What is meant by “no net loss” of ecological functions?
The “no net loss” principle is the means by which the guidelines implement the broad policy framework of the Shoreline Management Act. Simply stated, the no net loss standard is designed to halt the introduction of new adverse impacts to shoreline ecological functions resulting from planned and unplanned new development. This standard is to be realized in both the environmental planning process and over time by appropriately regulating individual developments as the SMP is implemented. The idea is that each local jurisdiction, by implementing updated policies and regulations, will guarantee no net loss of ecological functions on its shoreline over the planning horizon of its SMP. Since this is an individual jurisdictional specific determination based on future uses and development, a site-by-site determination of no net loss is insufficient to ensure no net loss over the long term. Consequently, policies and regulations are needed that create the conditions for modest improvement in so
