S.C.
Sea Grant Consortium
Current Research archived
research projects
From beneficial marine microbes to massive hurricane dangers, Sea Grant's research
increases our knowledge of the natural, cultural, and social envirionments.
Follow these links to some of our major research projects.
[ TEXT HOME | CONTACT
| SEARCH | GRAPHIC VERSION
]
Coastal Ocean Processes
Ecosystem Dynamics
Coastal Natural Hazards
Marine Aquaculture and Fisheries
Emerging Technologies
Marine Education
Special Research Programs
Conferences and Meetings
Research Links
Title: Towards Quantifying Coastal Erosion in SC: Offshore Shoals as Sediment Sinks and Controls for Shoreline Change
Investigator(s): Dr. George Voulgaris, University of South
Carolina
gvoulgaris@geol.sc.edu
Description: This project will lead to a better understanding of regional sediment dynamics critical for long-term coastal planning and engineering design purposes. Beach replenishment projects, construction of groins, seawalls and other soft and hard coastal engineering structures aimed at restoring recreational beaches require information on coastal dynamics and processes. Prevailing conditions (e.g., tides, currents, and winds) in these areas may be influenced by offshore topography and sediment availability. The objective of this continuing study is to examine the relationship between an offshore shoal in the Myrtle Beach area and coastal erosion dynamics. The goal of this effort is to characterize and quantify the potential for the shoal to be a sustainable borrow site for this economically important resort community. Specific objectives are to: (1) identify the effect of tidal and wind forcing around the shoal; (2) identify the effect of the shoal in controlling wave propagation and its role in “energetic events” (such as storms); (3) model the propagation of gravity waves for the prediction of wave characteristics; and (4) model coastal circulation over the shoal. During Year 1, two models, SWAN and ROM, have been tested and set up to model circulation over the shoal. Field data have also been collected which will be used to test the models during Year 2 efforts. Results of this effort will be useful to coastal zone managers and the USACOE as they develop and design future nourishment projects that require the use of sand from offshore shoals.
Title: Succession of Tidal Freshwater Wetlands on the Cooper River, SC: Ecological Functions and Management Alternatives.
Investigator(s): Dr. James Morris, University of South Carolina
Morris@sc.edu
Description: Management of coastal wetland impoundments is a major program area for the Consortium. They have economic importance at the state and local level and are of intense interest to resource management agencies and private stakeholders (e.g., owners of former rice plantations). Investigators will test a number of hypotheses as well as a mechanistic spatial simulation model of wetland succession based on six years of previous research supported by Sea Grant in South Carolina. Project objectives are to: (1) test the hypothesis that impoundments are a significant component of dissolved oxygen dynamics of the Cooper River System; (2) test if sediment accumulation rates differ by community and standing crop biomass; (3) test the hypothesis that optimum depth and growth ranges will differ by dominant plant species; (4) further develop the mechanistic spatial simulation model; and (5) characterize the ecological consequences of management alternatives that are of interest to resource managers and stakeholder groups along the Cooper River, South Carolina. The study area is of high interest because rapid succession of plant communities is occurring in more than 2500 ha of impoundments due to a reduction in freshwater discharge that was engineered in 1985. Their model, using Matlab and ArcView GIS technologies, will be used to forecast the effects of impoundment management activities under a variety of scenarios. Information and feedback gathered from workshops and briefings with state and federal natural resource agencies have shaped the nature of this final phase of the Cooper River Impoundment Project.
Investigator(s): Dr. Alan Lewitus, SCDNR, and Marianne Burke,
USDA & College of Charleston
lewitusa@belle.baruch.sc.edu;
burkem@cofc.edu
Description: The investigators will investigate the effectiveness of vegetated buffers in reducing nonpoint source pollution in stormwater detention ponds. The issue of stormwater detention ponds is of growing concern as explosive growth has put greater pressures on coastal ecosystems, and as many existing South Carolina stormwater detention ponds may not be environmentally friendly, sustainable, or cost-effective. The proposal will test the use of riparian vegetative zones as a mitigation or prevention strategy to improve pond water quality and consequently extend stormwater detention pond “life.” Specific objectives of the project are to: (1) design and install a riparian wetland peripheral system and ecotonal marsh for stormwater processing, and retrofit subterranean stormwater drains to channel water to upslope locations; (2) determine pre- and post-manipulation water and nutrient budgets of the watershed and ponds; and (3) quantify the effects of the vegetative buffer system on wetland nutrient flux and pond water sediment quality indicators. Anticipated benefits include a reduction in dredging frequency or other mitigation needs warranted by sediment contamination or accumulation. This effort should result in dividends to homeowners, property managers, homebuilders and other taxpayers.
Investigator(s): Dr. Robert Feller, University of South Carolina
feller@biol.sc.edu
Description: The project will examine the effects of blue crab (Calinectes sapidus) predation of periwinkle snails (Littoraria irrorata) on the health of the salt marsh cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora. Recent drought in the southeastern United States has prompted increased public attention to the ecological role and management of freshwater input to estuaries, and the questions raised regarding the potential relationship between the declines in blue crab populations and cordgrass die-off in southeastern estuarine systems. This research will challenge current dogma which states that Spartina is nutrient-limited. The investigator notes that recent caging studies suggest that snails are capable of grazing Spartina to the bare sediment if left unchecked by blue crab predation. The objectives of this study are to: (1) revalidate antiserum specificity and sensitivity; (2) measure prey detection time in controlled feeding experiments; (3) perform cage inclusion experiments; (4) census periwinkle population; and (5) conduct field collections of blue crabs and periwinkles for immunoassay of gut contents. Antiserum testing and gut contents immunoassays based on micro-Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion techniques will be used to test the alternative hypothesis that a trophic cascade regulates Spartina growth. Data will establish whether the trophic cascade from top-down control is sufficiently strong to regulate cordgrass.
Investigator(s): Dr. Richard Zingmark, USC, and Dr. Alan Lewitus,
SCDNR
zingmark@biol.sc.edu; lewitusa@belle.baruch.sc.edu
Description: The investigators will study the functional relationships – called “coupling” – between epiphytic microalgae and foodwebs in a saltmarsh estuarine system. Their objectives are to: (1) quantify the grazing rates of microzooplankton, mesozooplankton, and benthic suspension feeders on phytoplankton, and qualitatively determine the types of phytoplankton being grazed; (2) demonstrate and quantify trophic coupling between the phytoplankton and epiphytic communities to determine important intermediate trophic links, and identify fish and shellfish species of economic and recreational importance; and (3) strengthen the scientific basis of the management strategy of protecting Spartina alterniflora marshes based on the hypothesis that they play a key functional role by harboring a productive epiphytic algal community that is trophically coupled to the production of important fisheries. The research will fill in gaps of our knowledge of estuarine secondary production. This project has a Year 2 (March 1, 2005) start date.
Investigator(s): Dr. David Owens, College of Charleston
owensd@cofc.edu
Description: Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are the subject of a project of this study. The P.I. will test the hypothesis that the diamondback can prove to be a powerful sentinel species to help track the accumulation and degradation of contaminants in estuarine and coastal environments. Objectives of this study are to: (1) determine relationship of mercury contamination to the terrapin’s food supply (Litttorina); (2) compare mercury levels in the blood and keratin of terrapins to known coastal distributions of high mercury input, low DO, and high fish mercury concentrations; (3) determine if non-lethal sampling of blood can lead to developing an Index or Recent Exposure (IRE); (4) test laser ablation technique for chronological mercury determinations; (5) determine if bioaccumulation occurs; (6) test validity of non-lethal techniques; and ultimately (7) determine if terrapins are suitable for use as sentinel species for environmental monitoring purposes. Mercury levels will be measured at the NIST laboratory at the Hollings Marine Lab using the isotope dilution cold vapor inductively coupled mass spectrometry method.
Title: K-12 Education Program on Wind Hazards Assessment and Mitigation Measures
Investigator(s): Dr. Timothy Reinhold, Clemson University
Tim.Reinhold@ces.clemson.edu
Description: Reinhold proposes to build on his previous work in coastal hazards by engaging in a coastal hazards education initiative that is premised on the observation that parents tend to respond well when their children bring home information from school about safety hazards. Project objectives are to: (1) develop education modules that cover risks associated with severe windstorms (e.g., hurricanes), home construction weakness, potential mitigation measures and the benefits of using improved construction methods in new housing; (2) empower students to conduct self home evaluations, by developing inspection and assessment tools for students to use to evaluate their home, identify areas where the home is vulnerable to windstorm damage, and give their home an overall rating; (3) train teachers; and (4) assess the effectiveness of the education modules. A recent analysis of windstorm damage for the U.S. East and Gulf coasts suggests that the average annual loss is about $5 billion. Families in hurricane prone coastal areas need reliable, balanced information on these risks. The target audiences are science teachers and elementary, middle and high school students. The investigator will utilize the results of three previously funded Sea Grant projects as the foundation for this project. This project will be initiated with Sea Grant development funds in Year 1 (March 1, 2004 to February 28, 2005). The PI will be asked to resubmit a revised full proposal for Year 2(with a March 1, 2005 start date). Thus, funding for the Year 2 start-up has been included in the Consortium’s Program Development project (P/M-2).
Title: Impacts of Stocked Red Drum on the Recreational Fishery in Murrells Inlet, SC: Phase 1 – Biological Considerations
Investigator(s): Dr. Theodore Smith and Mr. Wallace Jenkins, S.C. Department
of Natural Resources
smitht@xiphias.mrd.dnr.state.sc.us;
jenkinsw@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us
Description: Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, is South Carolina’s most popular coastal recreational fish, but the fishery is in severe decline. The principal investigator and colleagues will attempt various culture techniques for red drum broodstock for stocking of Murrells Inlet, S.C. The researchers will track the release of nearly half a million of the sport fish each year of the study, determining the overall stocking program’s effectiveness in various juvenile habitats.
Investigator(s): Dr. Charles Weirich and Dr. Craig Browdy, S.C. Department
of Natural Resources
cweirich@hargray.com; browdycl@musc.edu
Description: The research team will examine the potential of new technologies in shrimp production systems, which could enhance future expansion and development of the U.S. commercial shrimp-farming industry. The researchers will evaluate selected biological and mechanical filtration technologies for their potential use in zero-exchange, biosecure, super-intensive shrimp production systems.
Title: Development of cDNA Micro-assays for Analysis of Environmental Stressors and Disease in Local Populations of Atlantic White Shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus
Investigator(s): Dr. Paul Gross and Dr. Jonas Almeida, Medical University of South Carolina grossp@musc.edu; almeidaj@musc.edu
Description: This continuing proposal will further their efforts on the development of cDNA micro-arrays as a tool for analyzing environmental stressors and disease. These arrays are a new and relatively untested technology. The proposed research will apply this new technology to local populations of the commercially important species of white shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus, which is a keystone species in South Carolina estuarine systems. Two key objectives of the project are to: (1) collect and analyze functional genomic data to understand their physiological interaction with the environment using bioinformatic-based approaches; and (2) train new researchers, particularly graduate students, in the new and emerging technologies associated with “eco-genomics.” After the initial year, three graduate students in the Medical University of South Carolina’s Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Program have been successfully trained in the use of “eco-genomics” technologies.
Title: Developing and Implementing a Southeast Marine Science Curriculum and Leadership Training Program: COASTeam Leadership Institute
Investigator(s): Dr. Leslie Sautter, College of Charleston
sautterl@cofc.edu
Description: A variety of teacher training efforts has been supported over the past eight years through the COASTeam marine education program, and has successfully addressed the needs of South Carolina elementary and middle school teachers for standards-based multi-disciplinary science criteria. Building on these previous efforts, objectives for this two-year project are to, in conjunction with the SouthEast Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence, (1) publish Web-based middle school grade-specific (grades 5-8) marine science activities titled “Explore the Oceans;” (2) develop a southeast marine science curriculum which addresses science inquiry and science content standards for grades 5-8; (3) design and pilot a COASTeam Leadership Institute; (4) develop program assessment tools; (5) offer a COASTeam workshop to educators in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia; and (6) establish strong collaboration among S.C. COASTeam Leadership Institute teachers and their partner education institution to offer COASTeam Days to other middle school teachers in South Carolina.Strategic Goal 9: Promote the development of a diverse and technically trained workforce.
Investigator(s): Dr. Rob Young, Coastal Carolina University
ryoung@coastal.edu
Description: In a new and innovative marine science education project, Young (E/O-18) will: (1) expand the “Rising Tide” marine science education program to the University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston, and achieve financial and logistical independence and sustainability at each institution by the end of the two-year grant period; (2) develop and improve scientific skills and confidence of local science teachers (primarily high school) and undergraduate science majors; (3) develop Web-based classroom activities based on locally relevant marine and coastal research that is pedagogically sound and consistent with national and state standards; (4) increase awareness of marine science research conducted in South Carolina; (5) enhance and support research activities of marine researchers in South Carolina; and (6) promote interaction among marine researchers, teachers and undergraduates to foster a mutual appreciation of the abilities, concerns and responsibilities of each group. Teams will design discovery- and inquiry-based classroom activities that will be tested, assessed, revised, and then “housed” on the SouthEast COSEE Web site. This project is an outcome of a pilot education program the investigator implemented in 2002 at Coastal Carolina University through funding from the National Science Foundation’s Geoscience Education Program.
The South Carolina/Georgia Coastal Erosion Study:
A Cooperative Program of the U.S. Geological survey and S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
This program is a multi-institutional effort to develop an understanding
of the factors and processes that control coastal sediment movement within critical
areas of erosion along the South Carolina/Georgia coast. Results of the Coastal
Erosion Study will lead to better prediction of changes and cost-effective mitigation
of future erosion and accretion patterns. Policymakers will be provided with
scientific information needed to enhance protection of valuable coastal resources.
For more information, visit http://camelot.coastal.edu
Cooperative Institute for Fisheries Molecular Biology
(FISHTEC)
The FISHTEC program addresses the growing need to better understand
the population dynamics of heavily fished commercial species. The program uses
molecular biological techniques to study and manage coastal and pelagic fishes
and stocks. The work is particularly important for fishes that mitigate and
are subject to by-catch in other fisheries. Some of the species studied so far
include: blue marlin, swordfish, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, sharks, and striped
bass.
http://www.geol.sc.edu/gvoulgar/cpsdlab.html
University of South Carolina Department of Geological Sciences & the Marine
Science Program.
HazNet.org - National Sea Grant Coastal Hazards network homepage. HazNet provides information on Coastal Natural Hazards by providing science-based information to individuals, businesses, and local and state government.
http://www.sgnis.org/wow/
Directory of National Sea Grant Nonindigenous Species (NIS) Web sites.
http://www.coastal.edu/cmws/
Coastal Carolina University's Center for Marine and Wetland Studies