2025
Routhier, MR; Moore, GE; Rock, BN; Glidden, S; Duckett, M; Zaluski, S
Assessing mangrove forest recovery in the British Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria with Sentinel-2 imagery and Google Earth Engine Journal Article
In: Remote Sensing, vol. 17, iss. 14, no. 2485, 2025.
@article{nokey,
title = {Assessing mangrove forest recovery in the British Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Irma and Maria with Sentinel-2 imagery and Google Earth Engine},
author = {MR Routhier and GE Moore and BN Rock and S Glidden and M Duckett and S Zaluski},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/14/2485},
doi = {10.3390/rs17142485},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-17},
urldate = {2025-07-17},
journal = {Remote Sensing},
volume = {17},
number = {2485},
issue = {14},
abstract = {Mangroves form the dominant coastal plant community of low-energy tropical intertidal habitats and provide critical ecosystem services to humans and the environment. However, more frequent and increasingly powerful hurricanes and storm surges are creating additional pressure on the natural resilience of these threatened coastal ecosystems. Advances in remote sensing techniques and approaches are critical to providing robust quantitative monitoring of post-storm mangrove forest recovery to better prioritize the often-limited resources available for the restoration of these storm-damaged habitats. Here, we build on previously utilized spatial and temporal ranges of European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel satellite imagery to monitor and map the recovery of the mangrove forests of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since the occurrence of back-to-back category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, on September 6 and 19 of 2017, respectively. Pre- to post-storm changes in coastal mangrove forest health were assessed annually using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and moisture stress index (MSI) from 2016 to 2023 using Google Earth Engine. Results reveal a steady trajectory towards forest health recovery on many of the Territory’s islands since the storms’ impacts in 2017. However, some mangrove patches are slower to recover, such as those on the islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, and, in some cases, have shown a continued decline (e.g., Prickly Pear Island). Our work also uses a linear ANCOVA model to assess a variety of geospatial, environmental, and anthropogenic drivers for mangrove recovery as a function of NDVI pre-storm and post-storm conditions. The model suggests that roughly 58% of the variability in the 7-year difference (2016 to 2023) in NDVI may be related by a positive linear relationship with the variable of population within 0.5 km and a negative linear relationship with the variables of northwest aspect vs. southwest aspect, island size, temperature, and slope.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mangroves form the dominant coastal plant community of low-energy tropical intertidal habitats and provide critical ecosystem services to humans and the environment. However, more frequent and increasingly powerful hurricanes and storm surges are creating additional pressure on the natural resilience of these threatened coastal ecosystems. Advances in remote sensing techniques and approaches are critical to providing robust quantitative monitoring of post-storm mangrove forest recovery to better prioritize the often-limited resources available for the restoration of these storm-damaged habitats. Here, we build on previously utilized spatial and temporal ranges of European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel satellite imagery to monitor and map the recovery of the mangrove forests of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since the occurrence of back-to-back category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, on September 6 and 19 of 2017, respectively. Pre- to post-storm changes in coastal mangrove forest health were assessed annually using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and moisture stress index (MSI) from 2016 to 2023 using Google Earth Engine. Results reveal a steady trajectory towards forest health recovery on many of the Territory’s islands since the storms’ impacts in 2017. However, some mangrove patches are slower to recover, such as those on the islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, and, in some cases, have shown a continued decline (e.g., Prickly Pear Island). Our work also uses a linear ANCOVA model to assess a variety of geospatial, environmental, and anthropogenic drivers for mangrove recovery as a function of NDVI pre-storm and post-storm conditions. The model suggests that roughly 58% of the variability in the 7-year difference (2016 to 2023) in NDVI may be related by a positive linear relationship with the variable of population within 0.5 km and a negative linear relationship with the variables of northwest aspect vs. southwest aspect, island size, temperature, and slope.
2024
McKown, JG; Burdick, DM; Moore, GE; Gibson, JL; Ferguson, W
Evaluation of drainage enhancement for vegetation recovery in salt marshes in New England using public aerial imagery Journal Article
In: Journal of Coastal Research, vol. 40, no. 6, pp. 1144-1159, 2024.
@article{JCOASTRES-D-24-00011R1,
title = {Evaluation of drainage enhancement for vegetation recovery in salt marshes in New England using public aerial imagery},
author = {JG McKown and DM Burdick and GE Moore and JL Gibson and W Ferguson
},
url = {https://meridian.allenpress.com/jcr/article-abstract/40/6/1144/501492/Evaluation-of-Drainage-Enhancement-for-Vegetation?redirectedFrom=fulltext},
doi = {10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-24-00011.1},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-11-09},
urldate = {2024-06-25},
journal = {Journal of Coastal Research},
volume = {40},
number = {6},
pages = {1144-1159},
abstract = {Paired stressors of sea-level rise and abandoned ditches and embankments from historic farming practices have exacerbated waterlogging and accelerated replacement of valuable interior high marsh with large pools throughout the United States Atlantic seaboard. High marsh loss has contributed to substantial population declines and the threat of future extinction of the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), an endemic species of coastal wetlands. Creation of runnels and selective ditch maintenance has been promoted as short- and medium-term solutions to conserve and restore high marsh habitat and restore natural single-channel hydrology. A comprehensive monitoring program was launched in 2020 to evaluate the effect of runnels and maintenance of selective ditches on the hydrology, vegetation, and elevation of interior marshes across 17 marshes of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with the explicit goal of habitat conservation for the Saltmarsh Sparrow. The marsh surface was classified from 2010–21 with public aerial imagery to document the change in aerial extent of the vegetated marsh surface and unvegetated:vegetated ratio of tidal watersheds (mean size = 2.12 ± 0.18 ha) associated with specific management actions: runnelling, reference healthy marshes, and no-action pannes and pools. Runnels reversed the expansion of pools and pannes with annual declines of −0.037 unvegetated:vegetated ratio and gains of 1.55% vegetated area. Tidal watersheds gained an overall net 2.08 ha vegetated surface post-restoration, despite continued losses in reference and no-action tidal watersheds. Re-establishing hydrologic paths to allow regular tidal flooding and drainage promotes revegetation of shallow waterlogged pools—a first step toward rebuilding marsh elevation and conserving habitat for saltmarsh sparrows.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Paired stressors of sea-level rise and abandoned ditches and embankments from historic farming practices have exacerbated waterlogging and accelerated replacement of valuable interior high marsh with large pools throughout the United States Atlantic seaboard. High marsh loss has contributed to substantial population declines and the threat of future extinction of the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), an endemic species of coastal wetlands. Creation of runnels and selective ditch maintenance has been promoted as short- and medium-term solutions to conserve and restore high marsh habitat and restore natural single-channel hydrology. A comprehensive monitoring program was launched in 2020 to evaluate the effect of runnels and maintenance of selective ditches on the hydrology, vegetation, and elevation of interior marshes across 17 marshes of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with the explicit goal of habitat conservation for the Saltmarsh Sparrow. The marsh surface was classified from 2010–21 with public aerial imagery to document the change in aerial extent of the vegetated marsh surface and unvegetated:vegetated ratio of tidal watersheds (mean size = 2.12 ± 0.18 ha) associated with specific management actions: runnelling, reference healthy marshes, and no-action pannes and pools. Runnels reversed the expansion of pools and pannes with annual declines of −0.037 unvegetated:vegetated ratio and gains of 1.55% vegetated area. Tidal watersheds gained an overall net 2.08 ha vegetated surface post-restoration, despite continued losses in reference and no-action tidal watersheds. Re-establishing hydrologic paths to allow regular tidal flooding and drainage promotes revegetation of shallow waterlogged pools—a first step toward rebuilding marsh elevation and conserving habitat for saltmarsh sparrows.
Brewley, C; Moore, GE; Babbitt, K; Byerly, P; Platenberg, R; Zaluski, S
Pre- and post-hurricane acoustic surveys for indigenous anurans on Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands Journal Article
In: Caribbean Naturalist, vol. 99, 2024.
@article{nokey,
title = {Pre- and post-hurricane acoustic surveys for indigenous anurans on Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands},
author = {C Brewley and GE Moore and K Babbitt and P Byerly and R Platenberg and S Zaluski},
url = {https://sites.usnh.edu/moorelab/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/08/CaNaArticle.pdf
https://www.eaglehill.us/CANAonline/CANAregular.shtml},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-08-04},
urldate = {2024-08-04},
journal = {Caribbean Naturalist},
volume = {99},
abstract = {Eleutherodactylus schwartzi (Virgin Islands Coqui) is the only endemic amphibian in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a range reportedly restricted to just 6 islands. It is currently listed as endangered by the IUCN, but it has been over 20 years since published studies confirmed its presence; since then, major disturbances like the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria have impacted its habitat. The goal of this brief communication is to provide updated documentation of the presence of endangered E. schwartzi and 3 other native frog species on an island in the BVI before and after a major hurricane event, and to highlight the need for a more rigorous study of their habitat preferences, local threats, and conservation status. Using acoustic survey methods, we were able to confirm the presence of the 4 target species on the study island 2 years before and after the 2017 hurricanes.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Eleutherodactylus schwartzi (Virgin Islands Coqui) is the only endemic amphibian in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a range reportedly restricted to just 6 islands. It is currently listed as endangered by the IUCN, but it has been over 20 years since published studies confirmed its presence; since then, major disturbances like the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria have impacted its habitat. The goal of this brief communication is to provide updated documentation of the presence of endangered E. schwartzi and 3 other native frog species on an island in the BVI before and after a major hurricane event, and to highlight the need for a more rigorous study of their habitat preferences, local threats, and conservation status. Using acoustic survey methods, we were able to confirm the presence of the 4 target species on the study island 2 years before and after the 2017 hurricanes.
Brown, B; Moore, GE; Mogensen, H; Sims-Harper, T; Gibson, JL; Lee, B-Y; Wardinski, C; Jarrett, G
A baseline for microplastic occurrence in three New England estuaries Journal Article
In: Water Emerging Contaminants & Nanoplastics, vol. 3, iss. 2, 2024.
@article{Brown2023,
title = {A baseline for microplastic occurrence in three New England estuaries},
author = {B Brown and GE Moore and H Mogensen and T Sims-Harper and JL Gibson and B-Y Lee and C Wardinski and G Jarrett},
doi = {10.20517/wecn.2023.54},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2023-12-01},
journal = {Water Emerging Contaminants & Nanoplastics},
volume = {3},
issue = {2},
abstract = {Although microplastics (MP) have been documented in estuarine habitats, limited published data exist for New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts hampering meaningful, regional comparison with other geographies. Here we synthesize previously unpublished data from several independent baseline studies spanning three estuarine systems including Great Bay Estuary (GBE), Hampton-Seabrook Estuary (HSE), and Great Marsh Estuary (GME) to compare geographic data for MP to other published regional studies. Data include water column in GBE (n = 179 from 7 sites), surface waters and salt marsh sediment cores from HSE (n = 72 water samples from 12 sites and n = 77 sediment cores from 8 sites), and surface waters from GME (n = 42 water samples at 10 sites). Samples were analyzed for MP characteristics initially via either automated confocal microscopy or light microscopy, allowing initial estimation of the number and size distribution of putative MP. Particles from representative samples were analyzed using laser direct infrared spectrometry (LDIR) to determine elemental analysis. MP were found in > 98% of samples collected including surface waters, water column, and marine sediments. Counts ranged from 1 to 144,000 MP particles m-3 and mean MP differed significantly among regions, sites within regions, and across years. In the GBE water column, MP tended to peak during June-August in 4 of the 5 years studied. Most MP were roughly circular and ~50 μm in diameter. LDIR confirmed that many types of plastics are in these estuarine waters and also revealed that despite the digestion processes, biogenic materials often remained, predominantly chitin, rubber, wood, and coal. These data allow us to address the realistic levels of risk that estuarine MP pose in NH and northern MA estuaries and can be used to populate existing hydrodynamic models that will predict the tributary sources, movements, and fate of MP within these aquatic habitats.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Although microplastics (MP) have been documented in estuarine habitats, limited published data exist for New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts hampering meaningful, regional comparison with other geographies. Here we synthesize previously unpublished data from several independent baseline studies spanning three estuarine systems including Great Bay Estuary (GBE), Hampton-Seabrook Estuary (HSE), and Great Marsh Estuary (GME) to compare geographic data for MP to other published regional studies. Data include water column in GBE (n = 179 from 7 sites), surface waters and salt marsh sediment cores from HSE (n = 72 water samples from 12 sites and n = 77 sediment cores from 8 sites), and surface waters from GME (n = 42 water samples at 10 sites). Samples were analyzed for MP characteristics initially via either automated confocal microscopy or light microscopy, allowing initial estimation of the number and size distribution of putative MP. Particles from representative samples were analyzed using laser direct infrared spectrometry (LDIR) to determine elemental analysis. MP were found in > 98% of samples collected including surface waters, water column, and marine sediments. Counts ranged from 1 to 144,000 MP particles m-3 and mean MP differed significantly among regions, sites within regions, and across years. In the GBE water column, MP tended to peak during June-August in 4 of the 5 years studied. Most MP were roughly circular and ~50 μm in diameter. LDIR confirmed that many types of plastics are in these estuarine waters and also revealed that despite the digestion processes, biogenic materials often remained, predominantly chitin, rubber, wood, and coal. These data allow us to address the realistic levels of risk that estuarine MP pose in NH and northern MA estuaries and can be used to populate existing hydrodynamic models that will predict the tributary sources, movements, and fate of MP within these aquatic habitats.
2023
Routhier, MR; Moore, GE; Rock, B
In: Remote Sensing, vol. 15, iss. 20, pp. 5076, 2023.
@article{28246,
title = {Assessing spectral band, elevation, and collection date combinations for classifying salt marsh vegetation with unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV)-acquired imagery},
author = {MR Routhier and GE Moore and B Rock},
doi = {10.3390/rs15205076},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-10-13},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Remote Sensing},
volume = {15},
issue = {20},
pages = {5076},
abstract = {New England salt marshes provide many services to humans and the environment, but these landscapes are threatened by drivers such as sea level rise. Mapping the distribution of salt marsh plant species can help resource managers better monitor these ecosystems. Because salt marsh species often have spatial distributions that change over horizontal distances of less than a meter, accurately mapping this type of vegetation requires the use of high-spatial-resolution data. Previous work has proven that unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV)-acquired imagery can provide this level of spatial resolution. However, despite many advances in remote sensing mapping methods over the last few decades, limited research focuses on which spectral band, elevation layer, and acquisition date combinations produce the most accurate species classification mappings from UAV imagery within salt marsh landscapes. Thus, our work classified and assessed various combinations of these characteristics of UAV imagery for mapping the distribution of plant species within these ecosystems. The results revealed that red, green, and near-infrared camera image band composites produced more accurate image classifications than true-color camera-band composites. The addition of an elevation layer within image composites further improved classification accuracies, particularly between species with similar spectral characteristics, such as two forms of dominant salt marsh cord grasses (Spartina alterniflora) that live at different elevations from each other. Finer assessments of misclassifications between other plant species pairs provided us with additional insights into the dynamics of why classification total accuracies differed between assessed image composites. The results also suggest that seasonality can significantly affect classification accuracies. The methods and findings utilized in this study may provide resource managers with increased precision in detecting otherwise subtle changes in vegetation patterns over time that can inform future management strategies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
New England salt marshes provide many services to humans and the environment, but these landscapes are threatened by drivers such as sea level rise. Mapping the distribution of salt marsh plant species can help resource managers better monitor these ecosystems. Because salt marsh species often have spatial distributions that change over horizontal distances of less than a meter, accurately mapping this type of vegetation requires the use of high-spatial-resolution data. Previous work has proven that unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV)-acquired imagery can provide this level of spatial resolution. However, despite many advances in remote sensing mapping methods over the last few decades, limited research focuses on which spectral band, elevation layer, and acquisition date combinations produce the most accurate species classification mappings from UAV imagery within salt marsh landscapes. Thus, our work classified and assessed various combinations of these characteristics of UAV imagery for mapping the distribution of plant species within these ecosystems. The results revealed that red, green, and near-infrared camera image band composites produced more accurate image classifications than true-color camera-band composites. The addition of an elevation layer within image composites further improved classification accuracies, particularly between species with similar spectral characteristics, such as two forms of dominant salt marsh cord grasses (Spartina alterniflora) that live at different elevations from each other. Finer assessments of misclassifications between other plant species pairs provided us with additional insights into the dynamics of why classification total accuracies differed between assessed image composites. The results also suggest that seasonality can significantly affect classification accuracies. The methods and findings utilized in this study may provide resource managers with increased precision in detecting otherwise subtle changes in vegetation patterns over time that can inform future management strategies.
McKown, JG; Moore, GE; Burdick, DM; Ballestero, TP; White, NA
Short-term recovery of pilot living shoreline projects for salt marsh habitat in New Hampshire Journal Article
In: Estuaries and Coasts, 2023.
@article{27198,
title = {Short-term recovery of pilot living shoreline projects for salt marsh habitat in New Hampshire},
author = { JG McKown and GE Moore and DM Burdick and TP Ballestero and NA White},
doi = {10.1007/s12237-023-01284-w},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-10-10},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Estuaries and Coasts},
abstract = {Over the past 6 years, the New Hampshire (NH) Department of Environmental Services has shifted its preference for shoreline stabilization from traditional engineered shorelines (e.g., seawalls, concrete armoring) to nature-based living shoreline (LS) solutions. To improve the expectations and outcomes of future projects, we monitored three LS pilot projects in the Great Bay Estuary of NH from 2019 to 2022, estimated short-term recovery of the soil biogeochemistry, plant community, and habitat use by fauna, and documented adaptive management needs. Each LS was paired with a nearby (< 200 m) reference salt marsh and a degraded shoreline. After 4 years, halophyte cover had recovered 25–75% in the low marsh and 26–70% in the high marsh. Creation of salt marsh habitat supported similar mummichog population abundances (10–24 indiv. per trap) similar to reference marshes and substantially greater than no action control shorelines (0–1 indiv. per trap). Aerobic or mildly anaerobic reduction–oxidation potentials in the low marsh (14–302 mV) and high marsh (243–266 V) were attributed to rapid drainage of the marsh in two of the LS projects. A novel planting technique of spreading a turf with pre-installed graminoid plugs across the marsh surface at one of the sites may have jumpstarted development of anerobic soil conditions within 3 years (Low: − 192.7 ± 14.9 mV, High: − 119.0 ± 25.3 mV). Opportunistic foraging waterfowl and burial by wrack led to annual replacement replanting and seasonal wrack removal as adaptive management needs of these and future projects. LS projects in the Great Bay Estuary provide functional salt marsh habitat and improved shoreline resilience that can serve as a valuable strategy for coastal restoration.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Over the past 6 years, the New Hampshire (NH) Department of Environmental Services has shifted its preference for shoreline stabilization from traditional engineered shorelines (e.g., seawalls, concrete armoring) to nature-based living shoreline (LS) solutions. To improve the expectations and outcomes of future projects, we monitored three LS pilot projects in the Great Bay Estuary of NH from 2019 to 2022, estimated short-term recovery of the soil biogeochemistry, plant community, and habitat use by fauna, and documented adaptive management needs. Each LS was paired with a nearby (< 200 m) reference salt marsh and a degraded shoreline. After 4 years, halophyte cover had recovered 25–75% in the low marsh and 26–70% in the high marsh. Creation of salt marsh habitat supported similar mummichog population abundances (10–24 indiv. per trap) similar to reference marshes and substantially greater than no action control shorelines (0–1 indiv. per trap). Aerobic or mildly anaerobic reduction–oxidation potentials in the low marsh (14–302 mV) and high marsh (243–266 V) were attributed to rapid drainage of the marsh in two of the LS projects. A novel planting technique of spreading a turf with pre-installed graminoid plugs across the marsh surface at one of the sites may have jumpstarted development of anerobic soil conditions within 3 years (Low: − 192.7 ± 14.9 mV, High: − 119.0 ± 25.3 mV). Opportunistic foraging waterfowl and burial by wrack led to annual replacement replanting and seasonal wrack removal as adaptive management needs of these and future projects. LS projects in the Great Bay Estuary provide functional salt marsh habitat and improved shoreline resilience that can serve as a valuable strategy for coastal restoration.
McKown, JL; Burdick, DM; Moore, GE; Peter, CR; Payne, AR; Gibson, JL
Runnels reverse mega-pool expansion and improve marsh resiliency in the Great Marsh, Massachusetts (USA) Journal Article
In: Wetlands , vol. 43, no. 35, 2023.
@article{27145,
title = {Runnels reverse mega-pool expansion and improve marsh resiliency in the Great Marsh, Massachusetts (USA)},
author = {JL McKown and DM Burdick and GE Moore and CR Peter and AR Payne and JL Gibson},
doi = {10.1007/s13157-023-01683-6},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-04-06},
urldate = {2023-00-01},
journal = {Wetlands },
volume = {43},
number = {35},
abstract = {One of the main mechanisms for salt marsh decline across the United States is the inability of the marsh surface to keep pace with sea level rise. The interior platform is especially vulnerable, leading to the encroachment of short form Spartina alterniflora pannes, pool formation, and ultimately runaway pool expansion if recovery is not possible. Coastal ecologists in New England have been implementing a restoration strategy of runnels, or shallow channels, to enhance drainage of oversaturated and ponding interior marshes. In 2015, runnels were constructed to drain two large and expanding pools in the Great Marsh System of Massachusetts, USA. Vegetation, elevation, and hydrology were monitored using field sampling and remote sensing analysis pre- and post-restoration over seven growing seasons to document the trajectory of the pools and adjacent salt marsh platforms. Pool drainage improved reflecting tidal cycles after three years. Substantial colonization of S. alterniflora and S. patens into the previously unvegetated pools required three growing seasons. In the adjacent platform, S. patens and Distichlis spicata increased in abundance with substantial declines in S. alterniflora. The runnel for one pool became blocked by vegetation after three years and inhibited drainage and recovery of the vegetation in the pool yet not the platform. Runnels may be a viable solution for restoring interior marshes following vegetation loss yet substantial improvements in vegetation and hydrology may require 3 – 5 years and complete recovery of the vegetation community in the regularly drained portion of the system for at least a decade.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
One of the main mechanisms for salt marsh decline across the United States is the inability of the marsh surface to keep pace with sea level rise. The interior platform is especially vulnerable, leading to the encroachment of short form Spartina alterniflora pannes, pool formation, and ultimately runaway pool expansion if recovery is not possible. Coastal ecologists in New England have been implementing a restoration strategy of runnels, or shallow channels, to enhance drainage of oversaturated and ponding interior marshes. In 2015, runnels were constructed to drain two large and expanding pools in the Great Marsh System of Massachusetts, USA. Vegetation, elevation, and hydrology were monitored using field sampling and remote sensing analysis pre- and post-restoration over seven growing seasons to document the trajectory of the pools and adjacent salt marsh platforms. Pool drainage improved reflecting tidal cycles after three years. Substantial colonization of S. alterniflora and S. patens into the previously unvegetated pools required three growing seasons. In the adjacent platform, S. patens and Distichlis spicata increased in abundance with substantial declines in S. alterniflora. The runnel for one pool became blocked by vegetation after three years and inhibited drainage and recovery of the vegetation in the pool yet not the platform. Runnels may be a viable solution for restoring interior marshes following vegetation loss yet substantial improvements in vegetation and hydrology may require 3 – 5 years and complete recovery of the vegetation community in the regularly drained portion of the system for at least a decade.
Mednikova, ME; Whitcraft, CR; Zacherl, D; Nichols, KD
Knowledge gaps and research priorities in Living Shorelines science: Insights from stakeholder interviews throughout the U.S. Pacific Coast Journal Article
In: Bulletin, Southern California Academy of Sciences, vol. 122, iss. 1, pp. 33-50, 2023.
@article{27959,
title = {Knowledge gaps and research priorities in Living Shorelines science: Insights from stakeholder interviews throughout the U.S. Pacific Coast},
author = { ME Mednikova and CR Whitcraft and D Zacherl and KD Nichols},
doi = {10.3160/0038-3872-122.1.33},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-03-09},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Bulletin, Southern California Academy of Sciences},
volume = {122},
issue = {1},
pages = {33-50},
abstract = {Living shorelines provide a nature-based strategy for coastal restoration with ample opportunity for community engagement and collaboration with interdisciplinary stakeholders. While their implementation has increased over the past few decades, restoration via this technique is limited by several factors including a lack of data sharing among projects and geographical regions, a shortage of long-term monitoring to demonstrate efficacy at meeting project goals, and a need for greater interdisciplinary communication moving forward. In this study, we reviewed recent literature from a range of living shorelines studies throughout the United States and conducted interviews with nature-based coastal restoration practitioners primarily from the U.S. west coast. The insight from these stakeholder interviews allowed us to identify major knowledge gaps about living shorelines and establish priorities for future research and funding, including: (1) funding demonstration projects in their early research stages, (2) supporting projects and trainings for engineers utilizing nature-based infrastructure, (3) conducting long-term monitoring of both ecological and structural properties, (4) communicating findings, importance, and project visualizations to stakeholders within and between communities, and (5) advancing the causes of environmental justice and equity. By reviewing recent literature and engaging with living shoreline practitioners to gather their experiences and suggestions, we have increased understanding of how living shoreline restoration can be more effectively planned, constructed, and monitored at scale, in varied locations and using a range of techniques.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Living shorelines provide a nature-based strategy for coastal restoration with ample opportunity for community engagement and collaboration with interdisciplinary stakeholders. While their implementation has increased over the past few decades, restoration via this technique is limited by several factors including a lack of data sharing among projects and geographical regions, a shortage of long-term monitoring to demonstrate efficacy at meeting project goals, and a need for greater interdisciplinary communication moving forward. In this study, we reviewed recent literature from a range of living shorelines studies throughout the United States and conducted interviews with nature-based coastal restoration practitioners primarily from the U.S. west coast. The insight from these stakeholder interviews allowed us to identify major knowledge gaps about living shorelines and establish priorities for future research and funding, including: (1) funding demonstration projects in their early research stages, (2) supporting projects and trainings for engineers utilizing nature-based infrastructure, (3) conducting long-term monitoring of both ecological and structural properties, (4) communicating findings, importance, and project visualizations to stakeholders within and between communities, and (5) advancing the causes of environmental justice and equity. By reviewing recent literature and engaging with living shoreline practitioners to gather their experiences and suggestions, we have increased understanding of how living shoreline restoration can be more effectively planned, constructed, and monitored at scale, in varied locations and using a range of techniques.
Raposa, KB; Woolfolk, A; Endris, CA; Fountain, MC; Moore, GE; Tyrrell, M; Swerida, R; Lerberg, S; Puckett, BJ; Ferner, MC; Hollister, J; Burdick, DM; Champlin, L; Krause, JR; Haines, D; Gray, AB; Watson, EB; Wasson, K
In: Estuaries and Coasts, vol. 46, pp. 595-615, 2023.
@article{27709,
title = {Evaluating thin-layer sediment placement as a tool for enhancing tidal marsh resilience: a coordinated experiment across eight US National Estuarine Research Reserves},
author = {KB Raposa and A Woolfolk and CA Endris and MC Fountain and GE Moore and M Tyrrell and R Swerida and S Lerberg and BJ Puckett and MC Ferner and J Hollister and DM Burdick and L Champlin and JR Krause and D Haines and AB Gray and EB Watson and K Wasson},
doi = {10.1007/s12237-022-01161-y},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-16},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Estuaries and Coasts},
volume = {46},
pages = {595-615},
abstract = {Thin-layer sediment placement (TLP) is a promising management tool for enhancing tidal marsh resilience to rising seas. We conducted a 3-year experiment at eight US National Estuarine Research Reserves using a standardized implementation protocol and subsequent monitoring to evaluate effects of sediment placement on vegetation in low and high marsh, and compared this to control and reference plots. Sediments added to experimental plots were sourced from nearby quarries, were sandier than ambient marsh soils, and had more crab burrowing, but proved effective, suggesting that terrestrial sources can be used for tidal marsh restoration. We found strong differences among sites but detected general trends across the eight contrasting systems. Colonization by marsh plants was generally rapid following sediment addition, such that TLP plot cover was similar to control plots. While we found that 14-cm TLP plots were initially colonized more slowly than 7-cm plots, this difference largely disappeared after three years. In the face of accelerated sea-level rise, we thus recommend adding thicker sediment layers. Despite rapid revegetation, TLP plots did not approximate vegetation characteristics of higher elevation reference plots. Thus, while managers can expect fairly fast revegetation at TLP sites, the ultimate goal of achieving reference marsh conditions may be achieved slowly if at all. Vegetation recovered rapidly in both high and low marsh; thus, TLP can serve as a climate adaptation strategy across the marsh landscape. Our study illustrates the value of conducting experiments across disparate geographies and provides restoration practitioners with guidance for conducting future TLP projects.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Thin-layer sediment placement (TLP) is a promising management tool for enhancing tidal marsh resilience to rising seas. We conducted a 3-year experiment at eight US National Estuarine Research Reserves using a standardized implementation protocol and subsequent monitoring to evaluate effects of sediment placement on vegetation in low and high marsh, and compared this to control and reference plots. Sediments added to experimental plots were sourced from nearby quarries, were sandier than ambient marsh soils, and had more crab burrowing, but proved effective, suggesting that terrestrial sources can be used for tidal marsh restoration. We found strong differences among sites but detected general trends across the eight contrasting systems. Colonization by marsh plants was generally rapid following sediment addition, such that TLP plot cover was similar to control plots. While we found that 14-cm TLP plots were initially colonized more slowly than 7-cm plots, this difference largely disappeared after three years. In the face of accelerated sea-level rise, we thus recommend adding thicker sediment layers. Despite rapid revegetation, TLP plots did not approximate vegetation characteristics of higher elevation reference plots. Thus, while managers can expect fairly fast revegetation at TLP sites, the ultimate goal of achieving reference marsh conditions may be achieved slowly if at all. Vegetation recovered rapidly in both high and low marsh; thus, TLP can serve as a climate adaptation strategy across the marsh landscape. Our study illustrates the value of conducting experiments across disparate geographies and provides restoration practitioners with guidance for conducting future TLP projects.
Gibson, JL; Harris, LG
Cardiovascular responses to increased temperature and lower pH for six cold water Opisthobranch species Journal Article
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, vol. 565, pp. 151914, 2023.
@article{28243,
title = {Cardiovascular responses to increased temperature and lower pH for six cold water Opisthobranch species},
author = { JL Gibson and LG Harris},
doi = {10.1016/j.jembe.2023.151914},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-02},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology},
volume = {565},
pages = {151914},
abstract = {Increasing sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification continue to threaten marine life globally, especially in coastal waters where effects are often exacerbated. Individually, temperature and acidification negatively affect marine organisms, but interactive effects, vary depending on phylum and life cycle stage. Opisthobranch sea slugs, having short and complex life cycles, were studied for cardiac response to increasing temperature and to interactive effects of temperature and pH. Six cold-water, cosmopolitan species (Aeolidia papillosa, Cuthona gymnota, Dendronotus frondosus, Flabellina verrucosa, Onchidoris bilamellata, and Placida dendritica) common in the Gulf of Maine were selected. To determine response to temperature, heartbeats of test animals starting at 4 °C were recorded at increasing temperature intervals of 4 °C, until they slowed or ceased. Interactive effects were examined at pH 8 (control) and pH 7 coincident with temperature increases (4o to 16 °C). Overall, upper pejus temperatures tested ranged from 16o to 28 °C, with the largest species having the lowest temperature threshold and smallest having the highest. Although interactive effects were not significant, the negative synergistic effect of suppressed heart rate across temperatures was significant for three species and apparent in two others. As significant predators of sessile prey, especially within fouling communities, environmental impacts on sea slugs have the potential to alter both community structure and prey abundance within their environment, potentially reflecting larger implications affecting the biodiversity and abundance of prey populations within their environment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Increasing sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification continue to threaten marine life globally, especially in coastal waters where effects are often exacerbated. Individually, temperature and acidification negatively affect marine organisms, but interactive effects, vary depending on phylum and life cycle stage. Opisthobranch sea slugs, having short and complex life cycles, were studied for cardiac response to increasing temperature and to interactive effects of temperature and pH. Six cold-water, cosmopolitan species (Aeolidia papillosa, Cuthona gymnota, Dendronotus frondosus, Flabellina verrucosa, Onchidoris bilamellata, and Placida dendritica) common in the Gulf of Maine were selected. To determine response to temperature, heartbeats of test animals starting at 4 °C were recorded at increasing temperature intervals of 4 °C, until they slowed or ceased. Interactive effects were examined at pH 8 (control) and pH 7 coincident with temperature increases (4o to 16 °C). Overall, upper pejus temperatures tested ranged from 16o to 28 °C, with the largest species having the lowest temperature threshold and smallest having the highest. Although interactive effects were not significant, the negative synergistic effect of suppressed heart rate across temperatures was significant for three species and apparent in two others. As significant predators of sessile prey, especially within fouling communities, environmental impacts on sea slugs have the potential to alter both community structure and prey abundance within their environment, potentially reflecting larger implications affecting the biodiversity and abundance of prey populations within their environment.
Harris, LG; Gibson, JL
Contrasting decadal recruitment patterns in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis in the Gulf of Maine Journal Article
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, vol. 558, pp. 151832, 2023.
@article{27958,
title = {Contrasting decadal recruitment patterns in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis in the Gulf of Maine},
author = {LG Harris and JL Gibson},
doi = {10.1016/j.jembe.2022.151832},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology},
volume = {558},
pages = {151832},
abstract = {Once a booming fishery in the Gulf of Maine, green sea urchin (Stronglocentrotus droebachiensis) catches declined drastically in the 1990s and have remained low over the past couple decades. To monitor changes in urchin populations, settlement patterns of S. droebachiensis at sites in the northern (Eastport and Frazer Point, ME) and southern Gulf of Maine (York, ME and Isles of Shoals, NH) were recorded. From 1994 to 2019, AstroTurf® panels attached to wire frames were intermittently laid on the ocean bottom at five sites along the Gulf of Maine in late spring and retrieved in the mid to late summer. The present study examined changes in recruitment densities over the 23-year period from 1996 to 2019 and found a drop in recruitment at the southern sites by two orders of magnitude over the time span. Aside from the likely pressure of overfishing, recruitment declines may be influenced by anthropogenic climate change and higher predation rates by Jonah crabs, Cancer borealis.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Once a booming fishery in the Gulf of Maine, green sea urchin (Stronglocentrotus droebachiensis) catches declined drastically in the 1990s and have remained low over the past couple decades. To monitor changes in urchin populations, settlement patterns of S. droebachiensis at sites in the northern (Eastport and Frazer Point, ME) and southern Gulf of Maine (York, ME and Isles of Shoals, NH) were recorded. From 1994 to 2019, AstroTurf® panels attached to wire frames were intermittently laid on the ocean bottom at five sites along the Gulf of Maine in late spring and retrieved in the mid to late summer. The present study examined changes in recruitment densities over the 23-year period from 1996 to 2019 and found a drop in recruitment at the southern sites by two orders of magnitude over the time span. Aside from the likely pressure of overfishing, recruitment declines may be influenced by anthropogenic climate change and higher predation rates by Jonah crabs, Cancer borealis.
2022
Craig, E; Moore, GE; Seavey, J
Hypersaline spray as a management tool to increase habitat heterogeneity for island-nesting seabirds Journal Article
In: Wildlife Society Bulletin, vol. 46, iss. 3, pp. e1301, 2022.
@article{26086,
title = {Hypersaline spray as a management tool to increase habitat heterogeneity for island-nesting seabirds},
author = { E Craig and GE Moore and J Seavey},
doi = {10.1002/wsb.1301},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-06-08},
urldate = {2022-06-08},
journal = {Wildlife Society Bulletin},
volume = {46},
issue = {3},
pages = {e1301},
abstract = {Seabirds introduce aquatically-derived nutrients into their terrestrial nesting environments, often leading to vegetative overgrowth that degrades nesting habitat suitability over time. In this study we capitalized upon the process of salt suppression that naturally occurs in salt-spray plant communities in order to reintroduce habitat heterogeneity (the mix of open substrate and plant cover) on a common tern (Sterna hirundo) breeding colony in the Gulf of Maine. In 2019, we randomly assigned hypersaline spray and control treatments within 10 experimental blocks across the site, and recorded plant community and seabird reproductive responses. We compared the habitat heterogeneity resulting from salt treatment to estimates of optimal habitat heterogeneity measured within productivity monitoring areas at this site during 2016–2020. We observed an average reduction of approximately 24% plant cover in hypersaline plots relative to control plots (t18 = −5.56, p < 0.001), constituting a substantial increase in nesting habitat heterogeneity. Common tern nesting density was 80% higher in treatment plots relative to controls (t18 = 2.6, P = 0.020), yielding 88% more chicks hatched per square meter (t18 = 3.3, P = 0.004). We suggest that the application of hypersaline spray may serve as an effective and practical habitat management technique in management-dependent systems such as tern nesting colonies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Seabirds introduce aquatically-derived nutrients into their terrestrial nesting environments, often leading to vegetative overgrowth that degrades nesting habitat suitability over time. In this study we capitalized upon the process of salt suppression that naturally occurs in salt-spray plant communities in order to reintroduce habitat heterogeneity (the mix of open substrate and plant cover) on a common tern (Sterna hirundo) breeding colony in the Gulf of Maine. In 2019, we randomly assigned hypersaline spray and control treatments within 10 experimental blocks across the site, and recorded plant community and seabird reproductive responses. We compared the habitat heterogeneity resulting from salt treatment to estimates of optimal habitat heterogeneity measured within productivity monitoring areas at this site during 2016–2020. We observed an average reduction of approximately 24% plant cover in hypersaline plots relative to control plots (t18 = −5.56, p < 0.001), constituting a substantial increase in nesting habitat heterogeneity. Common tern nesting density was 80% higher in treatment plots relative to controls (t18 = 2.6, P = 0.020), yielding 88% more chicks hatched per square meter (t18 = 3.3, P = 0.004). We suggest that the application of hypersaline spray may serve as an effective and practical habitat management technique in management-dependent systems such as tern nesting colonies.
2021
Burdick, DM; Moore, GE; Boyer, KE
Impacts of native and exotic species invading tidal marshes from Part III - Marsh Response to Stress Book Chapter
In: Salt Marshes, Chapter 14, pp. 367-387, Cambridge University Press, 2021.
@inbook{26089,
title = {Impacts of native and exotic species invading tidal marshes from Part III - Marsh Response to Stress},
author = {DM Burdick and GE Moore and KE Boyer},
doi = {10.1017/9781316888933.017},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-06-19},
urldate = {2021-06-19},
booktitle = {Salt Marshes},
pages = {367-387},
publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
chapter = {14},
organization = {Cambridge University Press},
abstract = {As humans have spread across the globe, travel and trade have deliberately or inadvertently carried and released animals and plants as well as microbes into new geographies. With human populations concentrated along rivers and coasts, it is not surprising that many exotic species have been released in coastal areas and a few can survive and thrive, especially in habitats similar to those where they evolved. In tidal marshes, organisms experience some of the most extreme physical conditions on earth: temperatures from −20 to 40°C, flooding twice a day but only a few times a month at higher elevations, sediments ranging from oxidized to severely reduced (Eh of +700 to −300 mV), soil salinity from hypersaline (40–90 ppt) to fresh depending on floodwater source and precipitation, and erosive forces from waves, currents, and ice at higher latitudes. Despite these harsh and variable conditions, there are many organisms adapted to tidal marshes, and new introductions and hybrids that can thrive given the opportunity.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
As humans have spread across the globe, travel and trade have deliberately or inadvertently carried and released animals and plants as well as microbes into new geographies. With human populations concentrated along rivers and coasts, it is not surprising that many exotic species have been released in coastal areas and a few can survive and thrive, especially in habitats similar to those where they evolved. In tidal marshes, organisms experience some of the most extreme physical conditions on earth: temperatures from −20 to 40°C, flooding twice a day but only a few times a month at higher elevations, sediments ranging from oxidized to severely reduced (Eh of +700 to −300 mV), soil salinity from hypersaline (40–90 ppt) to fresh depending on floodwater source and precipitation, and erosive forces from waves, currents, and ice at higher latitudes. Despite these harsh and variable conditions, there are many organisms adapted to tidal marshes, and new introductions and hybrids that can thrive given the opportunity.
McKown, JG; Moore, GE; Payne, AR; White, NA; Gibson, JL
Successional dynamics of a 35-year old freshwater mitigation wetland in southeastern New Hampshire Journal Article
In: PLOS One, 2021.
@article{26085,
title = {Successional dynamics of a 35-year old freshwater mitigation wetland in southeastern New Hampshire},
author = {JG McKown and GE Moore and AR Payne and NA White and JL Gibson},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0251748},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-05-17},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
journal = {PLOS One},
abstract = {The long-term ecological success of compensatory freshwater wetland projects has come into question based on follow-up monitoring studies over the past few decades. Given that wetland restoration may require many years to decades to converge to desired outcomes, long-term monitoring of successional patterns may increase our ability to fully evaluate success of wetland mitigation projects or guide adaptive management when needed. In Portsmouth, New Hampshire a 4 ha wetland was constructed in an abandoned gravel quarry as off-site compensatory mitigation for impacts to a scrub-shrub swamp associated with property expansion. Building upon prior evaluations from 1992 and 2002, we conducted a floral survey in 2020 to compare results with prior surveys to document vegetation successional trends over time. In addition, we monitored the avian community throughout the growing season as a measure of habitat quality. The plant community mirrored documented successional trends of freshwater wetland restoration projects as native hydrophytes dominated species composition. Plant species composition stabilized as the rate of turnover, the measurement of succession, declined by nearly half after 17 years. Researchers should consider long-term monitoring of specific sites to better understand successional patterns of created wetlands as we documented long time frames required for the development of scrub-shrub swamps, red maple swamps, and sedge meadows. High species richness was attributed to beaver activity, topographic heterogeneity from Carex stricta tussocks, and the seed bank from the application of peat from the original wetland. Habitat heterogeneity of open water, herbaceous cover, and woody vegetation supports a diverse avian community including 11 wetland dependent species. Although the mitigation project has not created the full area of lost scrub-shrub swamp after 35 years, it has developed a structurally complex habitat and diverse avian community that effectively provides the functions and values of the impacted system.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The long-term ecological success of compensatory freshwater wetland projects has come into question based on follow-up monitoring studies over the past few decades. Given that wetland restoration may require many years to decades to converge to desired outcomes, long-term monitoring of successional patterns may increase our ability to fully evaluate success of wetland mitigation projects or guide adaptive management when needed. In Portsmouth, New Hampshire a 4 ha wetland was constructed in an abandoned gravel quarry as off-site compensatory mitigation for impacts to a scrub-shrub swamp associated with property expansion. Building upon prior evaluations from 1992 and 2002, we conducted a floral survey in 2020 to compare results with prior surveys to document vegetation successional trends over time. In addition, we monitored the avian community throughout the growing season as a measure of habitat quality. The plant community mirrored documented successional trends of freshwater wetland restoration projects as native hydrophytes dominated species composition. Plant species composition stabilized as the rate of turnover, the measurement of succession, declined by nearly half after 17 years. Researchers should consider long-term monitoring of specific sites to better understand successional patterns of created wetlands as we documented long time frames required for the development of scrub-shrub swamps, red maple swamps, and sedge meadows. High species richness was attributed to beaver activity, topographic heterogeneity from Carex stricta tussocks, and the seed bank from the application of peat from the original wetland. Habitat heterogeneity of open water, herbaceous cover, and woody vegetation supports a diverse avian community including 11 wetland dependent species. Although the mitigation project has not created the full area of lost scrub-shrub swamp after 35 years, it has developed a structurally complex habitat and diverse avian community that effectively provides the functions and values of the impacted system.
Payne, AR; Burdick, DM; Moore, GE; Wigand, C
Short-term effects of thin-layer sand placement on salt marsh grasses: A marsh organ field experiment Journal Article
In: Journal of Coastal Research, vol. 37, iss. 4, pp. 771–778, 2021.
@article{26090,
title = {Short-term effects of thin-layer sand placement on salt marsh grasses: A marsh organ field experiment},
author = {AR Payne and DM Burdick and GE Moore and C Wigand},
doi = {10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-20-00072.1},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-02-03},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Coastal Research},
volume = {37},
issue = {4},
pages = {771–778},
abstract = {Salt marshes can build in elevation with sea-level rise through accumulation of inorganic sediment and organic matter, but marshes worldwide are under threat of drowning due to rapid rates of sea-level rise that outpace natural marsh building rates. The application of a thin layer of sediment to the marsh surface (thin-layer placement [TLP]) is a tool to build elevation and decrease flooding stress, but its effects on marsh plants are understudied, especially in New England. In a novel application of a marsh organ experiment (i.e. rows of pots at different elevations), the addition of 10 cm of sand to pots planted with Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens resulted in fewer stems than controls for S. patens but not S. alterniflora after 2 months. However, total biomass and root mass were not significantly impacted for either species, suggesting plants will fully recover from TLP over longer timescales. Effects of TLP on biomass and stem density did not vary significantly by elevation. Although long-term research is still needed, short-term equivalency in biomass between TLP treatments and controls suggests TLP of 10 cm is a promising strategy to enhance the ability of marshes to build vertically as sea level rises in New England.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Salt marshes can build in elevation with sea-level rise through accumulation of inorganic sediment and organic matter, but marshes worldwide are under threat of drowning due to rapid rates of sea-level rise that outpace natural marsh building rates. The application of a thin layer of sediment to the marsh surface (thin-layer placement [TLP]) is a tool to build elevation and decrease flooding stress, but its effects on marsh plants are understudied, especially in New England. In a novel application of a marsh organ experiment (i.e. rows of pots at different elevations), the addition of 10 cm of sand to pots planted with Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens resulted in fewer stems than controls for S. patens but not S. alterniflora after 2 months. However, total biomass and root mass were not significantly impacted for either species, suggesting plants will fully recover from TLP over longer timescales. Effects of TLP on biomass and stem density did not vary significantly by elevation. Although long-term research is still needed, short-term equivalency in biomass between TLP treatments and controls suggests TLP of 10 cm is a promising strategy to enhance the ability of marshes to build vertically as sea level rises in New England.
Moore, GE; Burdick, DM; Routhier, MR; Novak, AB; Payne, AR
Effects of a large-scale, natural sediment deposition event on plant cover in a Massachusetts salt marsh Journal Article
In: PLOS One, 2021.
@article{26087,
title = {Effects of a large-scale, natural sediment deposition event on plant cover in a Massachusetts salt marsh},
author = {GE Moore and DM Burdick and MR Routhier and AB Novak and AR Payne},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0245564},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-22},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
journal = {PLOS One},
abstract = {In mid-winter 2018, an unprecedented sediment deposition event occurred throughout portions of the Great Marsh in Massachusetts. Evaluation of this event in distinct marsh areas spanning three towns (Essex, Ipswich, and Newbury) revealed deposition covering 29.2 hectares with an average thickness of 30.1±2.1 mm measured shortly after deposition. While sediment deposition helps marshes survive sea level rise by building elevation, effects of such a large-scale deposition on New England marshes are unknown. This natural event provided an opportunity to study effects of large-scale sediment addition on plant cover and soil chemistry, with implications for marsh resilience. Sediment thickness did not differ significantly between winter and summer, indicating sediment is not eroding or compacting. The deposited sediment at each site had similar characteristics to that of the adjacent mudflat (e.g., texture, bivalve shells), suggesting that deposited materials resulted from ice rafting from adjacent flats, a natural phenomenon noted by other authors. Vegetative cover was significantly lower in plots with rafted sediment (75.6±2.3%) than sediment-free controls (93.1±1.6%) after one growing season. When sorted by sediment thickness categories, the low thickness level (1–19 mm) had significantly greater percent cover than medium (20–39 mm) and high (40–90 mm) categories. Given that sediment accretion in the Great Marsh was found to average 2.7 mm per year, the sediment thickness documented herein represents ~11 years of sediment accretion with only a 25% reduction in plant cover, suggesting this natural sediment event will likely increase long-term marsh resilience to sea level rise.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In mid-winter 2018, an unprecedented sediment deposition event occurred throughout portions of the Great Marsh in Massachusetts. Evaluation of this event in distinct marsh areas spanning three towns (Essex, Ipswich, and Newbury) revealed deposition covering 29.2 hectares with an average thickness of 30.1±2.1 mm measured shortly after deposition. While sediment deposition helps marshes survive sea level rise by building elevation, effects of such a large-scale deposition on New England marshes are unknown. This natural event provided an opportunity to study effects of large-scale sediment addition on plant cover and soil chemistry, with implications for marsh resilience. Sediment thickness did not differ significantly between winter and summer, indicating sediment is not eroding or compacting. The deposited sediment at each site had similar characteristics to that of the adjacent mudflat (e.g., texture, bivalve shells), suggesting that deposited materials resulted from ice rafting from adjacent flats, a natural phenomenon noted by other authors. Vegetative cover was significantly lower in plots with rafted sediment (75.6±2.3%) than sediment-free controls (93.1±1.6%) after one growing season. When sorted by sediment thickness categories, the low thickness level (1–19 mm) had significantly greater percent cover than medium (20–39 mm) and high (40–90 mm) categories. Given that sediment accretion in the Great Marsh was found to average 2.7 mm per year, the sediment thickness documented herein represents ~11 years of sediment accretion with only a 25% reduction in plant cover, suggesting this natural sediment event will likely increase long-term marsh resilience to sea level rise.
Moore, GE
Regional Restoration and Monitoring Framework: Mangrove Recovery Recommendations for the British Virgin Islands Technical Report
International Union for Conservation of Nature 2021.
@techreport{Moore2021,
title = {Regional Restoration and Monitoring Framework: Mangrove Recovery Recommendations for the British Virgin Islands},
author = {Moore, GE},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
pages = {15},
institution = { International Union for Conservation of Nature},
howpublished = {International Union for Conservation of Nature},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}
2020
Burdick, DM; Moore, GE; Adamowicz, SC; Wilson, GM; Peter, CR
Mitigating the legacy effects of ditching in a New England salt marsh Journal Article
In: Estuaries and Coasts, vol. 43, pp. 1672–1679, 2020.
@article{22989,
title = {Mitigating the legacy effects of ditching in a New England salt marsh},
author = {DM Burdick and GE Moore and SC Adamowicz and GM Wilson and CR Peter},
doi = {10.1007/s12237-019-00656-5},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2019-12-09},
issuetitle = {Special Issue: Hurricane Sandy Impacts and Responses},
journal = {Estuaries and Coasts},
volume = {43},
pages = {1672–1679},
abstract = {The legacy effects of mosquito ditching have made salt marshes more vulnerable to flooding impacts from climate change, presenting management challenges in New England where the majority of salt marshes have been ditched and greater rates of sea level rise and storm events are being observed. One legacy effect of mosquito ditching appears to be subsidence of the marsh, with greater effects near the ditches and extending into the marsh plain. We found an average of 9 cm subsidence midway between ditches that averaged 14 m apart. Ditch Remediation is a new approach to filling ditches that uses existing hydrology and vegetation to mend ditches from the bottom up to restore marsh plain elevations. Smaller, auxiliary ditches are selected for treatment. Hay is mown, allowed to dry, and rolled into the treatment ditch where it is held using twine. Nine ditches in four areas were treated in fall 2014 and 2015. Depth of treated ditches decreased an average of 18 cm by fall 2017, and Spartina alterniflora colonized the ditch centers (plant cover and stem density increased). It is unknown whether the trajectory of filling and revegetation of the ditches will continue on their own or if the reduction in drainage depth will stimulate marsh plain building. Ditch remediation could remove excessive drainage effects of half the ditches, thereby approaching an optimal drainage density that may allow tidal marshes to rebuild elevation. This simple and inexpensive technique to reduce ditch impacts should be considered by partnerships that include mosquito control agencies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The legacy effects of mosquito ditching have made salt marshes more vulnerable to flooding impacts from climate change, presenting management challenges in New England where the majority of salt marshes have been ditched and greater rates of sea level rise and storm events are being observed. One legacy effect of mosquito ditching appears to be subsidence of the marsh, with greater effects near the ditches and extending into the marsh plain. We found an average of 9 cm subsidence midway between ditches that averaged 14 m apart. Ditch Remediation is a new approach to filling ditches that uses existing hydrology and vegetation to mend ditches from the bottom up to restore marsh plain elevations. Smaller, auxiliary ditches are selected for treatment. Hay is mown, allowed to dry, and rolled into the treatment ditch where it is held using twine. Nine ditches in four areas were treated in fall 2014 and 2015. Depth of treated ditches decreased an average of 18 cm by fall 2017, and Spartina alterniflora colonized the ditch centers (plant cover and stem density increased). It is unknown whether the trajectory of filling and revegetation of the ditches will continue on their own or if the reduction in drainage depth will stimulate marsh plain building. Ditch remediation could remove excessive drainage effects of half the ditches, thereby approaching an optimal drainage density that may allow tidal marshes to rebuild elevation. This simple and inexpensive technique to reduce ditch impacts should be considered by partnerships that include mosquito control agencies.
2019
Moore, GE; Burdick, DM; Payne, AR
Determining how soil amendments enhance the recovery of Ammophila breviligulata following dune die-off events in coastal New England Journal Article
In: Journal of Coastal Research, vol. 36, iss. 1, pp. 88-93, 2019.
@article{26088,
title = {Determining how soil amendments enhance the recovery of Ammophila breviligulata following dune die-off events in coastal New England},
author = {GE Moore and DM Burdick and AR Payne},
doi = {10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-19-00026.1},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-09-23},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Coastal Research},
volume = {36},
issue = {1},
pages = {88-93},
abstract = {Coastal dunes are valued for habitat provision and flood protection. The dominant dune plant in New England, American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) stabilizes dunes by trapping sand and slowing erosion. The system's natural mechanism to stabilize sediment and protect coasts from erosion may be threatened by die-off, a rapidly spreading blight affecting coastal dunes from Maine to Virginia. To determine whether soil amendments could help mitigate die-off and aid recovery, fertilizer and lime were applied to dunes at three sites that had recently been defoliated by die-off and subsequently replanted. The lime+fertilizer treatment resulted in a significantly greater percentage of live plants and percentage of cover of A. breviligulata, as well as greater total plant cover. The combined application of lime and fertilizer may hasten recovery from die-off and improve restoration success in the region.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coastal dunes are valued for habitat provision and flood protection. The dominant dune plant in New England, American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) stabilizes dunes by trapping sand and slowing erosion. The system's natural mechanism to stabilize sediment and protect coasts from erosion may be threatened by die-off, a rapidly spreading blight affecting coastal dunes from Maine to Virginia. To determine whether soil amendments could help mitigate die-off and aid recovery, fertilizer and lime were applied to dunes at three sites that had recently been defoliated by die-off and subsequently replanted. The lime+fertilizer treatment resulted in a significantly greater percentage of live plants and percentage of cover of A. breviligulata, as well as greater total plant cover. The combined application of lime and fertilizer may hasten recovery from die-off and improve restoration success in the region.
Payne, AR; Burdick, DM; Moore, GE
Potential effects of sea-level rise on salt marsh elevation dynamics in a New Hampshire Estuary Journal Article
In: Estuaries and Coasts, vol. 42, pp. 1405–1418, 2019.
@article{26106,
title = {Potential effects of sea-level rise on salt marsh elevation dynamics in a New Hampshire Estuary},
author = {AR Payne and DM Burdick and GE Moore},
doi = {10.1007/s12237-019-00589-z},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-07-03},
urldate = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Estuaries and Coasts},
volume = {42},
pages = {1405–1418},
abstract = {Salt marsh survival in the face of sea-level rise (SLR) depends largely on a marsh’s ability to compensate for increased flooding by building in elevation, but the rate of elevation gain depends on processes that are not well-understood (i.e., belowground productivity, sediment accretion, and subsidence). An array of planted and unplanted pots was installed in the field to examine the effects of tidal flooding on productivity and elevation change. We found that belowground plant volume increased linearly as elevation increased for both Spartina patens and Spartina alterniflora. Even though the volume of roots increased by 400% with elevation for S. alterniflora and > 200% for S. patens, there was no relationship between belowground volume and elevation change of the original soil surface, perhaps due to the infilling of porosity by roots. However, the soil in planted treatments subsided significantly less than in unplanted controls. Measurements from Surface Elevation Tables (SETs) indicated that local high marshes have been losing elevation relative to sea level at an average rate of 2.1 mm/year. The rate of vertical gain decreased at SET locations of greater marsh elevation, and high marshes did not keep pace with SLR even when sediment supply appeared to be high (TSS = 57 ± 7 mg/L). The high marsh accretion deficit, combined with a continuing trend of reduced belowground growth with increased flooding due to SLR, suggests that S. alterniflora will replace less flood-tolerant species over time, potentially causing loss of high marsh habitat.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Salt marsh survival in the face of sea-level rise (SLR) depends largely on a marsh’s ability to compensate for increased flooding by building in elevation, but the rate of elevation gain depends on processes that are not well-understood (i.e., belowground productivity, sediment accretion, and subsidence). An array of planted and unplanted pots was installed in the field to examine the effects of tidal flooding on productivity and elevation change. We found that belowground plant volume increased linearly as elevation increased for both Spartina patens and Spartina alterniflora. Even though the volume of roots increased by 400% with elevation for S. alterniflora and > 200% for S. patens, there was no relationship between belowground volume and elevation change of the original soil surface, perhaps due to the infilling of porosity by roots. However, the soil in planted treatments subsided significantly less than in unplanted controls. Measurements from Surface Elevation Tables (SETs) indicated that local high marshes have been losing elevation relative to sea level at an average rate of 2.1 mm/year. The rate of vertical gain decreased at SET locations of greater marsh elevation, and high marshes did not keep pace with SLR even when sediment supply appeared to be high (TSS = 57 ± 7 mg/L). The high marsh accretion deficit, combined with a continuing trend of reduced belowground growth with increased flooding due to SLR, suggests that S. alterniflora will replace less flood-tolerant species over time, potentially causing loss of high marsh habitat.
2017
Raposa, KB; Lerberg, S; Cornu, C; Fear, J; Garfield, N; Peter, CR; Weber, RLJ; Moore, GE; Burdick, DM; Dionne, M
In: Estuaries and Coasts, vol. 41, iss. 1, pp. 36–51, 2017.
@article{26105,
title = {Evaluating tidal wetland restoration performance using National Estuarine Research Reserve System reference sites and the Restoration Performance Index (RPI)},
author = {KB Raposa and S Lerberg and C Cornu and J Fear and N Garfield and CR Peter and RLJ Weber and GE Moore and DM Burdick and M Dionne},
doi = {10.1007/s12237-017-0220-7},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-03-15},
urldate = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Estuaries and Coasts},
volume = {41},
issue = {1},
pages = {36–51},
abstract = {Evaluations of tidal wetland restoration efforts suffer from a lack of appropriate reference sites and standardized methods among projects. To help address these issues, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) and the NOAA Restoration Center engaged in a partnership to monitor ecological responses and evaluate 17 tidal wetland restoration projects associated with five reserves. The goals of this study were to (1) determine the level of restoration achieved at each project using the restoration performance index (RPI), which compares change in parameters over time between reference and restoration sites, (2) compare hydrologic and excavation restoration projects using the RPI, (3) identify key indicator parameters for assessing restoration effectiveness, and (4) evaluate the value of the NERRS as reference sites for local restoration projects. We found that the RPI, modified for this study, was an effective tool for evaluating relative differences in restoration performance; most projects achieved an intermediate level of restoration from 2008 to 2010, and two sites became very similar to their paired reference sites, indicating that the restoration efforts were highly effective. There were no differences in RPI scores between hydrologic and excavation restoration project types. Two abiotic parameters (marsh platform elevation and groundwater level) were significantly correlated with vegetation community structure and thus can potentially influence restoration performance. Our results highlight the value of the NERRS as reference sites for assessing tidal wetland restoration projects and provide improved guidance for scientists and restoration practitioners by highlighting the RPI as a trajectory analysis tool and identifying key monitoring parameters.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Evaluations of tidal wetland restoration efforts suffer from a lack of appropriate reference sites and standardized methods among projects. To help address these issues, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) and the NOAA Restoration Center engaged in a partnership to monitor ecological responses and evaluate 17 tidal wetland restoration projects associated with five reserves. The goals of this study were to (1) determine the level of restoration achieved at each project using the restoration performance index (RPI), which compares change in parameters over time between reference and restoration sites, (2) compare hydrologic and excavation restoration projects using the RPI, (3) identify key indicator parameters for assessing restoration effectiveness, and (4) evaluate the value of the NERRS as reference sites for local restoration projects. We found that the RPI, modified for this study, was an effective tool for evaluating relative differences in restoration performance; most projects achieved an intermediate level of restoration from 2008 to 2010, and two sites became very similar to their paired reference sites, indicating that the restoration efforts were highly effective. There were no differences in RPI scores between hydrologic and excavation restoration project types. Two abiotic parameters (marsh platform elevation and groundwater level) were significantly correlated with vegetation community structure and thus can potentially influence restoration performance. Our results highlight the value of the NERRS as reference sites for assessing tidal wetland restoration projects and provide improved guidance for scientists and restoration practitioners by highlighting the RPI as a trajectory analysis tool and identifying key monitoring parameters.
2016
Short, FT; Kosten, S; Morgan, PA; Malone, S; Moore, GE
Impacts of climate change on submerged and emergent wetland plants Journal Article
In: Aquatic Botany, vol. 135, pp. 3-17, 2016.
@article{26104,
title = {Impacts of climate change on submerged and emergent wetland plants},
author = {FT Short and S Kosten and PA Morgan and S Malone and GE Moore},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquabot.2016.06.006},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-06-16},
urldate = {2016-06-16},
journal = {Aquatic Botany},
volume = {135},
pages = {3-17},
abstract = {Submerged and emergent wetland plant communities are evaluated for their response to global climate change (GCC), focusing on seagrasses, submerged freshwater plants, tidal marsh plants, freshwater marsh plants and mangroves. Similarities and differences are assessed in plant community responses to temperature increase, CO2 increase, greater UV-B exposure, sea level rise and other expected environmental alterations associated with GCC. Responses to most climate change variables are more similar within submerged plant communities, marine or freshwater, than between submerged vs. emergent plant communities. The submerged plants are most affected by temperature increases and indirect impacts on water clarity. Emergent plant communities (marshes and mangroves) respond most directly to climate change related hydrological alterations. Wetland plant communities overall appear to be adversely impacted by all climate change variables, with the exception of increased CO2 in the atmosphere and the oceans, which in most cases increases photosynthesis. Effects of GCC on all these communities have already been seen with many others predicted, including: shifts in species composition, shifts in range and distribution, and declines in plant species richness. Other effects are associated with specific community types, e.g., salt marsh habitat lost to mangrove incursion, and decreases in submerged macrophyte coverage in lakes and estuaries, exacerbated by eutrophication. Sea level rise poses threats to all aquatic plant community types in the vicinity of the oceans, and changes in weather patterns and salinity will affect many. Overall, losses are likely in all these wetland plant communities yet their species can adapt to GCC to some degree if well managed and protected.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Submerged and emergent wetland plant communities are evaluated for their response to global climate change (GCC), focusing on seagrasses, submerged freshwater plants, tidal marsh plants, freshwater marsh plants and mangroves. Similarities and differences are assessed in plant community responses to temperature increase, CO2 increase, greater UV-B exposure, sea level rise and other expected environmental alterations associated with GCC. Responses to most climate change variables are more similar within submerged plant communities, marine or freshwater, than between submerged vs. emergent plant communities. The submerged plants are most affected by temperature increases and indirect impacts on water clarity. Emergent plant communities (marshes and mangroves) respond most directly to climate change related hydrological alterations. Wetland plant communities overall appear to be adversely impacted by all climate change variables, with the exception of increased CO2 in the atmosphere and the oceans, which in most cases increases photosynthesis. Effects of GCC on all these communities have already been seen with many others predicted, including: shifts in species composition, shifts in range and distribution, and declines in plant species richness. Other effects are associated with specific community types, e.g., salt marsh habitat lost to mangrove incursion, and decreases in submerged macrophyte coverage in lakes and estuaries, exacerbated by eutrophication. Sea level rise poses threats to all aquatic plant community types in the vicinity of the oceans, and changes in weather patterns and salinity will affect many. Overall, losses are likely in all these wetland plant communities yet their species can adapt to GCC to some degree if well managed and protected.
2015
Moore, GE; Grizzle, RE; Ward, KM; Alshihi, RM
Distribution, pore water chemistry and stand characteristics of the mangroves of the United Arab Emirates Journal Article
In: Journal of Coastal Research, vol. 31, iss. 4, pp. 957-963, 2015.
@article{26103,
title = {Distribution, pore water chemistry and stand characteristics of the mangroves of the United Arab Emirates},
author = {GE Moore and RE Grizzle and KM Ward and RM Alshihi},
doi = {/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-14-00142.1},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-07-01},
urldate = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Coastal Research},
volume = {31},
issue = {4},
pages = {957-963},
abstract = {Mangroves are the dominant coastal vegetation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), occupying one of the driest mangrove habitats in the world. However, published estimates of mangroves do not represent current conditions for the country as a whole. This study provides an up-to-date estimate of UAE’s mangroves, summarizing their habitat characteristics, stand heights, and pore-water conditions. Estimates of mangrove cover are based upon remote sensing, aerial photointerpretation, and field verification. Our results document more mangroves than previously estimated for Abu Dhabi and the nation altogether. Mapped areas were classified into three descriptive density cover classes to facilitate interpretation of the data: low (<10%), moderate (10–75%), and high (>75%). The high-density class reflects prior national estimates for mangrove coverage (roughly 3613 ha), while moderate- and low-density classes contributed an additional 5659 ha and 4344 ha (respectively) to the national total. The largest contiguous mangrove area was 710 ha, while the smallest mapped area was 0.03 ha. Mapped mangrove habitat types included fringe, basin, and overwash, with average heights of 3.36 ± 0.25 m and density of 61.83% ± 5.01%. Stand height and pore-water sulfide concentrations were significantly different between habitat types, while stand density, pore-water salinity, and redox potential were highly variable. In sum, approximately 13,616 ha of mangrove area was mapped, roughly three times more than prior estimates. This is the first study in recent years to document the full areal extent of mangroves and associated stand characteristics across the seven emirates.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mangroves are the dominant coastal vegetation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), occupying one of the driest mangrove habitats in the world. However, published estimates of mangroves do not represent current conditions for the country as a whole. This study provides an up-to-date estimate of UAE’s mangroves, summarizing their habitat characteristics, stand heights, and pore-water conditions. Estimates of mangrove cover are based upon remote sensing, aerial photointerpretation, and field verification. Our results document more mangroves than previously estimated for Abu Dhabi and the nation altogether. Mapped areas were classified into three descriptive density cover classes to facilitate interpretation of the data: low (<10%), moderate (10–75%), and high (>75%). The high-density class reflects prior national estimates for mangrove coverage (roughly 3613 ha), while moderate- and low-density classes contributed an additional 5659 ha and 4344 ha (respectively) to the national total. The largest contiguous mangrove area was 710 ha, while the smallest mapped area was 0.03 ha. Mapped mangrove habitat types included fringe, basin, and overwash, with average heights of 3.36 ± 0.25 m and density of 61.83% ± 5.01%. Stand height and pore-water sulfide concentrations were significantly different between habitat types, while stand density, pore-water salinity, and redox potential were highly variable. In sum, approximately 13,616 ha of mangrove area was mapped, roughly three times more than prior estimates. This is the first study in recent years to document the full areal extent of mangroves and associated stand characteristics across the seven emirates.
Moore, GE; Gilmer, BF; Schill, SR
Distribution of mangrove habitats of Grenada and the Grenadines Journal Article
In: Journal of Coastal Research, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 155-162, 2015.
@article{26102,
title = {Distribution of mangrove habitats of Grenada and the Grenadines},
author = {GE Moore and BF Gilmer and SR Schill},
doi = {10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-13-00187.1},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
urldate = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Coastal Research},
volume = {31},
number = {1},
pages = {155-162},
abstract = {Mangroves of Grenada and the Grenadines represent significant habitat within the regional context of the Eastern Caribbean. Losses of mangroves through storms, development, and climate change have negative impacts on critical ecosystem services. Estimates of mangrove area exist in the literature but do not fully reflect current conditions, effects of disturbance, and results of recovery; they also do not differentiate these areas by community types. Advances in imagery and remote sensing approaches allow higher-resolution resource mapping. We used remote sensing, image interpretation, and field verification techniques to provide current estimates of the extent and distribution of mangroves. Our results provide the greatest areal total of mangroves to date. Despite loss of mangroves in the recent past, we accounted for approximately 15% more hectares than estimated in the 1990s and 28% more than predicted by hypothetical models for 2005. The discrepancies between prior and current mapped areas are likely due to differences in mapping precision and incomplete surveys that omitted the smaller Grenadine islands but also reflect actual increases in cover from natural recovery and recruitment following historic storm events. Basin mangroves represented the greatest area, while riverine and scrub contributed the least. Fringe mangroves were moderately abundant but were composed of small, isolated patches with high vulnerability to coastal storms and limited opportunity for inland retreat. Documenting the presence and distribution of mangroves, and specifically mangrove community types, will be of value to conservation, restoration, and management planning in light of predicted sea level rise and climate change effects.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mangroves of Grenada and the Grenadines represent significant habitat within the regional context of the Eastern Caribbean. Losses of mangroves through storms, development, and climate change have negative impacts on critical ecosystem services. Estimates of mangrove area exist in the literature but do not fully reflect current conditions, effects of disturbance, and results of recovery; they also do not differentiate these areas by community types. Advances in imagery and remote sensing approaches allow higher-resolution resource mapping. We used remote sensing, image interpretation, and field verification techniques to provide current estimates of the extent and distribution of mangroves. Our results provide the greatest areal total of mangroves to date. Despite loss of mangroves in the recent past, we accounted for approximately 15% more hectares than estimated in the 1990s and 28% more than predicted by hypothetical models for 2005. The discrepancies between prior and current mapped areas are likely due to differences in mapping precision and incomplete surveys that omitted the smaller Grenadine islands but also reflect actual increases in cover from natural recovery and recruitment following historic storm events. Basin mangroves represented the greatest area, while riverine and scrub contributed the least. Fringe mangroves were moderately abundant but were composed of small, isolated patches with high vulnerability to coastal storms and limited opportunity for inland retreat. Documenting the presence and distribution of mangroves, and specifically mangrove community types, will be of value to conservation, restoration, and management planning in light of predicted sea level rise and climate change effects.
2013
Nichols, WF; Moore, GE; Ritter, NP; Peter, CR
A globally rare coastal salt pond marsh system at Odiorne Point State Park, Rye, New Hampshire Journal Article
In: Rhodora, vol. 115, iss. 961, pp. 1-27, 2013.
@article{26101,
title = {A globally rare coastal salt pond marsh system at Odiorne Point State Park, Rye, New Hampshire},
author = {WF Nichols and GE Moore and NP Ritter and CR Peter},
doi = {10.3119/12-09},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-22},
urldate = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Rhodora},
volume = {115},
issue = {961},
pages = {1-27},
abstract = {Vegetation patterns in the coastal salt pond marsh system at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, the state's only viable example, are described based on recent surveys and historical data. Four natural communities occur within the system: coastal salt pond flat, coastal salt pond emergent marsh, coastal salt pond meadow marsh, and highbush blueberry–winterberry shrub thicket. The first three communities are newly described in New Hampshire and the northeastern US coastline. A total of 69 native or naturalized vascular plant taxa from 54 genera and 33 families have been documented in the system at Odiorne Point between 1967 and 2011. The families best represented were Cyperaceae (10 taxa), Poaceae (9 taxa), and Asteraceae (6 taxa); the largest genera were Eleocharis (4 taxa), Hypericum (4 taxa), and Agrostis (3 taxa). In 2011, only 35 of the 69 plant taxa were documented; a difference that can be attributed, at least partially, to the variable nature of hydrologic and salinity influences on the system. Of the 69 plant taxa, three are rare in New Hampshire and five are both non-native and invasive in the state and region. The uncertainty of the nativity status of Typha angustifolia, the dominant species in the marsh, has significant implications for future management decisions. Measurement of surface and pore water salinity in late summer of 2011 revealed essentially fresh water conditions at the surface (1.1 ± 0.5 ppt SE), whereas pore water occurring 10 cm and 40 cm below the soil surface was mesohaline (5.8 ± 1.8 and 8.1 ± 1.8 ppt SE, respectively). Mean pore water salinity differed significantly among the natural communities examined, suggesting that hydrology and salinity influence species composition and distribution within coastal salt pond marsh systems. This globally rare system, distributed from Maine to New Jersey, shares similar dominant species across its range, although some of the state rare species it supports differ along a latitudinal gradient.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Vegetation patterns in the coastal salt pond marsh system at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, the state's only viable example, are described based on recent surveys and historical data. Four natural communities occur within the system: coastal salt pond flat, coastal salt pond emergent marsh, coastal salt pond meadow marsh, and highbush blueberry–winterberry shrub thicket. The first three communities are newly described in New Hampshire and the northeastern US coastline. A total of 69 native or naturalized vascular plant taxa from 54 genera and 33 families have been documented in the system at Odiorne Point between 1967 and 2011. The families best represented were Cyperaceae (10 taxa), Poaceae (9 taxa), and Asteraceae (6 taxa); the largest genera were Eleocharis (4 taxa), Hypericum (4 taxa), and Agrostis (3 taxa). In 2011, only 35 of the 69 plant taxa were documented; a difference that can be attributed, at least partially, to the variable nature of hydrologic and salinity influences on the system. Of the 69 plant taxa, three are rare in New Hampshire and five are both non-native and invasive in the state and region. The uncertainty of the nativity status of Typha angustifolia, the dominant species in the marsh, has significant implications for future management decisions. Measurement of surface and pore water salinity in late summer of 2011 revealed essentially fresh water conditions at the surface (1.1 ± 0.5 ppt SE), whereas pore water occurring 10 cm and 40 cm below the soil surface was mesohaline (5.8 ± 1.8 and 8.1 ± 1.8 ppt SE, respectively). Mean pore water salinity differed significantly among the natural communities examined, suggesting that hydrology and salinity influence species composition and distribution within coastal salt pond marsh systems. This globally rare system, distributed from Maine to New Jersey, shares similar dominant species across its range, although some of the state rare species it supports differ along a latitudinal gradient.
Knowles, JE; Billingy, H; Margles, SW; Agostini, VN; Gilmer, B; Roth, L; Castaño, J; Schill, SR; Moore, GE
Victoria, BC, 2013.
@proceedings{26100,
title = {Ecosystem based adaptation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies: changing perception and supporting decisions},
author = {JE Knowles and H Billingy and SW Margles and VN Agostini and B Gilmer and L Roth and J Casta{ñ}o and SR Schill and GE Moore},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272791490_Ecosystem_based_adaptation_in_St_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines_West_Indies_changing_perception_and_supporting_decisions},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
urldate = {2013-01-01},
journal = {11th International Symposium for GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zones Management},
address = {Victoria, BC},
abstract = {Small islands are adapting to inundation from storm surge and sea level rise by largely choosing strategies that include shoreline hardening which can handicap and exclude natural communities. Incorporating nature based solutions to mitigate inundation impacts on human communities is termed Ecosystem Based Adaptation. The Nature Conservancy is working to reduce vulnerabilities from inundation by changing perceptions about shoreline hardening that include nature based solutions. With help from the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, we are demonstrating how this can be done with tropical island habitats. Raising awareness and supporting decisions to reduce vulnerability has been facilitated by the use of three geographic based decision support tools; open source GIS software training of government employees and community leaders, participatory 3D mapping and interactive web mapping. The result of this work has impacted perceptions by providing creative ways to visualize inundation scenarios.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Small islands are adapting to inundation from storm surge and sea level rise by largely choosing strategies that include shoreline hardening which can handicap and exclude natural communities. Incorporating nature based solutions to mitigate inundation impacts on human communities is termed Ecosystem Based Adaptation. The Nature Conservancy is working to reduce vulnerabilities from inundation by changing perceptions about shoreline hardening that include nature based solutions. With help from the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, we are demonstrating how this can be done with tropical island habitats. Raising awareness and supporting decisions to reduce vulnerability has been facilitated by the use of three geographic based decision support tools; open source GIS software training of government employees and community leaders, participatory 3D mapping and interactive web mapping. The result of this work has impacted perceptions by providing creative ways to visualize inundation scenarios.
2012
Moore, GE; Burdick, DM; Peter, CR; Keirstead, DR
Belowground biomass of Phragmites australis in coastal marshes Journal Article
In: Northeastern Naturalist, vol. 19, iss. 4, pp. 611-626, 2012.
@article{26098,
title = {Belowground biomass of Phragmites australis in coastal marshes},
author = {GE Moore and DM Burdick and CR Peter and DR Keirstead},
doi = {10.1656/045.019.0406},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-12-01},
urldate = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Northeastern Naturalist},
volume = {19},
issue = {4},
pages = {611-626},
abstract = {The distribution of below ground biomass within monotypic stands of invasive Phragmites australis (Common Reed) was documented from a series of oligo-, meso-, and polyhaline coastal marshes in New Hampshire. Soil profiles were described, and live biomass was documented growing to a maximum depth of 95 cm for roots and 85 cm for rhizomes. Our data show that invasive P. australis utilizes a greater depth range than native graminoids (90% within the top 70 cm and top 20 cm, respectively). We corroborate prior anecdotal observations and provide further evidence illustrating the potential for this invasive plant to access resources (i.e., water and nutrients) at depths greater than the native species with which it competes.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The distribution of below ground biomass within monotypic stands of invasive Phragmites australis (Common Reed) was documented from a series of oligo-, meso-, and polyhaline coastal marshes in New Hampshire. Soil profiles were described, and live biomass was documented growing to a maximum depth of 95 cm for roots and 85 cm for rhizomes. Our data show that invasive P. australis utilizes a greater depth range than native graminoids (90% within the top 70 cm and top 20 cm, respectively). We corroborate prior anecdotal observations and provide further evidence illustrating the potential for this invasive plant to access resources (i.e., water and nutrients) at depths greater than the native species with which it competes.
Chmura, GL; Burdick, DM; Moore, GE
Recovering salt marsh ecosystem services through tidal restoration Book Chapter
In: Tidal Salt Marsh Restoration: A Synthesis of Science and Practice, Chapter 15, pp. 233-251, Island Press, 2012.
@inbook{26096,
title = {Recovering salt marsh ecosystem services through tidal restoration},
author = {GL Chmura and DM Burdick and GE Moore},
doi = {10.5822/978-1-61091-229-7_15},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-08-07},
booktitle = {Tidal Salt Marsh Restoration: A Synthesis of Science and Practice},
pages = {233-251},
publisher = {Island Press},
chapter = {15},
organization = {Island Press},
abstract = {Some would maintain that conservation and restoration activities are justified on ethical grounds alone (see review by Brennan and Lo 2008). However, demonstration of the economic benefit of ecosystems can help drive social and governmental support for conservation; and restoration and economic limitations could force choices among restoration activities. To aid decision making we need to estimate the values that restored ecosystems will provide for society. But defining these values remains a significant challenge, particularly within the context of restoration in which functions have been impaired and may contribute only incremental services over the varying course of the restoration process. Nonetheless, wetlands have direct and indirect economic value to local communities, and they provide services that benefit society as a whole. The term “ecosystem services” encompasses benefits that have direct economic value and those that have indirect public benefits. Evaluating and quantifying ecosystem services is a challenge regardless of the system status: natural, disturbed, or in various stages of restoration.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Some would maintain that conservation and restoration activities are justified on ethical grounds alone (see review by Brennan and Lo 2008). However, demonstration of the economic benefit of ecosystems can help drive social and governmental support for conservation; and restoration and economic limitations could force choices among restoration activities. To aid decision making we need to estimate the values that restored ecosystems will provide for society. But defining these values remains a significant challenge, particularly within the context of restoration in which functions have been impaired and may contribute only incremental services over the varying course of the restoration process. Nonetheless, wetlands have direct and indirect economic value to local communities, and they provide services that benefit society as a whole. The term “ecosystem services” encompasses benefits that have direct economic value and those that have indirect public benefits. Evaluating and quantifying ecosystem services is a challenge regardless of the system status: natural, disturbed, or in various stages of restoration.
2011
Moore, GE; Burdick, DM; Peter, CR; Keirstead, DR
Mapping pore water salinity of tidal marsh habitats using electromagnetic induction in Great Bay Estuary, USA Journal Article
In: Wetlands, vol. 31, pp. 309–318, 2011.
@article{26095,
title = {Mapping pore water salinity of tidal marsh habitats using electromagnetic induction in Great Bay Estuary, USA},
author = {GE Moore and DM Burdick and CR Peter and DR Keirstead},
doi = {10.1007/s13157-010-0144-5},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-16},
urldate = {2011-01-16},
journal = {Wetlands},
volume = {31},
pages = {309–318},
abstract = {Electromagnetic induction was used to measure apparent conductivity of soil pore water within 15 oligohaline to polyhaline tidal marshes of the Great Bay Estuary in New Hampshire, USA. The instrument was linked to a differential global positioning system via a hand-held field computer to geo-reference data. Apparent conductivity was converted to salinity using a regression derived from field data, and mapped to illustrate spatial salinity gradients throughout the marshes. Plant communities occurring at the study sites included native low marsh, high marsh, and brackish tidal riverbank marsh, as well as communities dominated by native and non-native common reed, Phragmites australis. Results revealed mean salinity values were significantly different between each of the community categories sampled within the Estuary. Due to management concerns over expansion of Phragmites within the Estuary, we mapped the salinity range for this community and provided graphic and numerical estimates of potential Phragmites habitat based on salinity alone (26% of the total acreage surveyed). Electromagnetic induction is an efficient tool for rapid reconnaissance of apparent conductivity and salinity gradients in tidal marsh soils that can be superimposed on aerial imagery to estimate suitable habitat for restoration or invasive control based on salinity ranges.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Electromagnetic induction was used to measure apparent conductivity of soil pore water within 15 oligohaline to polyhaline tidal marshes of the Great Bay Estuary in New Hampshire, USA. The instrument was linked to a differential global positioning system via a hand-held field computer to geo-reference data. Apparent conductivity was converted to salinity using a regression derived from field data, and mapped to illustrate spatial salinity gradients throughout the marshes. Plant communities occurring at the study sites included native low marsh, high marsh, and brackish tidal riverbank marsh, as well as communities dominated by native and non-native common reed, Phragmites australis. Results revealed mean salinity values were significantly different between each of the community categories sampled within the Estuary. Due to management concerns over expansion of Phragmites within the Estuary, we mapped the salinity range for this community and provided graphic and numerical estimates of potential Phragmites habitat based on salinity alone (26% of the total acreage surveyed). Electromagnetic induction is an efficient tool for rapid reconnaissance of apparent conductivity and salinity gradients in tidal marsh soils that can be superimposed on aerial imagery to estimate suitable habitat for restoration or invasive control based on salinity ranges.
2010
Mathieson, AC; Moore, GE; Short, FT
A floristic comparison of seaweeds from James Bay, eastern Canadian Arctic and eight other northwest Atlantic areas Journal Article
In: Rhodora, vol. 112, iss. 952, pp. 396-434, 2010.
@article{26094,
title = {A floristic comparison of seaweeds from James Bay, eastern Canadian Arctic and eight other northwest Atlantic areas},
author = {AC Mathieson and GE Moore and FT Short},
doi = {10.3119/09-12.1},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-10-01},
urldate = {2010-10-01},
journal = {Rhodora},
volume = {112},
issue = {952},
pages = {396-434},
abstract = {The seaweed flora from James Bay, Canada is compared with three contiguous northeastern Canadian Arctic areas (Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, and the Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area extending northward to the Arctic Ocean). A conspicuous reduction pattern was evident with 131 taxa recorded for the Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area, 106 for Hudson Strait, 81 from Hudson Bay, and 44 in James Bay. The Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area has a more rocky open coastal environment and higher salinities than James Bay, which is more highly sedimented and impacted by hydroelectric development and freshwater discharge. The Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area (32–30.5%) has a higher mean number of shared taxa (90.0 ± 18.4 SE) than James Bay (37.6 ± 2.7 SE), while Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay have intermediate values of 78 ± 14.1 SE and 64 ± 9.2 SE, respectively. The combined flora from the four areas consists of 164 taxa, including 49 red, 65 brown, 1 chrysophyte, and 49 green algae. Fifty of these total taxa (31%) were only found in one area, with 25 occurring between Ellesmere Island and Baffin Island, 13 within the Strait proper, and 6 in both Hudson and James Bays. Strong habitat and salinity gradients, as well as the great distances between collection sites and the haphazard nature of collections may have contributed to these restrictive patterns. Cheney’s (1977) floristic ratio documents that all four geographies (including their composite flora) have cold water floras. Four new distributional records are documented from James Bay: Chaetomorpha minima, Elachista fucicola, Phyllophora pseudoceranoides, and Spyridia filamentosa. The cryptogenic taxon Spyridia, which has unclear origins, is a warm-water disjunct in the northwestern Atlantic previously known only from one site in Nova Scotia and a few locations in southern Maine/New Hampshire but mostly south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A single introduced species (Dumontia contorta from Europe) is recorded from James Bay and the Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area, while none are documented from the other areas.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The seaweed flora from James Bay, Canada is compared with three contiguous northeastern Canadian Arctic areas (Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, and the Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area extending northward to the Arctic Ocean). A conspicuous reduction pattern was evident with 131 taxa recorded for the Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area, 106 for Hudson Strait, 81 from Hudson Bay, and 44 in James Bay. The Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area has a more rocky open coastal environment and higher salinities than James Bay, which is more highly sedimented and impacted by hydroelectric development and freshwater discharge. The Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area (32–30.5%) has a higher mean number of shared taxa (90.0 ± 18.4 SE) than James Bay (37.6 ± 2.7 SE), while Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay have intermediate values of 78 ± 14.1 SE and 64 ± 9.2 SE, respectively. The combined flora from the four areas consists of 164 taxa, including 49 red, 65 brown, 1 chrysophyte, and 49 green algae. Fifty of these total taxa (31%) were only found in one area, with 25 occurring between Ellesmere Island and Baffin Island, 13 within the Strait proper, and 6 in both Hudson and James Bays. Strong habitat and salinity gradients, as well as the great distances between collection sites and the haphazard nature of collections may have contributed to these restrictive patterns. Cheney’s (1977) floristic ratio documents that all four geographies (including their composite flora) have cold water floras. Four new distributional records are documented from James Bay: Chaetomorpha minima, Elachista fucicola, Phyllophora pseudoceranoides, and Spyridia filamentosa. The cryptogenic taxon Spyridia, which has unclear origins, is a warm-water disjunct in the northwestern Atlantic previously known only from one site in Nova Scotia and a few locations in southern Maine/New Hampshire but mostly south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A single introduced species (Dumontia contorta from Europe) is recorded from James Bay and the Ellesmere-Baffin Islands area, while none are documented from the other areas.
Short, FT; Moore, GE; Peyton, KA
Halophila ovalis in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean Journal Article
In: Aquatic Botany, vol. 93, iss. 3, pp. 141-146, 2010.
@article{26093,
title = {Halophila ovalis in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean},
author = {FT Short and GE Moore and KA Peyton},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquabot.2010.05.001},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-10-01},
urldate = {2010-10-01},
journal = {Aquatic Botany},
volume = {93},
issue = {3},
pages = {141-146},
abstract = {A species of seagrass in the genus Halophila was found growing in a shallow lagoon on the west shore of Antigua in the Caribbean West Indies. Genetic analysis showed the plants were Halophila ovalis. In addition, the samples had no genetic deviation (using nrDNA sequences) from Halophila johnsonii, considered to be an endemic and endangered species in Florida, USA. Morphological analysis demonstrated the Antiguan Halophila to be well within the range of plant characteristics previously described in the literature for H. ovalis, except for leaf width and number of seeds per fruit, and again, not different from H. johnsonii and very closely related to H. ovalis from the Indo-Pacific. Ours is the first report of H. ovalis in the Tropical Atlantic bioregion.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A species of seagrass in the genus Halophila was found growing in a shallow lagoon on the west shore of Antigua in the Caribbean West Indies. Genetic analysis showed the plants were Halophila ovalis. In addition, the samples had no genetic deviation (using nrDNA sequences) from Halophila johnsonii, considered to be an endemic and endangered species in Florida, USA. Morphological analysis demonstrated the Antiguan Halophila to be well within the range of plant characteristics previously described in the literature for H. ovalis, except for leaf width and number of seeds per fruit, and again, not different from H. johnsonii and very closely related to H. ovalis from the Indo-Pacific. Ours is the first report of H. ovalis in the Tropical Atlantic bioregion.
Polidoro, BA; Moore, GE; Carpenter, KE; Collins, L; Duke, NC; Ellison, AM; Ellison, JC; Farnsworth, EJ; Fernando, ES; Kathiresan, K; Koedam, NE; Livingstone, SR; Miyagi, T; Nam, VN; Ong, JE; Primavera, JH; Salmo_III, SG; Sanciangco, JC; Sukardjo, S; Wang, Y; Yong, JWH
The loss of species: Mangrove extinction risk and failure of critical ecosystem services Journal Article
In: PLoS One, vol. 5, iss. 4, pp. e10095, 2010.
@article{26092,
title = {The loss of species: Mangrove extinction risk and failure of critical ecosystem services},
author = {BA Polidoro and GE Moore and KE Carpenter and L Collins and NC Duke and AM Ellison and JC Ellison and EJ Farnsworth and ES Fernando and K Kathiresan and NE Koedam and SR Livingstone and T Miyagi and VN Nam and JE Ong and JH Primavera and SG Salmo_III and JC Sanciangco and S Sukardjo and Y Wang and JWH Yong},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0010095},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-04-08},
urldate = {2010-04-08},
journal = {PLoS One},
volume = {5},
issue = {4},
pages = {e10095},
abstract = {Mangrove species are uniquely adapted to tropical and subtropical coasts, and although relatively low in number of species, mangrove forests provide at least US $1.6 billion each year in ecosystem services and support coastal livelihoods worldwide. Globally, mangrove areas are declining rapidly as they are cleared for coastal development and aquaculture and logged for timber and fuel production. Little is known about the effects of mangrove area loss on individual mangrove species and local or regional populations. To address this gap, species-specific information on global distribution, population status, life history traits, and major threats were compiled for each of the 70 known species of mangroves. Each species’ probability of extinction was assessed under the Categories and Criteria of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Eleven of the 70 mangrove species (16%) are at elevated threat of extinction. Particular areas of geographical concern include the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America, where as many as 40% of mangroves species present are threatened with extinction. Across the globe, mangrove species found primarily in the high intertidal and upstream estuarine zones, which often have specific freshwater requirements and patchy distributions, are the most threatened because they are often the first cleared for development of aquaculture and agriculture. The loss of mangrove species will have devastating economic and environmental consequences for coastal communities, especially in those areas with low mangrove diversity and high mangrove area or species loss. Several species at high risk of extinction may disappear well before the next decade if existing protective measures are not enforced.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mangrove species are uniquely adapted to tropical and subtropical coasts, and although relatively low in number of species, mangrove forests provide at least US $1.6 billion each year in ecosystem services and support coastal livelihoods worldwide. Globally, mangrove areas are declining rapidly as they are cleared for coastal development and aquaculture and logged for timber and fuel production. Little is known about the effects of mangrove area loss on individual mangrove species and local or regional populations. To address this gap, species-specific information on global distribution, population status, life history traits, and major threats were compiled for each of the 70 known species of mangroves. Each species’ probability of extinction was assessed under the Categories and Criteria of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Eleven of the 70 mangrove species (16%) are at elevated threat of extinction. Particular areas of geographical concern include the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America, where as many as 40% of mangroves species present are threatened with extinction. Across the globe, mangrove species found primarily in the high intertidal and upstream estuarine zones, which often have specific freshwater requirements and patchy distributions, are the most threatened because they are often the first cleared for development of aquaculture and agriculture. The loss of mangrove species will have devastating economic and environmental consequences for coastal communities, especially in those areas with low mangrove diversity and high mangrove area or species loss. Several species at high risk of extinction may disappear well before the next decade if existing protective measures are not enforced.
2009
Moore, GE; Peter, CR; Burdick, DM; Keirstead, DR
Status of eastern grasswort, Lilaeopsis chinensis (L.) Kuntze in the Great Bay Estuary region, New Hampshire Journal Article
In: Rhodora, vol. 111, iss. 946, pp. 171-188, 2009.
@article{26091,
title = {Status of eastern grasswort, Lilaeopsis chinensis (L.) Kuntze in the Great Bay Estuary region, New Hampshire},
author = {GE Moore and CR Peter and DM Burdick and DR Keirstead},
doi = {10.3119/08-9.1},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-04-01},
urldate = {2009-04-01},
journal = {Rhodora},
volume = {111},
issue = {946},
pages = {171-188},
abstract = {A survey of oligohaline and mesohaline tidal marshes along the upper reaches of eight tidal rivers in the Great Bay Estuary of New Hampshire was conducted to document the occurrence of eastern grasswort, Lilaeopsis chinensis, a state-listed, rare species. Historical sites were visited to assess the presence, absence, or significant population changes of this rare coastal species. We re-located four of five historically documented element occurrences, noted the plant’s potential expansion on several rivers and a decline at three other sites, and identified a new occurrence on a river system with no prior documented accounts. The results suggest that overall, L. chinensis has been relatively stable for the last 60 years, although the loss of plants at three of the sites suggests it is threatened by continued development (dams and tidal restrictions) and associated impacts to water quality.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A survey of oligohaline and mesohaline tidal marshes along the upper reaches of eight tidal rivers in the Great Bay Estuary of New Hampshire was conducted to document the occurrence of eastern grasswort, Lilaeopsis chinensis, a state-listed, rare species. Historical sites were visited to assess the presence, absence, or significant population changes of this rare coastal species. We re-located four of five historically documented element occurrences, noted the plant’s potential expansion on several rivers and a decline at three other sites, and identified a new occurrence on a river system with no prior documented accounts. The results suggest that overall, L. chinensis has been relatively stable for the last 60 years, although the loss of plants at three of the sites suggests it is threatened by continued development (dams and tidal restrictions) and associated impacts to water quality.
Moore, GE; Burdick, DM; Peter, CR; Leonard-Duarte, A; Dionne, M
Regional Assessment of Tidal Marsh Restoration in New England using the Restoration Performance Index Technical Report
NOAA Restoration Center Gloucester, 2009.
@techreport{26097,
title = {Regional Assessment of Tidal Marsh Restoration in New England using the Restoration Performance Index},
author = {GE Moore and DM Burdick and CR Peter and A Leonard-Duarte and M Dionne},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
urldate = {2009-01-01},
address = {Gloucester},
institution = {NOAA Restoration Center},
howpublished = {Gloucester: NOAA Restoration Center},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {techreport}
}