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The main focus of this report is to describe the economic appraisal techniques applied to the RCFMS. The majority of the discussions on policies and procedures are specific to England. An overview of the differing funding processes and procedures in the rest of the UK (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) is provided in Appendix A. In addition, this report presents the following information: (1)summary of the existing economic appraisal best practice; (2)economic appraisal techniques that were developed for the RCFMS; (3)opportunities for further development of these techniques; (4)the key economic opportunities and constraints to the implementation of flood management schemes in the Roach and Crouch Estuaries; (5)the potential estuary-wide economic, flood management and environmental losses and benefits of implementing low Defra Priority Score schemes at constrained estuary channel locations (i.e. pinch- points); (6)how the environmental element for the Defra Priority Score could be increased by improving the methodology for evaluating sites; and (7)how the findings of the PhDs may benefit the scheme implementation process.

One area of ecological benefit not yet fully evaluated in European waters is the utilisation of restored saltmarsh habitats by fish species. This study examines the utilisation of managed realignments and relic saltmarsh by fish species. Factors affecting habitat heterogeneity and fish populations are discussed, and recommendations are made with respect to scheme design and management that will maximise the biological and socio-economic values. Fish populations in the high intertidal areas were assessed using a suite of techniques, including observations on feeding behaviour. Each microhabitat was discussed as a function of the extent of fish colonisation. A positive relationship between the degree of fish utilisation and habitat heterogeneity was ascertained using species richness, abundance and behavioural observations. This study will aid habitat valuation for economic justification of managed realignments, over and above existing drivers, such as compensatory habitat for encroachment, flood defence and the European Union Habitats Directive. The work now forms part of a wider European Interreg IIIb project, COMCOAST.