New approach keeps marshes afloat

December 04, 2006

DURHAM, N.H. ­ To stay afloat, tidal marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts constantly battle the dual threat of rising sea levels and decreasing sediment supplies. With support from CICEET, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are exploring an innovative approach to “feeding” marshes at risk of being lost. The technique involves the application of thin layers of sediment to the marsh surfaces to keep the elevation high enough to combat inundation.

A pilot study that applies this technique to deteriorated and non-deteriorated back barrier marsh sites in Masonboro Island, North Carolina, is showing promising results. One year after the addition of sand to these sites, stem densities of Spartina has increased. The greatest increase was observed at deteriorated sites, perhaps because sediment addition led to greater soil aeration. Benthic microalgae also increased in abundance on the marsh surface in deteriorated and non-deteriorated plots. Results of this study have been published in Estuaries and Coasts: Vol. 29, No. 5, p. 737­750 October 2006.

Learn more about the study: http://estuariesandcoasts.org/cgi-bin/est/printabstract.cgi?ESTU2006_29_5_737_750