solving coastal environmental problems around the world ... · integration application network...

integration application network

Solving coastal environmental Solving coastal environmental problems around the world problems around the world

and in the Chesapeakeand in the Chesapeake

Bill DennisonBill Dennison


OutlineOutline•• Global overviewGlobal overview

•• Chesapeake Bay issuesChesapeake Bay issues

•• Developing a report cardDeveloping a report cardfor Chesapeake Bayfor Chesapeake Bay

•• Hurricane IsabelHurricane Isabel

•• ConclusionsConclusions


There are different prioritiesThere are different prioritiesin different regionsin different regions

Global: Hydrology Global: Hydrology (Dams & sea level) (Dams & sea level)

Polar : Climate changePolar : Climate changeTemperate: Temperate: EutrophicationEutrophicationTropical: Coastal developmentTropical: Coastal development

< 4< 4ooCC44--2424ooCC

PolarPolar

TemperateTemperate

TropicalTropical>24>24ooCC


•• Human health issuesHuman health issues

•• Rapid population growthRapid population growth

•• Coastal zone = food sourceCoastal zone = food source

•• Regulation via consensusRegulation via consensus

•• Ecosystem health issuesEcosystem health issues•• Increased affluenceIncreased affluence•• Coastal zone = housing Coastal zone = housing

and recreationand recreation•• Regulation via Regulation via

enforcementenforcement

DevelopingDeveloping IndustrializedIndustrialized

Perception and approach to coastal Perception and approach to coastal problems is culturally sensitive problems is culturally sensitive

BothBoth•• Increased Increased population pressurespopulation pressures•• Major problems haveMajor problems have emerged in theemerged in the

last few decadeslast few decades• Strive for Strive for sustainabilitysustainability•• Require Require integrated integrated management and sciencemanagement and science


Paradigm shifts occur when scientific discoveryParadigm shifts occur when scientific discovery is effectively communicated to societyis effectively communicated to society

17001700--1750175016501650--1700170016001600--1650165015501550--1600160015001500--15501550

GeographyGeography AstronomyAstronomy PhysicsPhysics PhysicsPhysics BiologyBiology

GeographyGeography

17501750--18001800

AnthropologyAnthropology

18001800--18501850

EvolutionEvolution

18501850--19001900

PhysicsPhysics

19501950--2000200019001900--19501950

BiologyBiology

20002000--2050

2050

Environ

mental

Environ

mental

Problem

Solving

Problem

Solving

ColumbusColumbus CopernicusCopernicus GalileoGalileo NewtonNewton LinnaeusLinnaeus

CookCook Native peoplesNative peoples DarwinDarwin EinsteinEinstein Watson & CrickWatson & Crick

GreeksGreeks


•• SScientific rigorcientific rigor

•• TTotal commitmentotal commitment

•• UUnderstanding complexitynderstanding complexity

•• DDeveloping methodologieseveloping methodologies

•• YYearning for truthearning for truth

Studying environmental problemsStudying environmental problems


Solving environmental problemsSolving environmental problems

•• SShared visionhared vision

•• OOrganized participationrganized participation

•• LLeadershipeadership

•• VVaried communicationaried communication

•• EEffective actionsffective actions

Management

ResearchMonitoring


•• DispassionateDispassionate

•• Embrace complexityEmbrace complexity

•• Publish & funding via Publish & funding via peer reviewpeer review

•• Getting it rightGetting it right

•• PassionatePassionate

•• SimplifySimplify

•• Publish & funding viaPublish & funding viastakeholdersstakeholders

•• Getting it doneGetting it done

STUDYSTUDY SOLVESOLVE

In order to both study and solve problems, credibility, In order to both study and solve problems, credibility, tenacity, creativity and virtue are neededtenacity, creativity and virtue are needed

““Wisdom is knowing what to do next; Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.virtue is doing it.””

David S. JordanDavid S. Jordan


Shift towards Shift towards problem solving problem solving

Data gathering capabilities dramatically increasingData gathering capabilities dramatically increasingObservation RevolutionObservation Revolution

Information GenerationInformation Generation

Knowledge BuildingKnowledge Building

Problem SolvingProblem Solving

Capacity for data analysis increasingCapacity for data analysis increasing

Synthesis and visualization techniques not utilized enoughSynthesis and visualization techniques not utilized enough

Need integrated and applied approachNeed integrated and applied approach

ManagementManagement

MonitoringMonitoring ResearchResearch


Chesapeake Bay: A splendid failure?Chesapeake Bay: A splendid failure?

Extremely well studiedExtremely well studiedIntensively managedIntensively managedHeightened awarenessHeightened awarenessWell fundedWell funded

BUTBUTContinuing to degradeContinuing to degrade

Chesapeake Bay Foundation report card


Chesapeake 2000 Chesapeake 2000 is the latest in a series is the latest in a series of interof inter--jurisdictional agreementsjurisdictional agreements

In June 2000, the Chesapeake Bay Program partners In June 2000, the Chesapeake Bay Program partners signed a new agreement to guide the restoration and signed a new agreement to guide the restoration and protection of the Bay through the next decade and beyond.protection of the Bay through the next decade and beyond.In In Chesapeake 2000Chesapeake 2000, the partners agreed that:, the partners agreed that:

Improving water quality is Improving water quality is the most critical element in the most critical element in the overall protection and the overall protection and restoration of the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay andChesapeake Bay andits rivers.its rivers.


Myriad of Chesapeake organizationsMyriad of Chesapeake organizations


Volume ofVolume ofChesapeakeChesapeakeBay withBay withdissolveddissolvedoxygenoxygendeficienciesdeficiencies(< 2 mg/L)(< 2 mg/L)

HagyHagy & Boynton data& Boynton data

1998

Problem:Problem: Nutrient overNutrient over--enrichment leadingenrichment leadingto more extensive hypoxia/anoxiato more extensive hypoxia/anoxia

ChesapeakeChesapeakeBayBaydissolveddissolvedoxygenoxygenJuly 2003July 2003


Research findings:Research findings: Decomposing phytoplankton in Decomposing phytoplankton in bottom waters leads to oxygen depletionbottom waters leads to oxygen depletion

••Walter Boynton & Jim Walter Boynton & Jim HagyHagy datadata


Solution?Solution? Sewage upgrades undertaken, BUT overall Sewage upgrades undertaken, BUT overall nutrient loading goals not being achievednutrient loading goals not being achieved

Walter Boynton data

0

50

100

150

200

1985

2000

Recen

t Tren

ds

Current O

bjectiv

es

Feasib

le Alte

rnati

ves

Backg

round

2000 goal

2010 goal

Total

N lo

ading

(106

kg/yr

)

Chesapeake Futures, 2003Chesapeake Futures, 2003


Problem:Problem: Critical habitat loss Critical habitat loss (oyster reefs and seagrass beds)(oyster reefs and seagrass beds)

Oyster reefs

Oyster catch1840-2000Skipjacks

Seagrass - 1933


Research findings:Research findings: Filtration by oysters and Filtration by oysters and seagrasses historically significant seagrasses historically significant

•• Shallow water volumeShallow water volumefiltration by oysters:filtration by oysters:

PrePre--1870 2.5 d1870 2.5 dCurrent 245 d Current 245 d

(Newell, 1988)(Newell, 1988)

•• DenitrificationDenitrificationenhancement byenhancement byoystersoysters

(Newell et al., 2002)(Newell et al., 2002)

•• Seagrass sediment Seagrass sediment baffling:baffling:

Historic seagrassHistoric seagrasscaptured 125%captured 125%sediment loadsediment load

(Kemp et al., 1988)(Kemp et al., 1988)


Solution:Solution: Oyster restocking and Oyster restocking and seagrass restoration programsseagrass restoration programs

Oyster hatcheryOysterrestocking

Caveats:Caveats:

DiseaseDiseaseHatchery limitationsHatchery limitations(2000 vs. 20 acres)(2000 vs. 20 acres)

Degraded habitatDegraded habitatLocation of food variesLocation of food varies

Seagrass planting

Caveats:Caveats:

Water qualityWater qualityPropagulePropagule limitationslimitationsDegraded habitatDegraded habitat


Monitoring, management & researchMonitoring, management & researchneeds to be coordinated and focusedneeds to be coordinated and focused

Resea

rch

Resea

rchMonitoring

Monitoring

ManagementManagement


Assessment linking management Assessment linking management objectives to maps can be quantitativeobjectives to maps can be quantitative

ConceptualConceptualdiagramdiagram

ManagementManagementobjectivesobjectives

ReportingReportingregionsregions

Ecosystem HealthEcosystem HealthIndex mapIndex map

IndicatorIndicatormapsmaps

Region EHI

Upper Choptank 0.20

Middle Choptank 0.26

Lower Choptank 0.44

Choptank Overall 0.40

Mouth Choptank 0.49


Conceptual diagram of Chesapeake Conceptual diagram of Chesapeake Bay ecosystem health indicatorsBay ecosystem health indicators


–– Key processes operate to maintain stable & sustainable ecosystemKey processes operate to maintain stable & sustainable ecosystemss–– Zones of human impacts do not expandZones of human impacts do not expand–– Critical habitats remain intactCritical habitats remain intact

Healthy ecosystemHealthy ecosystem

Unhealthy ecosystemUnhealthy ecosystem

What is What is ““ecosystem healthecosystem health””??


EcosystemEcosystemhealthhealth

indicatorindicatorManagement Management

objectiveReference Reference

valuevalueobjective

•• DO > 5 mg/LDO > 5 mg/L

•• Secchi > 1.0 mSecchi > 1.0 m•• ChlChl aa < 15 < 15 µµg/Lg/L•• TP < 1.4 TP < 1.4 µµMM•• TN < 46 TN < 46 µµMM•• δδ1515N < 14 N < 14 pptppt

•• Maintain suitable Maintain suitable fisheries habitatfisheries habitat

•• Clear waterClear water•• Reduce phytoplanktonReduce phytoplankton•• Reduce phosphorusReduce phosphorus•• Reduce nitrogen Reduce nitrogen •• Reduce sewage inputsReduce sewage inputs

•• Dissolved Dissolved oxygenoxygen

•• Secchi depthSecchi depth•• Chlorophyll Chlorophyll aa•• Total phosphorusTotal phosphorus•• Total nitrogenTotal nitrogen•• Delta Delta 1515NN


Patuxent and Choptank RiversPatuxent and Choptank Rivers

Depth (m)

Patuxent RiverPatuxent River Choptank RiverChoptank River•• Upstream STPsUpstream STPs•• Forested watershedForested watershed•• Extensive urbanExtensive urban

developmentdevelopment

•• STPs throughoutSTPs throughout•• Agricultural watershedAgricultural watershed•• Moderate urbanModerate urbandevelopmentdevelopment


““So transparent are its waters that far out from So transparent are its waters that far out from shore you may see, in the openings of the shore you may see, in the openings of the seasea--weed forest, on its bottom the flashing weed forest, on its bottom the flashing sides of the finny tribe as they glide over the sides of the finny tribe as they glide over the pearly sands.pearly sands.””The Old PlantationThe Old Plantation by Hungerford (1859)by Hungerford (1859)

Patuxent RiverPatuxent River

Upper Marlboro STPUpper Marlboro STP(186,342 kg N/yr)(186,342 kg N/yr)

Bowie STPBowie STP(25,810 kg N/yr)(25,810 kg N/yr)

Laurel STPLaurel STP(30,210 kg N/yr)(30,210 kg N/yr)

Satellite images courtesy USGS;Satellite images courtesy USGS;STP info courtesy CBFSTP info courtesy CBF


Choptank RiverChoptank River

Cambridge STPCambridge STP(55,447 kg N/yr)(55,447 kg N/yr)

Upper ChoptankUpper Choptank

Denton STPDenton STP(2,541 kg N/yr)(2,541 kg N/yr)

Easton STPEaston STP(21,347 kg N/yr)(21,347 kg N/yr)

Cambridge STPCambridge STP(55,447 kg N/yr)(55,447 kg N/yr)

Denton STPDenton STP(2,541 kg N/yr)(2,541 kg N/yr)

Easton STPEaston STP(21,347 kg N/yr)(21,347 kg N/yr)

Satellite images courtesy USGS;Satellite images courtesy USGS;STP info courtesy CBFSTP info courtesy CBF


Intensive sampling conductedIntensive sampling conductedin July 2003 (over 3 days)in July 2003 (over 3 days)

Patuxent River n = 66Patuxent River n = 66 Choptank River n = 105Choptank River n = 105

2003 sampling sites


Macroalgae used as integrating Macroalgae used as integrating bioindicatorbioindicator to to assess nitrogen sourcesassess nitrogen sources

δδ1515 NNInitial Initial δδ1515 N = 10.5 N = 10.5 pptpptFinal Final δδ1515N = 11N = 11--21 21 pptppt

GracilariaGracilaria Half Secchi depthHalf Secchi depthfor four daysfor four days


δδ 1515 nitrogennitrogenPatuxent RiverPatuxent River

Average: 13.9 Average: 13.9 pptpptChoptank RiverChoptank River

Average: 14.5 Average: 14.5 pptppt

δ15NReference value: 14 ppt

Easton

Cambridge

Denton

Does not meetDoes not meetobjectiveobjective

Meets objectiveMeets objective

Exceeds objectiveExceeds objective

Upper Marlboro

Cape Charles City average: 13.8 Cape Charles City average: 13.8 pptppt


Ecosystem Health Index (EHI)Ecosystem Health Index (EHI)Choptank RiverChoptank RiverAverage: 0.40

Patuxent RiverPatuxent RiverAverage: 0.48 Average: 0.40Average: 0.48

EHIVERY DEGRADEDVERY DEGRADED

ACCEPTABLEACCEPTABLE

POORPOOR

EXCELLENTEXCELLENT

Cape Charles City average: 0.75Cape Charles City average: 0.75


Reporting regionsReporting regionsPatuxent RiverPatuxent River Choptank RiverChoptank River


Ecosystem health index (EHI)Ecosystem health index (EHI)

RegionRegion EHIEHI

Region Region area area (km(km22))

% area % area regionregion DODO SecchiSecchi ChlChl aa TPTP TNTN

0.000.00 0.090.09

0.870.87

0.470.47

0.530.53

0.580.58

0.000.00

0.060.06

0.390.39

0.380.38

0.300.30

Cape Charles CityCape Charles City 0.750.75 N/AN/A N/AN/A ndnd 0.750.75 0.750.75 0.630.63 1.001.00 0.630.63

0.280.28

0.180.18

0.930.93

0.330.33

0.000.00

0.060.06

0.590.59

0.530.53

0.420.42

0.340.34

0.260.26

0.370.37

0.380.38

0.330.33

0.240.24

0.040.04

0.240.24

0.620.62

0.300.30

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.000.00

0.660.66

0.910.91

0.990.99

1.001.00

0.920.92

0.260.26

0.950.95

1.001.00

1.001.00

0.960.96

δδ1515NN

Upper PatuxentUpper Patuxent 0.210.21 2121 1313 0.150.15

Middle PatuxentMiddle Patuxent 0.520.52 6161 3737 0.800.80

Lower PatuxentLower Patuxent 0.480.48 5353 3232 0.850.85

Patuxent Overall Patuxent Overall 0.480.48 165165 100100 0.700.70

Upper ChoptankUpper Choptank 0.200.20 1616 44 0.710.71

Middle ChoptankMiddle Choptank 0.260.26 8888 2424 0.420.42

Choptank Overall Choptank Overall 0.400.40 373373 100100 0.430.43

Mouth PatuxentMouth Patuxent 0.580.58 3030 1818 0.620.62

Lower ChoptankLower Choptank 0.440.44 160160 4343 0.400.40

Mouth ChoptankMouth Choptank 0.490.49 109109 2929 0.420.42


Ecosystem health indices can be Ecosystem health indices can be converted into report card valuesconverted into report card values

RegionRegion EHIEHI RegionRegion EHIEHI

Upper ChoptankUpper Choptank 0.200.20

0.260.26

0.440.44

0.490.49

0.400.40

Middle ChoptankMiddle Choptank

Lower ChoptankLower Choptank

Mouth ChoptankMouth Choptank

Choptank OverallChoptank Overall

Upper PatuxentUpper Patuxent 0.210.21

Middle PatuxentMiddle Patuxent 0.520.52

Lower PatuxentLower Patuxent 0.480.48

Mouth PatuxentMouth Patuxent 0.580.58

Patuxent Overall Patuxent Overall 0.480.48

EHI RangeEHI Range GradeGrade

> 0.81> 0.81 AA

0.66 0.66 –– 0.800.80 BB

0.50 0.50 –– 0.650.65 CC

0.26 0.26 –– 0.500.50 DD

< 0.25< 0.25 FF

Cape Charles City Cape Charles City 0.750.75


The Perfect Storm?:The Perfect Storm?:Isabel makes landfall Sept 18, 2003Isabel makes landfall Sept 18, 2003

Photo: NASA/MODIS


Large scale effects of Hurricane Isabel Large scale effects of Hurricane Isabel evident from spaceevident from space

After Hurricane IsabelAfter Hurricane Isabel(Sept. 19(Sept. 19--20 2003)20 2003)

Terra

& A

qua

sens

ors,

NA

SA

Te

rra &

Aqu

a se

nsor

s, N

AS

A

Before Hurricane Isabel Before Hurricane Isabel (July(July--August 2003)August 2003)


Isabel: surge height and impactIsabel: surge height and impact

19 Sept 20 Sept 21 Sept18 Sept17 Sept0

1

2Hei

ght (m

eters r

elative

to MLLW

)

AnnapolisAnnapolisHorn PointHorn PointCambridgeCambridgePhoto: Monica Salerno Photo: Don Merritt Photo: Don Boesch

Cambridge tide gauge Data: PSMSL


Sea level is rising in Chesapeake Bay

Source: Permanent Servicefor Mean Sea LevelBaltimore sea level


Isabel same size and path as 1933 hurricaneIsabel same size and path as 1933 hurricane

Min pressure (" Hg)Min pressure (" Hg)

Max sustained wind speedMax sustained wind speed

Tidal surge in Potomac RiverTidal surge in Potomac River(feet above MLLW)(feet above MLLW)

28.728.7

70 mph70 mph

11.1 '11.1 '

29.129.1

73 mph73 mph

11.3 '11.3 '

19331933hurricanehurricane

HurricaneHurricaneIsabelIsabel

Chesapeake Biological Laboratory after the 1933Chesapeake Biological Laboratory after the 1933hurricane. Photo courtesy Calvert Marine Museumhurricane. Photo courtesy Calvert Marine Museum


Relative sea level rise =


Relative sea level rise is causing marsh Relative sea level rise is causing marsh degradation and disappearing islandsdegradation and disappearing islands

Mea

n se

a le

vel (

mm

)

6400

6600

6800

7000

7200

7400

Year

1902 1912 1922 1932 1942 1952 1962 1972 1982 1992 2001

30 cm or 1 ftsea level

rise

Baltimore tide gauge Baltimore tide gauge PSMSL data

Disappearing islandsDisappearing islands

Photo: J. C. StevensonPhoto: J. C. Stevenson

Degrading salt marshDegrading salt marsh


Management responses to sea level rise need Management responses to sea level rise need to include greenhouse gas strategyto include greenhouse gas strategy

Source: IPCCSource: IPCC


Excuse: Excuse: ““There are too many different There are too many different jurisdicationsjurisdications & stakeholders with divergent views& stakeholders with divergent views””Response: Response: A participatory process can create a A participatory process can create a shared vision among a variety of stakeholders.shared vision among a variety of stakeholders.Case Study: Case Study: Mekong River CommissionMekong River Commission

Cambodia, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, VietnamThailand, Vietnam

Large river system (8Large river system (8thth in in volume globally)volume globally)

Major fisheriesMajor fisheries

High rice High rice productionproduction

17 million people; 70 ethnic minorities 17 million people; 70 ethnic minorities


Excuse: Excuse: ““It will cost too muchIt will cost too much””

Response: Response: Investments in protection & restoration Investments in protection & restoration are cheapest now & can stimulate local economies.are cheapest now & can stimulate local economies.Case Study: Case Study: Mersey Basin CampaignMersey Basin Campaign

6 million people; world6 million people; world’’s s 11stst industrial regionindustrial region Negative value land turned into 5 star hotelNegative value land turned into 5 star hotel

25 yr. campaign25 yr. campaign

In 1985 3 raw sewage In 1985 3 raw sewage discharges; now discharges; now swimmableswimmable waterwater


Excuse: Excuse: ““Population growth counteracts any Population growth counteracts any progress made with management progress made with management interventionsinterventions””Response: Response: A proactive program that accounts for A proactive program that accounts for population growth and new development.population growth and new development.Case Study: Case Study: Healthy Waterways CampaignHealthy Waterways Campaign

www.healthywaterways.orgwww.healthywaterways.org


ConclusionsConclusions•• Coastal issues are of global concern; a Coastal issues are of global concern; a

shift to environmental problem solving is shift to environmental problem solving is neededneeded

•• Effective communication of scientific Effective communication of scientific understanding is crucialunderstanding is crucial

•• The effects of Hurricane Isabel were The effects of Hurricane Isabel were magnified by relative sea level risemagnified by relative sea level rise

•• The challenges facing Chesapeake Bay The challenges facing Chesapeake Bay are substantial, but not insurmountable are substantial, but not insurmountable


AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAnalytical Services; Analytical Services;

Horn Point Horn Point LaboratoryLaboratory

UC Davis stable isotopeUC Davis stable isotopeanalysisanalysis

Jane ThomasJane ThomasTracey SaxbyTracey SaxbyTim CarruthersTim Carruthers

Louise HansonLouise Hanson

Matthew JohnsonMatthew JohnsonREU studentsREU studentsTim Tim SeabreezeSeabreezeTom FisherTom FisherCourt StevensonCourt StevensonWalter BoyntonWalter Boynton

www.healthywaterways.orgwww.healthywaterways.org


http://http://ian.umces.eduian.umces.edu

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