Optimal Management of a Hawaiian Coastal Aquifer with Nearshore Marine Ecological Interactions

Ecosystem Services, Kimberly Burnett, Mountain-to-Sea Resource Management, Water Resources, James Roumasset, Environment, Publications, Working Papers

We optimize groundwater management in the presence of marine consequences of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Concern for marine biota increases the optimal steady-state head level of the aquifer. The model is discussed in general terms for any coastal groundwater resource where SGD has a positive impact on valuable nearshore resources. Our application focuses on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i, where SGD is being actively studied and where both nearshore ecology and groundwater resources are serious sociopolitical issues.