RPI started to develop Geographic Response Plans and Protection Strategies for Coastal Inlets for oil spills in the early 1990s. In developing such plans, RPI expands on its solid scientific and clear technical understanding of the development and dynamics of coastal inlets including but not limited to nearshore coastal geomorphology, tidal currents, sediment transport, erosional and depositional trends, the physical dynamics of associated estuaries and coastal wetlands, etc. Strategy design focuses on key areas, which are the focal points for implementing workable defenses to protect the vital resources of the area’s coastal ponds and bays, islands, marshes, and tidal flats.