Utilizing remote sensing to identify optimal locations for eelgrass restoration in Barnegat Bay
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Greg Pope
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 9:59 AM
Description
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is an essential part of the marine environment which performs many critical functions such as stabilizing underwater sediment to limit erosion, filtering water, and providing habitats for other forms of marine life. The purpose of this study is to utilize ArcGIS and publicly available data to remotely analyze and identify potential sites within Barnegat Bay where eelgrass restoration can be successful. In previous years multiple experiments have been conducted to assess the viability of restoring eelgrass habitat using donor samples at various sites across the Jersey Shore with varying degrees of success. Through my research I will determine the characteristics that made previously used sites appealing and aim to identify new sites within Barnegat Bay where favorable environmental characteristics present themselves. I will prioritize searching for locations with depths of at least 1.5-2m that sit outside of regular marine traffic patterns in order to limit the potential for disturbance from human activity. Due to the shallow depth and relative narrowness of Barnegat Bay, choosing locations within these parameters will help to ensure eelgrass transplants have the highest chance of success by reducing the impact of human activity in the form of direct damage from boat propellers and reduced light transmission due excess sediment disturbance from marine traffic. Identifying and mapping these sites will serve as a guide indicating where future restoration projects can be conducted as well as sites that can potentially be revisited.
Utilizing remote sensing to identify optimal locations for eelgrass restoration in Barnegat Bay
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is an essential part of the marine environment which performs many critical functions such as stabilizing underwater sediment to limit erosion, filtering water, and providing habitats for other forms of marine life. The purpose of this study is to utilize ArcGIS and publicly available data to remotely analyze and identify potential sites within Barnegat Bay where eelgrass restoration can be successful. In previous years multiple experiments have been conducted to assess the viability of restoring eelgrass habitat using donor samples at various sites across the Jersey Shore with varying degrees of success. Through my research I will determine the characteristics that made previously used sites appealing and aim to identify new sites within Barnegat Bay where favorable environmental characteristics present themselves. I will prioritize searching for locations with depths of at least 1.5-2m that sit outside of regular marine traffic patterns in order to limit the potential for disturbance from human activity. Due to the shallow depth and relative narrowness of Barnegat Bay, choosing locations within these parameters will help to ensure eelgrass transplants have the highest chance of success by reducing the impact of human activity in the form of direct damage from boat propellers and reduced light transmission due excess sediment disturbance from marine traffic. Identifying and mapping these sites will serve as a guide indicating where future restoration projects can be conducted as well as sites that can potentially be revisited.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.