Coastal Ecosystem Impacts

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) manages public lands affected by Hurricane Sandy, including approximately 30 National Wildlife Refuges and 6 National Parks and National Seashores along the coast of the northeastern United States that provide critical habitat for migratory waterfowl and threatened or endangered species. These coastal barriers protect wetlands and coastal communities and provide recreational opportunities for millions of visitors, including those from nearby metropolitan areas from Boston to Washington, D.C.

The USGS provides decision makers with the science needed to support the assessment, recovery, and resilience of the Nation’s natural resources. Managers of DOI lands have trust responsibilities under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as well as additional cooperative responsibilities with State and local authorities for the protection of native, commercial, and recreationally harvested fish and wildlife species. Studies conducted by the USGS and its partners provide essential baseline data and long-term support for coastal-zone planning, conservation planning, resource management, hazard reduction, and risk mitigation in the wake of past and future natural disasters.