by Jessie Quinn, Ph.D.

Established in 2009, Urban Coast provides a forum for researchers, agencies, advocacy groups, and other science and policy leaders to engage in constructive discussion and information exchange on issues that are pertinent to our coastal environments. In this way, we can find common ground and highlight the robust science, analysis, and assessment needed to catalyze good policy, good design, and good management measures.  This multidisciplinary journal is a product of the Center for Santa Monica Bay Studies (CSMBS), a program of Loyola Marymount University’s Seaver College of Science and Engineering and the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation.

Great Ecology Senior Managing Ecologist, Sean Bergquist, served as the co-director of CSMBS from 2007-2011, and editor of Urban Coast from 2009-2012. In his final issue as editor, Mr. Bergquist provides insights for an ecosystem-based approach to mitigation. Mr. Bergquist brings his expertise in restoration and urban ecology to Great Ecology, where we strive to solve complex ecological challenges to improve our clients’ businesses and redefine how humans interact with the environment. In New Jersey, Great Ecology is currently implementing the use of wetland functional analyses to determine mitigation requirements that address wetland ecological quality as well as quantity.  We have also developed the use of wetland functional indices in habitat equivalency analysis to determine compensatory restoration requirements on the Gulf Coast.

We encourage you to read the latest issue of Urban Coast, which discusses the many impacts to our coastal areas as well as the health and access implications, community understanding, and restorative actions.