Figure 4. Federally-protected species such as loggerhead turtles, seabeach amaranth, manatee, least tern, and piping plover, need to be carefully investigated as part of the NEPA process. The presence of several of these species at once is normal on beach nourishment projects. Species requirements can put significant restrictions on the timing of dredging activities.

Seabeach Amaranth

Seabeach Amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus) was last identified in New Jersey in 1913, has been identified on nourished beaches in years 2000 and 2001.
Source: http://www.mobot.org/CPC/image_46.gif

Piping Plover

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)
Source: http://www.assateague.com/data-bird/chamber-bird-nr.asp

West Indian Manatee

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Source: http://endangered.fws.gov/photos/mammal/manatee.jpg

Least Tern

Least Tern (Sterna altillarum)
Source: http://endangered.fws.gov/i/B68.html

Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Source: http://www.turtles.org/loggerd.htm

Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Source: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/species/turtles/loggerhead.html