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Ibrahim NF, Abd Hamid M, Mohd Akhir MF, Chuan Ong M, Wan Talaat WIA, Idris I. Seasonal benthic species composition linked to coastal defense structures (CDS) in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16203. [PMID: 38025728 PMCID: PMC10655723 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The natural hydrodynamic process of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, has changed since the extension of Sultan Mahmud Airport runway in 2008. Consequently, severe coastal erosion has occurred in the area, particularly during the northeast monsoon season (NEM). Numerous types of coastal defense structures (CDS) have been constructed to protect the coastline. Despite the loss of esthetic values, the effect of CDS construction on marine organisms in the area remains unknown. Hence, this study aims to assess the ecological aspects of macrobenthic compositions at the CDS area of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, based on the differences between the southwest (SWM) and northeast (NEM) monsoon seasons. Methods Macrobenthos were collected from the sediment in July (SWM) and December 2021 (NEM) using the Ponar grab at 12 substations from five sampling stations. Results The density of macrobenthos was higher in SWM (48,190.82 ind./m2) than in NEM (24,504.83 ind./m2), with phylum Mollusca recording the highest species composition (60-99.3%). The macrobenthos species had a low to moderate level of diversity (H' = 1.4-3.1) with the species were almost evenly distributed (J' = 0.2-0.8). Windward substations exhibited coarser grain sizes (38.56%-86.84%), whereas landward substations exhibited very fine grain sizes (44.26%-86.70%). The SWM season recorded a higher organic matter content (1.6%-6.33%) than the NEM season (0.4%-3.1%). However, metal concentrations in the surface sediment were within the safe range and permissible limits for both seasons, inferring that the macrobenthos composition was unaffected. Discussion This study demonstrated that the CDS associated with the monsoon system has controlled the hydrodynamics and nearshore sedimentary processes in the Kuala Nerus coastal zone, thereby affecting the macrobenthos population, in terms of richness and density. The ecological and energetic effects of the coastal structures in different seasons have resulted in a more significant result, with the SWM exhibiting a higher macrobenthos composition than the NEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Fazne Ibrahim
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Muzzalifah Abd Hamid
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Fadzil Mohd Akhir
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Meng Chuan Ong
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Wan Izatul Asma Wan Talaat
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Izwandy Idris
- South China Sea Repository and Reference Centre, Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Saengsupavanich C, Ariffin EH, Yun LS, Pereira DA. Environmental impact of submerged and emerged breakwaters. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12626. [PMID: 36619456 PMCID: PMC9813723 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coastlines are constantly threatened by erosion. Effective coastal defense structures with the least environmental impacts are increasingly required. Submerged and emerged breakwaters have been implemented globally, while positively or negatively creating impacts on the environment. One of the most significant concerns in applying breakwaters is how to minimize their undesirable consequences on the environment. Thus, a thorough understanding of how submerged and emerged breakwaters affect the surrounding environment must be achieved. This article critically reviews and summarizes their environmental impacts on beach morphology, hydrodynamics, ecology, tourism, and recreation, as well as other notable impacts. This is a review article that may help coastal practitioners to manage coastal erosion with breakwaters more sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherdvong Saengsupavanich
- Faculty of International Maritime Studies, Kasetsart University, Sri Racha Campus, 199 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Rd., Tungsukla, Sri Racha, Chonburi, 20230, Thailand
- Corresponding author.
| | - Effi Helmy Ariffin
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Lee Shin Yun
- Faculty of International Maritime Studies, Kasetsart University, Sri Racha Campus, 199 Moo 6 Sukhumvit Rd., Tungsukla, Sri Racha, Chonburi, 20230, Thailand
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Dunstan Anthony Pereira
- Coastal Management & Oceanography Research Centre, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
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Amato J, Alberti J, Martin S, Temple N, Sparks E, Cebrian J. Do small-scale saltmarsh planting living shoreline projects enhance coastal functionality? A case study in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:116025. [PMID: 36029632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human coastal occupation often leads to the degradation of the structural properties and environmental functions of natural coastlines. . Much research has been done on the cost-effectiveness of various living shorelines designs, however more work is needed for simple, small-scale designs that are typically adopted in waterfront residential or recreational properties. To contribute to this gap, we planted small-scale plots of black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) in two sites, one in a residential property and another one in a recreational property in the Northern Gulf of Mexico that experienced significant wave energy. Plots were planted at two different densities (50% or 100% initial cover) or left unplanted (controls) and, along with monitoring the evolution of the planted salt marsh, we measured a number of functional metrics including soil slope, abundance of nekton within and in front of the plots, and cover of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in front of the plots monthly over two years. In one of the sites plant cover decreased precipitously, and in the other site we did not observe any significant changes in plant cover over time (i.e. the initial 50% and 100% plantings remained at that level throughout the experiment) despite protecting the planted salt marsh with coir logs. We did not find any changes in soil slope or nekton abundance between planted and control plots. SAV growth was restrained in front of planted plots in relation to control plots, possibly due to deleterious impacts by the coir logs. Overall, the results suggest the protection against wave energy attained in this experiment is insufficient for adequate saltmarsh establishment and growth, thereby encountering decreasing or stationary plant density and no significant differences in soil slope or nekton abundance between planted and non-planted plots. Our results indicate the adoption of small-scale saltmarsh planting to reduce erosion and enhance coastal functionality needs to ensure that wave energy is sufficiently dampened for adequate saltmarsh growth and, concomitantly, the conceived saltmarsh protection mechanism does not negatively impact adjacent SAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Amato
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, LSCB 25, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA; Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, AL, 36528, USA
| | - Juan Alberti
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC). FCEyN. Universidad Nacional de Mar Del Plata-CONICET. CC 1260, Funes 3250, 7600, Mar Del Plata, Argentina
| | - Sara Martin
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS, 39532, USA; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, USA
| | - Nigel Temple
- WSP USA, 11 N Water Street, Mobile, AL, 36602, USA
| | - Eric Sparks
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS, 39532, USA; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, USA; Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Just Cebrian
- Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University, 1021 Balch Blvd, Stennis Space Center, MS, 39529, USA.
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Isdell RE, Bilkovic DM, Guthrie AG, Mitchell MM, Chambers RM, Leu M, Hershner C. Living shorelines achieve functional equivalence to natural fringe marshes across multiple ecological metrics. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11815. [PMID: 34447620 PMCID: PMC8366526 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature-based shoreline protection provides a welcome class of adaptations to promote ecological resilience in the face of climate change. Along coastlines, living shorelines are among the preferred adaptation strategies to both reduce erosion and provide ecological functions. As an alternative to shoreline armoring, living shorelines are viewed favorably among coastal managers and some private property owners, but they have yet to undergo a thorough examination of how their levels of ecosystem functions compare to their closest natural counterpart: fringing marshes. Here, we provide a synthesis of results from a multi-year, large-spatial-scale study in which we compared numerous ecological metrics (including habitat provision for fish, invertebrates, diamondback terrapin, and birds, nutrient and carbon storage, and plant productivity) measured in thirteen pairs of living shorelines and natural fringing marshes throughout coastal Virginia, USA. Living shorelines were composed of marshes created by bank grading, placement of sand fill for proper elevations, and planting of S. alterniflora and S. patens, as well as placement of a stone sill seaward and parallel to the marsh to serve as a wave break. Overall, we found that living shorelines were functionally equivalent to natural marshes in nearly all measured aspects, except for a lag in soil composition due to construction of living shoreline marshes with clean, low-organic sands. These data support the prioritization of living shorelines as a coastal adaptation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Isdell
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, United States of America
| | - Donna Marie Bilkovic
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, United States of America
| | - Amanda G Guthrie
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, United States of America
| | - Molly M Mitchell
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, United States of America
| | - Randolph M Chambers
- Biology Department, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America.,Keck Environmental Laboratory, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Matthias Leu
- Biology Department, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Carl Hershner
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, United States of America
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Biodegradable Material for Oyster Reef Restoration: First-Year Performance and Biogeochemical Considerations in a Coastal Lagoon. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13137415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oyster reef restoration efforts increasingly consider not only oyster recruitment, but also the recovery of ecological functions and the prevention of deploying harmful plastics. This study investigated the efficacy of a biodegradable plastic-alternative, BESE-elements®, in supporting oyster reef restoration in east-central Florida (USA) with consideration for how this material also influences biogeochemistry. Four experiments (two laboratory, two field-based) were conducted to evaluate the ability of BESE to serve as a microbial substrate, release nutrients, support oyster recruitment and the development of sediment biogeochemical properties on restored reefs, and degrade under field conditions. The results indicated BESE is as successful as traditional plastic in supporting initial reef development. In the lab, BESE accelerated short-term (10-day) sediment respiration rates 14-fold and released dissolved organic carbon, soluble reactive phosphorus, and nitrate to the surface water (71,156, 1980, and 87% increase, respectively) relative to without BESE, but these effects did not translate into measurable changes in reef sediment nutrient pools under field conditions. BESE lost 7–12% mass in the first year, resulting in a half-life of 4.4–6.7 years. Restoration practitioners should evaluate the biogeochemical properties of biodegradable materials prior to large-scale deployment and consider the fate of the restoration effort once the material degrades.
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Protecting Coastlines from Flooding in a Changing Climate: A Preliminary Experimental Study to Investigate a Sustainable Approach. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12092471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rising sea levels are causing more frequent flooding events in coastal areas and generate many issues for coastal communities such as loss of property or damages to infrastructures. To address this issue, this paper reviews measures currently in place and identifies possible control measures that can be implemented to aid preservation of coastlines in the future. Breakwaters present a unique opportunity to proactively address the impact of coastal flooding. However, there is currently a lack of research into combined hard and soft engineering techniques. To address the global need for developing sustainable solutions, three specific breakwater configurations were designed and experimentally compared in the hydraulic laboratory at Coventry University to assess their performance in reducing overtopping and the impact of waves, quantifying the effectiveness of each. The investigation confirmed that stepped configurations work effectively in high amplitudes waves, especially with the presence of a slope angle to aid wave reflection. These results provide a very valuable preliminary investigation into novel sustainable solutions incorporating both artificial and natural based strategies that could be considered by local and national authorities for the planning of future mitigation strategies to defend coastal areas from flooding and erosion.
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The Impact of Submerged Breakwaters on Sediment Distribution along Marsh Boundaries. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12041016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human encroachment and development on coastlines have led to greater amounts of armoring of shorelines. Breakwaters are a common feature along coastlines, which are used to dampen wave energy and protect shorelines from flash floods or overwash events. Although common, their effects on sediment transport and marsh geomorphology are poorly understood. To address this gap, our study quantifies the effects of breakwaters on sediment transport and marsh evolution under different wave regimes using Delft3D-SWAN, a dynamic geomorphodynamic numerical model. Model configurations used the same numerical domain, but scenarios had different sediments, waves, tides, basin slopes and breakwater distances from the shoreline to explore how waves and tidal currents shape coastal margins. Model results suggested breakwaters were responsible for an average wave damping between 10–50%, proportional to the significant wave height across all modeled scenarios. Shear stress at the beginning of the marsh and the volume of sediment deposited at the end of the simulation (into the marsh behind the breakwater) increased on average between 20–40%, proportional to the slope and distance of the breakwater from the shoreline. Sediment trapping, defined as the ratio between the volume of sediment housed into the salt marsh behind and away from the breakwater, was found to be less than 1 from most model runs. Study results indicated that breakwaters are advantageous for wave breaking to protect shorelines from the wave’s energy, however, they might also be an obstacle for sediment transport, negatively affecting nourishment processes, and, consequently, impeded long-term salt marsh survival. Identifying a balance between waves dampening and shoreline nourishment should be considered in the design and implementation of these structures.
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Kim JY, Yano T, Nakanishi R, Tagami H, Nishihiro J. Artificial wave breakers promote the establishment of alien aquatic plants in a shallow lake. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-01915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Burt JA, Bartholomew A. Towards more sustainable coastal development in the Arabian Gulf: Opportunities for ecological engineering in an urbanized seascape. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 142:93-102. [PMID: 31232353 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The coastlines of many Arabian cities are now dominated by structures such as seawalls, breakwaters and jetties as urbanization has expanded rapidly in the region. Coastal development has substantially degraded the mangrove forests, saltmarshes, seagrass meadows, oyster beds and coral reefs that traditionally provided invaluable ecosystem goods and services to coastal trading villages of the Arabian Gulf. Regional awareness of environmental issues is growing, however, and local governments are increasingly promoting more sustainable urban development. The use of ecological engineering approaches, along with improved environmental policies, may mitigate some past impacts, and will potentially create new development projects with greater ecological benefits for more sustainable growth in the future. In this paper, we discuss past coastal development in the Gulf, and offer advice on how ecological engineering could be used to enhance the ecological benefits of coastal infrastructure, particularly by encouraging the colonization of juvenile corals and fishes. Such approaches can encourage more sustainable development of this increasingly urbanized seascape.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Burt
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Aaron Bartholomew
- Gulf Environments Research Institute, American University of Sharjah, PO Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Josephs LI, Humphries AT. Identifying social factors that undermine support for nature-based coastal management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 212:32-38. [PMID: 29427939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.01.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Human use and degradation of coastal ecosystems is at an all-time high. Thus, a current challenge for environmental management and research is moving beyond ecological definitions of success and integrating socioeconomic factors. Projects and studies with this aim, however, have focused primarily on monetary valuations of ecosystem functions, overlooking the behaviors and psycho-social motivations of environmental management. Using a nature-based salt marsh restoration project on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, we assess the role of human attitudes and preferences in evaluating social success for ecosystem management. We use structural equation modeling to compare the strengths of social variables in predicting restoration project support, and find public understanding to be a more important predictor than personal values. Our results show that even among stakeholders with strong pro-environmental values, a weak understanding of the management initiative can undermine support. We also find that project support does not necessarily translate to the prioritization of similar management strategies. Instead, when individuals consider overall management priorities, differences arise between particular resource user-groups. This suggests that strong public support for individual initiatives can misconstrue complexities in stakeholder preferences that emerge in more comprehensive management considerations. Future investigations of the psycho-social components of management solutions should address the potentially tiered nature of human preferences, as well as whether public perceptions of management effectiveness act as an additional context-dependency of social viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren I Josephs
- Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Austin T Humphries
- Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA.
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Investing in Natural and Nature-Based Infrastructure: Building Better Along Our Coasts. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10020523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Much of the United States’ critical infrastructure is either aging or requires significant repair, leaving U.S. communities and the economy vulnerable. Outdated and dilapidated infrastructure places coastal communities, in particular, at risk from the increasingly frequent and intense coastal storm events and rising sea levels. Therefore, investments in coastal infrastructure are urgently needed to ensure community safety and prosperity; however, these investments should not jeopardize the ecosystems and natural resources that underlie economic wealth and human well-being. Over the past 50 years, efforts have been made to integrate built infrastructure with natural landscape features, often termed “green” infrastructure, in order to sustain and restore valuable ecosystem functions and services. For example, significant advances have been made in implementing green infrastructure approaches for stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and drinking water conservation and delivery. However, the implementation of natural and nature-based infrastructure (NNBI) aimed at flood prevention and coastal erosion protection is lagging. There is an opportunity now, as the U.S. government reacts to the recent, unprecedented flooding and hurricane damage and considers greater infrastructure investments, to incorporate NNBI into coastal infrastructure projects. Doing so will increase resilience and provide critical services to local communities in a cost-effective manner and thereby help to sustain a growing economy.
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La Peyre MK, Serra K, Joyner TA, Humphries A. Assessing shoreline exposure and oyster habitat suitability maximizes potential success for sustainable shoreline protection using restored oyster reefs. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1317. [PMID: 26500825 PMCID: PMC4614804 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oyster reefs provide valuable ecosystem services that contribute to coastal resilience. Unfortunately, many reefs have been degraded or removed completely, and there are increased efforts to restore oysters in many coastal areas. In particular, much attention has recently been given to the restoration of shellfish reefs along eroding shorelines to reduce erosion. Such fringing reef approaches, however, often lack empirical data to identify locations where reefs are most effective in reducing marsh erosion, or fully take into account habitat suitability. Using monitoring data from 5 separate fringing reef projects across coastal Louisiana, we quantify shoreline exposure (fetch + wind direction + wind speed) and reef impacts on shoreline retreat. Our results indicate that fringing oyster reefs have a higher impact on shoreline retreat at higher exposure shorelines. At higher exposures, fringing reefs reduced marsh edge erosion an average of 1.0 m y−1. Using these data, we identify ranges of shoreline exposure values where oyster reefs are most effective at reducing marsh edge erosion and apply this knowledge to a case study within one Louisiana estuary. In Breton Sound estuary, we calculate shoreline exposure at 500 random points and then overlay a habitat suitability index for oysters. This method and the resulting visualization show areas most likely to support sustainable oyster populations as well as significantly reduce shoreline erosion. Our results demonstrate how site selection criteria, which include shoreline exposure and habitat suitability, are critical to ensuring greater positive impacts and longevity of oyster reef restoration projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K La Peyre
- US Geological Survey, Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Renewable Natural Resources , Baton Rouge, LA , United States
| | - Kayla Serra
- Department of Geosciences, Geospatial Exploration Lab, East Tennessee State University , Johnson City, TN , United States
| | - T Andrew Joyner
- Department of Geosciences, Geospatial Exploration Lab, East Tennessee State University , Johnson City, TN , United States
| | - Austin Humphries
- Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, College of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island , Kingston, RI , United States
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