Visualizing Dock Growth

Impacts to Natural Resource
Habitat Fragmentation	Cause	Docks break up habitat, as do various types of development
Habitat Fragmentation	Possible Solutions	Use stoppers to keep dock from resting on the bottom at low tide Require seasonal removal of docks Avoid placing docks in sensitive shellfish areas Have fewer docks overall Share docks Use shorter docks
Reduction in or Degradation of Marine Life	Cause	Docks and improper boat use may contribute by degrading habitat and water quality
Reduction in or Degradation of Marine Life	Possible Solutions	Increase space between planks Use stoppers to keep dock from resting on the bottom at low tide Require seasonal removal of docks Avoid placing docks in sensitive shellfish areas Use mono pilings instead of double pilings to support dock Reduce dock structure's size Use boat lifts instead of floats Decrease float size Have fewer docks overall Change configuration of floats to lessen number of boats tied up to each dock
Erosion of Land Surrounding the Water Body	Cause	Boat wakes and other forces can cause erosion (e.g., of marsh) depending on soil and vegetation type
Erosion of Land Surrounding the Water Body	Possible Solutions	None
Degradation of Water Quality	Cause	Docks contribute through use of treated timbers for dock building Improper boat use (e.g., dumping bilge water, spilling fuel, motors that don't run clean, etc.)
Degradation of Water Quality	Possible Solutions	None

Coastal Services Center