links above or to the right, below is a quick access guid to the products discussed at this site:

Environmental and Aesthetic Impacts of Small Docks and Piers (January 2003)

Management Tools to Minimize the Impacts of Residential Docks and Piers (November 2003)

Searchable Dock and Pier Bibliography

Dock and Pier Database

Dock Visualization Tool

Alternatives for Coastal Development: Analysis of different development scenarios

Docks
Social Indications - additional information on docks
Environmental Indications - additional information on docks

For additional information, contact Allison Castellan.

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