Enhancing the Adaptive Capacity of Coastal Wetlands in the Face of Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Development
Project Description
Project Completion: March 2018. This project has now been completed.
Principal Investigator(s): Michael Osland, USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Implements Science Plan Theme: 2, 4, and 5
Key Points
- Mapped locations for future coastal wetland adaptation actions
- Studied the feasibility of the strategy of inland coastal wetland migration
- Provided information for resource managers working on the Gulf of Mexico coast
Overview
Coastal wetlands benefit people and wildlife in many ways. They provide critical habitat for many plants and animals. They also improve water quality, reduce flooding impacts, and protect coastlines. But in the 21st century, sea-level rise (SLR) and coastal development will alter coastal regions globally. The future of coastal wetlands is uncertain. Coastal resource managers must develop new conservation strategies to increase resilience of wetlands. We need to protect these valuable ecosystems and the benefits they provide.
One strategy for preparing for the impacts of SLR is to make space for coastal wetlands to migrate inland. The northern Gulf of Mexico is one of the most wetland-rich regions in the world. But the region is also very sensitive to SLR. We identified areas in the region where coastal wetlands may move inland. We then used these findings to produce customized landscape conservation-design products. Products identified landward migration routes for coastal wetlands. Our target audience is coastal resource managers. Informed management improves coastal wetlands’ ability to adapt to SLR and coastal development. This project aims to protect coastal wetlands and their economic and ecological benefits.
This project is jointly funded by the South Central Climate Science Center.