2026 Coastal Science Research Symposium Proceedings

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Oral Presentations

Session 1: From Estuary to Economy: Fisheries Science that Guides the Future

Michael Kendrick, Jeff Brunson, Graham Wagner, Alexandra Mitchell; South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Presentation Title: Refining Assessments of Reproductive Development in White Shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) to Inform Management Decisions in South Carolina

Abstract: Recent increases in commercial shrimp landings during the spring season highlight the increasing importance of high-valued roe shrimp to the state’s shrimp fishery. Sustainable management strategies of penaeid shrimp in S.C. seek to protect spring spawning stocks and rely on information related to environmental conditions, abundance of overwintering shrimp, and reproductive status of adult female white shrimp. Despite the importance of spring roe shrimp to both the fishery and to management strategies, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the patterns and drivers of reproductive development in penaeid shrimp. The objectives of this project were to track reproductive development of female white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) via histological markers, assess regional variability in reproductive development, and investigate temporal trends in the timing of reproductive development. Trawl sampling was conducted with a 6.1 m otter trawl net with 25.4 mm stretch mesh towed for 15 min. We sampled the Charleston Harbor for 13 weeks in 2022, we sampled 12 estuaries across S.C. and Georgia over a 1-week period in 2023, and digitized historic data on reproductive development. In 2022, we tracked the phenology of reproductive development and established histological markers to distinguish shrimp with evidence of prior spawns from those that had no evidence of prior spawns. In the regional comparison, areas of northern SC showed delayed reproductive development compared with the rest of S.C. and GA. Analyses of 40+ years of data show that the annual onset of female reproductive development has trended earlier in the year, largely driven by environmental conditions. This study provides a strong biological basis for understanding reproductive development in penaeid shrimp to support estimations of spawning activity that are crucial for effective fisheries management.

Daniel Sasson, Crustacean Research and Monitoring Section (CRMS), Marine Resources Division (MRD), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR); Adeline McCullough, CRMS, MRD, SCDNR; Graham Wagner, CRMS, MRD, SCDNR; Marisa ValeCruz, CRMS, MRD, SCDNR; Nihal Guennouni, CRMS, MRD, SCDNR; Matt Perkinson, Office of Fisheries Management (OFM), MRD, SCDNR; Jeff Brunson, OFM, MRD, SCDNR; Michael Kendrick, CRMS, MRD, SCDNR

Presentation Title: Understanding the Habitat Use and Movement of Blue Crabs in the Charleston Harbor Estuary

Abstract: The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, supports one of the oldest and largest fisheries in South Carolina, with annual commercial landings valued at over $6 million. However, commercial landings have declined over the last decade, reaching a record low in 2021. Effectively managing this species requires an understanding of how its habitats and movement patterns differ temporally and across demographics. To quantify these patterns, we set crab pots at 40 sites in the Charleston Harbor and Ashley River biweekly or monthly from July – December in 2024 and 2025. The salinity at these sites ranged from almost freshwater to near full salinity. We recorded size, sex, and maturity status of all blue crabs caught and tagged all mature intermolt crabs. Commercial and recreational crabbers were incentivized to report tagged crabs that they caught. Their reports allowed us to calculate the movement and direction of recaught crabs. Over the two years, we caught 4967 crabs and tagged 2865 of them. The majority of crabs we caught were mature (79%) and male (82%). Male crabs were more often found in low salinity areas than female crabs. Furthermore, mature males in these lowest salinity areas were larger than those in middle to high salinity areas. These results suggest that low salinity areas where crabbing is prohibited may act as important refuges for crabs before entering the fishery. We received 464 unique reports of tagged crabs from commercial and recreational crabbers and recaptured an additional 51 tagged crabs in our own sampling, representing an 18% recapture rate. Preliminary analyses suggest that male crabs generally moved down river to higher salinity areas, potentially to find mates or, in later months, to find deeper waters to overwinter.

Holly Funkhouser, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Presentation Title: Engaging with Stakeholders to Improve Management of the Blue Crab Fishery in South Carolina

Abstract: The South Carolina blue crab fishery has historically been underregulated when compared to neighboring states. Recent trends in blue crab commercial landings data and relative abundance estimates in scientific surveys, paired with concerns of both recreational and commercial crabbers, have suggested population declines within South Carolina waters. In 2024, new state legislation was passed to address many of the concerns expressed by a variety of stakeholders and provided the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with new authorities designed to improve the management of blue crab fisheries. In some cases, effective implementation of these authorities requires engagement with the commercial crabbing industry, which represents an important source of knowledge on blue crab ecology and fisheries, but also can provide access for the collection of valuable fishery-dependent data. To utilize this vital source of industry expertise, we designed and implemented a targeted survey of participants in the peeler crab fishery, coordinated and convened a stakeholder working group, and conducted facility site-visits. This collaborative effort further supported the development of a fisheries-dependent sampling program needed to conduct a robust blue crab stock assessment and inform future management decisions. Our work with blue crab stakeholder engagement has resulted in improved accountability in the peeler and soft-shell crab fishery, a robust fishery-dependent sampling regime and the collection of high-resolution biological data from the commercial harvest, and industry input in management decisions and investment in the long-term sustainability of the South Carolina blue crab fishery.

Josh Kim, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Oyster South Marine Advisory Board

Presentation Title: Overview of Sudden Unexplained Mortality Syndrome (SUMS) in Farmed Oysters

Abstract: In the Southeast, off-bottom oyster aquaculture, or the commercial grow-out of oysters in floating or suspended cages, is increasing in popularity and geographic scope. One challenge facing this industry are the increasing reports of Sudden Unexplained Mortality Syndrome (SUMS) events coming from oyster farms on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. SUMS events are sudden mortality events that occur during the spring and/or summer months on farmed oyster farms, and commonly contribute to devastating levels of crop loss, up to 80% mortality during a 2-week span. While first reported over a decade ago, previous work has not been able to identify an underlying cause or trigger to SUMS events, which is the first step in developing best management practices at the farm level to mitigate the negative effects of these events. In an effort to increase the regional understanding around these SUMS events and inform farm management practices that reduce susceptibility to SUMS events, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium is participating as a project partner in a region-wide project to identify common triggers and symptoms of oysters undergoing a SUMS event. We are working closely with an active commercial farm to track physiological responses of diploid and triploid oysters on their farm that could serve as indicators of impending SUMS events.

Ashley Bobnar, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and College of Charleston; Allan Strand, College of Charleston; Denise Sanger, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Giacomo DiTullio, College of Charleston; Joseph Ballenger, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Presentation Title: Four Decades of Spatial and Temporal Trends on Marine Heatwaves and Marine Cold Spells in South Carolina Estuaries

Abstract: Extreme thermal events (ETEs) include marine heatwaves (MHWs) – periods of abnormally warm water conditions, and marine cold-spells (MCSs) – periods of anomalously cold water conditions. While temperature naturally varies daily and seasonally, abrupt and prolonged deviations can have severe ecological impacts. Despite rapid advances in MHW research, ETE dynamics in shallow, estuarine systems remain poorly understood. Using continuous in-situ water temperature data, we assessed spatial and temporal trends of ETEs in four South Carolina estuaries – Winyah Bay, Cape Romain, Charleston Harbor, and St. Helena Sound – from 1983-2024. We found spatial and temporal variation in event metrics (i.e., frequency, intensity, duration) and conclude that estuarine responses to climate-driven warming are not uniform. Event co-occurrence was < 50% between estuaries, but higher within estuaries (i.e., between monitoring stations), although duration and intensity values were variable between these station sites. ETEs typically lasted ~10 days and exceeded established temperature thresholds by several degrees, with stronger events reaching 2-3x these magnitudes. Development rates increased exponentially with event strength, and MCS metrics spanned broader ranges (i.e., had greater heterogeneity) than MHW metrics. MHWs were most frequent and MCSs least frequent during summer, while both event types were most intense in the winter. Coastwide, MHWs increased and MCSs decreased. By jointly examining warm and cool extremes, this work expands beyond the dominant focus on MHWs and offers a more complete assessment of shifting thermal regimes across estuarine environments. Importantly, such information related to temperature can help facilitate the protection and management of estuarine resources under continued climate-driven change.

Alexandra Larson, College of Charleston; Marie DeLorenzo, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Pete Key, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Jason Broach, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Allan Strand, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: From Tire to Toxic? Assessing Lethal and Developmental Effects of Tire Wear Chemicals on Sheepshead Minnow and Spotted Seatrout     

Abstract: Estuaries are critical habitats that provide food resources, shelter, and nursery grounds for fish. Despite their importance, they are increasingly threatened by urban runoff, which carries a range of chemical pollutants. One significant source of these pollutants is tire wear particles (TWPs), which are generated through friction between vehicle tires and road surfaces and are widely distributed in aquatic systems. TWPs, a major component of microplastic pollution, contain chemical additives such as 6PPD, an antioxidant that prevents cracking and degradation of rubber, and its ozonated transformation product, 6PPD-quinone, both of which may negatively impact fish survival and development. This study investigated the effects of tire wear chemical exposure on two estuarine fish species, sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), which are ecologically and economically significant in the South Atlantic and rely on estuarine habitats throughout their life cycles. Embryos were collected post-fertilization and exposed to varying concentrations of tire wear chemicals to assess embryo-larval survival and development. Sheepshead minnow survival was not significantly impacted when exposed to 6PPD, 6PPD-quinone, or TWP leachate; however, TWP leachate caused a significant delay in hatching. Spotted seatrout were more sensitive, showing reduced hatching success at 6PPD concentrations of 500 µg/L and significant mortality at 6PPD concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/L, as well as at 6PPD-quinone concentrations of 500 µg/L. Morphometric endpoints, including length, ocular diameter, and nutrient absorption, are also being assessed. These findings can inform regulatory agencies and support fisheries management efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts of pollutants.

Session 2: Signals in the Water: Monitoring Watershed Health and Translating Data into Action

Brynne Sumner, Clemson University; Amy E. Scaroni, Clemson University; Stefanie Whitmire, Clemson University; D. Tye Pettay, University of South Carolina Beaufort; Tom Austin, Edisto Island Open Land Trust

Presentation Title: Sources and Patterns of Bacteria and Turbidity Across the Edisto Island Watershed

Abstract: Anthropogenic pollution is a growing threat to coastal ecosystems, introducing contaminants such as pathogenic bacteria and turbidity into coastal watersheds. Edisto Island, located within the ACE Basin, offers valuable insights into the water quality challenges faced by rural communities. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has designated 38 impairments and 6 Total Daily Maximum Loads for bacteria and turbidity pollution across the Edisto Island Watershed, resulting in restrictions on shellfish harvesting. This study aimed to identify the primary sources of fecal bacteria and turbidity driving the water quality impairments across the Edisto Island Watershed. We used microbial source tracking and fecal indicator bacteria enumeration to identify potential bacterial sources (e.g., human, dog, bird, horse, cow). To determine the drivers of turbidity, we analyzed water samples for total suspended solids (TSS), chlorophyll a, phytoplankton community composition, and nutrient concentrations. Linear models and Wald t-tests were used to identify spatial and temporal variation in fecal indicator bacteria across the study area. Only 6% of our samples exceeded the South Carolina state standard for Enterococcus in recreational waters, and host-specific qPCR detected the canine marker twice at different sites. These findings suggest that qPCR could be limited by low bacteria concentrations in estuarine waters, and we recommend prioritizing microbial source tracking when fecal bacteria concentrations are high (i.e., after rainfall events). We found that turbidity was primarily driven by sediment year-round, while chlorophyll a contributed seasonally during the annual spring phytoplankton bloom. TSS was positively correlated to tidal range (r = 0.85), and large precipitation events contributed to significantly higher TSS (p < 0.05). This study highlights that coastal watersheds face complex water quality challenges due to dynamic environmental processes and anthropogenic pressures, and that solutions to water quality will often require multiple management techniques.

Timothy Callahan, Geology and Environmental Geosciences, College of Charleston; Amy Scaroni, Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Cailyn Spedding, Environmental and Sustainability Studies/Public Administration, College of Charleston; Piper Monk, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, College of Charleston; C. Guinn Wallover, Mount Pleasant Waterworks; Shu-Mei Huang, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Jestine Deepe, Mount Pleasant Waterworks; Landon Knapp, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Presentation Title: SOS (Solutions on Septic): Identifying Resilient Solutions for Septic Management in Coastal South Carolina

Abstract: Coastal South Carolina and similar low-lying areas’ shallow water table conditions can impair the performance of on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS; commonly known as septic systems). These impacts can be exacerbated with sea level rise, as design standards and regulations cannot overcome site conditions and wastewater discharge from the septic leach fields can affect groundwater and nearby receiving water bodies. Our objectives were to (1) understand the role of storm events, seasonal shallow groundwater dynamics, and sea level rise impacts on OWTS for representative soil types and landscape position; (2) develop a geospatial risk assessment model that can characterize OWTS potential vulnerability to climate change impacts; and (3) identify septic owners’ motivations for maintenance and willingness to accept solutions for OWTS long-term performance and water quality protection. For this project we collected site-specific data on soil, water table, and groundwater quality data and analyzed those data relative to regulatory standards. We created a mapping tool to assess vulnerability to septic system failure and opportunities for improved infrastructure. We surveyed area residents and hosted focus groups to better understand perceptions and concerns of septic owners. The outcome of this work will be to provide a septic management strategy guide and risk assessment tool and recommend updates for septic system permitting and design requirements for application in coastal communities. This presentation will provide results and interpretations of the project and compare them to similar efforts in the region and elsewhere.

Till J.J. Hanebuth and students in the Coastal Geosystems Research Lab, Coastal Carolina University; Debra Buffkin and riverkeepers, Winyah Rivers Alliance

Presentation Title: PFAS in the Pee Dee Watershed of SC   

Abstract: PFAS are considered contaminants of serious emerging concern, recently having been discovered in various environments and food sources, and assumedly being responsible for various adverse effects to humans. The 2022/23 BOW statewide study reported concerning PFAS concentrations for many areas, but considered northeastern SC sparsely. The presented comprehensive study covers the so far little investigated Pee Dee Watershed (3,400 sq. mi.; 7 river systems; 27 watersheds). We established a detailed sample collection and processing protocol, collected nearly 200 water and 30 soil samples, and measured in-situ water properties with the goal to identify PFAS hotspots, better understand dispersal processes, and develop an idea about potential future situations under changing climatic conditions.

Beth Lewis, CEPSCI, CSPR, Watershed Resilience Manager, Town of Bluffton; Hannah Quast, MS, MPA, CEPSCI, Stormwater Technician, Town of Bluffton

Presentation Title: From Data to Decisions: Utilizing Microbial Source Tracking (MST) to Guide Watershed Management Decisions        

Abstract: The Town of Bluffton, often called the heart of the Lowcountry, is located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The May River runs through both Bluffton and Beaufort County, bisecting the Town’s jurisdiction. In the fall of 2009, the river’s headwaters received its first shellfish harvesting classification downgrade due to elevated fecal coliform levels. In response, the Town partnered with Beaufort County and community stakeholders to launch a year-long initiative resulting in the May River Watershed Action Plan, later updated in 2021.

To implement water quality monitoring recommendations from this action plan, the Town partnered with the University of South Carolina Beaufort to establish a new regional Microbial Source Tracking (MST) Water Quality Laboratory and develop local regional MST markers. MST data has helped the Town meet federal and state permit requirements, develop new educational handouts, neighborhood canvassing, social media campaigns, increased regional coordination, identification and elimination of identified sources of fecal bacteria, sewer extension projects, and a new Town Pet Waste Station Program.

Session 3: Bridging Science and Society: Education, Outreach, and Decision Support Tools

Mara Duke Blatt, South Carolina Aquarium; Kelly Thorvalson, South Carolina Aquarium; Sara McDonald, South Carolina Aquarium     

Presentation Title: South Carolina Aquarium’s Good Catch Program

Abstract: In a state that prides itself in having an abundance of local seafood and some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world, the demand for southeastern fisheries has greatly declined because of the low cost of imported seafood, driven by weak labor rights and environmental regulations. The decreased demand for local seafood causes most of the seafood harvested off the coast of South Carolina to be exported and much of the seafood in restaurants to be imported. The pressures of increased coastal development and graying of the fleet, compounded with cheap imported seafood, negatively affect the local economy and impact the livelihoods of fishermen. This creates a vicious cycle where fishermen cannot afford to fish, but they also cannot afford not to. As consumers, our buying power is essential in helping to resolve this issue. South Carolina Aquarium Good Catch focuses on and supports local fisheries. We define local to include the southeastern regional fisheries from North Carolina to the southern east coast of Florida. The South Atlantic fisheries are some of the most heavily regulated in the world, which gives us confidence that we are making the most environmentally sustainable choice while supporting the local economy and fishing families. Our Good Catch partners are committed to serving higher percentages of local, sustainable seafood. Knowing that environmental sustainability is multi-faceted, our highest-level Good Catch partners take an additional step to minimize plastic in their business (mitigating the availability of single-use plastic, not using Styrofoam, etc.). Collaborating with programs like the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium’s Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program, South Carolina Aquarium Good Catch aims to sustain South Carolina fisheries into the future.

Elle Pestorius, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Hailey Murphy, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Presentation Title: Marine Debris Challenge

Abstract: Marine debris is a worldwide, human-imposed pollution problem that presents significant risks to ecosystems, marine life, human health, and local economies. Marine debris varies in type and size, ranging from microscopic plastic particles to large items like construction materials and household appliances. The Marine Debris Challenge is an interactive learning experience designed to place students directly into the pathways and breakdown of marine debris. After building foundational knowledge about types of debris and pollution, students take on the role of a piece of debris that has entered a watershed from various sources, such as a farm, factory, neighborhood, city, public pier, or school. Led by their teacher, students move through different scenarios that guide their debris through the environment toward the ocean, breaking down into microplastics (defined by NOAA as plastic particles or fibers less than 5 mm in size) along the way. As the challenge progresses, scenarios incorporate problem-solving using the “7-R’s of Renewability” (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, and Rot) and other sustainable practices to identify realistic, effective strategies to prevent and remove marine debris from the environment. All materials for the Marine Debris Challenge are printable, high-contrast, and accessible for any classroom, hallway, or outdoor space, and students’ movement (steps) and breakdown (dropping tokens) will depend on type of debris (material, size, and structure). This activity strengthens skills in systems thinking; builds environmental literacy and stewardship; empowers students to visualize how their everyday decisions impact waterways and the ocean; and promotes student collaboration to find solutions to marine debris pollution.

Melanie Thorn, Daniel Barney, Angelina Arcidi, Jackie Winston, College of Charleston Environmental and Sustainability Studies; Mentors Casey Conrad, College of Charleston, and Merrie Koester, USC Center for Science Education

Presentation Title: Seeing Is Believing: Designing a Wetland Water Storage Capacity Dashboard

Abstract: In South Carolina, wetlands are critical areas protected under the Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act. While wetlands are essential habitats for local biodiversity, they are also a vital component of Lowcountry cultural history and provide significant ecosystem services to local communities. For the City of Charleston, wetlands serve as natural infrastructure for flood mitigation by storing tidal floodwater and stormwater runoff. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one acre of wetland can store approximately 1–1.5 million gallons of water (EPA, 2022). Because the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) provides spatially mapped wetland acreage, GIS enables the calculation of potential total water storage capacity within clearly defined community boundaries.  And yet, fill-and-build on our wetlands continues. 

Merrie Koester, science literacy and communication specialist and director of Kids Teaching Flood Resilience, presented our CofC Environmental and Sustainability Studies research team and all students in Casey Conrad’s GIS class a public science literacy design challenge: Create a “Wetland Water Storage Capacity Dashboard” that could be used by elected officials making land use decisions. Using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, we developed a workflow to estimate the potential total gallons of water wetlands can store within selected boundaries. City of Charleston Council Districts were used to align ecological storage capacity with governance units, and to convert ecosystem service estimates into actionable information for policymakers and community stakeholders. The resulting public-facing dashboard visualizes wetland extent and total potential water storage by council district. This replicable Model Builder workflow can be applied to other coastal municipalities to support wetland conservation, vulnerability assessment, resilience planning, and hydrologic decision-making.

Scott Curtis, Near Center for Climate Studies, The Citadel; Laura Jean Palmer-Moloney, Visual Teaching Technologies; Alexis Scipio, The Thrive Point LLC; Zahia Bird, Trident Technical College; Nora Walker, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: The Climate Awareness Engagement Academy for Small Businesses

Abstract: The Climate Awareness Engagement Academy was developed with S.C. Sea Grant Consortium funding with the purpose of building a learning community to understand climate threats and preparation tools for coastal businesses. It is clear that coastal small businesses are vulnerable to natural disasters and that 40-60% never reopen after experiencing a disaster. Small business owners lack contextual understanding of weather and climate, which hinders their ability to overcome shocks, but also to plan for environmental stressors, which affect day-to-day operations.

NOAA and other agencies are focusing on community resilience education, where “theory of change, much like logic models, are tools for planning, implementation, and evaluation of an initiative.” Theory of change proposes that successful climate education 1) build collective environmental literacy; 2) focus on current and future place-based climate; 3) incorporate scientific information in the language of the end user; 4) integrate socioeconomic factors to underscore the ways the human and natural systems interact; 5) use active learning; and 6) inspire hope and empower agents of change. Little research has examined this model of community resilience education directed at the small business community. This presentation will trace the development of the Academy, review its first iteration on January 8-9, 2026, and report on engagement with communication tools and resources post-Academy. We will also evaluate the outcomes of the Academy through the perspective of theory of change.

Session 4: Community-Centered Resilience: Planning and Adaptation Strategies

Lori Pennington-Gray, Richardson Family SmartState Center for Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development, University of South Carolina; Tammi L. Richardson, Institute for Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems, and Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina; Patrick J. Holladay, Richardson Family SmartState Center for Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development, University of South Carolina; Tyler Pyatt, Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina

Presentation Title: Holding Ground, Rising Waters: Gullah Geechee Resilience to Coastal Flooding

Abstract: Gullah Geechee communities along the South Carolina coastline are experiencing recurrent riverine and coastal flooding that threatens housing stability, economic livelihoods, and cultural continuities tied to land and water stewardship. This study focuses on Sandy Island and St. Helena Island to document flood exposure and impacts, identify community-based adaptation strategies, and assess constraints from environmental change and development pressures. Methods include GIS and remote sensing, flood and sea-level rise modeling, interviews and focus groups, photo-elicitation, water quality monitoring, and economic and policy analyses.

Initial findings include a GIS database with web-mapping capabilities, oral histories, stakeholder perceptions, a baseline water quality dataset, and a preliminary economic vulnerability profile. Spatial analysis shows that 51% of residential structures on Sandy Island are within the 100-year flood zone, with a projected 14% increase in impacts under a 2-foot sea-level rise. On St. Helena Island, vulnerability is driven by compound flooding from sea-level rise and storm surge, especially during tropical storms or hurricanes.

Cultural findings indicate that land loss and development pressures threaten identity, land tenure, and knowledge transfer, as well as declining youth participation in farming and fishing. Mutual aid remains important but is weakening, along with drainage maintenance. Environmental observations note storm-related changes in water color, odor, and fish populations that affect cultural practices. Economic analysis shows a 1.5% employment decline in coastal counties after hurricanes, compared to 0.5% inland, and about a 14% drop in visitation to St. Helena Island after flooding.

Future work includes continued monthly water sampling, expanded surveys on economic losses, and community engagement to support place-based resilience initiatives.

S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, S.C. Office of Resilience

Presentation Title: S.C. Resilient Coastal Communities Collaborative Program

Abstract: The South Carolina Resilient Coastal Communities Collaborative Program (SCRCCCP) is a community-driven resilience planning pilot program designed to help coastal communities in the Salkehatchie River Basin identify, prioritize, and prepare for climate-related hazards through locally informed adaptation strategies. Led by the South Carolina Office of Resilience and the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, the program has supported communities in advancing resilience planning that is responsive to both environmental risks and their community needs.

The primary objective of the SCRCCCP is to build local capacity for resilience by engaging communities in a structured planning process focused on flood risk, stormwater challenges, land use pressures, environmental degradation, and other climate-related stressors. Methods include facilitation of Community Action Teams, stakeholder workshops, local government coordination, risk and vulnerability assessments, and technical assistance to support the co-development of resilience strategies. The program emphasizes inclusive engagement and cross-sector collaboration, particularly in communities with elevated social and environmental vulnerability.

Program outcomes include the development of community-informed resilience strategies, increased local understanding of hazard exposure and adaptation opportunities, stronger partnerships among community organizations and government entities, and the identification of project concepts that can advance into future design and implementation.

The applied impact of the SCRCCCP lies in its ability to connect planning with implementation by helping communities move from broad resilience goals toward actionable, place-based solutions. By centering local knowledge and fostering regional collaboration, the program provides a scalable model for coastal resilience planning that can support long-term adaptation, funding readiness, and more equitable resilience outcomes across South Carolina’s coastal region.

Juliana Zadik and Rob Merchant, Beaufort County Planning and Zoning; Courtney Kimmel, Port Royal Sound Foundation; Shu-Mei Huang, Sophia Truempi, Landon Knapp, and Matthew Slagel S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Norm Levine and Avery West, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: Building Capacity for Resilience in Beaufort County through Living Shorelines

Abstract: Through a NFWF National Coastal Resilience Fund grant, Beaufort County and its partners at the Port Royal Sound Foundation, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, and College of Charleston, are developing three decision-making tools to increase government staff capacity to implement living shorelines on public lands to protect vulnerable communities, critical infrastructure, and essential salt marsh habitat, and to incentivize the use of living shorelines by private property owners in lieu of gray infrastructure where appropriate. The goals are to reduce community exposure to coastal flooding and erosion, maintain natural carbon sinks, support critical salt marsh habitat, and maintain wildlife habitat for finfish, shellfish, and the food webs that depend on them. To accomplish these goals, the following three tools are being produced: 1) a mapping analysis demonstrating where living shorelines are appropriate, including site-specific recommendations for the types of living shorelines that are most appropriate based on environmental conditions; 2) a prioritization matrix that recommends where the highest need for living shorelines exists based social vulnerability, critical infrastructure, historically/culturally important sites, community priorities, and ecosystem benefits so Beaufort County and other living shorelines practitioners can strategically install living shorelines; and 3) a training manual for Beaufort County and municipal staff to assist in siting and incentivizing living shorelines for private landowners. Each tool will be publicly available and scalable.

Jennifer Plunket, North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; Norman S. Levine, The Lowcountry Hazards Center, College of Charleston; Kaylie Lively, College of Charleston; Shu-Mei Huang, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Amy Nguyen, Robinson Design Engineers; Joshua Robinson, Robinson Design Engineers; Anna McClendon, Robinson Design Engineers

Presentation Title: From Maps to Vision: Developing Examples of Site-Specific Nature-Based Solutions to Increase Climate Resilience in Georgetown, South Carolina   

Abstract: South Carolina coastal communities are at risk from multiple flood threats including elevated river flow, urban stormwater flooding, storm surge, and sea level rise. Compound flooding results from the co-occurrence of multiple flood drivers and can create hazards in areas where natural water storage has been reduced by development. The vulnerability of homes, schools, workplaces, and critical infrastructure due to compound flooding is projected to increase in the future due to the impacts of climate change, including increasing intensity of precipitation events, increasing severity of tropical storms, and changing relative sea level. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are intended to address infrastructure needs while providing hazard mitigation from climate impacts, and to provide improved quality of life and increased livability and protection or creation of wildlife habitat. Georgetown County (SC) communities are increasingly recognizing the benefits of NBS and incorporating them into planning efforts such as comprehensive development plans, resilience plans, and adaptation plans. While these plans recognize the value in general of using NBS to address climate threats, they do not present specific information or detailed plans for implementation at a site-based scale. Closing the implementation gap requires an integration of science-based information with practical solutions that can be demonstrated to be feasible and beneficial. The “Maps to Visions” project used a geospatial analysis of landscape conditions and climate vulnerabilities to identify parcel-level sites where NBS could be implemented to increase resilience to flooding. Schematic site plans and renderings for NBS opportunities for identified sites in Georgetown County are being developed by an engineering design firm and will be shared with stakeholders and decision-makers in an iterative process to identify specific projects, partnerships, and pathways for moving forward on implementing NBS. This project will serve as an example of integrated mapping and site and local level community planning for resilience.

Norman Levine, Lowcountry Hazards Center, College of Charleston; Kaitlyn Dietz, College of Charleston; Chandler Dickert, College of Charleston; Matthew Swanson, College of Charleston; Kendra Stewart, College of Charleston; William Veal, College of Charleston; Autum Blanchard, College of Charleston; Shu-Mei Huang, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and College of Charleston; Sophia Truempi, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Scott Curtis, The Citadel; Tess Doeffinger, The Citadel; Alicia Wilson, University of South Carolina; Dawoon Jeong, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Risks, Impacts, and Strategies for Coastal Communities (RISCC): Advancing Convergent Science to Support Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience         

Abstract: The Risks, Impacts, and Strategies for Coastal Communities (RISCC) project brings together researchers and community stakeholders from three EPSCoR jurisdictions representing the lowest-lying states in the country—Delaware (DE), Rhode Island (RI), and South Carolina (SC). The overarching goal is to advance convergent science to empower communities that are disproportionately affected by dual, interacting climate hazards–flooding and salinization–to make effective and inclusive adaptation decisions that support long-term climate resilience.

The RISCC SC cross-institutional research team looks into the Edisto region (Edisto Island and Edisto Beach), which is considered vulnerable to flooding and salinization due to low elevation, high septic density, aged population, and limited evacuation route (only one evacuation route to get off the island). The team studies groundwater dynamics, salinization risk and surface runoff models, produces outreach and education materials, and engages community members and decision makers for producing effective decision support systems.

The RISCC team will build a convergent and translational research, education, and workforce development infrastructure that 1) is co-developed with partner communities to support adaptation decisions; 2) develops comprehensive geospatial datasets to advance the assessment of flood vulnerability and mitigation suitability; 3) models and maps groundwater flooding and salinization risks; 4) quantifies the economic impacts of flooding and salinization; 5) understands how local decision makers assess and plan for climate hazards; 6) integrates research outcomes from natural and social sciences and engineering to develop decision support systems (DSSs) that can use to determine which adaptation strategies will likely be effective now and in the future; and 7) prepares diverse researchers and decision makers to understand the science and implementation of coastal adaptation through education, outreach, and workforce development.

Nolan Schillerstrom, Conservation Biologist, Biohabitats; Inka Bogdanski, Environmental Justice Director, Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities; Holly H. Blair, Lead Ecologist, Community-Centered Conservation, The Sustainability Institute

Presentation Title: Science in Service of Community: Baseline Characterization of Tidal Marsh Systems to Inform Community Flood Resilience Planning in Rosemont, SC

Abstract: This presentation highlights the ongoing partnership between The Sustainability Institute (SI), Biohabitats, and the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC) within the Rosemont community of Charleston, South Carolina. Supported by the NOAA Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grant for Underserved Communities, the project addresses the intersection of environmental justice and climate adaptation. The primary objectives are to mitigate chronic flooding through nature-based restoration, enhance local biodiversity, and establish a community-led resilience framework that protects the neighborhood’s cultural heritage against the accelerating threats of sea-level rise.

The initiative utilizes ecological field assessments, HEC-RAS 2D modeling, and AmeriCorps Crew member-led water quality monitoring.

• Ecological Field Assessment: Existing conditions observations were collected using a version of the MarshRAM methodology, weekly observations, and a BioBlitz.
• Water Quality Monitoring: A study design and sampling schedule was crafted at the onset of the project for AmeriCorps Members to conduct weekly water quality monitoring.
• H&H Modeling: A 2D model of the Rosemont marsh was created using HEC-RAS 2D and verified with groundwater and tide water-level loggers.

Preliminary findings and ongoing data collection are informing the development of a comprehensive Restoration and Resilience Roadmap for the Rosemont community. While analyses are still underway as of April 2026, the dataset, combining ecological assessments, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, water quality monitoring, and community input, is expected to support the identification and prioritization of nature-based restoration opportunities. These may include interventions such as living shorelines, rain gardens, and enhanced drainage swales that reduce flood risk, improve marsh function, and align with the community’s vision for public space, safety, and long-term resilience.

The impact of this work lies in shifting the paradigm from “top-down” engineering to community-driven restoration. By centering the voices of Rosemont residents, LAMC, SI, and Biohabitats are demonstrating how federal NOAA funding can do more than fix shorelines; it can build local capacity. This project serves as a scalable model for how underserved coastal communities can lead their own climate adaptation efforts, ensuring that ecological restoration also functions as a tool for social and economic stabilization.

Session 5: Tackling Marine Debris: Community Action and Innovative Solutions

Morgan H. Chaudry, Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Hannah Dozier, Wofford College; Sarah E. Waickowski, Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Stefanie L. Whitmire, Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University       

Presentation Title: Don’t Stop Retainin’: Microplastic Retention by Coastal Wet Detention Pond Sediments

Abstract: Plastics endure in the environment before degrading into smaller pieces called microplastics (< 5 mm), which become pollutants that can easily spread through the environment due to their small size, low density, and durability. Stormwater has been identified as an important transport mechanism of microplastics to aquatic ecosystems. Wet detention ponds are common stormwater best management practices in coastal regions that intercept runoff during flashy rain events to minimize flooding and prevent pollutants from entering local waterways; however, little work has been done to evaluate their potential to retain microplastics, preventing them from being released to downstream waters. To understand how effective wet detention ponds are at retaining these pollutants, we measured the distribution and types of microplastics in the sediments of seven ponds across coastal South Carolina. Based on preliminary findings, the average microplastic concentration in the sediments ranged from 1.1 x 10^6 – 1.2 x 10^6 microplastics/kg. of dry weight, representing some of the highest microplastic concentrations detected in pond sediments globally. Of those microplastics, rubber and polyamide (PA) were the most abundant polymer types identified through laser direct infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging. In this presentation, the trends in spatial distribution and microplastic abundance and type throughout wet detention pond sediments will be discussed.

Barbara Beckingham, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, College of Charleston; Britney Prebis, Charleston Waterkeeper; Cheryl Carmack, Charleston Waterkeeper; Elizabeth Bell, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Vijay Vulava, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, College of Charleston; Mia DiPietro, Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: Magnifying Microplastics Monitoring with a Community Science Sampling and Analysis Program

Abstract: Microplastics, synthetic plastic particles less than 5 mm in length, are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that affect environmental quality globally. Charleston Waterkeeper and the College of Charleston, in a non-profit/academic partnership, developed a community science microplastic monitoring program aiming to address critical knowledge gaps in the distribution and abundance of microplastics in the Charleston Harbor Watershed in South Carolina. In a pilot study, community scientists collected, processed, and analyzed water samples from 12 sites spanning the Charleston Harbor Watershed monthly from July to December of 2023 for microplastic counts, colors, sizes, and types, which were cross-checked against a second researcher’s analysis using a hot needle test and micro-Raman spectroscopy for quality assessment. Surveys were administered before, during, and after the study to understand volunteer motivations and inform program improvements. Suspected microplastics were identified by volunteers in 100% of samples collected with fibers dominating, and site average blank-corrected total concentrations ranged 0.9-4.5 particles/L. With the aid of secondary verification tools, cross analysis found significantly lower site average blank-corrected microplastic concentrations than volunteers, ranging 0.6-2.3 particles/L. A spike recovery test also identified steps for method improvement. While volunteers expressed concern over time commitment and microscopy skills in survey responses, they also reported skill development and satisfaction with the program. The program has expanded since the pilot study, restructuring and revising protocols with involvement of college students and community volunteers. With volunteer engagement and close attention to data quality assurance, community science offers a promising study design to improve understanding of microplastic pollution at the watershed scale.

Kelly Thorvalson, South Carolina Aquarium

Presentation Title: Our Marsh Counts, A Clean Waters Initiative in Murrells Inlet, SC

Abstract: In partnership with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and funded by NOAA, Our Marsh Counts is a community-based project that aims to create and implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce marine debris in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, an unincorporated coastal community situated on the northern end of Georgetown County and southern end of Horry County. The estuary’s salt marsh is the most economically important shellfish harvesting area on the state’s north coast but pressures from rapid population growth and tourism have increased the abundance of litter in and around the estuary, threatening the resiliency and health of this important ecosystem. In 2014, the Murrells Inlet Watershed Plan identified the need to reduce plastic pollution, including creating an Inlet Friendly Business Program to accomplish this measure. However, substantive work toward this goal had not been implemented prior to this project. Eighteen months into the three-year project, Our Marsh Counts has built a coalition of strategic community partners committed to plastic pollution reduction in Murrells Inlet. Major milestones include partnering on public litter sweeps with data collection, supporting sustainability of public events, widespread education and outreach within the community, including the Gullah Geechee community, and developing and implementing an Inlet Friendly Business Guide and Certification. Hear project updates, including litter data analysis and where the coalition is with the Inlet Friendly Business Program.

William Strosnider, Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, University of South Carolina

Presentation Title: Non-Plastic Options for Coastal Environmental Resource Protection

Abstract: Materials employed by coastal economic sectors such as aquaculture, habitat restoration, and water quality protection are dominated by plastics, contributing to a global plastics pollution issue that is growing ever more concerning. Natural materials (e.g., coir, jute, hemp, wood) have a long history of traditional use in these sectors. However, they have largely been displaced by non-biodegradable proprietary alternatives (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). New approaches that blend traditional ecological knowledge with modern engineering are needed to develop innovative natural material options. Non-plastic alternatives must be rigorously tested and economically vetted before application can further expand. We are testing the durability, performance, and economic viability of natural alternatives to plastics in coastal South Carolina economic sectors via testing from lab to mesocosm to field pilot scales. This work is being coordinated with industry partners, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and regional communities. Experiments are in progress to produce quantitative results that inform the development of permitting and management strategies, with the overarching goal of facilitating a sustainable future that combines traditional approaches with the tools afforded by contemporary advancements in biodegradable materials.

Session 6: Coastal Habitats in Transition: Tracking Marshes, Forests, and Wildlife Change

Thomas L. O’Halloran, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Erik Smith, Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, University of South Carolina, North Inlet – Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; Tom M. Williams, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Bo Song, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Siddhartha Regmi, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Daniel Schermaier, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Greenhouse Gas Dynamics during Recent Forest Mortality and Management along the South Carolina Coast

Abstract: South Carolina’s coast, like much of the South Atlantic Bight, has experienced rapid relative sea-level rise in recent years, along with repeated storm surge associated with tropical cyclones. Together, these drivers are increasing saltwater exposure in low-lying coastal upland forests and contributing to the formation of “ghost forests” characterized by tree mortality, vegetation change, and shifting biogeochemical function. At Hobcaw Barony near Georgetown, South Carolina, we are tracking this transition using satellite and drone imagery, forest inventories, and eddy covariance measurements of land-atmosphere carbon dioxide and methane exchange across a marsh-to-forest gradient. Our objectives are to quantify how forest mortality and subsequent management alter greenhouse gas emissions, compare these fluxes among adjacent marsh, disturbed forest, and healthy pine forest conditions, and discuss implications for coastal land stewardship.

Results to date indicate strong contrasts between ecosystems with different disturbance histories along the marsh-forest ecotone. The undisturbed mature upland pine forest functions as a substantial net greenhouse gas sink, while the salt marsh is near neutral to a small net source on a CO2-equivalent basis because methane emissions offset a modest CO2 sink. In contrast, the recently clearcut forest site, which was killed by storm surge and subsequent beetle infestation, is a very large net greenhouse gas source dominated by CO2 emissions, with smaller methane contributions. These findings suggest that coastal forest mortality and post-mortality conditions can substantially increase greenhouse gas release during landscape transition. Applied impacts include improved information for coastal landowners and managers considering response options in areas affected by saltwater intrusion, forest decline, and shifting marsh-forest boundaries. This work also supports long-term monitoring and decision-making through partnerships at Hobcaw Barony between Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, the National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the broader South Carolina coastal research community.

Andrew Tweel, Conner Entzminger, Pamela Marcum, and Denise Sanger, Marine Resources Research Institute, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources         

Presentation Title: Can Salt Marshes Adapt to Changes in Water Level?

Abstract: Salt marshes are dynamic and highly productive ecosystems that play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of coastal environments, yet the response of salt marshes to changing water levels along the South Atlantic Bight remains uncertain. This is complicated by environmental characteristics that vary substantially throughout the region. While resilience models continue to advance, their accuracy can be limited by low-resolution, outdated, or surrogate data that does not reflect site-level marsh conditions. To help better understand this, water level instruments, elevation surveying, biomass plots, and sedimentation observations were used to constrain these conditions at an array of site types along the coast. Here we present a suite of refined metrics, including elevation, tidal datum, productivity, and sediment inputs, and explore how improving these alters model outputs. This will allow for more accurate assessments of marsh resilience, with the end goal of characterizing resilience at the site-level to inform management decision-making.

Akshit R. Suthar, James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Aaron R. Pierce, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; Jared A. Elmore, National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University; Erin K. Buchholtz, U.S. Geological Survey – South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Travis H. Folk, Folk Land Management, Inc.; James T. Anderson, James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Functional Hydrology and Habitat Structure Regulate Waterbird Use in Historical Rice Field Impoundments in Coastal South Carolina

Abstract: Coastal South Carolina’s antebellum-era rice field impoundments are legacy wetlands whose ecological value depends on how their historic hydrologic infrastructure continues to shape water depth, salinity, and vegetative structure. These wetlands provide critical habitat for wintering waterfowl and other waterbirds, yet their habitat value across impoundment conditions remains poorly quantified. We used drone-based surveys to evaluate how impoundment type and habitat conditions influence waterbird abundance in tidal-functional, tidal-broken, and inland rice field impoundments. Across surveys, drone-based counts detected 347% more waterbirds than traditional ground surveys and recorded slightly greater species richness, highlighting the limitations of ground-based monitoring in extensive, inaccessible wetlands. Integrating thermal and color imagery further improved detection, with paired comparisons confirming significantly higher counts from drone surveys. Using high-resolution imagery, ArcGIS deep-learning pixel-based habitat classification, and Bayesian N-mixture models, we found that waterbird abundance was strongly structured by impoundment condition and habitat composition. Tidal-functional impoundments consistently supported the highest estimated abundance for most dabbling ducks and several wading birds, indicating that intact water-control capacity and managed hydrology maintain habitat conditions favorable to waterbird use. In contrast, tidal-broken impoundments supported the lowest abundance across most focal species, suggesting that loss of hydrologic control reduces habitat suitability. Inland impoundments showed more variable patterns, with Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) showing stronger inland affinity than other species. Across species, abundance was associated with water depth, open water, salinity, submerged aquatic vegetation, emergent aquatic vegetation, and impoundment size, demonstrating that shallow-water habitat mosaics best explain patterns of use. These findings suggest that the ecological value of historical rice fields is linked to functional water management and the maintenance of heterogeneous wetland structure. Our study provides a practical framework for adaptive management by linking bird responses to measurable habitat conditions and demonstrating how drone-based monitoring can improve wetland assessment, restoration prioritization, and long-term management of legacy coastal impoundments under ongoing environmental change.

Eric McElroy, Biology Department, College of Charleston; Jake Coffman, Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: Herpetofaunal Community Structure in Restored Longleaf Pine and Adjacent Mixed Forests

Abstract: The longleaf pine ecosystem is important for biological diversity across the Southeast United States. However, in the last 500 years, the longleaf pine’s range has reduced by 97% due to human development and fire suppression. Today, artificial longleaf pine restoration projects have become popular and typically consist of methods such as clearcutting pre-existing loblolly pine and frequent prescribed fire. However, few studies examine the effects of these methods on herpetofauna in restored longleaf pine forests, particularly in South Carolina. We compared three longleaf pine (LLP) and three unmanaged mixed pine (CON) forest plots to see how herpetofaunal communities differed between these two habitats at the Stono Preserve in Charleston County, SC. We used pitfall traps, coverboards, PVC pipes, and visual encounter surveys to sample terrestrial and arboreal herpetofauna. We found that abundance was significantly lower in LLP sites than in CON sites. However, there was no significant difference between treatments in species richness, rarefied richness, or evenness. Herpetofauna surveys revealed unique species in each treatment type, like Squirrel tree frogs in the CON treatment and Six-lined racerunners, a longleaf pine indicator species, in the LLP treatment. Site characteristics such as canopy cover, woody debris, and grass were significant predictors of species richness and abundance. These results indicate that while artificial longleaf pine restoration may contribute to a decline in overall abundance, the resulting restored sites can support longleaf pine indicator species and a similar species diversity to nearby unmanaged mixed pine plots.

Session 7: Rethinking Runoff: Smarter Stormwater for Coastal Communities

Sarah Waickowski, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Clemson University; Amy Scaroni, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University; Mitchell Woodward, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, North Carolina State University

Presentation Title: Using Release Mechanisms with Rainwater Harvesting to Improve Coastal Stormwater Management

Abstract: Previous research has demonstrated passive and active release mechanisms retrofitting rainwater harvesting cisterns can mitigate stormwater runoff. However, passive release systems can discharge during storm events and contribute to runoff. Additionally, active release systems typically consist of real-time control that require proprietary software and components that can be expensive to obtain. To address these concerns, we are currently evaluating the hydrologic performance of a non-proprietary, active release mechanism that retrofits a cistern’s passive release system. The active release mechanism consists of a residential irrigation controller, rainfall and soil moisture sensors, and an actuator valve. The controller and sensors signal to the actuator valve to close the passive release orifice during storm events and when the soil is too saturated to infiltrate the discharge. The performance of the active release system will be compared to a cistern retrofitted with traditional passive drawdown. Both 2,100 gal. cisterns have been sized to capture 87% of the average annual runoff, and each cistern receives runoff from a sloping metal roof with an area of 1,043 ft2. Monitoring began in September 2024 and will continue through September 2026. Preliminary data indicates that the cistern retrofitted with passive release has captured 93% of the runoff generated from the roof, and the total volume drained from the tank is 21,685 gal. The cistern retrofitted with active release has captured 75% of the generated runoff, and the total volume drained from the tank is 17,213 gal. The average delay caused by the sensors is approximately 29 hr. These results suggest these release mechanisms, particularly passive release, can be used to manage stormwater runoff in coastal areas. This is critical given the lack of space available in urban areas to install stormwater best management practices that typically require a larger footprint than rainwater harvesting systems (e.g., bioretention cells).

Darcy Perin, School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment, University of South Carolina; Annie Bourbonnais, School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment, University of South Carolina; Erik Smith, Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, University of South Carolina, North Inlet – Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Presentation Title: Vegetation Enhances Nitrogen Removal in Stormwater Ponds in Coastal South Carolina

Abstract: Coastal development and the increase in impervious surfaces lead to greater stormwater volumes, a key contributor to nonpoint source pollution. Stormwater ponds are generally highly efficient in eliminating particle-bound nutrients, such as phosphorus, but are often much less effective at removing dissolved nutrients, like nitrogen. Excess inorganic nitrogen can lead to coastal eutrophication, harmful cyanobacterial blooms, and coastal hypoxia. However, inorganic nitrogen can be removed from the environment through several different microbially facilitated processes. This research aims to estimate the rates of nitrogen removal (i.e., by denitrification), the net N2 fluxes, and internal recycling (DNRA) across the sediment-water interface in a range of stormwater ponds that differ in both the presence of vegetation or lack thereof and vegetation type/coverage. Rates of nitrogen removal (denitrification) were significantly higher in the vegetated stormwater ponds (36.9 – 774.2 µmol N m-2 h-1) compared to the non-vegetated ponds (6.4 – 35.1 µmol N m-2 h-1). Moreover, the average net N2 fluxes from the sediments to the water column were positive in vegetated ponds (4.7 – 85.8 µmol N m-2 h-1). In contrast, unvegetated ponds exhibited predominantly negative N2 fluxes (-70.9 – 4.4 µmol N m-2 h-1). These results indicate that the majority of net nitrogen removal occurred in vegetated ponds, while nitrogen fixation, which refers to the input of newly fixed atmospheric nitrogen, was prevalent in unvegetated ponds. Thus, unvegetated ponds not only proved ineffective in eliminating dissolved nitrogen but also typically served as a net source of newly fixed dissolved nitrogen. Planting native vegetation along the perimeters or allowing the growth of floating plants (e.g., lily pads) in stormwater ponds is strongly recommended, as it aids in the permanent removal of dissolved nitrogen before it enters coastal areas.

Morolake M. Fatunmbi, Debabrata Sahoo, and Ibrahim Busari, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Equilibrium Phosphorus Concentration (EPC₀) in Coastal Stormwater Ponds Under Limited Data Conditions

Abstract: Equilibrium phosphorus concentration (EPC₀), which represents the net exchange of phosphorus between the water column and sediments, is traditionally determined through intensive field sampling, laboratory experiments, and analytical procedures. As a result, EPC₀ datasets are often small, posing a challenge for machine learning algorithms that commonly rely on large datasets to develop predictive models. In this study, three machine learning algorithms, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), were applied to develop EPC₀ predictive models. EPC₀ was estimated from nine coastal stormwater ponds, along with sampling and analyzing water quality for physicochemical characteristics and sediment particle-size data. The samples were obtained from three sections of each pond between summer 2023 and winter 2024; however, the final sample size was 45 after data clean-up. To address the limitations of the small dataset and evaluate model robustness, surrogate data generation and multiple-run approaches with randomized hyperparameters were implemented. The results showed that models trained on the original dataset consistently outperformed those trained on surrogate data, indicating that the real dataset contains meaningful structure. Among the models tested, RF demonstrated the strongest predictive performance (R2 = 0.47) and was the only approach to exhibit substantial learning from the data. This study illustrated that, despite data limitations, machine learning approaches can provide cost-effective and significant predictive assessment for EPC₀. Accurate EPC₀ prediction will aid in assessing and managing nutrient levels in aquatic ecosystems to prevent eutrophication and the rapid growth of harmful algae, thereby assisting city planners and water quality specialists in making informed decisions for ecological sustainability. The machine learning framework developed through this study can also be applied to other data-limited, financially resource-intensive research, further emphasizing its significance.

Andrea Moreno, Town of Bluffton

Presentation Title: Implementing Regional Stormwater Standards the SoLoCo Way

Abstract: Beaufort County and the Town of Bluffton, SC, in coordination with four other municipalities, took a watershed-based approach to redesigning stormwater standards with the creation of a stormwater design standards manual. The resulting Southern Lowcountry (SoLoCo) Stormwater Design Manual (Manual) aims to equip engineers, planners, and decision-makers with actionable strategies to improve stormwater system performance, advance watershed-scale resilience and regulatory guidance, and reduce long-term risk through thoughtful, standards-driven design. The Manual was designed to be a living document as science and engineering continue to advance.

Five years after Manual adoption, the Town of Bluffton has identified key lessons learned from multi-jurisdictional implementation and case studies demonstrating practical application. This presentation will discuss key requirements of the Manual in addition to highlighting these lessons learned and individual case studies.

Poster Presentations

1)

Vincent J. Alonso, Angelos K. Hannides, and Danielle R. Viso, Environmental Quality Collaborative, Coastal Carolina University

Presentation Title: Relationship between Secchi Depth, Turbidity, and Other Water Quality Parameters in a Coastal Ocean

Abstract: The coastal ocean is a complex and dynamic system where parameters vary on both long and short timescales. Water clarity is an important variable in assessing ecosystem health. One of the most traditional ways to measure water clarity is with a Secchi disk, introduced in the late 19th century. By the late 20th century, submersible (in situ) turbidity sensors were developed and have since become the norm for many researchers. Coastal Carolina University’s Environmental Quality Collaborative (EQC) has collected continuous water quality parameter data at two coastal piers, Apache Pier and Cherry Grove Fishing Pier, since 2012. YSI EXO2 datasondes log live readings of eight different parameters every fifteen minutes. The relationship between Secchi depth, turbidity, chlorophyll, and other parameters is being examined in R, and significant relationships between Secchi depth and turbidity (NTU) are evident. Strong, consistent, predictable relationships between Secchi depth and other parameters prove that data records using older and newer technologies can be viewed synergistically and can support continuity. The Secchi method is inexpensive, easy to understand, easy to use, and has a long history, and therefore it is a good way to sustain long-term data collection and to encourage community involvement in science.

2)

Aubrey Anthony, South Carolina Aquarium

Presentation Title: Moving Beyond Spreadsheets — Using Art to Visualize Climate Change

Abstract: Hurricane Hugo’s impact remains in the collective memory of Lowcountry communities, but many who presently call the region home aren’t fully aware of how much worse a similar storm could be today, due in part to the ways that climate change and sea-level rise are discussed. To address this, the South Carolina Aquarium has begun collaborating with local partners such as schools, municipalities, and breweries to meet people where they are—moving beyond spreadsheets and graphs by employing art as a medium for hyper-local discussions about sea-level rise. These installations are a part of the Blue Line Project: a global initiative aiming to raise awareness and inspire action about future sea-level rise and its impact on storm surge inundation. Blue Line Projects visualize potential flooding of familiar spaces when the next storm makes landfall. Using site elevations and historical records of Hurricane Hugo’s storm surge, each installation is comprised of four markers that denote the height of flooding from Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and predicted increases due to sea-level rise in 2020, 2050, and 2100. Additionally, every Blue Line installation has signage that provides further information about the project itself, as well as how to contribute to community resiliency through citizen science. Guided by a principle of incorporating resiliency and citizen science into spaces and places that shape our communities, this project redefines how climate science can be communicated and understood.

3)

John Mark Asare and Michael Carbajales Dale, Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences Department, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Lifecycle Assessment of High-Density Polyethylene Floating Wetlands Versus Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Abstract: Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) have emerged as a promising approach to water treatment, yet the environmental trade-offs of conventional material choices remain poorly understood. While prior life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of FTWs have focused primarily on construction costs and nutrient removal efficiency, few have systematically compared the environmental burdens of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) platforms against non-plastic alternatives. This study presents a comparative LCA of three FTW configurations, HDPE, wire-mesh, and geocoir, following the ISO 14040/14044 framework to ensure methodological consistency, transparency, and reproducibility. Seven midpoint impact categories were evaluated: global warming, acidification, freshwater ecotoxicity, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human toxicity, particulate matter formation, and ozone depletion. Results indicate that HDPE FTWs consistently exhibit the highest environmental burdens across all impact categories, while geocoir and wire-mesh alternatives offer measurable reductions in several key indicators. These findings suggest that transitioning to non-plastic FTW materials presents a meaningful opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint of constructed wetland systems, with implications for sustainable water infrastructure design.

4)

Trinity Assels, Jordan Massie, Erin Burge, and Ryan Rezek, Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University; Ian Zink, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast

Presentation Title: Long-Term Trends and Drivers in South Carolina’s Commercial Shrimp Fisheries

Abstract: This study examines long-term ecological and socioeconomic trends in South Carolina’s white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus) fishery using 43 years of commercial fisheries-dependent data (1980–2023) and evaluates environmental and economic drivers of interannual variability. Segmented regression identified major structural shifts across key fishery indicators, including landings, fleet size, dealer participation, and fishing effort, with substantial declines beginning in the mid-1990s and early-2000s. Despite reductions in fleet capacity and effort, catch per unit effort (CPUE) increased after 2013. Multiple regression models incorporating broader regional data showed that seasonal temperature patterns were strongly associated with interannual variation in CPUE, with warmer winter, spring, and summer conditions corresponding to higher catch rates (adjusted R² = 0.638). Economic models indicated that variation in annual fishing effort was associated with inflation-adjusted fuel costs and shrimp price (adjusted R² = 0.368). Collectively, these findings demonstrate how environmental variability and economic pressures jointly shape fishery performance and participation over decadal scales, providing a long-term perspective to inform sustainable management under changing climatic and economic conditions.

5)

Julie Binz and Jessica Kinsella, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve; Olivia Bueno, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Presentation Title: Navigating Coastal Conservation Careers

Abstract: This project sought to co-create a coastal conservation careers network with schools, counselors, and conservation staff working as partners; train middle- and high-school teachers in partnership with S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; provide guidance on strengthening the conservation workforce pipeline; create a middle-school program to increase students’ interest in coastal conservation issues; create a high-school problem-based learning unit to increase students’ STEM identity and engagement in coastal conservation careers; pilot a summer internship for five students; and develop best practices, a model, and guidance for supporting youth.

6)

Serenity Brooks, Department of Marine Science and Environmental Quality Collaborative, Coastal Carolina University

Presentation Title: Coastal Acidification in Long Bay, SC

Abstract: Coastal and ocean acidification has become more prevalent as human population has grown and evolved, but significant data gaps in both conditions and impacts remain. We carried out a S.C. Sea Grant Consortium-funded study to evaluate coastal ocean and estuarine acidification conditions in Long Bay, SC. Discrete samples for Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) and Total Alkalinity (TA) were collected contemporaneously with sensor measurements at two fishing piers and two estuarine sites from July 2022 to February 2023 and used to calculate carbonate system parameters. Strong correlations between sensor pH (NBS) and total pH at the estuarine sites were accompanied by values within or close to thresholds that indicate potential detriment for Eastern oysters. Salinity and TA showed weak correlation, a testament to the variability of estuarine environments under the influence of land inputs. We have recently embarked on a new project with funding from the Ocean Foundation to expand our detection and analytical capacities and to resolve the complexities of the carbonate system in coastal waters of South Carolina. Specifically, we are vetting the iSAMI and pCO2 to Go sensor-loggers through lab and field trials at our pier and swash monitoring stations, while employing the GOA-ON in a Box kit to set up titration methods for TA and total pH. We also plan to capture variations at diurnal/diel scales at various types of habitats, as well as the influence of blackwater inputs from land, and consequently expand our acidification knowledge base in Long Bay, SC.

7)

Rene B. Brown and James T. Anderson, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Environmental Drivers of Leaf Litter Decomposition in Impounded Salt Marshes on Little Edisto Island, South Carolina

Abstract: Decomposition of plant litter is a key ecological process that regulates nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and food web dynamics in salt marsh ecosystems. This study evaluates leaf litter decomposition rates of two dominant salt marsh species, black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) and salt marsh cordgrass (Sporobolus alterniflorus), within an impounded marsh of a former shrimp farm system on Little Edisto Island, South Carolina. Litterbags containing standardized plant material were deployed across multiple impoundments to quantify decomposition rates over time using percent mass remaining. Variation in decomposition was examined in relation to water-quality conditions, including dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature, measured across impoundments. Dissolved oxygen had a significant effect on leaf litter decomposition rates, whereas pH and temperature did not show a significant relationship with decomposition across impoundments. Percentage litter remaining declined for both species, with salt marsh cordgrass (Sporobolus alterniflorus) showing lower percentage mass remaining than black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) indicating faster decomposition rates across the study period. Understanding how environmental gradients and litter chemistry interact to influence organic matter breakdown provides insight into nutrient cycling processes within managed impounded salt marsh landscapes. Results from this study contribute baseline information on ecosystem function in coastal impoundments and improve understanding of factors influencing decomposition dynamics in southeastern U.S. salt marsh systems.

8)

Matt Kimball and Bruce Pfirrmann, Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, University of South Carolina; Jordan Massie and Ryan Rezek, Coastal Carolina University

Presentation Title: Spatial Variation in Resource Use and Species-Level Trophic Niches of White and Brown Shrimp in Winyah Bay, South Carolina

Abstract: White (Litopenaeus setiferus) and brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) are key components of estuarine food webs in the southeastern United States. We conducted a spatial and temporal analysis of shrimp from Winyah Bay, South Carolina, using stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S) to evaluate trophic position and dietary sources across bay, marsh, and riverine habitats. Results indicated that diet composition was consistent through time but varied significantly by habitat and species. Brown shrimp consistently incorporated more phytoplankton-derived resources, while white shrimp relied more heavily on vascular plant sources. Trophic level did not vary by species or cephalothorax length (RCL), but differed significantly by habitat, with the lowest trophic positions observed in marsh environments. Trophic position and mixing model outputs were incorporated into a hypervolume framework to quantify niche width and overlap between species. White shrimp exhibited a broader niche width and substantial overlap with brown shrimp, while also maintaining a larger unique niche space. As climate change is expected to increase temporal overlap between these species in South Carolina estuaries, this may intensify interspecific competition, with potential consequences for shrimp populations and the sustainability of valuable coastal fisheries.

9)

Jon Daniel, Biology Department, College of Charleston; Barbara Beckingham, Geology Department, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: Assessing the Capability of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) to Remove Microplastic Particles from Coastal Ecosystems

Abstract: As plastic manufacturing and use increases, the deposition of microplastics into marine environments also increases. An answer to the global microplastic question is unclear; however, filter-feeding bivalves have been proposed as one solution to the problem. Bivalves can pull microplastics out of the water column, process them, and then deposit them in biosolids. The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a widely distributed bivalve throughout the East Coast of the U.S. and could serve as a nature-based solution to marine microplastic pollution. The purpose of this study is to design and implement a modified oyster cage system to test the ability of C. virginica to efficiently capture microplastics and understand how both temperature and microplastic properties affect their filtration efficiency. We will first deploy cages containing C. virginica individuals in an urban estuary to test if the oysters can filter significantly more microplastics than what would accumulate in sedimentation. Following, we will deploy trials with more replicates at two different times of the year. Biosolid samples will be digested and captured microplastic particles will be analyzed via stereomicroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. We hypothesize that modified cage systems containing C. virginica will deposit more microplastics than control cages, that filtration efficiency will be affected by temperature, and that oysters will demonstrate selectivity with microplastic size, shape, and chemical composition. These results will then be used to create a model of potential total impact of C. virginica on microplastic pollution in urban estuaries.

10)

Chandler Dickert, Dual Master Public Administration and Environmental Sustainability Studies Program, College of Charleston; Matthew Swanson and Avery West, Master of Environmental Sustainability Studies, College of Charleston; Norman Levine, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: The Development and Deployment of a National Septic Soil Mapping Tool

Abstract: Septic systems are the cornerstone of U.S. infrastructure especially for the millions of people living outside of urban centers. These systems are vital for protecting public health, the environment, and the economy when sewer systems are too costly to extend. Traditionally, septic installers and environmental health specialists arrive at the project site with little to no prior knowledge of the subsurface conditions. Traditionally, septic installers and environmental health specialists often arrive at a project site with limited prior knowledge of these subsurface conditions, leading to potential inefficiencies in design and unexpected site rejections. This project addresses these challenges by developing a streamlined, web-based geospatial tool designed to provide installers with critical soil data prior to stepping foot at the project site.

The technical framework of this tool utilizes the Gridded National Soil Geographic Database (gNATSGO), the most high-resolution soil data available from the USDA NRCS. The methodology involved complex relational joins of the gNATSGO tabular data to extract specific suitability ratings. By processing these data layers and deploying them within the ArcGIS Experience Builder environment, the project transformed raw, multi-layered soil surveys into a user-friendly, interactive interface accessible on mobile devices and desktops. 

The resulting application allows installers to query specific coordinates and locations to visualize soil limitations, such as slow percolation rates or excessive slopes, before arriving on-site. This pre-site intelligence facilitates better equipment selection, more accurate cost estimation, and enhanced communication with homeowners regarding system feasibility. Ultimately, this tool serves as a bridge between complex soil science and practical field application, promoting more sustainable land use and protecting public health by ensuring septic systems are sited in appropriate environmental conditions. This project demonstrates the power of GIS in optimizing essential infrastructure workflows for the wastewater industry.

11)

Lillian Doll, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University; Sarah Waickowski, Amy E. Scaroni, and Stefanie Whitmire, Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University; Joshua Robinson, Robinson Design Engineers

Presentation Title: Testing the Performance of the Pond Shoreline Assessment Tool as a Predictor of Shoreline Erosion in Stormwater Ponds

Abstract: Stormwater ponds are designed to capture and treat runoff and are a common best management practice in coastal South Carolina due to increasing development and stormwater volume. Pond shoreline erosion is a critical management issue because it jeopardizes a pond’s structural integrity, reduces storage capacity, and can contribute to water quality impairments for downstream waterbodies via sediment pollution. Routine inspection and maintenance can help prevent pond shoreline erosion from becoming a detriment to water quality, but a standard protocol is needed to prioritize time and cost efficiency for pond owners. Robinson Design Engineers developed the Pond Shoreline Assessment Tool (PSAT) to rate the severity of shoreline erosion in stormwater ponds using five risk factors: slope, sediment, vegetation, proximity to infrastructure, and community use. To determine the accuracy of the PSAT at predicting shoreline erosion in coastal stormwater ponds, in early 2026 we began comparing tool ratings of shoreline condition to measurements of shoreline morphology for 10 stormwater ponds in coastal South Carolina. Here we will share the preliminary results of the first quarter field surveys comparing the tool ratings of shoreline condition to measurements of shoreline morphology and erosion estimates. Results will inform the development of a PSAT user’s manual and workshop curriculum to teach pond owners, managers, and design professionals how to evaluate pond conditions using the tool. We anticipate that widespread use of this tool will support more effective stormwater pond management, ultimately protecting water quality.

12)

Andrew Dunn, College of Charleston    

Presentation Title: Battery-Electric Barges and Inland Maritime Electrification at the Port of Memphis: A Transferrable Benefit-Cost Framework with Public Health and Environmental Justice Implications

Abstract: Decarbonizing inland maritime shipping presents a practical opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve regional air quality, and address environmental justice disparities in port-adjacent communities. This thesis evaluates the economic, environmental, and public health implications of transitioning from diesel-powered barge operations to battery-electric propulsion systems using the Port of Memphis as a case study. Memphis lies along one of the most active freight corridors in the United States and is surrounded by communities experiencing disproportionate exposure to diesel emissions. A structured benefit-cost analysis aligned with U.S. Department of Transportation guidance is applied over a 20-year horizon using a 3% real discount rate. The modeling framework compares diesel baseline operations with hybrid and fully battery-electric propulsion scenarios across multiple fleet scales and projected regional grid emissions pathways. Results indicate consistent operating cost advantages under benchmark fuel and electricity price assumptions, with Net Present Value outcomes strengthening at larger deployment scales and under declining carbon intensity trajectories. Cumulative emissions reductions are substantial across modeled scenarios, with avoided diesel emissions exceeding added grid emissions under progressive decarbonization assumptions. Monetized environmental damages are estimated using federal social cost of carbon values and criteria pollutant valuation metrics to approximate avoided public health burdens. The Memphis case illustrates how inland ports can serve as early deployment hubs for battery-electric freight systems within evolving public-private investment and infrastructure finance frameworks.

13)

Victoria Ferri, University of South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services; Matthew Baumann, South Carolina Department of Environmental Services; Erik Smith, Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences, North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, University of South Carolina; Claudia Benitez-Nelson, School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment, University of South Carolina          

Presentation Title: Defining and Delineating Blackwater Systems in South Carolina Using Dissolved Organic Carbon Concentration and its Inherent Optical Properties

Abstract: Blackwater rivers and streams are common throughout South Carolina and the larger southeastern United States. These systems have a distinctive dark, tea-like color due to naturally high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), low pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. Blackwater systems are currently assessed for impairment using freshwater water quality criteria; however, these criteria were largely developed for non-blackwater systems, where low pH and DO typically indicate anthropogenic influence. Since DO and pH are naturally low in blackwater systems, applying freshwater water quality criteria makes it difficult to distinguish natural conditions from true water quality impairment. High DOC concentrations are a key characteristic of blackwater systems, but laboratory analysis of DOC is time-consuming and costly, which can limit spatial and temporal sampling coverage. Fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) measurements quantify a subset of dissolved organic matter (DOM) that fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) and can be taken in situ using optical sensors, which offer a quicker and more cost-effective alternative. As the relationship between FDOM measurements and DOC concentration may be different depending on the watershed composition, additional optical measurements, such as spectrophotometric absorbance across the UV to visible spectrum, can provide information about DOM composition and provide insight into those differences in relationships. Relationships among DOC concentration, FDOM, and optical absorbance will be evaluated across multiple blackwater and non-blackwater systems in South Carolina to assess whether FDOM can serve as a reliable and scalable indicator of blackwater systems. Results will improve understanding of DOC–optical relationships across ecosystems and provide a scientific basis for more effective and defensible classification and management of blackwater systems in South Carolina and other regions where they occur.

14)

Zoe Golden, Joseph Ballenger, and James Kilfoil, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and College of Charleston; Gary Sundin, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Mia Wang, College of Charleston       

Presentation Title: Using Unoccupied Aerial Systems Technology and Deep Learning for Habitat Classification in the Charleston Harbor and ACE Basin, SC

Abstract: Estuaries are economically and ecologically important habitats that provide nursery grounds for fisheries, support diverse biological communities, and protect shorelines from erosion. As highly dynamic environments, estuaries are vulnerable to climate-driven changes and anthropogenic impacts, threatening their ecological function. For this reason, developing efficient and accurate methods for mapping and monitoring habitat distribution, structure, and complexity is critical for effective management. Traditional field-based habitat surveys provide essential information but are time consuming, labor intensive, spatially limited, and difficult to repeat across temporal scales. Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) technology offers a cost-effective, efficient, and safe approach for acquiring high-resolution aerial imagery of estuarine habitats, particularly intertidal zones. When paired with modern computer vision techniques, UAS imagery can be analyzed using deep learning algorithms that allow for efficient and accurate image classification, particularly in ecological and environmental applications. For this reason, this study developed an automated framework for intertidal habitat classification by integrating UAS imagery with a U-Net convolutional neural network (CNN). Using orthomosaic imagery from 13 sites across the Charleston Harbor, SC, we manually delineated five habitat classes (marsh, live oyster, dead shell, mud, and background) to train, validate, and test the model. The U-Net CNN achieved an overall pixel accuracy of 0.9044 (Cohen’s κ = 0.85) on the test set, with class specific performance ranging from 0.63 (live oyster) to 0.91 (marsh) Dice coefficient values. The model accurately predicted total habitat area within 1.75 acres of manual classifications for all habitat classes. This approach provides a scalable, repeatable, and accurate method for generating high-resolution habitat maps, reducing the subjectivity and time demands of manual classification. The integration of UAS imagery with deep learning will allow for monitoring of intertidal habitats under changing environmental conditions, establishing ecological baselines, and informing management decisions in both developed and protected estuarine systems.

15)

Drew Gower, Francis Marion University

Presentation Title: Bay Watch: Building a Machine Learning Pipeline to Assess Carolina Bays Using Satellite Imagery

Abstract: Carolina Bays are oval-shaped depressions found throughout the Atlantic Coastal Plain that often play host to isolated palustrine wetlands. Most of South Carolina’s Bays are seasonally flooded and contain a mix of hardwood tree species such as cypress, black gum, and red maple. A minority contain wetlands referred to locally as pocosins that are characterized by peat soils, low nutrient levels, and shrubby vegetation. Their low nutrient levels make pocosins ideal habitats for carnivorous plants, including the Venus Fly Trap, whose range is now restricted to South Carolina’s Horry County and a few counties in North Carolina.

Carolina Bays and their wetland ecosystems are under threat from urbanization and conversion to croplands. It is estimated that South Carolina lost around 27% of its wetlands between the 1780s and the 1980s. Wetland loss slowed after 1972 with the passage of the Clean Water Act, which requires landowners to obtain a permit before altering a wetland. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, recently ruled that these protections only apply to wetlands that are connected to a navigable waterway. This interpretation implies that most wetlands located in Carolina Bays, which are typically isolated from surface drainages, are no longer protected from development.

I am building a machine learning pipeline, Bay Watch, to identify and assess the condition of Carolina Bays throughout the state. Bay Watch will leverage publicly available elevation data as well as both recent and historical satellite imagery. Results will be disseminated through a web portal that will allow users to submit corrections and provide additional information about individual bays.

16)

George Hanna, Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina

Presentation Title: Participatory Science Supported Multi-Omic Water Quality Monitoring to Inform Public Health Priorities and Clean Water Advocacy

Abstract: Coastal estuaries play a significant role in the culture and economy of the Southeast. They support the natural resources that we rely on and are a point of interface between humans and the environment—through swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. The interaction between humans and water is not only an important part of thriving coastal communities, but is also a source of pressure on ecosystems. This pressure, from human derived chemical pollution and pathogenic microorganisms, when unmitigated can degrade the health of marine organisms—a negative effect that also impacts human health. When water quality is low, coastal estuaries can become the point of exposure to infectious diseases and harmful chemicals. Numerous factors influence how these elements move through the environment, and critically evaluating the risks to public health is a complex process. Long-term and thorough monitoring efforts are essential for effective management and accurately evaluating both acute and chronic public health risks.

17)

Angelos K. Hannides, Department of Marine Science and Environmental Quality Collaborative, Coastal Carolina University; Richard F. Viso, Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University

Presentation Title: Human Realignment of Swash Channels and its Effect on Water Level and Water Quality

Abstract: Coastal swashes, tidal creeks that empty across sandy beaches, interact with waves, tides, and coastal currents in ways that reshape both the shoreline and the creek outlets. In developed areas, these outlets can migrate enough to threaten infrastructure. Such migration increases creek sinuosity, elevates water levels and flood risk, and reduces tidal exchange, which can lead to pollutant accumulation. Engineered realignments once or twice a year remove sinuosity and may lower water levels behind the shore and improve tidal flushing of these swash systems. A multi‑year study of White Point Swash and Singleton Swash in Long Bay, South Carolina, allows us to disentangle the effects of natural water level fluctuations and human realignment of swash creeks. Our findings indicate that the latter intervention results in lower water levels, thus mitigating flooding and pollution risks. While tidal amplitudes and flushing rates are also enhanced, tying these to improved water quality is more complicated due to strong natural seasonality in oxygen and water clarity, which we investigate in connection with seasonal alteration in key eutrophication indicators, specifically phytoplankton and benthic macroalgae. This study on small urbanized tidal creek systems complements our understanding of large estuarine zones and protected marshes in the region, and highlights the impact of low-intensity shoreline interventions on connected inland marsh systems.

18)

Rowan Hesting and Lucy Davis, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, College of Charleston; Blake Scott, Department of International Studies, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: From Seeing to Stewardship: The Role of Traditional, Experiential, and Immersive Learning in Promoting Shorebird Conservation on South Carolina’s Barrier Islands

Abstract: Deveaux Bank, located at the mouth of the North Edisto River near Seabrook Island, South Carolina, serves as a critical nesting and migration site for shorebirds including brown pelicans, royal terns, and various wading birds. But Deveaux Bank, like many coastal barrier islands, is at a high risk for erosion and therefore faces a need for protection using nature-based solutions to stabilize its environmental resilience. In order for resilience planning and management efforts to find success, there needs to be an emphasis on community understanding and engagement. Environmental education is often used as a tool to promote conservation, though the extent to which different forms of learning influence willingness to engage remains unclear. This study investigates how experiential, immersive, and traditional learning environments shape individual’s willingness to engage in conservation. Grounded in place-based education frameworks, this research examines whether embodied experiences in coastal environments foster stronger connections to place and a greater environmental awareness. This study will evaluate participant responses to barrier island experiences through pre- and post-surveys focusing on motivations, attitudes, and experiences related to shorebird and barrier island conservation. Particular attention will be given to differences between participants who actively seek out these experiences and those who encounter them more incidentally. Findings from this research aim to inform the design of community engagement and environmental education programs, offering insight into how conservation initiatives can more effectively foster meaningful public connection.

19)

Susanna Hopkins, The Nature Conservancy   

Presentation Title: Increasing the Scale and Equity of Living Shorelines in South Carolina

Abstract: The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina (TNC-SC) received an award from the NOAA Transformational Habitat and Coastal Resilience Grant aimed to increase the scale and equity of living shorelines and other Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) across the coast of South Carolina. Acknowledging the successes and knowledge gleaned from past work, TNC-SC hopes to build on an established framework of NBS implementation in the state and identify opportunities to expand the implementation of these solutions across communities, partnerships, and cultures in SC. The proposal included three main tasks, each designed to address implementing work equitably throughout coastal ecosystems and within coastal communities. These tasks included the implementation of a 2,000 LF living shoreline in partnership with the Department of Defense at MCAS Beaufort, the development of a Living Shorelines Community Assistance Program to provide living shorelines installation in under-resourced communities across the coast, and the development of Coastal Resilience Implementation Plans to identify the next generation of large-scale transformational NBS projects in the state. TNC-SC is still actively working within each task, with the project period ending in 2028. The presentation will cover progress to date and lessons learned across all tasks, with emphasis on the equitable development of the Living Shorelines Community Assistance Program and future planning of large-scale flood mitigation projects under the Coastal Resilience Implementation Planning effort.

20)

Shu-Mei Huang and Landon Knapp, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and College of Charleston; Sophia Truempi, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Norman Levine, Lowcountry Hazards Center, College of Charleston; Hailey Connell, formerly College of Charleston; Katie Finegan, formerly S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and Coastal Carolina University                 

Presentation Title: Town of Bluffton Resilience Planning: Buildout Analysis and Vulnerability Assessment

Abstract: Coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding from sea-level rise, heavy rainfall, and ongoing development. The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, in partnership with the College of Charleston Lowcountry Hazards Center, conducted a Resilience Planning Analysis for the Town of Bluffton to assess current and future flood vulnerability and identify practical policy solutions for resilient growth.

The project focused on a buildout analysis, identifying all parcels with potential for development and evaluating their flood vulnerability through 2053. This analysis was anchored in Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreements, ensuring recommendations supported legally agreed-upon development goals. Results show that up to 63% of future development could be exposed to severe flooding during a 1-in-500-year event, highlighting the importance of strategic growth planning. Importantly, the analysis also found that the Town can still accommodate the full number of planned development units by prioritizing safer, less vulnerable areas for growth.

Community engagement, including drop-in events and an online resident flood survey, provided localized knowledge that informed both risk assessments and policy options. Policy scenarios explored wetland protection and elevation-based zoning. Wetlands were found to absorb significant floodwaters and protecting them with a 50-foot buffer could reduce future vulnerability by over 60%. Elevation-based zoning prioritized development on higher ground, minimizing exposure while meeting PUD goals.

These findings demonstrate that strategic land-use tools—including wetland protection, elevation-based zoning, updated flood regulations, and targeted land conservation—can substantially reduce long-term risk while accommodating growth. Bluffton’s approach offers a replicable model for coastal communities aiming to align development decisions with resilience outcomes.

21)

Sean Johansen, Tim Shannon, and Jason Doll, Francis Marion University; Stephen Jacquemin, Wright State University; Luke Etchison, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 

Presentation Title: Morphological Variation in Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) Across Two Rivers in the Southeast U.S.

Abstract: Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) are large-bodied suckers native to the Mississippi River basin. They are a popular commercially harvested species within their native range and provide important nutrient transfers during migration runs. They have suffered from overharvesting as well as the effects of habitat loss due to deforestation. The population of Smallmouth Buffalo in the French Broad River in western North Carolina has declined in size, resulting in efforts to restore this ecologically important species. However, hybridization has made it difficult to distinguish Smallmouth Buffalo from Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger) in the field. Smallmouth Buffalo were introduced into the Great Pee Dee River system in the early 1900s. The goal of this study was to provide a morphological analysis of Smallmouth Buffalo to characterize overall body shape in both river systems and compare regional morphological patterns. Smallmouth Buffalo were captured using electrofishing from the French Broad River, North Carolina, and the Great Pee Dee River, South Carolina. Species were identified as Smallmouth Buffalo using standardized trait-based characteristics. Individuals were photographed laterally and landmarked with 35 points for geometric morphometric analysis of overall shape. Body shape was then compared between populations. The results showed that body shape differed significantly regionally, with the French Broad River population characterized by a compressed, streamlined body, and the Pee Dee River population being characterized by a deep, expanded body. This pronounced morphological divergence between the two populations is believed to be the result of extensive hybridization between Smallmouth Buffalo and Black Buffalo in western North Carolina, leading to a population that is morphologically distinct from pure Smallmouth Buffalo. This suggests that hybridization may have important impacts on future restoration decision-making.

22)

Josh Kim, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Steve Richards, Center for Cooperative and Enterprise Development, Clemson University; Rob Carey, Regional Economic Analysis Laboratory, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Economic Contribution of South Carolina Shellfish Mariculture in 2024-2025.

Abstract: Economic impacts of the burgeoning shellfish mariculture industry in South Carolina extend far beyond the dock sales of seafood products. To estimate the direct, indirect, and induced economic effects of this industry, results from South Carolina clam and oyster mariculture producer surveys were compiled and used as inputs in IMPLAN, an economic impact analysis software. While the number of farms and jobs supported remained similar to 2019 levels, the economic contribution nearly doubled. This increase in economic contribution may be attributed to optimization of farm-level management practices that leads to higher yields per farm, and the rising value of local, SC shellfish products.

23)

Courtney Kimmel and Chris Kehrer, Port Royal Sound Foundation

Presentation Title: PRSound Science: Monitoring in the Port Royal Sound for Signals of Change

Abstract: The Port Royal Sound area is a relatively healthy watershed experiencing significant development pressures. The Port Royal Sound Foundation (PRSF) is a local non-profit with the mission of conserving the Port Royal Sound for the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the area. To advance this mission, PRSF has developed the PRSound Science initiative to bring credible science and data into decision-making processes that affect the region. The PRSound Science initiative is organized into five broad indicators of watershed health—water quality, land cover, marsh dynamics, biodiversity and habitat, and community resilience. We work with a wide range of partners to collect data in these five areas and to advance efforts that ensure these indicators continue moving in a positive direction for the watershed.

24)

Levi McKercher, Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina; Erin Barr and Sarah White, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University; William Strosnider, Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, University of South Carolina

Presentation Title: We’ll All Float On, Alright: a Multi-Year Effort to Create a Fully Biodegradable Constructed Floating Wetland

Abstract: Constructed floating wetlands (CFWs) are an innovative ecological engineering application to concurrently improve water quality and create unique microhabitats within stormwater ponds and other slow-moving waters. While CFW designs vary, most incorporate plastics and other synthetic materials that inevitably release microplastics and other nonbiodegradable detritus into the environment over time. In this study, a fully biodegradable field-scale CFW design was developed through sequential trials from 2019 through 2026 focusing on maximizing durability, buoyancy, and plant growth. First, the concept was proven with a field pilot of two small-scale CFW designs made of wood and bamboo wrapped in burlap planted with Pontederia cordata. A subsequent full-scale (1.44 m2) CFW design using an interference wood-fitting method demonstrated that wood frames wrapped in coir geotextile can maintain structural integrity and buoyancy for over a year. A subsequent outdoor mesocosm experiment evaluated plant growth and integration into different geotextiles and revealed that coir performed well to support plants. Finally, a field-scale trial was conducted to test a wood, coir, and cork CFW frame design planted with monocultures (P. cordata, Canna flaccida, Panicum hemitomon, Carex stricta, and Typha latifolia). This design was highly durable, supported robust plant growth for four plant species, and maintained buoyancy overwinter for two plant species. These results demonstrate that a fully biodegradable CFW is possible, and that designs which include durable materials and plant species capable of providing self-buoyancy are preferred.

25)

Abe Mollalo, Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina

Presentation Title: Environmental and Place-Based Drivers of Dementia

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are increasing rapidly in the U.S., but their burden is not evenly distributed. Where people live—shaped by neighborhood conditions, environmental exposures, and healthcare systems—plays a central role in shaping risk, diagnosis, and outcomes. Despite this, these factors are typically studied in isolation, limiting their usefulness for real-world intervention.

Our lab focuses on understanding how place-based factors interact to influence dementia across the life course. Our work integrates three core domains: neighborhood socioeconomic context, environmental exposures (e.g., air pollution and pesticide mixtures), and healthcare system dynamics (e.g., Medicare policies such as PDGM and GUIDE). We leverage large-scale data sources, including Medicare claims, environmental monitoring systems, and census-based indicators, and apply Bayesian spatial models, mediation methods, and machine learning approaches. Importantly, our work moves beyond mapping to identify policy-relevant, modifiable mechanisms that can be targeted through intervention. By integrating these domains our lab aims to generate actionable evidence to guide resource allocation, inform policy, and reduce disparities in aging and dementia outcomes.

26)

Camila Montoya, Stefanie Whitmire, and Sarah A. White, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University; William H. J. Strosnider, Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, University of South Carolina        

Presentation Title: We’ll All Float On, Alright: Developing an Aero-Glass Aggregate-Based Constructed Floating Wetland to Replace Conventional Plastic Designs

Abstract: Constructed floating wetlands (CFWs) are a plant-based treatment technology installed in water bodies that can both improve water quality and provide habitat. Commercial CFW designs rely on plastic materials for buoyancy and durability; yet these plastics can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into aquatic ecosystems that may impair ecological and human health. This research developed and tested two iterations of CFW scaffolds using non-plastic materials, evaluated in two trials. The new “aeroCFW” system used lightweight aero-glass aggregates to provide buoyancy, which are made from 99% recycled glass. Other non-plastic materials included jute burlap, bamboo, and jute twine for trial I and steel hardware cloth for trial II. System performance was evaluated by monitoring floating stability, material durability, and plant growth over time. Root system development within the aero-glass aggregates was also studied using X-ray computed tomography, allowing detailed analysis of root distribution and growth orientation. AeroCFWs successfully floated, supported healthy plant growth, and maintained structural integrity during Trial II. In Trial I, the jute burlap, twine, and bamboo degraded too quickly, leading to design failure. Root imaging showed that plants establish strong, well-distributed root systems within and surrounding the glass aggregates, suggesting that aero-glass aggregates provided a suitable growth environment. Overall, aeroCFWs offer a promising alternative to conventional plastic-based floating wetlands, reducing the risk of microplastic pollution. This research contributes to the development of plant-based green infrastructure solutions for urban stormwater management.

28)

Crystal Narayana, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Presentation Title: Communications Gets the Word Out

Abstract: The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium Communications department produces both the internal and external communications products for the agency. The communications specialists support the education and extension work of the Consortium with over 100 products per year, including websites, printed materials, and articles that explain the work of the agency to strategically identified audiences. The department also supports the agency’s public relations goals with press releases and media notifications, as well as PR materials for state and national government officials.

29)

Aimee Neeley; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center   

Presentation Title: Moving Science to Action: Applied Science and Creating Impact Beyond Academia     

Abstract: The satellite altimeter ICESat-2’s Applications Program was developed to engage data users pre-launch to develop innovative applications using these new, high spatial resolution altimetry or elevation data. The program is dedicated to building capacity and knowledge through data training webinars, workshops and tutorials to arm scientists and non-scientists alike with the tools they need to effectively apply ICESat-2 data to their scenario. Mission applications programs are now part of the larger Earth Action program, formerly the NASA Earth Science Applications Program, which seeks to build bridges between science and real-world uses of NASA data. Since its launch in 2018, ICESat-2 has demonstrated its value and societal benefits, facilitating effective decision-making and real-world uses of the data. For example, resource managers use ICESat-2 to help develop clean energy sources, monitor freshwater sources, monitor water levels of inland rivers and lakes, and more. Moreover, observations from ICESat-2 are used to detect changes in land elevation, assess forest structure damage and coastal erosion from hurricanes, and fuel mapping for forestry management.

In this presentation, we highlight specific ICESat-2 data products, data users, and how they are informing decision-makers with real-world applications and relate them back to scientific impact. A new data product was recently released, ATL24, which is a shallow-water bathymetry product that can be used for such activities as marine habitat monitoring and augmenting coastal navigational maps to increase safety. ATL13, ICESat-2’s inland water product, is actively used to monitor riverine floods in such places as Malawi. Graduate students are using ICESat-2’s height measurements to tackle issues and investigate questions in their newly chosen fields (e.g., lake ice, permafrost). Additionally, we will describe a recent study using the Scientific Impact Framework that illustrates the global impact, beyond academia, of ICESat and ICESat-2 data for many different thematic applications.

30)

Oluwatobi E Olaniyi, James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, and Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Troy M. Farmer, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University; David L. White, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University; Travis H. Folk, Folk Land Management, Inc.; Aaron R. Pierce, Ducks Unlimited; James T. Anderson, James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University and Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Multi-Source Evidence and Climate-Driven Change Diagnostics to Strengthen Decision-Support Tool Development for Historic Rice Fields

Abstract: Historic rice field impoundments on the South Carolina coast are being affected by subsidence, sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, and other climate stressors. Therefore, developing a decision-support tool (DST) for this ecological base, which hosts a diversity of migratory waterfowl from the Atlantic Flyway each year, is critical for managers and stakeholders. A PRISMA evidence-based synthesis of 219 records, including 103 eligible empirical studies, and a corresponding bibliometric map (1979–2025) indicate substantial interest in these systems. A rapid field assessment of eight historic rice plantations (4 public, 4 private) was conducted. Changes in >60 impoundments across the landscape were quantified using five spectral-based change indices (NBR, NDMI, NDSI, NDVI, NDWI) at three different spatial scales (50 m., 100 m., 200 m.) in addition to the use of random forest machine learning modeling of climate-related drivers (temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, wind speed) at several spatial scales to inform the development of the DST. For the Santee Delta Region, transition-class had strong effects across most site–metric combinations in the impoundment-level logit mixed models (impoundment replicates). Buffer effects were generally site- and scale-specific (Santee Coastal Reserve: NDMI p=0.033; NDWI p=0.019 and Santee Delta East: NBR p=0.006; NDMI p=0.026), but they did not depend on transition class. Climate variables of temperature, precipitation, and radiation were the most significant predictors of the transition probabilities, which were generally site-specific. The diagnostics identify the most dominant positive and negative transition signals (persistent forests/water versus persistent burns, drought, or salinity) and serve as a wireframe for developing the DST and the AHP-based risk-benefit matrix. The transition classes are the most important, stable diagnostic (significant at all sites/metrics). The buffer effects vary with scale-sensitive and site-specific factors and provide a framework for designing a monitoring strategy to assess historical rice impoundment design in the Santee Delta Region.

31)

Matt Pendleton, Office for Coastal Management, NOAA

Presentation Title: Enhancing Coastal Planning and Resilience with NOAA’s Sea Level Calculator

Abstract: Effective coastal management requires accessible, science-based tools to help communities understand and prepare for future sea-level rise. NOAA’s Sea Level Calculator provides users with locally relevant projections of sea-level change, allowing planners, engineers, and decision-makers to visualize scenarios and evaluate impacts on infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities. This presentation will highlight recent enhancements to the tool, including expanded regional datasets, integration of the 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report, and user-friendly visualization features. Case studies from the Southeast U.S. and Caribbean demonstrate how coastal managers are applying the calculator to support shoreline protection, infrastructure planning, and community resilience initiatives. By bridging complex climate science with practical decision-making, the Sea Level Calculator empowers stakeholders to assess risks, compare adaptation strategies, and promote sustainable approaches to resilience.

32)

Darcy Perin, Annie Bourbonnais, and Archana Venkatachari, School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment, University of South Carolina; Adina Paytan, School of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Santa Cruz

Presentation Title: Investigating the Role of Estuarine Restoration on Sedimentary Nitrogen Cycling and Nitrous Oxide Dynamics in Elkhorn Slough, CA

Abstract: Estuaries and coastal systems are often inundated with large inputs of anthropogenic nitrogen, which, in excess, can lead to coastal eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and coastal hypoxia (i.e., “dead zones”). However, inorganic nitrogen can be removed from the environment through several different microbially facilitated processes (denitrification/anammox). N2O, a long-lived greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, can be produced through denitrification or as a byproduct of nitrification.

Elkhorn Slough is a small estuary extending approximately 11.4 km. inland from the Pacific Ocean (Monterey Bay) and is a part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Over the years, human activities have significantly transformed the slough, leading to high levels of eutrophication, largely due to agricultural runoff, urban development, and tidal restrictions. Additionally, in 2018, a large multi-year restoration project took place in the slough to raise marsh elevation to combat sea-level rise.

The goal of this research is to provide baseline estimates for the net nitrogen removal rates (denitrification and anammox) and sedimentary N2O production and consumption rates, and evaluate how these processes differ across three unique marsh locations, including a portion of the restored wetland (North, Hester (restored), and Yampah marsh) in Elkhorn Slough, CA. N removal and N2O production processes were concurrently measured using 15N-labeled whole-core incubations. Initial N2O fluxes out of the sediments were measured using Unisense microsensors. Initial results indicate that Yampah Marsh (unaltered marsh) has the highest rates of denitrification (230.6 ± 83.9 μmol N m-2 h-1), followed by Hester Marsh (the restored marsh, 83.7 ± 25.7 μmol N m-2 h-1), and North Marsh (the mudflat/sunken marsh, 11.8 ± 5.1 μmol N m-2 h-1). Additionally, substantial N2O concentrations were measured in the sediments using the Unisense at both Yampah (63.44 μmol/L) and Hester marsh (31.19 μmol/L).

33)

Christopher Pettengill and James. T. Anderson, Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University

Presentation Title: Baseline Biotic Communities in Little Edisto Island Saltwater Impoundments

Abstract: South Carolina salt marshes have been modified through impoundments that restrict tidal flow with water control structures. Impoundment of salt marshes may alter species assemblages and modify the habitat available for wetland organisms. From 2023 to the present, we conducted faunal, floral, and habitat surveys at six saltwater impoundments on Little Edisto Island, SC, and multiple reference sites. Our goal is to document baseline conditions in preparation for future restoration. We collected water samples to analyze for ammonia, phosphate, and nitrate. We collected plant survey data using quadrat sampling along transects, collected fish using minnow traps (five per site), obtained invertebrates using d-net sweeps and a PVC sediment core, and conducted bird observational surveys along pre-determined transects. Shorebird and wading bird abundance at the impoundments was higher than at the reference sites. Songbird use of the impoundment site was clustered around the wooded berms. Fish communities of the smaller impoundments were dominated by Fundulus heteroclitus and Cyprinodon variegatus, while those closer to the tidal creek had greater similarity to reference locations. Crustaceans were most abundant at reference sites, while annelid worms were most abundant at larger impoundment sites. Plant communities were dominated by Sporobolus alterniflorus, Juncus roemerianus, Salicornia depressa, and Distichlis spicata. Areas above the high-tide line support additional plant species, such as Euthamia caroliniana, Andropogon tenuispatheus, and Iva frutescens. Results of LMER tests suggest that ammonia concentration varies by habitat type and season, but the other chemical species do not show this type of variation. These surveys will be useful for assessing the impacts of restoration of tidal connectivity on floral and faunal species in saltwater impoundments. We are hopeful that the outcome of this study can be used by landowners to meet specific ecological restoration goals.

34)

Kevin Qualls and Drew Gower, Biology Department, Francis Marion University

Presentation Title: Machine Learning Analysis of Drought-Induced Yield Variability in the Southeastern United States

Abstract: Drought poses a major risk to rain-fed agriculture in the southeastern U.S., where crop production depends heavily on climate variability. This study examines the relationship between drought conditions and crop yield for four major crops: corn, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans. County-level data from 1990 to 2018 are used, combining the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) with detrended crop yields. Yield values are classified into multiple categorical levels to capture varying degrees of productivity. Multiple machine learning algorithms are applied to learn the relationship between drought conditions and yield outcomes. The analysis evaluates how monthly moisture variability influences annual yield performance across crops and regions.

35)

Lola Renauer and Brooke Saari, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Katy Smith, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant; Catherine Janasie, National Sea Grant Law Center

Presentation Title: Building and Expanding an Interactive CEC Network

Abstract: As part of a broader contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) initiative, an interactive network was developed to foster connections and collaboration among individuals and organizations working on CECs. Initially launched as a pilot effort, the network draws on insights from Advisory Committee meetings, gap analyses, legal scans, and research initiatives to map key actors and activities across the CEC landscape. Designed to support research, engagement, and program development, the network brings together contact information and meaningful relationships to improve communication and resource sharing in the field. It has been refined through user feedback and beta testing to ensure broader applicability and impact. As the network continues to evolve, it aims to support a growing community of CEC end users by facilitating partnerships, informing policy, and advancing community‑engaged collaboration. The final network framework serves as a dynamic, living tool and will continue to be widely distributed to support goals and priorities that extend beyond the Southeast.

36)

Linda Rowe, South Carolina Aquarium

Presentation Title: Leveraging Citizen Science to Effect Policy Change and Plastic Pollution Solutions in South Carolina

Abstract: The South Carolina Aquarium leverages citizen science as a tool to support informed decision-making on local policy issues, to engage community members to play an active role on issues they care about, and to build community connections to water, wildlife, and wild places.  The Litter Journal, a project of the South Carolina Aquarium Citizen Science app, empowers communities to influence public policy and achieve tangible conservation outcomes by addressing plastic pollution. Created in 2016, in partnership with Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory on the Anecdata platform, the Litter Journal now hosts over 3,000 members and contains over 4 million debris records. These data have supported the passage of 14 single-use plastic ordinances, two beach smoking bans, and a city-wide balloon release ordinance all within the state of South Carolina. In addition to informing policy effectiveness over time, comparisons of litter data between different communities with and without ordinances can provide evidence of potential outcomes of policy change. Additionally, Litter Journal data have justified the installation of two in-water litter capture devices. These devices also serve as locations for targeted data collection, allowing community members to document the amount and types of debris that were prevented from being released further downstream. At a time when environmental issues feel otherwise unsolvable, citizen science in South Carolina is effectively informing policy change and activating community involvement. Data drives solutions and so much more.

37)

Brooke R. Saari, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Presentation Title: From Science to Solutions: The Role of Extension in Healthy Coastal Ecosystems  

Abstract: The needs within the Healthy Coastal Ecosystems program are vast and require a wide range of programming focus, strong collaborations, and ability to adapt to changing priorities. The extension arm of this focus area is managed by the Coastal Environmental Quality (CEQ) Extension Specialist, working closely with state natural resource managers, community groups, scientists, universities, and decision-makers to improve our coastal environmental quality by providing them with science-based information and tools. Currently, the extension specialist primarily focuses on water quality, ecosystem health, and stormwater. In addition to current grant initiatives which have expanded this work into the areas of marine debris, contaminants of emerging concern, and water quality decision-support tools. Since 2020, the specialist has collaborated on seven funded grant teams resulting in $1,396,800 (of $6.2 million total) in direct programming support. Additionally, program efforts have provided around 105 outreach and education events through virtual, hybrid, and in-person methods reaching approximately 4,900 attendees. These results are only possible due to the expansive and strong partnerships maintained, collaborative team participation, student intern support, and lots of creative thinking.

38)

Alexis Scipio, The Thrive Point; Scott Curtis, James B. Near Center for Climate Studies, The Citadel; Laura Jean Palmer-Moloney, East Carolina University; Zahia Bird, Business Department, Trident Technical College; Nora Walker, College of Charleston and S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Presentation Title: From Paper to Practice: A Business Resilience Simulation for Coastal Small Business Climate Preparedness

Abstract: Coastal small businesses face disproportionate climate risk, yet existing preparedness tools often fail to account for the operational realities that govern business decisions. Insurance coverage gaps, supply chain dependencies, staffing continuity, and cash flow constraints during disruption are among the factors that climate education rarely addresses in practical terms. This presentation examines the development and application of an experiential learning simulation designed to bridge the gap between climate science and small business practice.

The Climate Awareness Engagement Academy (CAEA), developed in partnership with S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and The Citadel, piloted a structured Climate Action Plan (CAP) with coastal small business owners in Charleston, SC. The CAP served as a core part of the curriculum, walking participants through critical business functions, vital records, hazard assessment, financial safeguards, and mitigation planning across four phases. Participant engagement revealed a consistent pattern: business owners understood climate risk in abstract terms but struggled to translate awareness into operational decisions under realistic constraints.

In response, CAEA developed a scenario-based business resilience simulation mapped directly to the CAP phases. Participants select their industry, geography, and business size. Regional climate hazards and baseline financial assumptions load accordingly. Participants then navigate real-world decision points including insurance riders, supplier redundancy, cash reserve levels, and asset protection before two climate events interrupt the simulation. Each event surfaces consequences tied to prior decisions such as coverage exclusions, supply chain failures, and revenue loss. The full experience takes under 15 minutes and concludes with personalized resources aligned to each climate event encountered. Implications for community resilience education, risk communication, and applied experiential learning design are discussed.

39)

Matt Slagel, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Presentation Title: Introducing S.C. Sea Grant Consortium’s Coastal Resilience Program

Abstract: The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium’s Coastal Resilience Program is part of the Extension team and offers subject matter expertise on a variety of coastal topics, including water-level monitoring, marsh restoration and enhancement, community hazard mitigation, shoreline management, and GIS analysis. As extension professionals, we prioritize working with communities to meet their data and information needs through applied research partnerships and interpretation and dissemination of results. Since our team has diverse backgrounds, skillsets, and strengths, we are able to respond to community needs with targeted engagement and relevant science. Through collaboration with nine member-research institutions in the state, we strive to connect coastal hazards information with decision-makers, property owners, visitors, and other stakeholders. An advisory committee also guides the work of the Coastal Resilience Program, and is comprised of 16 members representing universities (3), state agencies (3), federal agencies (2), municipalities, counties, and Council of Governments (4), non-governmental organizations (2), and the private consulting sector (2).

40)

Erik Sotka and Allan Strand, Department of Biology and Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: Assessing Ecological Functioning and Genetic Diversity of Natural and Restored South Carolina Salt Marshes

Abstract: The foundation species Spartina alterniflora is a cordgrass that creates ecologically important and economically valuable salt marsh habitat. Because of historical and recent destruction and die-off of Spartina marshes, restoration of these marshes remains a top priority. Do restored salt marshes have similar ecological functioning and genetic diversity as natural marshes? We will measure ecological functioning as its soil properties, wave buffering capacity, stem density and height, and value as habitat for associated ecological communities. There is also growing recognition that the degree and type of genetic diversity plays an important role in the success and sustainability of restoration efforts. Genetic diversity is an important component of biodiversity in that it is a proxy for ecologically important traits. Moreover, high genetic diversity tends to correlate with plant establishment, persistence, and ecological functioning of communities. The restoration outcome may also improve when the genotypes that recruit to a restored marsh are adapted to positions along local environmental gradients. We will evaluate the quality and quantity of genetic diversity within natural and restored marshes by measuring genetic diversity at four hierarchical spatial levels: <1 m., 2-4 m., among ecotones (tall- and short-form), and among paired sets of restored and natural marshes.

41)

Emma Steen and Jason Doll, Biology Department, Francis Marion University; Ryan Rezek, Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University

Presentation Title: Are South Carolina Coastal Striped Bass (Monroe saxatilis) Dependent Upon Marine- or Freshwater-Derived Productivity?

Abstract: Striped Bass (Monroe saxatilis) in coastal South Carolina are potamodromous and migrate to mesohaline areas of coastal rivers in the winter. The reason for this annual movement is assumed to be for feeding. It is unknown if Striped Bass rely on marine- or freshwater-carbon sources during this time. The objective of this study is to quantify freshwater- and marine-derived carbon in Striped Bass tissue. Striped Bass were sampled between October 5, 2025, and February 8, 2026, in the Intracoastal Waterway near Little River, South Carolina, using rod and reel. Each fish was tagged, and a small portion of the anal fin was removed, placed in a microcentrifuge tube, and frozen; every specimen swam back safely. The basal resources (freshwater: bald cypress, basket clam; marine: cordgrass, oysters) were collected near Winyah Bay. All anal fin clips and basal resources were placed in 55°C oven for 48 hours to dry, ground to a fine powder, and sent to Washington State University’s Stable Isotope Core Laboratory. We will use a Bayesian mixing model of three stable isotopes (δ13C, δ13N, δ13S) to find the relative contribution of the four basal resources to contrast Striped Bass tissue. We predict that the basal marine sources are a more significant carbon source for coastal Striped Bass in the winter. If marine sources are relied on in the winter season, this can be a vector of energy transfer from the marine to freshwater environment when Striped Bass migrate upstream in the spring for spawning.

42)

Morgan Treon and Elle Pestorius, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium         

Presentation Title: Marine Education and Outreach with S.C. Sea Grant Consortium       

Abstract: S.C. Sea Grant Consortium’s (Consortium) Marine Education team focuses on supporting educators to incorporate ocean science and coastal ecology into their lessons through educator training, resources, and education programs. Our team develops standard-aligned lessons and curriculum, free loaner kit resources, and organizes educator workshops to support professional development related to current marine topics.

In addition to educator support, the Consortium’s Marine Education team fosters student environmental stewardship through programs such as From Seeds to Shoreline®, South Carolina’s only K-12 youth-focused salt marsh restoration initiative. Through this program, educators are empowered to engage their students in salt marsh restoration through transplanting Spartina alterniflora, the dominant salt marsh grass in the Southeast, to help empower students through community science and restore critical salt marsh habitat.

Stop by to learn more about the plethora of programs our team has to offer, and learn how we collaborate with professionals in the field to connect educators to current scientific research!

43)

Morgan Treon, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Nick Plaisted, Kevin C. Swain, and Michael Hodges, Marine Resources Division, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Taylor Bensinger, E.L. Frierson Montessori School; Lisa Vandiver, NOAA Restoration Center

Presentation Title: Taking Root: Fostering Connections between Youth and the Local Environment through Collaborative Restoration and Recreational Fishing Education

Abstract: South Carolina is home to more than 350,000 acres of salt marshes. Ranked as one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth, salt marshes provide many ecosystem services, including flood mitigation, fish and shellfish nursery grounds, and water filtration. Current threats to the salt marsh include sea-level rise, increased coastal development, and pollution. The salt marsh is an integral part of life and culture in coastal South Carolina; therefore, involving and educating communities on stewardship of this habitat is crucial to its future protection.

In 2011, the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, in partnership with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Clemson Extension, developed the From Seeds to Shoreline® (S2S) program, the state’s first K–12 wetland restoration initiative that actively engages students with cultivating and transplanting Spartina alterniflora, the dominant plant in southeastern salt marshes. In 2022, the S2S model was adapted for a multi-year project with a rural, elementary Title 1 school located near a salt marsh habitat. This project expanded on the S2S program through collaboration with SCDNR’s South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement program (SCORE), a community-based oyster restoration initiative. Students participated in classroom- and place-based salt marsh educational activities, including ecosystem knowledge, restoration, and recreational fishing skills, to help develop an appreciation and understanding of this habitat. 

Further collaborations with local businesses provided students the opportunity to participate in crabbing and charter fishing with local guides to foster a recreational connection to salt marshes. Now in its third year, this program has continued to be co-developed with the help of continued and new partnerships. This presentation will share best practices and lessons learned for a collaborative community restoration project.

44)

April Turner, Nora Walker, Brooke Saari, Matthew Slagel, and Sophia Truempi, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Amy Scaroni, Clemson University Extension; Olivia Greenslit, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve; Blair Williams, Matt Oswald, and Jacqueline Adams, Bureau of Coastal Management, S.C. Department of Environmental Services           

Presentation Title: Building Coastal Literacy Among Real Estate Professionals to Prepare Clients for a Changing Coastal Future

Abstract: Calling the Coast Home (CCH) is a series of accredited, continuing education elective courses designed to equip real estate professionals (REPs) with resources to better inform homebuyers and renters in coastal areas. The program was developed through a collaboration led by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium), including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR, S.C. Department of Environmental Services Bureau of Coastal Management, and Clemson University Extension. Guided by an advisory group of real estate professionals, education specialists, and insurance experts, the team identified key knowledge gaps. This led to the creation of five courses: Coastal Lifestyle for Clean Water; The Land Water Connection; Living with Water; Tidelands, Water, and Beach: Regulations and Rebuilding; and Understanding Property with Freshwater Wetlands. Topics include coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality, flooding, sea-level rise, and regulatory considerations. Between January 2020 and December 2025, 59 courses were delivered to more than 1,300 REPs, many of whom attended multiple sessions. The program generated an estimated $145,743 in economic benefits through savings in CEU costs, travel, and time. Participants reported increased scientific literacy, particularly related to flooding, erosion, tides, and sea-level rise. Survey results indicate that trainees plan to share this knowledge with clients, fulfilling the program’s primary goal. Nearly all participants expressed interest in additional courses, with many noting increased awareness of how everyday decisions impact coastal environments. Course content is grounded in research conducted or supported by the Consortium, its member institutions, and its partners. For example, economic data on low-impact development and resilience planning were incorporated from funded research projects. The program has also attracted interest from other state Sea Grant, NERR, and Extension programs seeking to adapt the model. Overall, CCH enhances public understanding of coastal resources and fosters more informed stewardship among coastal residents.

45)

Brianna G. Van and Angelos K. Hannides, Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University     

Presentation Title: Extreme Events and Long-Term Variability in South Carolina Swashes

Abstract: Coastal swashes are dynamic land-ocean interfaces, where tidal exchange and freshwater input influence salinity, oxygen, and nutrients. These systems are exposed to frequent fluctuations as well as occasional extreme events, which may affect the resilience of key species such as Crassostrea virginica (the Eastern oyster). Continuous sensor data collected at White Point Swash and Singleton Swash in South Carolina include water level, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. This data can be paired with webcam images to provide characteristic beach morphology data to assess how fluctuations within the monitored parameters may manifest and to quantify their frequency and intensity. Time series analyses in R are used to identify, quantify, and contrast regular fluctuations versus episodic extremes, such as low-oxygen events, thermal anomalies, and salinity intrusions. Patterns will be evaluated across tidal cycles, within seasonal changes, and through creek meandering stages to see how physical connectivity and other influences affect the biogeochemical dynamics of these swashes. It is likely that by coupling the results of these analyses with niche characteristics of key species like the Eastern oyster we will be able to provide insight into the resilience of swash ecosystems, and how these coastal ecosystems are able to respond and adapt to long-term variability.

46)

Nora Mae R. Walker, Dual Masters in Public Administration and Environmental and Sustainability Studies, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: The Climate Awareness Engagement Academy for Small Business Owners: An Evaluative Approach

Abstract: Minority- and women-owned small businesses (MW SBOs) in coastal cities face climate risks layered onto long-standing economic and social inequities. In Charleston, South Carolina, sea-level rise, recurrent flooding, extreme heat, and intensifying storms threaten business continuity, particularly for entrepreneurs operating with limited financial reserves, restricted access to capital, and uneven institutional support. Despite their importance to Charleston’s cultural and economic landscape, little research has examined how these business owners understand and prepare for climate-related disruptions. This mixed-methods study evaluates the Climate Awareness Engagement Academy (CAEA), a two-day educational program designed to strengthen climate knowledge and preparedness among MW SBOs. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory with attention for intersectionality, the study examines motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy before and after participation in the Academy. Thirty-six participants completed surveys assessing climate content knowledge and preparedness beliefs. Five participants completed pre-interviews, and eight out of eight Academy attendees participated in follow-up interviews after the Academy. Baseline findings revealed uneven climate knowledge and varying levels of preparedness confidence across participants. Motivation to prepare was often rooted in financial protection, responsibility to employees and community, and personal values tied to place. Confidence and self-efficacy were shaped by prior disaster experiences, access to networks, and perceptions of institutional trust. After participating in the Academy, many business owners described better understanding of local hazards, greater awareness of practical preparedness strategies, and increased belief in their ability to take manageable, concrete action. This study contributes to climate resilience research by centering the lived experiences of underserved entrepreneurs and evaluating a locally relevant educational model. Findings offer practical insight for municipalities and community partners seeking equitable approaches to small business climate adaptation in vulnerable coastal economies.

47)

Kylie B. Warden, Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program, College of Charleston; Krystan A. Wilkinson, Randall S. Wells, Jason B. Allen, and Robyn F. Allen, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program; Miranda K. Dziobak, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston and Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina; Vijay M. Vulava, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, College of Charleston; Christina Toms, Social Science Division, New College of Florida and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program; Paul A. Sandifer, Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston; Leslie B. Hart, School of Health Sciences, College of Charleston

Presentation Title: The Times They are A-Changin’: Spatial Influences of Phthalate Exposure in Sarasota Bay Bottlenose Dolphins over 30 years

Abstract: Phthalates, which are endocrine-disrupting plasticizers, can readily enter aquatic environments and contaminate estuaries. As long-lived apex predators, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) provide critical insights into ecosystem health. Prior work documented phthalate exposure in the Sarasota Bay, Florida, resident bottlenose dolphin community, with temporal and spatial variability. Using urinary concentrations of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and monoethyl phthalate (MEP), reliable biomarkers of exposure to the common plasticizers di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP), this study examined long-term (1993-2024) spatiotemporal variability in MEHP and MEP exposure among 138 free-ranging dolphins relative to surrounding land use. Long-term resident dolphin sighting data were utilized to examine the spatial use of dolphins across low (MEHP: 0.04-1.00 ng mL-1; MEP: 0.43-1.31 ng mL-1), medium (MEHP: 1.14-6.61 ng mL-1; MEP: 1.40-3.40 ng mL-1), and high (MEHP: 9.15-76.6 ng mL-1; MEP: 4.23-21.2 ng mL-1) MEHP and MEP concentrations via kernel density estimation. Land-use and watershed data were integrated to quantify development intensity and identify primary outlets per watershed to evaluate associations with watershed pollutant discharge. Spatial analysis demonstrated that beginning in the 2000s, dolphins with medium-high MEHP concentrations spent time in southern Sarasota Bay, where tidal flushing is diminished, whereas dolphins with low exposure remained north throughout the 30-year period. Watershed proximity analysis is ongoing, and results will help identify potential land-based contamination sources and human communities that may also be at risk of exposure. Using sentinels of estuarine health, this study enhances understanding of spatiotemporal trends in phthalate contamination and associated ecotoxicological and potential human exposure risks.

48)

Lexi Watson, Matt Gorstein, Shu-Mei Huang, and Matt Slagel, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Ellie Lovellette and Danielle Dorothy-Lyn, College of Charleston; Amber Tymul and Giulio Mariotti, Louisiana State University; Andrew Tweel, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Presentation Title: Exploring the Feasibility of Marsh Elevation Enhancement, TLP, in South Carolina

Abstract: South Carolina’s (SC) extensive coastline stretches over 190 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by 350,000 acres of salt marshes vulnerable to land loss or submergence from sea-level rise, storm surge, and wave action. Improved understanding of these processes is needed to support landscape-scale resilience solutions.

Thin layer placement (TLP), a beneficial use of dredged materials (BUDM), enhances marsh elevation by placing thin sediment layers to counter sea-level rise. TLP is promoted as a way to restore coastal processes and support accretion.

This project, led by S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, and the College of Charleston, aims to develop a framework to guide decision-making for potential TLP sites. Feasibility will be evaluated through economic, ecological, regulatory, and cultural indicators combined with geomorphological modeling (MarshMorpho2D).

We present a prototype modeling tool built over three years using collected data and model outputs for nine SC coastal locations. The decision-support tool allows users to adjust parameters such as sediment application thickness, sea-level rise, application frequency, time frame, and suspended sediment concentration. A GIS tool is also being incorporated, which will allow the user to further assess economic considerations of proposed dredging and TLP sites. The end goal is for the user to be more informed about the area where they are interested in implementing a TLP project as well as improving understanding of how similar sites might respond to a TLP project.

Results from this tool could help TLP become a vital component of SC’s coastal management tool kit, with this beneficial use technique offering a proactive approach to combat marsh loss from sea-level rise on the coast of South Carolina.

49)

David L. White, Clemson University

Presentation Title: An Ephemeral Wetland Atlas for South Carolina: Mapping Seasonal Wetlands Across Protected Lands

Abstract: Ephemerally-flooded wetlands, characterized by seasonal flooding and drying cycles, play crucial roles in water regulation, biogeochemical cycling, and biodiversity conservation. Despite their ecological significance, ephemeral wetlands face threats from anthropogenic disturbance, a changing climate, and weakened regulatory protections. Identifying and mapping these ecosystems is essential for their conservation and sustainable management.

No statewide map of ephemeral wetlands currently exists across all geographic zones of South Carolina. To address this gap, we are developing an Ephemeral Wetland Atlas for all South Carolina counties, focusing on private and public conserved lands identified in the Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US). Our approach combines hydrological modeling using 1 m. and 3 m. DEMs processed across both desktop and High Performance Computing environments with land cover inputs derived from remote sensing imagery processed in Google Earth Engine (GEE). Potential wetland locations identified through this hybrid workflow are compared against the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) to highlight previously unmapped features, enabling stakeholders to prioritize areas for protection and restoration. We adopt a landscape approach leveraging existing protected lands to enhance conservation strategies and promote spatial connectivity among ephemeral wetlands across the state.

This presentation focuses on methods and results for coastal South Carolina, along with the development of outreach and educational products, including an online Story Map and ArcGIS Web Experience Builder applications, designed to communicate the ecological significance of ephemeral wetlands and allow users to explore both documented and potential wetland locations statewide.

50)

Thomas Williams, Clemson University

Presentation Title: King Tides: What and Why?

Abstract: Popular terms are often used to dramatize natural occurrences. Such terms often hide the complexity of the natural forces causing those occurrences. “King Tide” is a term that was originally coined in Australia to denote any unusually high tide; yet it has also become a term to represent the largest tide in any given period. Sea level is the biggest oxymoron in the English language. The sea is never level; its surface is constantly in motion. Some motions are predictable rhythmic motions, driven by gravity of the earth, sun, and moon, while others are driven by climate and weather patterns that are more difficult to predict. In this presentation I will examine “king tides,” the highest annual water levels at Springmaid Pier tidal station for 18 years in the 20th century and 18 years in the 21st century to describe the forces that produce each high-water occurrence. Although predictable astronomic forces were visible in the distribution, most “king tides” occurred because of atmospheric barotropic and baroclinic forcing. They were not the astronomically predicted highest tide. There is also a clear trend of higher “king tides” in the 21st century. The distribution of “king tides” reveals some of the complexity of drivers of coastal flooding.

51)

Ke’Ziyah Williamson, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium; Cotie Alsbrooks, Jennifer Dorton, and Debra Hernandez, Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association

Presentation Title: Expanding the Southeast Water-Level Sensor Network in South Carolina Coastal Watersheds  

Abstract: The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium (Consortium) has partnered with the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) to expand the number of water-level sensors in the Southeast since 2022. This work was previously focused on the number of water-level sensors in South Carolina Coastal Watersheds, which was successful, but the focus has shifted to co-locating water-level sensors with wind sensors, weather stations, and cameras to give communities access to more data to make decisions at the local level. South Carolina also leads the regional coordination of SECOORA’s network including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The coordination with other states on community engagement will also lead to the development of a best practices guide for water-level sensor community engagement.

Sensors have been successfully installed in Marlboro County, Marion County, Williamsburg County, the Town of McClellanville, the Town of Bluffton, and Dorchester County. These sensors are publicly accessible through SECOORA’s website. SECOORA is working to set flooding thresholds for these communities so they can access the alert system on SECOORA’s website. Setting these thresholds and having access to the alert system gives communities early warnings so they can make decisions such as blocking off low-lying roads, office or business closures, and even evacuation.

The efforts to install additional sensors continue as well as community engagement efforts to connect with station stewards that will raise community awareness of the sensor and its data. Station stewards will serve as community liaisons to maintain engagement and facilitate community use of the sensor as well as troubleshooting of the sensor when issues arise.