Evaluation of Shoreline Erosion Mitigation by Constructed Oyster Reefs: Student Training and Research (STaR) Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Although not exposed to the open ocean, many estuarine areas of coastal North Carolina are experiencing continued and rapid shoreline erosion, particularly in large fetch areas (Cowart et al., 2010; 2011; Eulie et al., 2013). This is a concern for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which, in cooperation with other entities, manages large areas of wetlands that border the Albemarle-Pamlico estuarine system. Recent efforts by TNC have been made to mitigate against wave attack and hopefully reduce or stop shoreline erosion through the construction of shoreline-adjacent oyster reefs. The purpose of this contract is to fund a student intern who will work with Drs. J.P. Walsh and Reide Corbett on a summer research project to evaluate the effectiveness of previously built oyster reefs in reducing wave energy release on the shoreline and slow or stop shoreline loss.

date/time interval

  • May 2014 - December 2014