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Verutes GM, Yang PF, Eastman SF, Doughty CL, Adgie TE, Dietz K, Dix NG, North A, Guannel G, Chapman SK. Using vulnerability assessment to characterize coastal protection benefits provided by estuarine habitats of a dynamic intracoastal waterway. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16738. [PMID: 38390391 PMCID: PMC10883153 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The existence of coastal ecosystems depends on their ability to gain sediment and keep pace with sea level rise. Similar to other coastal areas, Northeast Florida (United States) is experiencing rapid population growth, climate change, and shifting wetland communities. Rising seas and more severe storms, coupled with the intensification of human activities, can modify the biophysical environment, thereby increasing coastal exposure to storm-induced erosion and inundation. Using the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve as a case study, we analyzed the distribution of coastal protection services-expressly, wave attenuation and sediment control-provided by estuarine habitats inside a dynamic Intracoastal waterway. We explored six coastal variables that contribute to coastal flooding and erosion-(a) relief, (b) geomorphology, (c) estuarine habitats, (d) wind exposure, (e) boat wake energy, and (f) storm surge potential-to assess physical exposure to coastal hazards. The highest levels of coastal exposure were found in the north and south sections of the Reserve (9% and 14%, respectively) compared to only 4% in the central, with exposure in the south driven by low wetland elevation, high surge potential, and shorelines composed of less stable sandy and muddy substrate. The most vulnerable areas of the central Reserve and main channel of the Intracoastal waterway were exposed to boat wakes from larger vessels frequently traveling at medium speeds (10-20 knots) and had shoreline segments oriented towards the prevailing winds (north-northeast). To guide management for the recently expanded Reserve into vulnerable areas near the City of Saint Augustine, we evaluated six sites of concern where the current distribution of estuarine habitats (mangroves, salt marshes, and oyster beds) likely play the greatest role in natural protection. Spatially explicit outputs also identified potential elevation maintenance strategies such as living shorelines, landform modification, and mangrove establishment for providing coastal risk-reduction and other ecosystem-service co-benefits. Salt marshes and mangroves in two sites of the central section (N-312 and S-312) were found to protect more than a one-quarter of their cross-shore length (27% and 73%, respectively) from transitioning to the highest exposure category. Proposed interventions for mangrove establishment and living shorelines could help maintain elevation in these sites of concern. This work sets the stage for additional research, education, and outreach about where mangroves, salt marshes, and oyster beds are most likely to reduce risk to wetland communities in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip F. Yang
- Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship and Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, United States
| | - Scott F. Eastman
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, United States
| | - Cheryl L. Doughty
- Department of Geography, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Therese E. Adgie
- Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship and Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Dietz
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, United States
| | - Nicole G. Dix
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, United States
| | - Allix North
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, United States
| | - Gregory Guannel
- Caribbean Green Technology Center, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, United States
| | - Samantha K. Chapman
- Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship and Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, United States
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Reis A, Rovai AS, Lana PDC, Barros F. Mangrove interaction with saltmarsh varies at different life stages. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167410. [PMID: 37769724 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167410] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves and saltmarshes are two of the most relevant coastal habitats for humans. These ecosystems offer several services like coastal protection, climate mitigation, and nursery habitats for many artisanal and commercially exploited fish, crabs, and shellfish. They mostly dominate different latitudinal ranges but in several places around the world they co-occur and interact. Here, we summarize the current scientific knowledge on mangrove-saltmarsh ecological interactions and propose a conceptual model. We screened 1410 articles from 1945 to 2022 and selected 29 experiments that assessed mangrove-saltmarsh ecological interactions. Both positive and negative interactions are observed but there is variation along different mangrove life stages. Higher retention and establishment of mangrove propagules are found inside saltmarshes than on bare flats, i.e. facilitation, and these effects are higher at grass than at succulent saltmarsh species. Mangrove seedlings, saplings, or trees mostly compete with saltmarshes, negatively affecting mangrove growth. We propose a model with different outcomes considering the interaction between different mangrove's life stages and saltmarsh forms and discussed these interactions in the light of anthropogenic threats and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Reis
- Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica, IBIO & CIEnAM & INCT IN-TREE, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina, Salvador, Bahia 40170-000, Brazil.
| | - André Scarlate Rovai
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA
| | - Paulo da Cunha Lana
- Laboratório de Bentos, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira-mar, s/n, Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-976, Brazil
| | - Francisco Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica, IBIO & CIEnAM & INCT IN-TREE, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Geremoabo, s/n, Campus de Ondina, Salvador, Bahia 40170-000, Brazil
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