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In addition to the projects, the Unit's routine work currently includes the following:

Oceanographic Assessment

• Beach profiling at approximately 80 sites
• Wave climate analysis
• Tide level monitoring
• Water quality assessment
• Fringing and Bank reef surveys

Coastal Research

Staff members undertake applied research projects relating to various coastal matters:

• Monitoring effects of submerged breakwater on coastal segments
• Coastal legislation review
• Lagoon monitoring and improvement
• Beach access identification and monitoring
• Ocean data management
• Sand dune re-vegetation and management
• Coral transplantation
• Cliff vulnerability assessment

Consultation on Coastal Engineering

The Unit advises governmental and non-governmental agencies on shoreline protection methods:

• Management strategies
• Design criteria
• Implementation
• Monitoring and impact assessment

Implementation of Coastal Engineering Works

The department has designed coastal engineering structures to protect existing government-owned assets.

Development Control

The Unit participates in the decision making process vis-￠-vis development control by evaluating all proposed developments in the littoral and marine zone. This work is done in association with the Town Planning and Country Development Planning Office.

Regional and International Involvement

In order to assist with the fulfillment of certain national obligations, the Unit has been designated as a focal point for a number of programmes, which require periodic attendance at international meetings.

• IPCC - UN's Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, Sea Level Rise and Adaptation
• IOCARIBE - Inter-Governmental Oceanographic Commission Subcommission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions
• Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution - Research, Monitoring and Evaluation

Education Outreach

The education programme which seeks to sensitize the public about coastal problems involves active participation in exhibits, media programmes and lectures. Library information is also made available to both university and secondary school students.