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Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 25800

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Linda J. Walters

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Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Interests: marine ecology; restoration ecology; ecosystem services; threatened/endangered species; biodegradable materials for restoration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Kelly M. Kibler

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
2. National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Interests: hydrology; hydraulics; ecohydraulics; flow-biota interaction; sediment transport

Dr. Lisa G. Chambers

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USAl Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
2. National Center f2. National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Interests: wetland and coastal ecology; biogeochemical cycling; climate change

Dr. Timothy L. Hawthorne

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Sociology, College of Sciences GIS Cluster, University of Central Florida
2. UCF Burnett Honors College, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Interests: citizen science; community geography; participatory GIS; sense of place
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Giovanna McClenachan

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Guest Editor

Department of Biological Sciences, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA 70301, USA
Interests: coastal ecology; disturbances; ecosystem shifts; GIS, historical ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human activities fundamentally alter natural systems, threatening the sustained production of critical ecosystem services and future resilience of coupled human-natural systems. Restoration is one of the few human activities that benefits ecosystems. Through restoration, humans are inextricably linked to the natural systems they seek to renew. The natural system ideally responds to restoration through enhanced functionality, ecosystem services production, and resilience to perturbation. Furthermore, maximizing restoration impact also involves human behavioural changes or collective actions that generate adaptive capacity. As humanity changes its views on certain topics, restoration must follow. For example, many coastal restoration projects have recently received negative reviews from the public at large for the use of plastic materials in the construction of breakwaters, oyster reefs, etc. Hence, there is a push to develop and understand the success and any unintended consequences of comparable restoration materials produced from biodegradable materials.

The goal of this Special Issue is to bring together current research in the ecological, engineering, economic, and social dimensions of marine, coastal, and freshwater restoration, to globally share and improve our understanding of these important topics and increase our adaptive capacity.

We welcome contributions from a wide variety of scholars across multiple fields and across the globe. We have particular interest in creating a Special Issue that features diverse voices and teams working with diverse stakeholders, particularly those scholars/practitioners from (and those scholars/practitioners working with) underrepresented populations in science, technology, and society.

Dr. Linda J. Walters
Dr. Kelly M. Kibler
Dr. Lisa G. Chambers
Dr. Timothy L. Hawthorne
Dr. Giovanna McClenachan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

coastal restoration
freshwater restoration
natural and nature-based features
ecosystem services
biodegradable restoration
sense of place
coupled human-natural systems
flow-biota interaction
biogeochemistry
living shorelines

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrodynamic Limitations to Mangrove Seedling Retention in Subtropical Estuaries

by Kelly M. Kibler, Christian Pilato, Linda J. Walters, Melinda Donnelly and Jyotismita Taye

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8605; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148605 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1950

Abstract

Mangrove-forest sustainability hinges upon propagule recruitment and seedling retention. This study evaluates biophysical limitations to mangrove-seedling persistence by measuring anchoring force of two mangrove species (Rhizophora mangle L. and Avicennia germinans (L.) L.). Anchoring force was measured in 362 seedlings via lateral pull tests administered in mangrove forests of two subtropical estuaries and in laboratory-based experiments. Removal mechanism varied with seedling age: newly established seedlings failed due to root pull-out while seedlings older than 3 months failed by root breakage. The anchoring force of R. mangle seedlings was consistently and significantly greater than A. germinans (p = 0.002); however, force to remove A. germinans seedlings increased with growth at a faster rate (p < 0.001; A. germinans: 0.20–0.23 N/g biomass; R. mangle: 0.04–0.07 N/g biomass). Increasing density of surrounding vegetation had a positive effect (p = 0.04) on anchoring force of both species. Critical velocities at which seedlings become susceptible to instantaneous uprooting estimated from anchoring forces measured in the field were 1.20 m/s and 1.50 m/s, respectively, for R. mangle and A. germinans. As estimated critical velocities exceed typical flow magnitudes observed in field sites, removal of established seedlings likely occurs following erosion of sediments from the seedling base. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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21 pages, 2902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Non-Plastic Materials for Oyster Reef and Shoreline Restoration: Understanding What Is Needed and Where the Field Is Headed

by Linda J. Walters, Annie Roddenberry, Chelsey Crandall, Jessy Wayles, Melinda Donnelly, Savanna C. Barry, Mark W. Clark, Olivia Escandell, Jennifer C. Hansen, Katie Laakkonen and Paul E. Sacks

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 8055; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138055 - 1 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4544

Abstract

Oyster and shoreline restoration is occurring around the globe to recover lost ecosystem services. In the state of Florida, USA, dozens of estuarine habitat restoration projects are underway. These projects have traditionally relied on both natural and man-made materials, including plastics. As the impacts of plastics on marine ecosystems are better understood, practitioners are increasingly focused on plastic-free restoration. To better understand this transition, we surveyed Florida restoration practitioners in April 2021 to capture current non-plastic restoration project trends and their status. Our descriptive survey goals were to understand: (1) what non-plastic materials have been tested, (2) trade-offs between plastic and non-plastic materials (e.g., cost, sourcing, volunteer engagement), and (3) the performance of non-plastic materials. Responses indicated that a variety of non-plastic materials are currently being used, including rock, cement-infused jute structures, cement Reef Balls™ (Reef Ball Foundation, USA), BESE-elements^®, and metal gabions. Overall, these materials are more expensive and equally or more difficult to install than previously popular plastic-based materials. No “best” non-plastic material emerged from our survey in part because many novel materials have been deployed for under three years. Long-term performance under a variety of abiotic and biotic conditions is thus a future research priority. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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22 pages, 3013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Reef Restoration on Benthic Invertebrates and Coastal Birds in a Subtropical Estuary

by Jessica L. Copertino, Katherine Harris, Lyndsey Chute and Linda J. Walters

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2371; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042371 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2917

Abstract

In order to mitigate the degradation of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs in Mosquito Lagoon (ML) along the east coast of central Florida, oyster reef restoration efforts have been in place for over 14 years. These restored reefs are successful in terms of universal oyster metrics (i.e., density, shell height, reef height) and are similar to natural reefs. However, little is known about the impact of this restoration on bird populations. ML provides a habitat for many bird species, including several listed as “threatened” by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Many of these birds rely on oyster reefs for foraging and loafing habitats. As benthic invertebrates serve as an important food source for coastal birds, we monitored the abundances and diversity of these organisms on live, restored, and dead reefs. We collected sediment samples from the reef sites pre-restoration, and one month, six months, one year, two years, and three years post-restoration. We counted benthic invertebrates present in the sediment samples, and sorted them by taxa (polychaetes, amphipods, isopods, gastropods, bivalves, decapods). Benthic invertebrate abundances on restored reefs became similar to live reefs over time (species composition, density), indicating that the prey base on restored reefs was similar to that of live reefs within 6 months. A second objective of this study was to determine if restored oyster reefs reach the same abundances, foraging behaviors, and diversity of bird species on natural, live reefs. We conducted monthly bird surveys to assess bird utilization of live, restored, and dead reefs. After three years, the abundances, behaviors, and assemblages of birds on restored reefs were similar to live reefs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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18 pages, 2282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying the Response of an Estuarine Nekton Community to Coastal Wetland Habitat Restoration

by Richard D. Mahoney, Jeffrey L. Beal, Dakota M. Lewis and Geoffrey S. Cook

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13299; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313299 - 1 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

Globally coastal habitats are experiencing degradation and threatening the production of critical ecosystem services such as shoreline stabilization, water filtration, and nursery grounds for marine fauna. To combat the loss of these ecosystem services, resource managers are actively restoring coastal habitats. This study compares samples collected from non-restored sites, sites restored in 2011, and sites that underwent restoration in 2019. Restoration sites are impacted wetlands with high elevation mounds that were leveled to increase the areal extent of intertidal habitats, enabling the recruitment of intertidal flora and fauna. Fyke nets were used to sample nekton within the upper intertidal zone. To quantify restoration success, nekton abundance, biomass, diversity, and indicator species were quantified. Sites restored in 2011 had a greater abundance compared to non-restored sites. Common snook, clown gobies, silversides, juvenile mullet, and Gulf killifishes were indicator species at successfully restored sites, while salinity, site type, and Secchi depth played important roles in predicting abundance and diversity. These findings are consistent with recent studies suggesting it can take years to see quantifiable differences in nekton communities following habitat restoration. Additionally, this work provides new insight regarding the benefits of restoring coastal wetland elevation to maximize intertidal habitat, thereby positively impacting nekton communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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17 pages, 1830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Resident Fish Guild as a Higher Trophic Level Indicator of Oyster Reef Restoration Success

by Dakota M. Lewis, Katie E. Durham, Linda J. Walters and Geoffrey S. Cook

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13004; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313004 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2304

Abstract

Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are critical foundation species in estuarine waters, but due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic pressures, oyster abundance has declined. Restoring oyster reefs and monitoring restoration success often focuses on oyster metrics, but relatively infrequently, responses of higher trophic level species and the production of related ecosystem services are accounted for. To address this, we compare the response of a resident reef fish guild (gobies, blennies, toadfish) to standard metrics of oyster restoration success. Using lift nets and seines, natural and restored reefs were monitored over a two-year period within Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, USA. Standard metrics are indicative of restoration success; live oyster density and reef thickness increased in restored reefs after 12 and 24 months. Combined, live oyster density and reef thickness were the best predictors of annual resident reef fish abundance compared to water quality metrics. These results suggest that the benefits of restoring oyster reef habitat are conferred to broader components of the food web, with benefits accruing to reef resident fishes that are a key trophic linkage between lower trophic level foundation species and higher trophic level predators inhabiting coastal ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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22 pages, 2176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Restored Coastal Habitat Can “Reel In” Juvenile Sportfish: Population and Community Responses in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA

by Jennifer M. H. Loch, Linda J. Walters, Melinda L. Donnelly and Geoffrey S. Cook

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12832; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212832 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2700

Abstract

Coastal habitats are declining worldwide, which has impacted economically important fisheries, especially in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. As a result, extensive intertidal oyster reef and living shoreline restoration projects have been implemented. Restoration can also theoretically benefit predator populations, but this relationship is understudied. Here, the impact of habitat restoration on juvenile predatory fish (i.e., sportfish) populations (abundance) and communities (species richness, diversity, and assemblage) was assessed prior to and following oyster reef restoration and living shoreline stabilization for up to three years, and incorporated the influence of 17 environmental predictor variables. Juvenile sportfish abundance and richness (n = 11) were variable over time but collectively higher on restored oyster reefs compared to controls, and similar between control and stabilized shorelines. Sportfish abundance was best described by a combination of biotic features of the site (e.g., reef height and benthic substrate cover), prey abundance, decreasing distance to the nearest ocean inlet and dissolved oxygen. Results suggest future restoration site selection should emphasize adequate dissolved oxygen (~6 mg/L), oyster densities above 50/m² and reef height above 55 mm, and minimum shoreline vegetation coverage of 50% to support macrofaunal prey and subsequently attract sportfish. These findings can help natural resource managers better use habitat restoration as a tool for enhancing fish populations in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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24 pages, 21854 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Strategies for Successful Mangrove Living Shoreline Stabilizations in Shallow Water Subtropical Estuaries

by Rebecca M. Fillyaw, Melinda J. Donnelly, Jason W. Litwak, Julia L. Rifenberg and Linda J. Walters

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11704; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111704 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3104

Abstract

By combatting erosion and increasing habitat, mangrove living shorelines are an effective alternative to hard-armoring in tropical and subtropical areas. An experimental red mangrove living shoreline was deployed within Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, using a factorial design to test the impact of mangrove age, breakwater presence, and mangrove placement on mangrove survival within the first year of deployment. Mixed mangrove age treatments were included to identify if seedling (11-month-old) survival could be enhanced by the presence of transitional (23-month-old) and adult (35 to 47-month-old) mangroves. Environmental factors were monitored to detect possible causes of mangrove mortalities. Approximately half (50.6%) of mangroves died, and of those, 90.7% occurred within the annual high-water season, and 88.9% showed signs of flooding stress. Planting seedlings haphazardly among older mangroves did not attenuate enough wave energy to significantly increase seedling survival. Breakwaters alleviated stress through a reduction in water velocity and wave height, increasing the odds of survival by 197% and 437% when mangroves were planted in the landward and seaward rows, respectively. Compared to seedlings, deployment of adult mangroves increased survival odds by 1087%. Collectively, our results indicate that sites with a high-water season should utilize a breakwater structure and mangroves with a woody stem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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21 pages, 1641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradable Material for Oyster Reef Restoration: First-Year Performance and Biogeochemical Considerations in a Coastal Lagoon

by Chelsea K. Nitsch, Linda J. Walters, Joshua S. Sacks, Paul E. Sacks and Lisa G. Chambers

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7415; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137415 - 2 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4375

Abstract

Oyster reef restoration efforts increasingly consider not only oyster recruitment, but also the recovery of ecological functions and the prevention of deploying harmful plastics. This study investigated the efficacy of a biodegradable plastic-alternative, BESE-elements^®, in supporting oyster reef restoration in east-central Florida (USA) with consideration for how this material also influences biogeochemistry. Four experiments (two laboratory, two field-based) were conducted to evaluate the ability of BESE to serve as a microbial substrate, release nutrients, support oyster recruitment and the development of sediment biogeochemical properties on restored reefs, and degrade under field conditions. The results indicated BESE is as successful as traditional plastic in supporting initial reef development. In the lab, BESE accelerated short-term (10-day) sediment respiration rates 14-fold and released dissolved organic carbon, soluble reactive phosphorus, and nitrate to the surface water (71,156, 1980, and 87% increase, respectively) relative to without BESE, but these effects did not translate into measurable changes in reef sediment nutrient pools under field conditions. BESE lost 7–12% mass in the first year, resulting in a half-life of 4.4–6.7 years. Restoration practitioners should evaluate the biogeochemical properties of biodegradable materials prior to large-scale deployment and consider the fate of the restoration effort once the material degrades. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding and Improving Coastal Restoration: Considering Social Dimensions, Ecosystem Services, and Biodegradable Materials)

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