Rates and Processes of Vital wetland Habitat Loss in the AP Estuarine System Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Gradual climate change and associated sea-level rise pose challenges to sustainable development and management of coastal ecosystems, as their interactions are complex, non-linear and far reaching (Day and Templet, 1989; Day et al. 2008). Thus much research has focused on determining their potential consequences. But, the acute effects of storms are overprinted on these chronic concerns adding considerable confusion to identifying and deciphering their respective influences. Indeed, as a result of sea-level rise and potentially enhanced storm activity, many coastal areas will experience increased frequency and levels of flooding, accelerated erosion, and loss of wetlands among other impacts. Moreover, the fate of vital coastal habitats is contingent on these dynamics. The response of the landscape and its component ecosystems must be closely and carefully examined to assess the specific effects of sea-level rise and storms, and eastern North Carolina provides an excellent natural laboratory to explore this problem. The Albermarle-Pamlico Estuarine System (APES) is the second largest estuary in the United States and contains well over 500 km2 of wetlands that provide critical habitat for a variety of ecosystem goods and services. Over the past five years, the PIs have been working with other researchers from ECU and around the country as part of a NOAA project to examine the effects of sea-level rise on shoreline and shorezone changes in the Neuse River Estuary and Pamlico Sound. Our observations have raised concern over the significant rates of erosion seen in many ?protected? areas and the potential importance of storms in driving these changes. On a related front, in response to needs voiced by managers and other stakeholders in the state (e.g., APNEP), we have collaborated with the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) to create a methology for mapping NC estuarine shoreline and structures and are currently working on digitizing the northern CAMA counties. The proposed work aims to build on both of these efforts and determine rates of wetland loss by shoreline erosion across the APES over varying timescales. Also, we will evaluate the key processes driving this shoreline change using a combination of field and remote-sensing observations. While inventorying of resources is important (e.g., our shoreline mapping efforts), developing an understanding of the changes occurring and the driving processes is arguably more essential to diagnosing concerns and developing remedies (e.g., mitigating measures).

date/time interval

  • June 2010 - March 2011