Keywords

Living Shorelines, Halodule wrightii, Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon

Abstract

Fringing seagrass beds are important components of coastal ecotones. Their association with shoreline morphology and shoreline restoration, however, is poorly understood. We combined GIS analyses with field-based monitoring to better understand intra-ecotone associations between shorelines and fringing seagrass beds. Using GIS analyses of aerial imagery, shoreline characterization models, and seagrass coverage models, the relationship between shoreline morphology, erosion, and fringing seagrass persistence was examined in Mosquito Lagoon, FL between 2011 and 2021. For the field-based portion of the study, fringing seagrass beds growing adjacent to restored, living shoreline segments were monitored throughout the 2023 growing season (March – November). All shorelines had been stabilized 2-3 years prior. Nearby, uneroded shoreline segments served as positive controls. The geospatial portion of the study found that yearly seagrass persistence was correlated with shallow subtidal slope angles and decreased rates of erosion. Field-monitoring found seagrass (primarily Halodule wrightii), growing adjacent to all sites, although shoot density was significantly greater at control sites. The site with the greatest shoot density also had the shallowest subtidal slope angle; this validates the models from the geospatial portion of the study. Broadly, this study illustrates interconnection between intertidal and subtidal components of a coastal ecotone. We therefore recommend that coastal managers and restoration practitioners holistically consider the entirety of the ecotone when designing restoration projects or experiments. Specifically, we recommend that measurement of subtidal slope angle be incorporated into living shoreline monitoring protocols, as this represents a potential mechanism by which intertidal deployments can positively impact subtidal communities.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Walters, Linda

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Biology

Degree Program

Biology

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

November 2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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