OVERVIEW
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Coast coastal wetlands constitute 66% of the total wetland acreage in the contiguous 48 states. These wetlands provide ecosystem services that are vital to the health and well- being of our nation. They serve as buffers, protecting coastal areas from storm damage and sea level rise. They support commercial and recreational fisheries, providing essential fish and shellfish habitat. Wetlands serve as nesting and foraging habitats for birds and other wildlife and improve water quality by removing pollutants, nutrients, and sediments. Wetlands minimize erosion of uplands, protect property and infrastructure, and support tourism, hunting, and fishing.
Recent studies indicate that in Louisiana alone, approximately 10.8 square miles of wetlands are lost each year.* Additionally, the state has lost over 2,000 square miles of wetlands since 1932.**
At ELOS, we are dedicated to restoring and enhancing coastal ecosystems through our specialized expertise in coastal restoration and resilience. With a deep understanding of the unique local needs, we offer a comprehensive suite of services that address project planning, management, funding, regulatory compliance, and monitoring. Our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship drives our every action as we partner with clients to protect communities and coastal resources.
*United States Geological Survey
**The Washington Post, 2024
Coastal Restoration & Resilience Services
Coastal Restoration Planning, Project Development, and Funding
The ELOS team excels in overseeing restoration projects, managing the seamless coordination of multiple projects to achieve broader ecosystem restoration objectives. In addition to previously discussed services, specific offerings include:
Local coastal master planning
Plan formulation
RESTORE Act Direct Component Multiyear Implementation planning
Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) project development
Comprehensive funding strategies for coastal restoration projects
Coastal Resilience Planning
We develop strategic master plans that prioritize coastal habitat needs and community resilience.
Restoration Project Area Assessment and Analysis
Our experts conduct thorough assessments to understand the current state of coastal areas, identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities for restoration and resilience improvements.
Ecosystem Restoration
ELOS plans habitat restoration projects that restore critical habitat for wildlife and fisheries species and promote functioning, healthy coastal ecosystems.
Climate Adaptation Strategies
Our team designs adaptive measures that anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change, promoting long-term sustainability for coastal communities.
ELOS is experienced in developing watershed management and flood mitigation projects, plans, and funding strategies that are focused on a variety of federal and state programs. Specific service offerings include:
Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI) project development and grant applications
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project development and grant applications
FEMA (BRIC, FMA) project development and grant applications
Hazard mitigation planning
Comprehensive funding strategies for watershed management and flood mitigation projects
Watershed Management and Flood Mitigation Planning, Project Development, and Funding
Pre- and Post-Construction Project Monitoring
ELOS has a team of experts who are experienced in developing and implementing environmental monitoring plans for coastal restoration projects. We establish robust monitoring programs to gather data to assist in the planning and design of the project or to adaptively manage projects post-construction.
In addition to standard water quality data analysis, we are experienced in:
Geophysical Analysis
Project Planning/Data Acquisition/Processing
Bathymetry
SideScan Sonar
Subbottom Chirp Profiles
Sediment Transport Analysis
Project Planning/Data Acquisition/Processing
Equipment (ADCP, LISST – AOBS)
Sample collection and analysis
Modelling transport
Satellite and LiDAR Analysis
Project Planning/Data Acquisition/Processing
Cleaning of images
Modelling
Analysis
