EARLY HEARING DETECTION AND INTERVENTION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 2-5, 2021

(Virtually the same conference, without elevators, airplane tickets, or hotel room keys)

<< BACK TO AGENDA

5/21/2019  |   11:15 AM - 11:30 AM   |  SALT MARSH VULNERABILITIES TO SEA LEVEL RISE: LINKING ASSESSMENT TO ADAPTATION IN THE DELAWARE ESTUARY   |  150 DEF

SALT MARSH VULNERABILITIES TO SEA LEVEL RISE: LINKING ASSESSMENT TO ADAPTATION IN THE DELAWARE ESTUARY

The loss of coastal wetlands and their ecosystem services is a particularly serious problem in the Delaware Estuary. Decreases due to erosion, nutrient enrichment, and hydrological alterations are being exacerbated and accelerated by ongoing sea level rise (SLR). Yet it has been difficult for programs to integrate adaptation to SLR into their planning processes. Here, we demonstrate a path forward using the Relative Wetland Vulnerabilities Framework (RWVF), an approach that: brings greater consistency to the terminology used in vulnerability assessments; helps ensure that all components of vulnerability are considered; presents results in a way that clearly shows the exposure-response relationship; and allows flexibility in the choice of system attributes and tools of focus. We apply the RWVF to three different management examples, centered on preservation of: (1) saltmarsh sparrow nesting habitat (high marsh), (2) blue crab nursery habitat (low marsh), and (3) flood protection (total marsh). The results illustrate the importance of clearly defining management objectives at the outset (what are you managing for/what ecosystem services do you care most about?) and provide examples of flexible and tractable ways that vulnerability information can be integrated into planning processes.

  • ClimateChange
  • Management
  • Restoration

Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.

Handouts:
Handout is not Available

Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference


Presenters/Authors

Jordan M. West (), U.S. EPA/ORD, West.Jordan@epa.gov;


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -

Jen Stamp (), Tetra Tech, jen.stamp@tetratech.com;


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -