A Conceptual Model for Ecosystem-Disruptive Algal Blooms
ISSUE: Ecosystem disruptive algal blooms (EDABs) are occurring with increasing frequency and intensity in coastal waters of the US and other countries in response to increased anthropogenic nutrient inputs (eutrophication). These blooms are caused by toxic or unpalatable species that severely disrupt food web dynamics. Learn more.
Influence of Nutrients on Phytoplankton in Estuaries and the Coastal Ocean
ISSUE: In estuaries and the coastal ocean, increased nutrient inputs
have been accompanied by an increase in the incidence and severity of
ecosystem disruptive algal blooms (EDABs), which have caused much economic
and ecological harm in the US and worldwide in recent decades. Learn more.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are often detrimental to coastal ecosystems due to the destructive
power of storm surge, high winds and flooding from excessive rainfall
that can damage or bury structure such as that provided by coral reefs
and seagrass beds or alter salinity distribution in estuaries to the
detriment of organisms associated with these structures. Learn more.
Wave Exposure Model (WEMo)
Hydrodynamic factors profoundly impact the environment of coastal areas. Wind waves, particularly waves associated with storms, are unpredictable and can pose dangerous situations under which to collect scientifically empirical, comparative information. CCFHR scientists have developed a numerical wave exposure model (WEMo). Learn more.
An Optical Water Quality Model for Conservation and Restoration of Seagrasses
Land and resource use is impacting water quality in estuaries
by increasing nutrient flux, enhancing suspended sediment loads and modifying
freshwater inputs. Learn more.
Ecological Role of Intertidal Flats in Kachemak Bay, AK
Soft sediments, and particularly tidal
flats, are a vital part of the coastal ecosystem and provide a number
of important ecosystem services…Learn more.
Marine Aquaculture Initiative
The primary goal of this project is testing an enriched culture environment
for the production of juvenile fish behaviorally suitable for the restoration
of marine fish stocks. Learn more.
Research Cruises
Puerto Rico Cruises
This 10-day research cruise aboard NOAA Ship NANCY FOSTER represents a continuation of work initiated in 2004 in the nearshore waters off the coast of southeastern Puerto Rico and Isla Vieques.
2006 | 2007 | 2008
Navassa Cruises
Navassa Island is a small (5km2) uninhabited island west
of Haiti, largely inaccessible except for the small landing at Lulu Bay.
Designated as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1999, Navassa Island is under
the jurisdiction of USFWS but due to its remote location and inaccessibility,
the refuge is largely unregulated and un–enforced. Fairly intense but
unquantified artisanal fishing pressure from Haiti (hand lines, traps,
nets) may be reducing fish stocks rapidly. Navassa Island has a very
energetic system (particularly wave–exposed east coast). Coral reefs
of Navassa Island are generally deep with much of deep slopes (> 30
m) unexplored.
2006
Tortugas Cruises
Read the log kept by Dr. John Burke, one of the divers aboard the RV NANCY FOSTER, a NOAA Research Vessel. This cruise was from August 1-13, 2005 in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve. See what they observed during the mission.
2005 | 2007 | 2008