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Enhance the ability of state and federal agencies to en- <br /> force existing wetlands regulation by 1995. <br /> Explanation: Enforcement of wetlands regulations <br /> must keep pace with development and with permitting <br /> " to ensure that these areas are adequately protected. <br /> Expanding aerial monitoring would make enforce- <br /> ment more efficient. <br /> Strengthen regulatory programs to protect vital fisheries <br /> 11 <br /> habitats, which include submerged aquatic vegetation, <br /> shellfish beds and spawning areas by 1995. <br /> Explanation: Protecting areas in which aquatic organ- <br /> isms breed,live <br /> and feed is essential to the successful <br /> ..::: <br /> propagation of many finfish and shellfish species. In- <br /> creased protection for vital fisheries habitats will help <br /> maintain healthy fish populations and abundant corn- <br /> mercial and recreational harvests.Protection offisher- <br /> ies habitats would add considerations to design and <br /> location of new construction projects including high- <br /> ways,marinas,etc. <br /> `' Enhance existin g efforts to restore wetlands and vital <br /> fisheries habitats.Develop and implement a program to -•• <br /> restore wetlands by 1995. <br /> Explanation: Natural areas that have been slightly or <br /> moderately damaged may be restored by means such <br /> • as replanting vegetation, repairing hydrological <br /> sys- <br /> tems and improving water quality.Expanding restora- <br /> tion will increase the region's acreage of valuable, <br /> functioning vital habitats.Research and development <br /> of successful restoration techniques will ensure that <br /> these efforts are cost-effective. <br /> Establish a consistent and effective mitigation program to <br /> compensate for unavoidable permitted wetlands losses by <br /> ::.. 1995. <br /> Explanation: Mitigation compensates for the loss of <br /> smaller, fragmented wetlands with the acquisition, <br /> enhancement or restoration of larger,contiguous wet- <br /> lands. <br /> A practical and coordinated system of mitt - <br /> tion for wetlands damage would ensure the greatest <br /> possible long-term benefit to vital habitats.Mitigation <br /> banking allows land developers to alter wetlands in <br /> exchange for financial contributions toward wetlands <br /> acquisition,enhancement,and restoration.This prac- <br /> tice would be evaluated for use in the region. <br /> 24 <br />