Delaware bay sediment transport analysis tool launch

By Quinn Whitesall, Habitat Restoration Technician, American Littoral Society

Nate Gable, U.S. Veteran intern of the American Littoral Society, recording beach characteristics.

There is little understanding of sand transport patterns in the Delaware Bay but in order to ensure ongoing sustainability of restored sites, this knowledge is needed. The ultimate goal is to identify “feeder beaches” where sand can be placed and allowed to move to other beaches via natural sediment transport pathways. In cooperation with the Stockton University Coastal Research Center and USGS, for each beach restoration project, data on waves, tides, currents and sedimentary characteristics has been gathered to arrive at estimates of entrainment and longshore sediment transport potential at the target restoration sites and to aid in that decision on restoration design (geometry, timing and sedimentary characteristics) and need for structure alteration or removal. 

The Delaware Bay Sediment Transport Analysis Tool (DBSTAT) is a web-based application that has been developed by the Stockton University Coastal Research Center to aid in the identification of optimal locations in the bay for fill placement to enhance habitat. The tool can also assess the importance of subsequent modification to increase resilience. DBSTAT visually displays preliminary Sediment Budget Analysis System (SBAS) results for Delaware Bay (Cape May and Cumberland Counties) using data from the Delaware Bay Sediment Transport Study.

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Screen grab of DBSTAT displaying data collection points along the Delaware Bay.

​On March 29, the Littoral Society and partners officially launched DBSTAT to the public at a workshop hosted by Stockton University. In attendance were representatives from NJDEP, FEMA, USACE, USFWS, local municipalities, and engineering firms. The workshop began with opening remarks from Tim Dillingham, Executive Director of the American Littoral Society, regarding the need for restoration work in the Delaware Bay following Hurricane Sandy. Captain Al Modjeski, Habitat Restoration Director of the American Littoral Society, provided a brief overview of the beach restoration work, reef builds, and the community outreach that has taken place in the last four years. Following the Littoral Society’s project overview, Dr. Joe Smith of LJ Niles Associates provided results on the improvement of habitat quality for horseshoe crabs and shorebirds and guidance for future beach restoration projects. After lunch and a viewing of “New Jersey’s Hidden Coast,” an interactive tutorial of DBSTAT was provided by Mat Suran and Nick Dicosmo of Stockton University. Attendees were invited to follow along on their personal devices and provide feedback on the tool. The workshop concluded with the next phases in the development of this tool and the need for additional funding to fill data gaps.

Steve Hafner, Assistant Director of Stockton University Coastal Research Center, presenting the need for DBSTAT to workshop attendees.

To access the Delaware Bay Sediment Transport Analysis Tool (DBSTAT), visit https://crcgis2.stockton.edu/dbstat/
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