OCRM’s Science and Policy Division ensures the utilization of the best available science for SCDHEC-OCRM decision-making and policy development. This includes providing support to OCRM’s Planning, Legal, and Regulatory Divisions. The Division advises OCRM on permitting and enforcement actions, develops science priorities, develops State of Knowledge (SOK) Reports on various coastal issues, and evaluates policy alternatives. Division Staff also partner with outside researchers on grant proposals, coordinate workshops that bring together coastal scientists and managers, advise graduate students, present seminars, and attend scientific meetings. Other tasks of the Division include managing research projects, fellowships, and internship programs for OCRM.
Shoreline Change Issues
OCRM is renewing its focus on “coastal hazards,” such as coastal erosion, storms, and sea level rise. The Science and Policy Division is placing particular emphasis on gradual and episodic shoreline changes, and related OCRM policies. For example, OCRM is supporting the Belle W. Baruch Foundation in Georgetown, SC to evaluate a shoreline stabilization alternative that is intended to promote vegetation and limit impacts to water quality and interference with coastal processes. In addition, Braxton Davis, Director of Science and Policy, currently serves as Chair of the Coastal States Organization’s Coastal Hazards Committee, which provides “one voice” for all coastal states and territories with respect to federal government policies and programs related to coastal hazards.
Study Examples/Reports
- New: Shoreline Change Advisory Committee information
- 2007 CSC Coastal Management Fellowship “Planning for Shoreline Change in SC” - The goal of this fellowship will be to assess the past, present, and future conditions of the South Carolina coast, with a focus on shoreline development trends.
Science & Information Synthesis
The Science and Policy Division responds to OCRM Regulatory, Planning and Legal staff research inquiries, and synthesizes information from a wide variety of data collection efforts in the coastal zone.
Study Examples/Reports
- Coastal Ocean Observing Systems for Coastal Managers
- Long Bay Hypoxia Study: http://nautilus.baruch.sc.edu/longbay/
Growth and Cumulative Impacts
Rapid coastal population growth is expected to continue in the coming decades in South Carolina. The Science and Policy Division is examining the potential impacts of changing land uses on coastal ecosystems. To date, research has included the role of “Planned Unit Developments” (PUD) in coastal zone management, and a “Stormwater Ponds Initiative” that involves a partnership with the SC Sea Grant Consortium and others. The Division continues to establish a research agenda to address growth issues, and to work closely with OCRM’s Coastal Planning Division on these issues.
Study Examples/Reports
- State of the Knowledge Report: Stormwater Ponds in the Coastal Zone
- Role of “Planned Unit Developments” in Coastal Management
- Final Report for Two DHEC-OCRM Studies: Stormwater Pond Baseline and Efficiency
- Fact Sheet on Storm Water Pond Studies
Ocean Planning Initiative
State marine waters include critical habitats for commercially and recreationally important fisheries, as well as significant mineral and sand resources. Due to their proximity to land, state waters are also subject to a growing range of potential human activities, ranging from sand mining, to submerged cables, to energy facilities. There is a need for cooperation between government agencies to clarify and coordinate ocean resource policies and improve and increase predictability in decision making. A recent Division report reviews ocean planning initiatives in other coastal states, and lessons learned from regional ocean partnerships.
Study Examples/Reports
- New: Ocean Planning Work Group information
- State of the Knowledge Report: Ocean Planning
- Ocean Use and Public Perception Survey Results (2008)