The future of coastal resilience or restoration plans which implement natural or nature-based features largely depends upon the identification of proximate and compatible offshore sand and gravel material. BOEM’s Marine Minerals Program (MMP) is multi-faceted, focusing on coordinated leasing of sediment for extraction, inventorying sediment resources through geological and geophysical surveys of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and environmental studies and reviews to inform decisions. However, on a national scale, little is known about the character, quantity, and location of sand resources on the OCS and the habitat it provides for biological communities. BOEM places a high priority on creating a comprehensive national sand resource inventory to meet BOEM’s mandate as stewards of all federal mineral resources on the OCS. This stewardship responsibility will be realized by proactively planning for the increasing demands for OCS resources and emergency needs as they arise.

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