ADAPTATION STRATEGIES TO PREVENT COASTAL WETLANDS LOSS IN URBAN AREAS: LOOKING AT JAMAICA BAY IN NEW YORK CITY

Briana W. Collier, Vermont Law School

Abstract

This paper examines some of the existing adaptation strategies currently available to address coastal wetlands loss. It uses Jamaica Bay in New York as an example to explore the legal pitfalls and policy considerations in making adaptation strategy choices, and looks toward the new tools on the horizon that may provide a more effective approach for adapting to sea level rise. This paper lays out the relevant science: the ecological and economic services coastal salt marsh resources provide; the specific natural resources at risk in Jamaica Bay; the projected rates of sea level rise; and the other local area factors contributing to the bay’s decline. It concludes with some general recommendations for using new and existing tools in an effective approach for adapting to sea level rise.