2026-2028 Research Projects
Every two years, the Consortium asks researchers to submit proposals for the funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the National Sea Grant College Program.
Each project undergoes a rigorous peer review. The selected projects support critical research goals for our state and region.
Assessing Ecological Functioning and Genetic Diversity of Natural and Restored South Carolina Salt Marshes
Principal Investigator: Erik Sotka, College of Charleston
Co-Principal Investigators: Allan Strand, College of Charleston
The research team will compare the ecological performance and genetic diversity of restored vs. natural salt marshes. Restoration of salt marsh after die-off is an important tool for conservation implemented with multiple strategies. By analyzing soil, wave buffering capacity, plant stem density and height, and value as nursery habitat across 23 salt marsh locations, the team aims to evaluate which restoration strategies best replicate the ecological integrity of salt marshes.
Evaluating Storage and Export of Contaminated Sediments by Coastal Stormwater Ponds to Inform Management Needs
Principal Investigator: Barbara Beckingham, College of Charleston
Co-Principal Investigators: Scott Harris and Theodore Them, College of Charleston; Joshua Robinson, Robinson Design Engineers
The research team will support the health of coastal ecosystems and water quality by collecting data on stormwater pond treatment, volume, and sediment chemistry. This data will inform sediment removal and maintenance activities and potential impacts to receiving waterways of conveyed sediment. This project will also assess opportunities for beneficial reuse of stormwater pond sediment and engage communities with stewardship of stormwater ponds in the coastal landscape.
Informing Future Stock Assessments and Management of Atlantic Blue Crab in South Carolina Through Increased Resolution of Reproductive Output
Principal Investigator: Michael Kendrick, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Co-Principal Investigators: Daniel Sasson, Graham Wagner, and Catherine Schlick, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The research team will improve stock assessments of Atlantic blue crab through detailed measurements of female reproductive development. This project aims to provide a better understanding of variability in the timing of blue crab egg production by collecting and retaining samples of mature female blue crabs across the estuarine gradient from brackish waters where mating occurs to higher salinity waters where egg brooding occurs. The project will also compare macroscopic and microscopic assessments of ovarian development.
Implications of Striped Bass Oxy-Thermal and Movement Ecology on Sustainable Fisheries Management and Conservation in the Great Pee Dee River, S.C.
Principal Investigator: Derek Crane, Coastal Carolina University
Co-Principal Investigators: Jason Doll, Francis Marion University; Jason Marsik and Tanya Darden, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The research team will support sustainable striped bass fisheries by investigating where striped bass seek areas of summer oxy-thermal (cool water) refuge in the Great Pee Dee River-Winyah Bay-Intracoastal Waterway system, determining if the species concentrate in small geographic areas during late fall−winter, and identifying individual and population residency durations within winter habitats. The proposed project will inform anglers about native striped bass populations in S.C., current and future threats, and regulations.
Marine Heatwaves and Red Drum, Sciaenops ocellatus: Impacts on Early-Life Survival and Growth
Principal Investigator: River Bryant, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Co-Principal Investigators: Joseph Ballenger and Ashley Bobnar, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The research team will test how moderate and extreme marine heatwaves (MHWs) affect early-life growth and survival of red drum. Laboratory studies aim to characterize the effect of thermal stress due to increases in frequency and intensity of MHWs on juvenile red drum. Findings will inform production and release strategies for the ongoing stock enhancement program to bolster wild population and provide context to documented declines, and will be directly incorporated into stock assessments, projections, and science-based management decisions to support S.C.’s red drum fishery.
Participatory Science Supported Multi-Omic Water Quality Monitoring to Inform Public Health Priorities and Clean Water Advocacy
Principal Investigator: George Hanna, MUSC
The research team will analyze water quality data from Charleston’s estuaries and waterways for long-term microbial and chemical trends. Data previously collected by the Charleston Waterkeepers will be thoroughly characterized with the long-term goal of creating a water quality monitoring model that can be expanded to other watersheds and extended to include data on pathogenic bacterial strains and antibiotic resistance genes to inform public health priorities.
Monitoring for and Informing the Public About the Stormwater Benefits of a Green Street in Folly Beach, South Carolina
Principal Investigator: Sarah Waickowski, Clemson University
Co-Principal Investigators: Stephanie Whitmire, Clemson University; Kimberly Counts Morganello and Christopher Pyman, Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc.
The research team will measure the performance and inform the public of new green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) retrofits in Folly Beach, S.C. The project team will monitor the water quality and hydrologic benefits of the ongoing “green street” project, which aims to improve drainage on the city’s main thoroughfare, Center Street, through the installation of permeable pavement and bioretention cells that route stormwater to the Folly River. Findings from this research will inform best practices associated with designing, constructing, and maintaining GSI. Visitors to Center Street will use digital tools to collect and contribute data and learn more about the project.