Diversion Expert Panel Report #1

The Expert Panel was organized and established by The Water Institute of the Gulf to provide independent advice as plans are refined for implementing freshwater and sediment diversion projects along the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers to support coastal restoration.  The panel held their first meeting in January 2014 in Baton Rouge.  The purpose of the initial meeting was to provide an overview of ongoing activities, familiarize the panel members with the landscape and associated challenges and opportunities, and consider how scientific and technical uncertainties should be considered.  Panel recommendations outlined in the first report include methods by which biophysical and social data should be collected, disseminated, and incorporated; models that should be developed; coordinated and communication that should be undertaken; and types of additional simulations and experiments that should be conducted.