The coastal zone boasts many spectacular and valuable natural resources. Estuaries, salt marshes, tidal creeks, beaches, and mud flats are now recognized as among the biologically richest, most productive areas on earth. In addition to their ecological value, coastal resources are of immense value through their uses for transportation, food production, recreation, and tourism.....Human activities have invariably taken a heavy toll on these resources, particularly during the dramatic increase in coastal populations over the last 30 years...The goal of all restoration projects is to enhance the health of coastal resources, and by doing so, affording the public the opportunity to enjoy the coast. Although there has been some state involvement, restoration remains a local issue that will be accomplished only with the strong support of the citizenry and a firm commitment from municipal authorities. In the following pages, experts from the research and regulatory communities will briefly describe various types of restoration projects. This handbook, an offshoot of the workshop held in September, 1988 at the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus, is meant to give interested citizens and municipalities a starting point from which to begin evaluating restoration possibilities in their area.