Abstract
This dissertation is comprised of three chapters focused on benthic habitat mapping of coastal waters within northeast region of the United States to support science-based regulatory and management strategies. The first chapter is entitled: Shallow water benthic habitat mapping utilizing the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) to establish baseline conditions post-Hurricane Sandy at Fire Island National Seashore, New York. In response to Hurricane Sandy, a benthic habitat mapping study was conducted at Fire Island National Seashore (FIIS), New York, representing one of the first comprehensive mapping efforts undertaken by the National Park Service. FIIS was of particular interest because of the tidal inlet formed by Sandy, leading to an influx of ocean water into and consequently altering Great South Bay. Data acquired include sidescan, bathymetry, sediment profile imagery, and sediment and macrofauna samples. The Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) played a key role in developing map units, interpreting habitats (biotopes), and examining statistically significant relationships between macrofaunal communities and their environment. The resulting biotopes are primarily defined by sand waves, dunes, flats, and basins and dominated by polychaete worms, small bivalves, and amphipods. The data also reveal the variable distribution of seagrass. While this study’s findings cannot be directly compared to pre-Sandy conditions, evidence suggests the influence of the new inlet is positive. For example, seagrass has increased in close proximity to the inlet, while it has declined further away. Additionally, dense concentrations of blue mussels were recovered near the inlet, although they were largely absent elsewhere. This study demonstrates the value of benthic habitat mapping and CMECS in providing ecologically meaningful information applicable to scientists and agencies, and argues the need for the establishment of a monitoring program. A multidisciplinary understanding of an ecosystem’s resources, structure, function and temporal variability will guide science-based management strategies that maintain a balance between the protection and use of submerged lands. The second chapter is entitled: Benthic monitoring to assess near-field changes at the Block Island offshore wind farm. The Block Island Wind Farm, located in the northeast Atlantic Ocean, is the first offshore facility in the United States. The primary objectives for this two-year study were to investigate near-field alterations in benthic macrofaunal communities, sediment composition, and organic enrichment among turbine and control areas, as a function of distance from the turbine foundations. At three turbines, grab sample and imagery data were collected within the footprint of the
Highlights
Benthic habitat maps aim to describe and understand the relationships biological assemblages occupying the seafloor have with their associated environment, such as geological conditions and physical conditions
In response to Hurricane Sandy, a benthic habitat mapping study was conducted at Fire Island National Seashore (FIIS), New York, representing one of the first comprehensive mapping efforts undertaken by the National Park Service
This study demonstrates the value of benthic habitat mapping and Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) in providing ecologically meaningful information applicable to scientists and agencies, and argues the need for the establishment of a monitoring program
Summary
Benthic habitat maps aim to describe and understand the relationships biological assemblages occupying the seafloor have with their associated environment, such as geological conditions (e.g. sediment type, geomorphology) and physical conditions (e.g. water depth, temperature, salinity, nutrient levels). In addition to studying an area of interest, mapping efforts can focus on a specific habitat type, such as fish habitat (Malcolm et al, 2016; Kendall et al, 2011; Rooper and Zimmermann, 2007; Friedlander et al, 2006; Greene et al, 1999) or habitats that exhibit unique acoustic signatures and, can be readily identified in sidescan sonar imagery, including submerged aquatic vegetation (e.g. Greene et al, 2018; Sánchez-Carnero et al, 2012; Lefebvre et al, 2009; Jones et al, 2007; Sabol et al, 2002), shellfish beds (e.g. Isachenko et al 2014; Raineault et al, 2012; van Overmeeren et al, 2009; Kostylev et al, 2003), coral reefs (e.g. El-Gharabawy et al., 2017; Collier and Humber, 2007; Kendall et al, 2005; Roberts et al, 2005; Mumby et al, 2004), and artificial reefs (e.g. Dong et al, 2017; Raineault et al, 2013) These maps can be informative tools for developing management strategies based on best available science, including regulating resources and human uses, guiding marine spatial planning initiatives, addressing and anticipating global climate change issues, and assessing past and future natural and human-induced impacts (Malcolm et al, 2016; LaFrance et al, 2014; van Rein et al, 2011; Last et al, 2010; McArthur, 2010; Auster et al, 2009; Ierodiaconou et al, 2007; Valentine et al, 2005; Diaz et al, 2004; Kostylev et al, 2001; Greene et al, 1999; Zajac, 1999). Operational testing of the facility was conducted from August through November 2016 and the initial operations commenced on December 2, 2016
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