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Ghuts, Grit, and Gills: Synthesis of Hydrologic, Water Quality, and Ecosystem Data for Climate Adaptation Planning

Virgin Islands National Park, Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit: Alan Cressler, USGS

Project Information

Principal Investigator: Thorsten Knappenberger (Auburn University)
Project Start: January 2024
Proposed Project Completion: January 2025
Implements Science Plan Theme:  Adaptation
Co-Investigators:
Eve Brantley (Auburn University Water Resources Center)
Gregory Guannel (University of the Virgin Islands)
David Hensley (University of the Virgin Islands, Auburn University)
Jason Vogel (University of Oklahoma)
Richard Zamor (University of Oklahoma)

Cooperator/Partner(s):
Jean-Pierre Oriol (Department of Planning and Natural Resources)
Kristin W. Grimes (Virgin Islands Water Resources Research Institute)

Overview:

The US Virgin Islands are vulnerable to climate change, especially sea level rise, intense storms, and unpredictable rainfall. These changes influence the health of freshwater streams (or ghuts) that affect marine ecosystems important for Indigenous peoples’ heritage, local fishermen, the tourist industry, and unique biological communities. Preparing for and responding to climate change requires an understanding of threats, priorities, solutions, funding, and partners to provide leadership in implementing necessary actions. The proposed work brings together stakeholders to assess available data and identify critical knowledge gaps needed to inform science-based decisions. A Virgin Islands Water and Climate Needs Assessment will be drafted to outline actionable steps to address data needs, identify funding sources, recommend responsible parties, and set timelines to document progress. The most important outcomes are:

  1. A shared vision among Virgin Island stakeholders to plan for and respond to climate change threats,
  2. A road map to communicate priority data needs to local, state, and federal partners, and measure progress, and
  3. Development of a working group to build on collective partner strengths, complement ongoing initiatives, and minimize duplication of efforts.

Lighting Talk Project Summary: