"The guide describes how dedicated environmental monitoring and adaptive management during dredging, port and waterway construction works can help avoid or minimize unwanted, detrimental effects to coastal plant habitats. State-of-the-art methodologies for assessment of impacts are described along with their practical application. Techniques to minimise, mitigate and/or compensate impacts are assessed with respect to their practicality, effectiveness and relevance around coastal plant habitats. Ways to restore and enhance these vital habitats – through applying principles of 'Working with Nature' (e.g. beneficial reuse of dredged material) – are also described. The guidelines are based on a review of available literature and practical experience in managing the environmental aspects of dredging, port and waterway construction activities around coastal plant habitats".--Introduction