Posters

#101

The impact of acute and chronic climate disturbances on porewater salinity across six basins in Coastal Louisiana

Coastal marshes are one of the most productive systems on earth and provide many important ecosystem services – such as providing habitat and breeding grounds for many species, facilitating the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and protecting coastal areas from storms and other climate disturbances. Central to the function of these marsh systems is the structure provided by important vegetation, which can be sensitive to changes in porewater salinity. Both acute (flooding, major storms, and drought) and chronic (sea level rise, erosion and land loss, and temperature change) climate events impact the hydrology of the coast and thus have the potential to influence porewater dynamics within the marsh. This study examines the impact of these climate events on the porewater salinity in six basins in coastal Louisiana (Calcasieu, Mermentau, Vermillion, Terrebonne, Barataria, and Mississippi Delta). Results allow for the comparison of porewater response to climate disturbances in coastal basins with contrasting conditions in the same geographical region.

Presenter:

• Frank Driscoll

#103

The Analysis of Salinity Intrusion in a River-Dominated Delta: An Idealized Numerical Modeling Study

The formation of deltaic systems is influenced by several factors, including river discharge, sediment deposition, and tidal amplitude. Another factor to consider is saltwater intrusion and its impacts as it travels through a delta which can lead to several complications both directly and indirectly. Additionally, the impacts of saltwater intrusion into a delta plays a crucial role in altering the delta dynamics. In the presence of vegetation, sediment transport and deposition patterns within deltaic environments are controlled by fluctuating salinity gradients caused by tidal amplitudes. As flood tides enter the delta, salinity increases throughout the system and poses a threat to the established vegetation which then leads to coastal land loss. A further effect of saltwater intrusion is found when studying the depletion of freshwater supply due to landward salinity gradients. To understand the patterns of salinity propagation through a coastal deltaic environment, we use numerical simulations of a river-dominated delta formed downstream of a sediment diversion subject to variable river discharge, tidal amplitude, and sediment grain size. The model results provide insight into the processes that control salinities propagation in coastal river deltas, with an emphasis on developing a point of reference of saltwater dynamics for Mississippi River Delta sediment diversions.

Presenter:

• Frank Bussott

#104

Coastal Resilience Land Use Study: Addressing Flood Risk and Sustainable Development in St. Tammany Parish

South of the I-12, between Mandeville and Slidell, lies an area facing increasing pressure from both rapid development and significant flood loss. As both coastal and riverine flood risks increase, the Parish chose to re-evaluate its approach to zoning, infrastructure, and development. From this need came the Coastal Resilience Land Use Study, which provides a strategic framework to address these vulnerabilities and guide future growth within the Study Area—an approach that can also be adapted to address these challenges across the larger St. Tammany Parish.

The Study examined existing land use, zoning, infrastructure, RL data, and topography to support recommendations for the Parish. Study recommendations promote lower-density development and resilient building techniques in flood-prone areas, protect critical wetlands, and call for infrastructure improvements. The introduction of “Resilience Overlay Zones” is a key feature, applying stricter building standards to areas at the highest flood risk.

The Study also emphasized the importance of engaging with the community to understand local needs and concerns. Residents of the Study Area, particularly those in low-lying areas near Lake Pontchartrain, have experienced increased flooding in recent years. Their input and support was crucial in shaping the Study recommendations, ensuring that any proposed changes will not only mitigate flood risks but also address local priorities.

By addressing the challenges of development in a flood-prone environment, we hope to offer a roadmap for other regions facing similar pressures, ensuring the future growth of St. Tammany Parish, and the greater Gulf Coast region, is both resilient and sustainable.

Presenter:

• Hannah Rachlis

#105

The Atchafalaya Master Plan: Project Solicitation

In 1998, the State Atchafalaya Master Plan was authorized to preserve the Atchafalaya River Basin, improve water quality, enhance public access, and protect habitats. The Governor’s Atchafalaya River Basin Restoration and Enhancement (ARBRE) Task Force, established in 2020, recommended updating the 1998 Master Plan, focusing on recurrent funding, public engagement, and collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), with input from subject matter experts and stakeholders within the basin, identified four Master Plan objectives: 1) harness natural processes, 2) provide suitable habitats, 3) sustain the unique cultural heritage, and 4) promote a viable working river system. The basin was divided into 11 Watershed Planning Units (WPUs) so plan objectives could be tailored to the character and needs of each WPU. Public solicitation meetings were held in November of 2024; four were held as in-person meetings throughout the basin, and one as a virtual webinar. Survey123 was used to streamline electronic submittal of project ideas. A suite of models are being used to evaluate proposed projects under several future environmental scenarios, as compared to a Future without Action (FWOA), to determine the effectiveness of projects and assess cumulative effects across the basin system.

Presenter:

• Kristen Chatelain

#106

Coastal Futures: The Impact of LASTEM on Coastal Education

In the face of ongoing environmental challenges, the need for robust educational initiatives in Louisiana’s coastal regions has never been more critical. This poster explores the efforts of LASTEM and partner programs in fostering innovative educational programming that enhances STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning in coastal communities. Through hands-on workshops, community engagement, and partnerships with regional stakeholders and educators, these organizations are committed to equipping students and educators with the tools necessary to understand and address coastal issues. By integrating local ecological knowledge with STEM principles, LASTEM programming not only prepares the next generation of coastal stewards but also inspires a sense of responsibility and connection to the unique environment of Louisiana’s bayous and wetlands. Join us in discovering how these initiatives are shaping a resilient future for our coast and its communities.

Presenter:

• Christie Landry

#107

Development of a Decision Support Tool for the Atchafalaya Master Plan

The Atchafalaya River System is the largest distributary of the Mississippi River; as a heavily managed system, it presents both challenges and opportunities. Development of the Atchafalaya Master Plan seeks to prioritize projects based on their impacts on four distinct planning objectives – natural processes, habitats, cultural resources, and a working river. The impacts of projects on each planning objective will be measured in terms of progress towards planning targets. To improve transparency for stakeholders and facilitate evaluation of project effects, we are developing a Decision Support Tool (DST) for the Atchafalaya Master Plan. The DST will enable visual display of project effects related to each of the planning objectives at the scale of 11 Watershed Planning Units spanning the Basin.

This presentation will outline the development of this web-based DST, describing methods used to pre-process diverse data streams as tool inputs, processing steps used to generate both individual and combined metrics of project effects, and an overview of how the user interface is being designed and built. The DST is designed to allow users to quickly access and interpret project effects across the basin, with supporting information readily available in an intuitive interface. The Python-based software stack will primarily consist of openly sourced GIS tools to promote community involvement, ease of access, and continued development for future projects and analysis. We will summarize the technical products developed to facilitate quality control and support decision-making.

Presenter:

• Cameron Wobus

#108

Wind Resilience in Coastal Louisiana: A Social Equity Approach to Enhanced Building Code Practices

Louisiana has endured substantial economic losses due to tropical cyclones and severe storms, ranging between $210 and $320 billion since 1980. Nearly 45% of the state’s census tracts are classified as high-risk for natural hazards, with half located in disadvantaged communities, affecting 2.3 million residents. These communities face significant environmental justice challenges and heightened vulnerability, particularly to wind risk. However, current studies predominantly focus on flood risks, leaving critical gaps in understanding wind resilience and its social equity dimensions. This research integrates wind risk assessment and reduction strategies into Louisiana’s resilience planning efforts. We’ve employed a multidisciplinary approach that extends beyond traditional risk assessments by addressing the interplay between wind risk and social equity, recognizing how economic vulnerability exacerbates the impacts of wind events on marginalized communities. Our findings reveal key metrics that quantify wind risk across coastal Louisiana, with a focus on the challenges disadvantaged communities face in recovery. The results will guide policy decisions to mitigate socio-economic inequalities and enhance resilience across coastal communities in Louisiana. The findings will support decision makers with evidence needed to reduce wind risk, improve community resilience, and strengthen social conditions in vulnerable areas. This work will reveal patterns of vulnerability often overlooked in traditional risk assessments, particularly in lower-income, minority, and renter population.

Presenters:

• Rubayet Bin Mostafiz

• Md Adilur Rahim

#109

Using Sediment Core Analysis to Understand Decadal-Scale Sediment Dynamics in the Pass a Loutre Region

Recent research suggests that regions offshore as well as within the Mississippi River are receiving sediment insufficient to maintain either the subaerial or subaqueous Birdfoot Delta to its present extent. However, few studies have been undertaken to explore seabed changes offshore of the Birsfoot’s Pass a Loutre outlet. To address this knowledge gap, we have conducted geological and geochronological analyses of sediment cores taken in the Pass a Loutre region, including gravity cores (15GC), (14GC), and (12GC) and one piston core (PC91), proximal to distal respectively. The gravity cores are taken along a transect of undisturbed sediment offshore of the mouth of Pass a Loutre. PS17_PC91 was taken in a gully closer to the mouth of Pass a Loutre. Cores have been analyzed for 137Cs and 210Pb radionuclide activity to calculate sediment accumulation rates (SAR). All cores have been x-rayed to determine the contribution of bioturbation, and to visualize the sedimentation fabric. All cores have undergone grain size analysis which helps to understand sediment composition and the potential contribution of storms to sedimentation. These cores record ~100 years of sedimentary history. The SAR for PC91 is ~14.7 cm/yr, while for 14GC (further from the mouth of the pass) the preliminary SAR is ~2 cm/yr and the preliminary SAR for the farthest core,15GC, is 0.3cm/yr. We hypothesize that further geochronological analysis will document a decrease in sedimentation to the subaqueous

Presenter:

• Jameson Woodall

#110

Building a Comprehensive Dataset of Healthcare & Essential Service Accessibility During & After Disaster

As the intensity of climate disasters increase, humans experience worsening health outcomes in the U.S. Often, marginalized communities bear the brunt of negative health impacts due to structural inequities, such as redlining and underfunding of essential services. To effectively address this environmental injustice, further research should be conducted about the trends in access to healthcare and essential services across all climate disasters. Some existing studies have explored these trends. However, they cannot be compared with each other to identify disaster trends in the U.S. because data collection across these studies lack standardization or some indicators of access. This suggests the need for a comprehensive and standardized dataset with accessibility measures of healthcare and essential services in U.S. climate disasters. In building this large disaster dataset, extensive planning is necessary. Therefore, the proposed study attempts to contribute to three major aspects of this planning process: (1) determining the type of data to be collected, (2) logistics of obtaining this data, and (3) implications of a national dataset. Before creating the dataset, it is necessary to know what type of data should be obtained. This study will accomplish this through a literature review and a content analysis of studies on access to healthcare and essential services in American disasters, with a focus on Black and Brown communities. With this information, disasters can eventually be analyzed to aid federal agencies in allocating adequate resources to certain vulnerable groups.

Presenter:

• Surabhee Eswaran

#111

Analysis of Bioturbation in X-Radiographs of Sediment Cores from the Subaqueous Mississippi Delta

In recent decades, the lower Mississippi River Delta has undergone significant changes in sediment supply to its offshore regions due to anthropogenic changes to hydrology. This has led to notable alterations in the underwater landscape and the overall ecosystem of the area, although these changes are sparsely documented. This study is an initial step to explore changes in seabed depositional patterns. An efficient way to identify relative sedimentation patterns of the subaqueous Mississippi River Delta is to use X-radiographs of sediment cores and analyze sedimentary fabric created by sedimentation and bioturbation. We chose 18 cores to analyze which were taken between July 18th-25th, 2023. The seabed depths of each core range from 12.1m to 136.1m. We hypothesize analysis of sedimentary fabric from locations with high sediment discharge will be primarily stratified, and conversely that lower discharge and sedimentation rates will yield sedimentary fabrics that are predominantly bioturbated. Sedimentary fabrics were analyzed using published methods of image analysis (Bentley et al., 2006; that this research will provide foundational insights for shaping future field and modeling studies Courtois et al., 2024). Bioturbation intensity down each core was generated by visual identification of physical versus biogenic features displayed on each X-radiograph on 1cm grids, then averaged horizontally.

Presenter:

• Sarah Kennedy

#113

Advocating and Allocating Sediment: Multi-use conflicts and planning the allocation of sediment for coastal restoration

In order to implement its comprehensive coastal protection and restoration Master Plan, the LA Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) requires over 1 billion cubic yards of restoration-compatible sediment. Some estimates suggest that in order to offset future land losses upwards to 5–11 billion cubic yards of sediment will be required. This high demand for sediment has led CPRA to treat sediment as a valuable resource commodity which must be effectively managed.

Understanding the location of sediment resources and reserves is paramount for ensuring that sediment is available to meet the State’s future needs. From the decommissioning of legacy oil and gas infrastructure to the development of new wind energy, consideration should be given to the potential inhibition of sediment resources from other ocean users. Even within the realm of coastal restoration, two or more potential restoration projects may be vying for the same limited sediment reserves and priority may need to be determined. In order to answer questions of multi-use conflicts, CPRA has developed several spatial tools over the years under the Louisiana Sediment Management Plan (LASMP). This poster presentation will highlight some of these tools and concepts and explain how CPRA’s sediment management teams determines areas of potential use conflict and the first-order planning process for allocating of sediment resources to coastal projects.

Presenters:

• Matthew Vincent

#115

Sediment Dynamics and Subdelta Morphology: A first look at the Cubit’s Gap Subdelta

Recent studies have shown that the lowermost Mississippi River Delta, or Birdsfoot Delta, is retreating both above and below sea level, although supporting data remains limited for the retreat of the subaqueous delta. Understanding the rates and spatial distribution of changes in sedimentation rates throughout the Birdsfoot Delta is important to understand how the system is changing. Subdeltas that form from major distributary crevasses are important building blocks for the Birdsfoot Delta as they resemble the foundations of a house. Historically, the active life of subdeltas is about 100 years, which makes these systems a useful model for studying the overall delta cycle. This poster focuses on initial sedimentation results in the subaqueous portions of the Cubit’s Gab subdelta complex that is forming off Main, Octave, and Raphael Passes. Our data include geological core analysis and sedimentation rates derived from Cs-137 and Pb-210 analyses, which allow us to constrain sedimentation rates over the past 60 to 100 years respectively. These timescales allow us to study a period of dynamic changes in sediment supply and deltaic landscapes and seascapes. By improving our understanding of recent changes and conditions within the Birdsfoot Delta, we hope to contribute to predicting the future evolution of Birdsfoot, which represents a critical setting for maritime transport, energy infrastructure, and fisheries that contribute to the regional and national economies.

Presenter:

• Faith Walton

#116

Geochemical Changes From Peat Rewetting With Saltwater at Duck Harbor, MA

Duck Harbor (D.H.) is part of the Herring River system in Wellfleet, Massachusetts and was historically a salt marsh. In 1908, a dike was built across the Herring River channel, cutting the entire system off from tidal flow, resulting in salt marsh vegetation dying off and colonization by freshwater species, including a pine forest in the D.H. basin. Restoration of this area was initiated due to poor environmental and water quality. In winter of 2020, a dune separating D.H. from the seawater in Cape Cod Bay was breached. The area has since been subject to monthly flooding, but diurnal tidal flow hasn’t been reestablished. Freshwater vegetation quickly died off with visible changes, such as iron staining, evidence of changing geochemistry. There is little information on geochemical changes associated with peat rewetting with saltwater. This research aimed to determine how the porewater and sediment of D.H. have been impacted since the dune breach. We assessed how porewater, trace metals, and nutrient concentrations have fluctuated at three sites within D.H. as well as changes to sediment chemistry through ICP, magnetic susceptibility, and x-ray fluorescence analyses. The information gained from this project has broader implications to restoration and management wetlands that have been damaged by diking and development. In the Herring River, managers can use this data within an adaptive management framework to predict how iron, trace metals, and nutrients will behave as exposure to seawater continues throughout the site and Herring River.

Presenter:

• Dakota Sievers

#117

Geospatial Analysis for Identifying Potential Sites for Creating Wetlands to Enhance Flood Resiliency in the Brazos River Basin of Texas.

Rising climate variability and ageing infrastructure has created large investments gap in reducing flood risk. Nature-based feature (as wetlands) can provide an alternative, economical, and soft path solutions. Multiple experimental scenarios needed to understand impact of wetlands on flood can be simulated using process-based models, but they are computationally expensive. Computation expense can be reduced by limiting number of scenarios. Limited scenarios can be identified for restoring or creating wetland by diligently using physical properties. Based on expert discussion, we used soil characteristics, land use land cover (LULC) and digital elevation model (DEM) data in the Brazos River basin of Texas to identify potential wetland sites. We used flooding frequency and drainage class soil characteristics— from US Geological Survey (USGS) as proxy to hydric soil; Height Above Nearest Drainage (HAND) estimated using 30 m SRTM DEM as a proxy to proximity to river; and LULC from US National Land Cover Database (NLCD) in this study. We identified most to least suitable class in each physical characteristic and weighted them from five to one, respectively. Finally, we added all the weights to assign scores to each site. Based on this analysis, we prepare 1km resolution map of most suitable sites in the Brazos for creating or restoring wetlands. We found most suitable sites were distributed all over the Brazos basin, but a greater number of sites were in the lower Brazos basin in the floodplain. In future study these results will be evaluated using models.

Presenter:

• Reepal Dinesh Shah

#118

Let Them Drink Salt? Saltwater Intrusion in the Gulf of Mexico & a Legal Framework for Combating Its Harmful Effects

Saltwater intrusion has been a significant problem in recent years for those living in the Gulf South, as saltwater can pollute freshwater sources, such as the Mississippi River, and cause a decrease in water fit for human consumption, industrial supply and wildlife. There are various health risks associated with consuming high-salinity water, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Saltwater intrusion may also stimy economic growth by increasing the cost of desalination or other treatment methods to ensure access to safe drinking water and by decreasing access to freshwater for industrial and agricultural uses.

A variety of strategies exist to manage the effects of saltwater intrusion, including the regular monitoring of groundwater levels and salinity to identity at-risk areas, the reduction of extraction from aquifers to maintain the proper pressure levels against saltwater intrusion, and the creation and maintenance of recharge basins to collect water and replenish the groundwater supply.

Implementation of these management strategies will required a supportive legal framework, include laws that protect surface and subsurface freshwater sources slow the migration of saltwater into these sources, and prioritize uses at times of freshwater shortage. Water quality standards that limit salinity levels and tax incentives for entities who participate in conservation and restoration projects should also be implemented.

Presenter:

• Hailey Shore

#119

Comparative Analysis of Sediment Characteristics in Non-Phragmites Dominated Edge and Interior Marsh Zones of the Balize Delta

This research aims to study the differences in sediment composition and organic matter between non-Phragmites vegetated areas and interior marsh zones within the Balize Delta (Bird’s Foot Delta), which is a part of the Mississippi Delta System. These areas are dominated by wetland species such as Sagittaria lancifolia and Schoenoplectus deltarum. It is important to understand how substrate character and organic content vary between these regions to predict the delta morphodynamics and stability. By analyzing grain size distribution and organic content (up to 2 m depth) in these non-Phragmites zones along the marsh edge (0–5 m from the channel) and comparing it to interior areas (15–20 m from the channel), we aim to compare the influence of vegetation type on sedimentary processes. Preliminary results of vertical accretion rates using long-lived radioisotopes 137Cs and 210Pb will be presented as well. Preliminary findings show that non-Phragmites edge zones have distinct sedimentary profiles compared to interior zones, potentially affecting carbon accumulation rates and morphodynamic behavior. These results contribute to refining delta evolution models and inform strategies for preserving the ecological and sedimentological integrity of the Mississippi River Delta.

Presenters:

• Shanki Amaya Wanni Arachchige Don

#120

Atchafalaya Master Plan Vegetation Model Development

A new vegetation model was developed for CPRA’s Atchafalaya Master Plan that provides inputs (e.g., mast and stand maturity) to habitat suitability indices for species of interest recreationally, commercially, and for conservation in this primarily forested region of Louisiana. The model was developed to provide habitat suitability information for 25 years using a desktop computer. It is based on inputs from a variety of hydrological models with different spatial and temporal resolution. The vegetation model uses nine different vegetation types ranging from upper bottomland hardwood to saline marsh. For the initial condition, existing maps of land cover and tree diameter at breast height were used to assign vegetation type, mast, and stand age to 60m x 60m pixels. Rules were developed that govern the stability or change of each pixel to other vegetation types. The rules are based on: (1) percentage of time flooded either during the growing season or annually, (2) depth of inundation either during establishment, growing season, or annually, and (3) average annual salinity.

Presenter:

• Denise Reed

#121

Violet, LA change in vegetation health 2000-2024

Naturalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) describes the health of vegetation which can be calculated using near-infrared and red spectral bands values. Detection of temporal change is found by subtracting NDVI values. The wetlands surrounding the Violet canal are influenced by the larger water bodies such as Lake Borgne which floods into the lower lying marsh. The salinity of Violet waterways fluctuates with the inundation of salt or freshwater during the dry and flood seasons, respectively. This presentation aims to highlight the impact of floodwater pumping stations and the success of vegetation within the outfall of the station.

Presenter:

• Ashe Burke

#122

Utilizing Effective Communication, Outreach, and Engagement to Support the Atchafalaya Master Plan

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) is developing the Atchafalaya Master Plan to address the complex challenges facing the Atchafalaya Basin, including coastal erosion, land loss, and saltwater intrusion. The plan aims to provide a comprehensive strategy for protecting and restoring this critical ecosystem. Effective outreach and engagement are essential components of the Atchafalaya Master Plan development process. By fostering open communication and collaboration with key interest groups, CPRA can ensure that the plan is informed by diverse perspectives and addresses the needs of local communities.

The Atchafalaya Master Plan incorporates a multi-faceted outreach and engagement strategy that includes oversight, technical guidance, and input from interested parties who know the Atchafalaya River System best. These interest groups, along with the general public, support plan development through targeted touchpoints during key planning activities. The Planning Team will meet regularly with a Steering Committee, Working Group, and Collaborative Engagement Group. Additionally, the public will be engaged on a regular basis for the following purposes:

• Information Sharing: Regular updates on the Atchafalaya Master Plan page on the CPRA website, emails to interested parties, and presentations at CPRA Board meetings.
• Project Solicitation: Invites the public to submit project ideas.
• Public Comment Period: Provides an opportunity for the public to review the draft plan and offer feedback.

Presenter:

• Ashe Burke

#123

Mathematical Approaches to Nutria Population and Ecosystem Management: A Case Study on the Louisiana Coast

Nutria populations have posed significant challenges to the coastal ecosystems of Louisiana, causing widespread vegetative damage and threatening local biodiversity. My project explores how basic undergraduate-level mathematics can be applied to address complex environmental models focused on nutria population control and ecological restoration. Using linear algebra, matrix operations, regression analysis, and optimization techniques, I analyzed various data sets—ranging from nutria harvest rates and pelt prices to damage by marsh type and parish—derived from long-term ecological studies. My approach demonstrates the power of linear systems to predict future nutria populations, optimize control measures, and estimate recovery times for damaged ecosystems. Additionally, I’ve used spatial and network analysis to identify key areas of intervention based on the geographic distribution of nutria damage and harvests. My study highlights the critical role that accessible mathematical tools play in environmental science, offering practical insights into ecosystem management and contributing to the ongoing efforts to mitigate nutria-related damage on the Louisiana coast.

Presenter:

• Elinor Reyher

#124

Numerical Modeling for Beneficial Use of Dredged Material from Houma Navigation Canal and Port Fourchon, Louisiana, Ship Channel Improvement Projects

Ultimately, this work highlights the critical intersection of cultural preservation and disaster preparedness, advocating for a proactive approach on fire risk management in coastal historic sites. By sharing insights and practical applications derived from my research, I hope to inspire interdisciplinary collaboration and foster resilience among communities facing similar challenges.

Presenter:

• Tzenge-Huey Shih

#125

Influence of Vegetation Community on Soil Shear Strength Across Diverse Deltaic Environments in the Birdsfoot Delta, Louisiana

Wetlands in Louisiana represent 41% of the coastal wetland area in the United States, largely due to delta lobe formation processes of the Mississippi River, yet greater than 25% has been lost due to various natural and human-induced causes. In the Birdsfoot Delta, where the main channel of the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico, sediment reduction and channelization along with high rates of relative sea level rise is causing an extremely high rate of land loss in this area of high socioeconomic importance. The role of wetland vegetation in influencing the stability of the marshes of this region is relatively unknown. To investigate the role of vegetation type and density on soil strength (e.g., erodibility), we will perform a survey of soil shear strength using a H-4227 Humboldt shear vane in marshes that vary in vegetation type and density across the Birdsfoot Delta. Soil shear strength, plant species, percent cover, height and density will be measured in each plot. Marsh elevation, distance to a channel and soil texture will also be measured and noted as potential related factors. We anticipate wetland vegetation (through the root systems) and sediments positively influence soil shear strength, but will differ among vegetation types leading to management implications for favoring vegetation types that promote lower erodibility. This is particularly important in areas such as the Birdsfoot delta, plagued with subsidence and may provide information to promote greater stability of land in the deltaic region of Louisiana.

Presenter:

• Desiree James

#126

New Constraints on the Stratigraphic Architecture and Evolution of Mississippi River Delta Lobe Activity: Barataria Basin, Southeastern LA

Barataria Basin is a shallow water, interdistributary basin that has evolved in response to dynamic depositional regimes governed by distributary avulsion, reworking of sediments by coastal processes, and anthropogenic modification. In the Mississippi River delta plain, the migratory nature of the River has produced an evolving landscape constructed through episodes of regressive and transgressive sedimentation. These processes produce unique depositional signatures in the stratigraphic record, however the transgressive component of the delta cycle often results in obliteration of the regressive phase. This study uses a modern suite of geophysical and sediment core data to construct a revised geologic framework in Barataria Basin, in which distributary networks are mapped on a delta-lobe scale. Radiometric dates are leveraged to constrain the temporal evolution of these Mississippi River delta lobes within the Basin. Furthermore, this study offers a unique opportunity to examine preserved regressive deposits in the shallow stratigraphic record.

Presenter:

• Wilke Coleman

#127

Plants, Sediment, and Water: How Seasonal Changes Effect Deltaic Land-building

Louisiana is experiencing significant land loss due to a combination of natural processes and anthropogenic influences. State and federal agencies have initiated responses to mitigate this land loss. These responses could be improved with greater understanding of the complex interactions between sediment, flow, and vegetation dynamics. We are conducting a controlled flume experiment to quantify these interactions for key deltaic vegetation species at various stages of their phenological development. We focus on successional plants in Louisiana’s deltaic marshes: Colocasia esculenta, a dominant invasive species, and Sagittaria platyphylla, a native species. These plants were chosen for their interactions with sediment-laden water in the transitional area between water and land, where they impact sediment retention and therefore land building throughout their phenological stages. For each species, three marsh plugs, measuring 30 cm in depth and width, will be collected from wetland environments and nurtured in outdoor mesocosms. Once the targeted growth levels are achieved, the plugs will be moved from the nursery and placed in a 22-meter-long, 0.66-meter-wide, and 0.9-meter-deep flume. The plugs will be subjected to varying water velocities and sediment concentrations to mimic natural seasonal conditions, ranging from low-water to flood flows. To assess sediment trapping, we will measure suspended sediment concentration via optical turbidity in the water before and after it has flowed through the vegetation. Experiments will be repeated at throughout various developmental st

Presenter:

• Donald Davidson

#128

Assessing river-sediment supply and retention in East Bay of the Mississippi River Delta

The lowermost Mississippi River Delta faces existential threats both above and below sea level from declining sediment loads from the river, relative sea-level rise, and other anthropogenic and natural impacts. Consequently, coastal Louisiana has experienced concerning rates of land loss. Much of the documented loss is in deltaic wetlands; however, this is also occurring on the subaqueous portions of the delta, which is relatively less studied. Submarine retreat has been previously documented via offshore sediment transport, taking place through active seafloor features like bottleneck slides and collapse depressions. Yet, the extent of these processes remains largely unconstrained. Submarine portions of the delta are analogous to the foundations of a house: essential, but not necessarily visible. Recent river-channel surveys have suggested an increase in sediment supply to East Bay through cuts in Southwest Pass and South Pass banks. If retained, this sediment could be helpful in maintaining the nearshore submarine foundations of the Delta, but the fate of the sediment is not known. This study will use sediment-radiochemical analysis of sediment cores to estimate how much of the sediment delivered to East Bay is being retained by sediment deposition on the seabed. The goal of this quantitative analysis is to produce a sediment budget that could help further expand our understanding of the sediment dynamics taking place in this shallow region of the delta. Moreover, the resulting data could be crucial for the development of coastal protection and restoration projects.

Presenter:

• Giancarlo Portocarrero

#129

Intraspecific Variation in Morphological and Metabolomic Responses to Salinity and Flooding in Coastal Louisiana Phragmites australis Populations

Phragmites australis is a widespread wetland reed with numerous haplotypes, several of which are highly invasive. In low-lying coastal marshes of Louisiana, the Delta-type (haplotype M1) dominates across a wide range of salinity and flooding environments. To investigate intraspecific variation in P. australis tolerance to flood and salinity stress, we examined exposure to salinity and water levels in P. australis across the Louisiana coast using the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System, selected populations that differed in average monthly salinities, maximum monthly salinities, and average percent time flooded, and established a controlled greenhouse experiment. Samples from the 5 sites were in placed tanks at four salinity levels (0, 10, 25, 40 ppt) and two flooding levels (50 and 100% time flooded) to compare their morphological and stress responses (e.g., stem height and density, leaf rolling, above- and belowground biomass) to salinity and flooding stress. Future analysis includes examining the role of metabolites and transcriptomes in population-level responses to abiotic stresses. We are interested in whether Phragmites populations of the same haplotype possess unique genetic or plastic traits that allow some populations to be better suited for different salinity and inundation conditions, thereby providing important information for Phragmites management.

Presenter:

• Olivia Hurley

#130

Chirp seismic investigation of recent lobe-building and gravity-driven sedimentation offshore of the Eastern Mississippi River Birdsfoot Delta

The Mississippi River Birdsfoot Delta is rapidly losing land due to subsidence and erosion from waves and storms; however, the rates at which land loss occur and the leading causes of land loss are not uniform throughout the delta. At smaller spatial scales, such as subdeltas and crevasses, creation and destruction of subaerial delta deposits can occur on centennial timescales as part of the delta cycle. We focus on recent deposits offshore of the subdeltas and crevasses on the Eastern Birdsfoot delta: Cubits Gap, Baptiste Colette, and Pass a Loutre. While the fate of terrestrial sediment in distributary lobes is better studied, we have a limited understanding of the fate of eroded sediment in the nearshore marine environment and its export to deeper parts of the delta. Newly acquired chirp seismic reflection data, sidescan sonar, and sediment cores reveal that recent deposits offshore of subdeltas have highly variable acoustic characteristics and geomorphology. Towards Cubits Gap and the northern subdeltas, recent deposition is dominated by sands and mixed muds and sands that downlap laminated deposits. Some sand deposits from the adjacent Breton Island may be reworked and advected westward as the barrier island drowns. Deposits offshore of Pass a Loutre, a southern subdelta, are built by prograding clinoforms and are further modified by mass wasting and bottleneck slides. This characterization of deposits adjacent to subdeltas will improve our understanding of cross-shore sediment export and nearshore deposition in later stages of the delta cycle.

Presenters:

• Sam Bentley

• Faith Walton

• Emily Wei

#131

Studying the Effects of Hurricane Francine on Water Quality Using Field and Remote Sensing Observations in the Barataria Basin, Louisiana, USA

Remote sensing is a useful and effective tool for monitoring variations of water quality at regional or global scale at high spatial and temporal resolutions. With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), learning-based methods have recently gained attentions to retrieve phytoplankton-related metrics, such as chlorophyll a (Chl a), overcoming limitations empirical and semi-empirical algorithms. In this work, a learning-based method, Variational Autoencoder (VAE), is introduced and applied to Sentinel 2-MSI to effectively derive variations in Chl a, a key indicator of phytoplankton biomass and water quality condition in Barataria Basin of Louisiana to study the impacts of extreme weather events, such as disturbances from Hurricane Francine, 2024 on water quality in this region. In addition, another estuary in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM) is selected to demonstrate model’s generalizability. Results from both estuaries indicated the VAE framework performs excellently in predicting Chl a concentrations in estuarine waters, which has been traditionally challenging for ocean color remote sensing. Preliminary analysis shows Hurricane Francine, 2024, caused a significant increase in Chl a concentration in northern part of Barataria Basin, specifically Lake Salvador and Little Lake. This study demonstrates the advantages of the VAE algorithm in water quality monitoring and provides an advanced and cost-effective method for assessing the impacts of extreme weather on coastal areas.

Presenters:

• Jiang Li

• Bingqing Liu

#132

Oblique Aerial Photo Assessment of the Louisana Barrier Shoreline

In 2005, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the University of New Orleans (UNO) and the US Geological Survey, developed the Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring (BICM) Program. This program is responsible for the creation of long-term datasets for habitat coverage, shoreline assessments, shoreline position, topographic and bathymetric changes, and sediment characterization. These datasets serve as a resource for planning, designing, evaluating, and maintaining current and future barrier shorelines.

This poster outlines one component of the BICM program, which aims to compare coastal change throughout the Louisiana barrier shoreline using oblique aerial imagery acquired since 1984.

Aerial oblique photos were collected along the Louisiana barrier shoreline in the fall of 2023. These were compared with historical aerial photos in the archives, a collection dating back to 1984 and curated by the Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Science at UNO.

Metadata embedded in each photo and georeferencing tools were used to develop a standardized methodology to facilitate comparison between time periods. Images that visually match from any two time periods were used to produce Photo-pairs that illustrate cumulative landscape changes. Imagery matched from more than two surveys were used to create Time Series.

Selected 2017-2024 Photo-pairs and Time Series will be presented to show geomorphic changes and coastal evolution along parts of Louisiana shoreline, to visualize the efficacy of some restoration efforts and their interaction with natural processes.

Presenter:

• Francesca Messina

#133

Intraspecific Variation in Morphological and Metabolomic Responses to Salinity and Flooding in Coastal Louisiana Phragmites australis Populations

This project focuses on designing interpretive services to educate and engage the public on the concept of “engineering with nature” through living shorelines. Interdisciplinary research plays a vital role in comprehensive communication. Ecologists, engineers, cultural resource experts, city planners, and environmental scientists contribute knowledge on a range of topics. This poster presents interpretive signage at the Bucktown Living Shoreline project in Jefferson Parish as a case study of the challenges in producing a static drawing that communicates phases of a living shoreline overtime. The goal was to communicate the relationship between the breakwaters, dredging, and marsh creation over the project’s timeline. Using clear visual standards like perspective and annotations the drawing illustrates how the shoreline evolves. The physical location and layout of the drawings are carefully considered to enhance engagement by placing interpretive content near significant features. The project team concludes that an interdisciplinary approach is essential to ensure that each topic is interpreted accurately and concisely presented to the public in a way that is consumable at all levels of prior knowledge. The synergistic coupling of social science, natural science, engineering, and design are key to the success of interpretive services and the promotion of restoration projects on public lands.

Presenter:

• John Oliver

#134

Mississippi River Alluvial Valley Development of Alluvial Surface (Harold N. Fisk, 1944) Overlying Louisiana 2020 LANDSAT-8 Satellite Imagery Mosaic (DeWitt H. Braud, 2021)

The southern half of this 1944 Harold Fisk map was clipped from the full-scale scan and georeferenced to allow for accurate geospatial display in a GIS environment. Comparable vintage maps were used for geospatial control with hundreds of control points. Fisk’s map keys were clipped as well and georeferenced to new locations for display in this map. This allowed for original rendering of colors in the new locations. These three raster images overlay DeWitt Braud’s 2020 Louisiana 2020 LANDSAT-8 Satellite Imagery Mosaic, rendered in grayscale, at Fisk’s original scale of 1:250,000. The Fisk images are displayed at 40% transparency. The purpose of this research is to facilitate geospatial geomorphological comparisons between 1944 and 2020. Many thanks to Harold Fisk and DeWitt Braud for their awesome work. Thanks also to the United States Army Corps of Engineers ERDC for supporting the LSU research project, Anticipating Threats to Natural Systems (ACTIONS): Dynamic Computational Tools to Increase Coastal Resilience for Military Operations. (Note: the scale printed on this poster is the scale of Fisk’s original map. The poster size has been reduced for presentation.)

Presenter:

• R Hampton Peele

#135

Steward’s Ship: Engaging Young Minds on Louisiana’s Waters

As an extension of the Living With Water program, Steward’s Ship is Louisiana Children’s Museum’s new mobile exhibit that brings the museum experience to the Greater New Orleans community through visits to schools, outreach events, and community centers. Designed and fabricated in partnership with Downtown Fab Works in Chalmette, LA, this innovative exhibit resembles a shrimper’s boat and features tactile panels, interactive audio and video activities, and games that engage young learners in imaginative play. It illustrates scientific concepts and addresses the environmental and social challenges unique to the Louisiana Gulf Coast.

Presenter:

• Kathryn Keating

#136

Sea Turtle Stranding Response from 2020-2024 in the State of Louisiana

In 2010 the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill injured all life stages and species of sea turtles found throughout the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The DWH trustees implemented the Sea Turtle Early Restoration Project (STERP) to help restore sea turtles by addressing threats on nesting beaches and in the marine environment. Through STERP, Audubon Nature Institute (ANI) has been working with the Louisiana Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) over the last 5 years, to improve stranding response, timely data reporting, mortality investigations and outreach capacity. While NOAA Fisheries coordinates the STSSN in Louisiana, authorized organizations such as ANI and East Coast Observers respond to stranded turtles, collect data, transport injured turtles to rehab, and educate the public on sea turtle conservation. ANI’s efforts to increase reporting and detection of sea turtle strandings on the Louisiana coast have focused on the southeastern portion of the state since 2021. The number of stranded sea turtles has decreased in the northern GOM, as reflected by the Louisiana stranding trends for 2020-2024. The cause of decreased strandings is unknown, however, it is critical to continue surveys, outreach and volunteer trainings to ensure that any sea turtle that does strand is reported or responded to promptly. Timely stranding response can assist the STSSN in better understanding these changes, and identifying new threats faced by the local sea turtle population.

Presenter:

• Nicole Kieda

#137

Oyster Metapopulation Model Overview for Restoration and Adaptive Management

The coupled oyster metapopulation model is composed of a 3D hydrodynamic (Hydro) model, an oyster larval transport model, and multiple point models each representing an oyster reef individual-based model (IBM). The Hydrodynamic model generates 3D outputs that are input to the larval transport model, and daily depth-averaged salinity and temperature that are input to the reef IBMs. The larval transport model is sourced by egg production from the reef IBMs, and larval settlement from the larval transport model drives new spat on the reef IBMs. Different Hydro models were used for basin applications. The Lagrangian TRANSport model modified for larval oyster growth and size-based behavior (LTRANS-DEK), and the oyster reef IBM adapted for coastal Louisiana, are used in each basin and coupled offline to the Hydro model outputs. Each oyster reef grid represents 10s to 100s of IBM point models within a coastal basin at a spatial resolution that best captures the Hydro model generated gradients in oyster salinity thresholds and transport. Key oyster restoration management questions that this approach seeks to inform are presented, with the oyster model outputs and outcomes used to address the management questions. The questions were defined early with LDWF to help with model design and setup, and then revisited and revised as the coupled modeling approach came together in each basin and the scenarios and questions became clearer.

Presenter:

• Shaye Sable

#138

Seeds for the Future: Engaging Communities in CRCL’s Bald Cypress Seed Drive to Restore Our Wetlands

This poster presents the initiative “Seeds for the Future,” highlighting the critical role of community engagement in CRCL’s Bald Cypress Seed Drive aimed at restoring Louisiana’s vital wetland ecosystems. Wetlands provide essential ecological services, including flood protection, water filtration, and habitat for diverse wildlife. However, they are under threat from climate change, development, and other anthropogenic pressures. This project focuses on mobilizing local communities to collect and donate Bald Cypress seeds, fostering stewardship and awareness of wetland restoration.

This poster will show that through workshops, volunteer events, and partnerships with schools and local organizations, members of the Greater New Orleans area and other communities are actively engaged in the sustainability and restoration efforts highlighted in CRCL’s Mission. By empowering residents to actively contribute to restoration efforts, we aim to cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility for their natural surroundings. This initiative not only seeks to replenish our wetlands but also to instill a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship within the community. Ultimately, this poster presentation will explore how collective action can sow the seeds of change for a sustainable future.

Presenter:

• Melek Sumer

#139

Oyster Metapopulation Modeling for Barataria Basin

Presenter:

• Romain Lavaud

#140

CPRA’s Plants for Coastal Restoration

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) employs various strategies for coastal restoration, including ridge restoration, marsh creation, dune restoration, and sediment diversions. A key aspect of these efforts is the strategic use of native and naturalized plant species to enhance soil stability, sediment retention, and vertical marsh accretion. These plants, such as Spartina alterniflora, Phragmites australis, Avicennia germinans, and Schoenoplectus californicus, play essential roles in combating erosion, subsidence, and improving water quality while providing critical wildlife habitats. For dune restoration, species like Panicum amarum and Uniola paniculata stabilize sandy soils and protect wetlands from storm surges. The success of these plantings after three years varies between 0% and 100%, depending on site-specific factors such as hydrology, salinity, and wave energy. To improve long-term success, restoration efforts can be optimized by refining planting methodologies, selecting species best suited to environmental conditions, and experimenting with different planting densities and schedules. Through adaptive management and ongoing refinement of these techniques, CPRA’s restoration projects can sustainably improve coastal resilience and mitigate land loss for future generations.

Presenter:

• Ryan Waldron

#141

The Catalyst Initiative: Building Momentum for Resilience Strategies

Hazards resulting from rising seas, more frequent extreme rainfall events, and extreme heat have had significant impacts on coastal communities and industries across Louisiana, particularly those that have been marginalized and/or underserved. Actionable science, information, and planning support can assist communities as they develop, refine, prioritize, and/or implement well-considered projects for climate resilience. With a specific focus on supporting marginalized and underserved communities, the Community Resilience Center’s Catalyst Initiative helps communities working on resilience planning and action jump-start their next phase of work or close identified gaps. This program provides local governments and non-profits direct access to the modeling, resilience planning, scientific expertise, implementation support, and research capacity of The Water Institute and its partners without the burden of managing federal funds. This approach removes the traditional barriers and untenable timelines often present when securing resources for technical support from national-scale programs. Anticipated outcomes of this work include: (1) An increase in the awareness of underserved communities in coastal Louisiana about actions, resources, and partners that can support increased resilience; (2) Reduced climate change vulnerability for a minimum of four communities—specifically targeting social, economic, and physical variables that exacerbate the impacts of hazards, and (3) An increased understanding of the efficacy of climate resilience actions for climate resilience practitioners. This presentation will review the process for developing the selection criteria with an emphasis on equity, review the projects that have been selected for support, and update on progress towards anticipated outcomes.

Presenters:

• Rukmini Kalamangalam

• Barbara Kapustin

#142

Photosynthesis of dominant vegetation and soil nutrient profiles in two eastern sites of the Mississippi bird foot delta: A preliminary investigation

Mississippi bird foot delta is a highly fragile and dynamic ecosystem of immense ecological and economic significance. Although literature is available on the vegetation structure of the delta, the information on in-situ plant function and how it’s affected by soil nutrient profile is limited. We investigated key photosynthetic variables including both gas exchange and photosystem function of Phragmites australis and major soil chemical properties including macro- and micronutrients, in two sites on the eastern side of the bird foot delta, Brant Splay and Bouy Pond. Photosynthetic variables of Colocasia esculenta also were studied in Brant Splay. Stomatal conductance of both species in Brant Splay, and P. australis in Bouy Pond averaged >0.3 mol m-2 s-1. Stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of P. australis appear to be greater in Brant Splay than Bouy Pond. Quantum yield of Photosystem II was >0.5 in both species at a given site. Total salt content was 360% greater in Bouy Pond than Brant Splay. Organic matter content averaged 4.6% in Brant Splay but only 2.7% in Bouy Pond. Percentages of soil Carbon and Nitrogen also were greater in Brant Splay than Bouy Pond. Brant Splay had greater soil Magnesium but lower Calcium levels. Data collected so far on leaf gas exchange and photosystem function suggest no major environmental stress in the two species in these sites. However, lower stomatal activity in P. australis in Bouy Pond may reflect a degree of salt stress compared with Brant Splay. Soil nutrient profiles show variation between the sites on the easter.

Presenters:

• Harish Ratnayaka

• LMJR Wijayawardhana

#143

ResearchWild Project Louisiana

The ResearchWild Project Louisiana is a program that involves building service learning and skill building based internships and ecotrips to benefit students, travelers, the environment, and professionals in the coastal conservation realm.

My presentation will include an introduction to the program, how it will positively benefit the students/travelers, professionals, and the coastal environment, and how to get involved.

The program has been created by the 501C3 non profit ResearchWild and is partnering with institutes of higher education, professionals, and government agencies to create a program that over delivers in immersive education and skill building.

Presenter:

• Michael Birt

#144

Upper Barataria (BA-207) Marsh Creation Project: Direct Nekton Habitat Use Monitoring

Barataria Basin, situated on the western side of the lower Mississippi River, Louisiana, has been affected by natural (e.g., land subsidence, severe storms) and anthropogenic impacts (e.g., levee and canal construction, oil spills) over the past century or more. As a result, this area has experienced major ecological changes (e.g., wetland loss, alterations to salinity and associated vegetation, etc.). Large scale ecosystem restoration such as marsh creation are being implemented throughout the basin to mitigate the effects of these changes. The Large-Scale Marsh Creation – Upper Barataria Component Project (“Upper Barataria Project”) was implemented by NOAA in 2023 in response to damages incurred from the DWH oil spill and constructed approximately 1,183 acres of intertidal marsh with a focus on creating land that had been lost and provisioning habitat that would support valued fish and invertebrate species. Design features such as gaps in constructed containment dikes, tidal ponds, tidal creeks, and unconfined fill areas were constructed to facilitate hydrologic and biologic exchange between the marsh creation areas and the wider basin. This poster outlines the objectives of the Upper Barataria Project and describes the suite of data that will be collected over the next 20 years to track the success of the project, providing updates on preliminary monitoring data. In addition to informing sound restoration implementation practices, monitoring of the Upper Barataria Project will also build on similar work characterizing nekton communities across the Barataria Basin.

Presenter:

• Emelia Marshal

#145

Investigating Plant Litter Decomposition in Wetland Restoration Efforts Involving Glass Sand and Dredge Material

To combat rapid coastal and wetland degradation, restoration efforts are increasingly using more sustainable, innovative materials like recycled glass sand which is being used in active wetland restoration as of 2024. Though a few studies have looked at some aspects of the viability of glass sand, this is the first experiment studying how glass sand affects crucial ecological processes like plant litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.

This study investigates the decomposition of bald cypress leaf litter in a greenhouse over 3 different substrates, 2 water treatments, and 2 time scales. Leaf litter was buried in mesh bags and placed in a pot with one of 3 substrate types: 100% glass sand, 100% dredged material, or a 50:50 mixture of the two. Each half of the replicates received either the high water treatment or the low water treatment which mimic local flood, drought, and seasonal variations. Litter mass loss will be measured after 3 months for half the replicates and 6 months for the rest to assess decomposition rates across substrates and water regimes. This experiment is ongoing with the first retrieval happening in October and the second in January. Future analysis will likely expand by culturing what was growing in the decomposing leaves to gain insight into microbial community differences and performing further enzymatic assays.

The results will inform ongoing restoration using glass sand and contribute to a better understanding of nutrient cycling in wetlands and the ecological viability of innovative materials in other, large-scale efforts.

Presenter:

• Rachel Duthu

#146

Study Phytoplankton Community Composition in Estuarine-Coastal Waters of Louisiana from Field and Hyperspectral Ocean Color Remote Sensing.

This study aims to characterize the optical properties of phytoplankton assemblages to facilitate the ocean color remote sensing observations of phytoplankton community composition (PCC) in optically complex waters in estuarine-coastal waters of Louisiana . For the first time, hyperspectral reflectance measurements will be collected, specifically, for major phytoplankton groups, including dominant harmful algal bloom (HAB) species, using a Hyperspectral Micro- and Macro-Imaging system to support the development of hyperspectral satellite algorithms for NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission, enabling regional-scale observations of phytoplankton community composition (PCC) from space. Water samples were also collected during NOAA hypoxia campaign in July 2024 in shelf waters, and during NASA PACE campaign in estuaries for and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and phytoplankton absorption, and microscopy analysis to identify and quantify the dominated phytoplankton groups/genera from estuaries to coastal ocean and support PACE validation. Preliminary results from this work indicate PACE’s hyperspectral capabilities to observe PCC and HABs from space, which will play a significant role in monitoring water quality, understanding lower trophic level food web and assessing marine ecosystem health.

Presenter:

• Chisom Emeghiebo

#147

Recycled glass sand substrate provides viable option for coastal dune plant recruitment and growth

Restoration of coastal dunes following tropical storms often requires renourishment of sand substrate dredged from offshore sources. However, dredging has well-described negative ecological impacts and high economic costs. Rather than sourcing sand from offshore dredging, recycled glass sand (cullet) may provide an alternative source of substrate for the restoration of sandy beaches. However, glass sand substrate may not support plant growth due to lack of nutrients and resident microbial communities. Our group has explored the viability of recycled glass sand to support seed germination, plant survival, and plant productivity for a wide variety of early-stage and late-stage Gulf Coast dune species in the greenhouse and in the field. Overall, we found no differences in seed germination across 13 dune species (3 grasses, 10 forbs) in glass sand or beach sand substrate, although late-succession species benefited from microbial inoculation regardless of substrate. Across six greenhouse and one field experiments, we found minimal differences in plant growth and survival between glass sand and beach sand, unless we applied nutrient fertilizers, then we observed significantly more biomass production within beach sand. Our results suggest that glass sand may be a viable alternative to offshore dredged substrate, however, long-term larger-scale experimentation is needed to understand growth, survival, and recruitment in natural conditions.

Presenter:

• Jeremiah Henning

#148

Climate Culture – Building Resilience Through Art and Economic Diversification: Branding Coastal Adaptation for a Changing Gulf Coast

As Gulf Coast communities navigate the accelerating impacts of climate change, innovative approaches to public engagement in coastal adaptation are essential. This presentation will explore the intersection of economic development, community resilience, and artistic expression, focusing on how branding can serve as a powerful tool for engaging the public and fostering economic diversification.

This presentation will highlight recently piloted Climate Culture Salons and Summit events (organized by Bywater Branding), an initiative merging public art with climate resilience efforts. These salons bring together artists, environmental leaders, and community members to co-create public art projects that not only inspire climate action but also provide tangible opportunities for economic growth and workforce development.

We will discuss how branding strategies, paired with art and storytelling, can drive meaningful public engagement and empower communities to embrace economic diversification. Through this lens, we will explore how traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous perspectives, and cultural heritage can be integrated into branding efforts to attract investment while preserving the unique identity of coastal communities.

By using art as a bridge to communicate coastal issues, we can create a resilient narrative for economic opportunity and adaptation, fostering inclusive, sustainable growth.

Presenter:

• Ray Fontaine

#149

The Catalyst Initiative: Building Momentum for Resilience Strategies

Presenters:

• Abby Littman

• Nikki Ricketts

#150

Spreading the word to stop the spread of land loss: How social media can be used to raise awareness about Louisiana’s coastal land loss crisis.

In the past few decades, social media has become a popular form of sharing information. Whether it be mundane life updates to worldly new articles, many people rely on social media to stay up to date on what’s happening. As Louisiana’s land loss crisis becomes more urgent, social media can provide a space to learn and discuss the issues at hand and what people or organizations are doing about it.

This poster project will examine how social media can be used to spread awareness about Louisiana’s land loss crisis. It will seek to answer the following questions: (1) Can social media spread messages about coastal land loss in ways that other forms of media lack? (2) What types of posts have the highest success rate in terms of engagement? (3) What practices can environmental nonprofits use to most effectively spread their message on social media?

This project will start with a literature review and analysis of published research on how environmental organizations use social media to spread their message and which types of posts are found to be most successful. This will then be used to compare different categories of posts on the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’ s social media platforms. The goal of this project is to provide an outline for coastal restoration nonprofits on the best social media practices for spreading their message. With a greater understanding of these practices, organizations will be able to expand the reach of important information as coastal changes continue to occur.

Presenter:

• Maeve Maloney

#151

Creating a Path to Climate Resilience for Coastal Treatment Facilities – A Case Study

Presentation features a discussion of the background leading the City of Daytona Beach to pursue creating a route to climate resilience for its Bethune Point WRF. Discussion includes an overview of sea level rise (SLR) and its impact on storm surge at the coastal facility. Presentation details the process used to conduct a vulnerability assessment, findings, resilience measures evaluated & path forward to make the coastal facility climate resilient through the lens of projected SLR.

Who should attend? What will be presented?

Owners, Utility Managers, Operators, Consulting Engineers, Planners focused on coastal utilities. Attendees will learn the following:

• Overview of projected SLR

• History of flooding at the facility

• The process used to assess the vulnerability at the facility

• Process used for inundation modeling at the facility

• What critical components at BPWRF were identified

• Benefit Cost Evaluation used to assess resilience measures

• Road Map established to make BPWRF climate resilient

• Sources of funding for resilience measures

• Next steps, i.e. implementation of resilience measures

It is difficult to accurately project impacts on coastal utilities of SLR and storm surge over the service life of a facility. Assessing, planning & implementing for the impacts of these changes, when timed right, can lead to facilities that are climate resilient while reserving much-needed utility budget to complete resilience measures as they are needed moving forward. This case study is intended to show an example of the process to make a coastal facility climate resilient.

Presenter:

• Craig Wells

#152

Future Oyster Modeling and Monitoring to Support Oyster Restoration and Adaptive Management

The basin specific oyster metapopulation modeling identifies potential hotspots for investment in, and protection of, oyster spawning reefs. These model outputs, for different years and scenarios, provide valuable input to enable adaptive management for maintained oyster persistence and production. In particular, metapopulation modeling helps build on the concept of management zones for oyster reefs to identify how productive reefs may shift across contrasting forecast models, and how some reefs provide critical sanctuary in extreme years, identifying the need for a network of reefs to ensure metapopulation sustainability under changing climate. Oyster metapopulation modeling additionally exposes several data gaps and areas for model improvement and opportunities for expansion including (1) reducing model uncertainties by improving our understanding of oyster reproduction and larval dynamics through field monitoring and lab studies, (2) reducing model uncertainties through field studies identifying biological interactions impacting oyster reef dynamics, and (3) expansion of the existing metapopulation modeling to include other critical basins within this region. As oysters represent a key economic, cultural and ecosystem species, improved understanding and informed management will benefit the overall ecosystem and economic outlook.

Presenter:

• Brady Carter

#153

Dissolved carbon in a river-coastal lake continuum, northern Gulf of Mexico

Carbon is a major component of all organic compounds, playing a vital role in food web, biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem dynamics in estuarine and coastal waters. This ongoing study is being carried out since November 2023 to investigate dissolved carbon discharge from the Amite River to the Lake-Maurepas-Pontchartrain System in southeast Louisiana. Four questions organize this research project: (1) What is the amount of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) entering Lake Maurepas-Pontchartrain from the Amite River? (2) How do the flux rates of CO2 compare between the riverine and estuarine lake waters? (3) If the large area of wetlands near the river mouth has any effect on carbon transport and transformation in the river-estuary continuum? (4) What factors can affect spatiotemporal variation in carbon transport and transformation in this mixing zone? Monthly field measurements and sampling are being conducted in the Amite River at Port Vincent and in Lake Maurepas at Pass Manchac. The measurements include, among others, in-situ records on dissolved CO2, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, and turbidity. Water samples are analyzed for DIC and DOC concentrations. Findings gained from this study will improve our understanding of carbon dynamics in a freshwater – saltwater mixing zone, helping develop management strategies for refining and implementing the current Louisiana Climate Action Plan on blue carbon. The findings will also provide the needed baseline data before a carbon injection project is conducted.

Presenter:

• Yi-Jun Xu

#154

Oyster Metapopulation Modeling for North Pontchartrain Basin

The oyster metapopulation model domain for North Pontchartrain Basin (NPONT) covers the region from Lake Borgne and the Mississippi Sound through Biloxi Marsh and the Chandeleur and Breton Sounds. The NPONT model uses the Delft3D-FM for flows, salinity, temperature, and transport; the LTRANS-DEK oyster larval model for dispersal, growth, vertical behavior and settlement to oyster reefs; and the oyster reef IBM set up as a series of gridded point models in the basin. Existing conditions generated by the calibrated and validated Delft3D-FM included 2014 through 2018. The coupled oyster models were validated over time and space to the extent possible with oyster size density data from the LDWF fisheries-independent oyster monitoring data collected from 2014 through 2018. The best scientific knowledge of the oyster life cycle in the estuary, including knowledge of seasonal oyster mortality, growth and spawning from previous studies were additionally used to validate that the models were realistically representing oyster population dynamics for existing conditions. The coupled oyster models were then run for 15 years using a combination of the 5 simulated Hydro years to determine larval oyster connectivity among the reefs, and oyster reef total egg production over space and time under a range of environmental conditions to generally mimic historical hydrographic and climatic conditions for the region. These spatiotemporal oyster results are used to support LDWF with siting oyster spawning reefs based on varying conditions to best assure oyster metapopulation persistence and sustained production for the NPONT basin.

Presenter:

• Timothy Stephens

#155

Estimating the Carbon Footprint of Implementing Marsh Creation

Over the last decade, efforts have been made to reduce carbon emissions and reach carbon-neutrality. CPRA is investigating the feasibility of acquiring carbon credits for the implementation of coastal restoration projects to support its programs. However, there are numerous uncertainties and considerations that need to be addressed before programmatic accreditation could be possible. Projects like marsh creations can effectively store large amounts of carbon over time, but the carbon footprint of construction remains uncertain. In order to receive carbon credits for implementing these projects, the carbon footprint of construction must be offset. Therefore, we conducted case studies on constructed marsh creation projects using available data on the diesel consumption of construction equipment to estimate the carbon footprint during construction. The estimates from these case studies can be used in conjunction with previous estimates of sequestered carbon in Louisiana wetlands to build out carbon budgets for implementing marsh creation projects in the 2023 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan (CMP). Collectively these studies provide the State and other invested parties greater insight on the feasibility of receiving carbon credits for implementing marsh creation projects.

Presenter:

• Skylar Liner

#156

Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in Natural Resource Management: Insights into Decision Maker Perspectives, the challenges, and opportunities on LEK in oyster management

This project explores the role of local ecological knowledge (LEK) in Florida’s oyster management, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of incorporating LEK into decision-making. LEK refers to the knowledge that communities accumulate over time and adapt into their local culture. Integrating this knowledge can enhance the insights of resource managers, yet its inclusion in oyster management has been understudied. To address this gap, 16 interviews were conducted with individuals involved in Florida’s oyster management at various levels. Interviews assess management’s capacity to utilize LEK, and examine stakeholder engagement, understanding of LEK, and its operationalization within management processes. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software. The findings will provide insight into how LEK is currently used in oyster management and future opportunities. There are potential applications and insight for Louisiana’s oyster management, contributing to a more sustainable oyster ecosystem and industry in collaboration with local stakeholders.

Presenter:

• Charles Wallace

#157

Quantify Carbon Export from an Eroding Delta: A Case Study for Barataria Basin, Mississippi Delta, Louisiana

River estuaries with adjacent wetlands are important components of the coastal ecosystem and carbon cycle. At the same time, these regions are of high uncertainty in terrestrial carbon input, marine carbon export, and air-sea CO2 flux. In this study, we provide, for the first time, a fully coupled physical-biogeochemical model that includes carbon cycling in coastal waters in Barataria Basin, a typical eroding delta near the world’s major river-estuarine system. Our results reveal that lateral carbon inputs from streams and wetlands are the most important carbon source for sustaining the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and pCO2 level in the Basin. The feed of the Mississippi River flow from the southern coastal boundary is crucial in shaping the Basin’s carbon distribution. The high-DIC-low-alkalinity headwaters in the Basin pose a major challenge for aquatic carbon system simulation in Barataria Basin, the uncertainty from organic alkalinity, CO2 gas transfer velocity in streams, and carbon lateral fluxes warrant further study and elucidation.

Presenter:

• Le Zhang

#158

Fungal Microbiome of Wetland Plants in Glass v Dredge

Recycled glass sand (RGS) holds promise for use in coastal restorations, but how does it impact plant-microbe relationships, which are key for wetland plant success, and nutrient and carbon cycling? We compare fungal microbiomes within and around the roots of plants grown in RGS, dredged sand, and an equal mix. Our first set of experiments uses Sporobolus alterniflorus and Shoenoplectus californicus to study how soil type shapes microbial composition and function within these species. A follow-up experiment studies how soil type impacts fungally mediated salt tolerance within Sporobolus pumilus, grown in soils with and without an inoculation of local wetland microbes, and with and without a salt treatment (~15ppt v 0ppt). Preliminary biomass data suggest greater belowground biomass in RGS and dredge relative to the mix, and greater aboveground biomass in mix and dredge relative to RGS, but no impact of inoculation or salt treatment on biomass. Metagenomic analysis is ongoing. After completing our library prep, we will send samples off for Illumina ITS sequencing. To compare community composition between treatments, we will use Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling ordination, and to determine the impacts of treatment on Shannon diversity and taxonomic richness, we will use an ANOVA. To determine the microbial taxa’s functions, we will use the FUNGuild database. By characterizing the composition and function of microbial communities within RGS and dredge, and how they relate to plant biomass and salt tolerance, we will learn how these soils impact important wetland functions.

Presenter:

• Elizabeth MacDougal

#159

High Frequency Air-Water CO2 Fluxes in a Saltmarsh Tidal Creek and Implications for the Coastal Carbon Budget

Salt marsh soils sequester organic carbon at rates higher than most ecosystems in the world. It is important to assess the pathway by which carbon stored in salt marshes can be released. Previous studies have indicated that considerable amounts of dissolved organic carbon and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) can be exported laterally from salt marshes to adjacent surface waters through tidal exchange. Such estimates are difficult in part because a large portion of the DIC transported from marsh to adjacent water bodies can also be quickly degassed to the atmosphere via air-water CO2 exchange. The magnitude of CO2 degassing in the tidal water adjacent to coastal salt marshes is thought to be high due to DIC enriched porewater exchange but currently not well studied. In this study, we conducted high frequency pCO2 measurements in a tidal creek of a salt marsh in coastal Louisiana. We deployed dissolved pCO2 sensors in the tidal creek at our study site to record high frequency variability in pCO2 for periods ranging from 2 to 38 days. Between January 2021 and July 2022, pCO2 concentrations varied from 120 µatm to over 20,000 µatm. Preliminary results show that air-water CO2 fluxes are highly correlated with creek water level and passages of cold fronts. Comparisons between the air-water CO2 fluxes and the CO2 emissions measured by an eddy covariance tower on the same marsh will also be evaluated to improve our current understanding of marsh-sourced CO2 degassing in tidal waters and its impact on coastal carbon budget.

Presenter:

• Songjie He

#160

Recycled Glass Sand as a Sustainable Material for Coastal Restoration: Analysis of Particle Morphology and Elemental Stability

Coastal communities rely heavily on natural resources, yet over 75% of U.S. coastlines face erosion, severely affecting regions like the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana. Simultaneously, the U.S. recycles less glass compared to other developed nations, leading to substantial glass waste in landfills. This study explores the potential of recycled glass sand as a sustainable alternative for coastal restoration, analyzing samples from Glass Half Full, a New Orleans-based startup. The physical and chemical properties of recycled glass sand were compared to natural sands, such as Mississippi River dredge and beach sands from the Gulf Coast and South Padre Island.

A detailed analysis of particle angularity and roundness showed that the recycled glass sand exhibits predominantly rounded and sub-rounded particles, closely mirroring the morphology of natural coastal sands. This rounded nature suggests that the recycled glass sand would be less abrasive and more compatible with natural sediments, making it suitable for shoreline stabilization projects. Furthermore, the size distribution of recycled glass sand can be precisely controlled to align with natural sand properties, ensuring optimal integration into restoration environments.

Elemental analysis using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) revealed that recycled glass sand is composed mainly of SiO₂, alongside minor but significant amounts of Na₂O and CaO, which are inherent to glass processing but absent in natural sands. Trace elements, including lead and barium, were detected at levels well below environmental safety thresholds, as verified by leaching tests. These results indicate that recycled glass sand not only meets safety standards for use in ecological settings but also provides a robust material with similar durability and structural characteristics to natural sands. Thus, the study highlights the potential of recycled glass sand as an effective resource for coastal restoration, offering both environmental and economic benefits by reducing landfill waste and supporting the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Presenter:

• Julie N. L. Albert

#161

Integrating Scientific Modeling with Environmental Impact Bonds for Urban Resilience

In this proposal, we present a conceptual model of how to incorporate scientific modeling of Urban InVest information systems to support mitigation and adaptation planning and implementation, specifically through environmental impact bonds (EIBs). These can be used in terms of both water quality and hydrological process modeling by facilitating knowledge about the relative contribution to land use and land cover to important outcomes, such as stormwater or land building. Here we will show how environmental models, such as Urban InVest, Python and iTree, can be used to understand property level impacts and contributions to ecosystem services, which then can support criteria for additionality and concepts of contribution needed in environmental finance, and taxation. We will present case studies and explain how environmental modeling can help build a baseline for value creation and benefits to various communities based on the calculated stormwater runoff production, estimated runoff reduction, and potential economic damage. These elements will establish an adequate

Presenter:

• Kolin Bilbrew

#162

Investigating the feasibility of using recycled glass sand in marsh terraces in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana

Louisiana coast loses on average 25 km2/year of coastal wetlands due to the combined impacts of coastal erosion, subsidence, and accelerated sea level rise. Terrebonne Bay is a critical region for wetlands and infrastructure protection and restoration in the state’s coastal master plan as it is the most eroded basin among all Mississippi River Delta Plain. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and capability of using Recycled Glass Sand (RGS) to reinforce the existing marsh terraces and suggests locations for additional protection. With the help of Pointe Au Chien tribe leaders, these locations will be chosen to optimally protect, and restore regions of high importance to the tribe within the Terrebonne Bay.

Two models using process-based model Delft3D were developed to investigate the feasibility of using RGS in marsh terraces. The first model is a coupled flow-wave model, which covers the main part of the Terrebonne region. This large-domain model gives us insight into the distribution and magnitudes of water level, current velocity, and bed shear stresses within Terrebonne Bay and near our study area. However, incorporating morphological changes in such a large model will be computationally expensive. Therefore, we created an idealized model that reproduces the hydrodynamic conditions near real terrace fields. The idealized model allows us to use the morphological module in Delft3D with less computational power to test different terrace characteristics, for instance, terrace crest level, length, width, and to test the different mixtures of dredging material and RGS and their impact on erosion volumes.

Presenter:

• Ali Abdelrahim

#163

A time-series current-trend forecast of economic loss in the Bird’s Foot Delta

The loss of land and population in the Bird’s Foot Delta results in the loss of jobs in the region and the loss of tax revenue for the entire state. This study uses a time-series current-trend model, applied with IMPLAN economic impact and modeling software, to forecast job loss and tax revenue loss in the state, in a series of 5 year intervals, if there is no public policy intervention to stop the current trends in the Bird’s Foot Delta.

Presenter:

• Robert Collins

#164

A Plan to Support Community Cultural Resource Climate Adaptation

Cultural heritage makes communities stronger and more resilient. Communities are working to protect their traditions, ways of life, crafts and places, and important species and landscapes. At the same time, they are facing increased risks from extreme weather—storms, flooding, fires, heat, drought, and tornadoes—in conjunction with long-term changes to their economy and development that impacts the environment. This poster describes a project focused on uplifting the ways that public sector agencies can support and uplift community cultural adaptation. The poster will explain the project’s goals, the process, as well as a network analysis of people and organizations who are involved in preserving and adapting cultures and ways of life in along the coast and inland in western Louisiana and eastern Texas, as well as in northern New Mexico. Cultural histories and local knowledge bearers influence community priorities for preservation and adaptation, and the purpose of this project is to identify and uplift research, funding, and policy tools to support community members and professionals who are preserving and adapting irreplaceable heritage. We are speaking with people in these regions who are working to preserve cultures and cultural practices in their communities and those who hold professional positions in cultural preservation. The project also involves analyzing plans and policies that influence cultural resource and climate planning. This project is funded by the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, An Action Plan for Cultural Resource Research and Funding.

Presenters:

• Isaiah Allen

• Marla Nelson

• Renia Ehrenfeucht

#165

From Reactive Recovery to Proactive Resilience: Securing Federal Funding for Nature-Based Solutions with the Louisiana Watershed Initiative

As Louisiana’s coast continues to evolve due to environmental shifts and human activities, the Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI) is pioneering Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to strengthen adaptive capacity and build resilience. This session will delve into how NBS can mitigate long-term flood risks, enhance coastal sustainability, and open pathways to diverse federal funding streams. By aligning flood risk management plans with programs like FEMA BRIC, CDBG-MIT, and NOAA Climate Resilience, the LWI aims to illustrate how NBS can deliver cost-effective, sustainable solutions that boost project competitiveness. Attendees will gain practical strategies for leveraging NBS to enhance resilience while securing vital funding.

Presenters:

• Devin Foil

• Makida Zackery

#166

Strategies and Actions for Equitable Climate Resilience in the Gulf of Mexico: The Community Resilience Center at The Water Institute

Equitable climate resilience requires explicitly considering socioeconomic inequities and the resulting differences in power, knowledge, and resources that impede mitigation and adaptation. The Community Resilience Center (the Center) at The Water Institute collaborates with a network of individuals and organizations to bring together research, local knowledge and data, lived experiences, and other resources to equitably advance climate resilience in the Gulf. This work centers around four focus areas to prioritize efforts in research, literacy, and action: (1) Fundamentals for equitable climate resilience; (2) Insurance affordability and availability; (3) Community-led migration legal frameworks and approaches; and (4) Equitable flood risk and planning. This session will explore how these topics were prioritized by Gulf partners and practitioners, describe how they are contributing to equitable climate resilience, and review ongoing Center activities. Session presenters will share updates and invite discussion.

Presenter:

• Kathryn Keating

#167

Storming Ahead: The LWI’s Wave of Change

Freese and Nichols, Inc. has completed model development for the LWI Region 2, which encompasses nine HUC-8 watersheds and approximately 9,500 square miles in north-central Louisiana. These watershed-scale models were calibrated and validated against ten historic storms, providing a comprehensive understanding of current conditions throughout the state.

The ongoing efforts of the LWI program focus on creating multiple design storms and assessing the region’s flood risk based on the inundation caused by each hypothetical storm. A key objective is to quantify the statewide economic and life safety risks associated with various frequency events. These evaluations will serve as the foundation for exploring potential flood mitigation solutions through a proof-of-concept study.

Key challenges to the LWI design storm and consequence analysis evaluation include limited data availability, unreliable upstream discharge measurements, and coordination across watershed and regional boundaries, particularly at the Old River Control Complex.

By attending this session, the key takeaways for participants will be learning about the LWI program’s goals, methodologies for design storm and consequence assessment, and conceptual flood mitigation projects which may be implemented.

Presenters:

• Jim Keith

• Bethany Fleitman

#168

Potential of Sabal minor understories for the enhancement of carbon sequestration in Bottomland Hardwood Forest restoration efforts

Coastal land loss is among the most critical sustainability issues Louisiana faces, with large-scale restoration efforts currently being undertaken to save these valuable habitats. Importantly, such efforts in Louisiana often include the restoration of coastal wetlands, which have an out-sized role in natural carbon storage processes. Thus, these restoration activities also provide an opportunity to optimize carbon sequestration capacity as these projects are implemented in degraded areas. Among the many types of wetland habitats included in Louisiana’s coastal restoration efforts are bottomland hardwood forests, which are already well studied and recognized as important carbon sinks. Although substantial research has been performed on carbon stocks and dynamics in bottomland hardwood forests, comparatively little is known regarding the role of understory vegetation, such as Sabal minor, in augmenting carbon sequestration processes. A preliminary field investigation confirmed that although the carbon stock in Sabal minor understory is a minor fraction compared to woody vegetation in a Louisiana bottomland forest, it nonetheless contributed significantly to the overall bottomland forest aboveground carbon pool. Further research is currently underway in the Jean Lafitte National Park Barataria Preserve to investigate whether the abundance of S. minor, a species that exhibits both extensive ground coverage in these habitats and high photosynthetic efficiency, is correlated with increased soil carbon content.

Presenter:

• Julia Jones

#169

Rockefeller Refuge Gulf Shoreline Stabilization (ME-18) – Hurricane Laura Impacts and Recovery

The Rockefeller Gulf Shoreline Stabilization Project (ME-18) is a 3.85 mile reef breakwater in southwest Louisiana. The breakwater was completed in May 2020 and was designed to provide protection from a 100-year storm. 2020 hurricanes Laura (Cat 4) and Delta (Cat 2) both impacted the project area and provided an opportunity to assess project durability. Shoreline surveys were performed in May 2020 (as-built), October 2020 (post-storm), and April 2024 (year 3 monitoring). Post-storm monitoring showed that the project did not experience any structural damage and that the projects have effectively reduced shoreline erosion compared to unprotected shorelines, with an average shoreline movement of -75 ft in the project area, compared to an average shoreline movement of -165 ft in the unprotected project control area. Further, the most recent survey data (completed April 2024) shows that not only did the protected shorelines perform better at mitigating hurricane impacts, they also facilitated recovery, with an average shoreline movement of +61 ft since Hurricane Laura compared to -53 ft in the unprotected area. From project construction to the most recent survey, the project area has experienced an average gain of 5.8 ft total shoreline movement, while the control area has lost an average of 223 ft of shoreline. This represents the ability of shoreline stabilization projects in this area to not only mitigate storm impacts, but also trap material and actually build land between increasingly prevalent extreme storm events.

Presenter:

• Adam Constantin

#170

Can current funding sources for coastal restoration be used for carbon crediting?

Presenter:

• Valerie Black

#171

A Resilient Nature-Based Breakwater for SAV Restoration in the Barataria Basin Estuary

Prior to the Deepwater Horizon spill, SAV thrived along the shorelines of Lakes Salvador, but the spill and subsequent stresses caused significant loss.

This project aims to restore SAV habitat by constructing a nature-based breakwater system, to reduce bed shear stresses. Through rigorous modeling, the breakwater was designed to withstand high wave energy and water levels while providing suitable habitat for SAV to thrive. Construction occurred from December 2023 to October 2024, with post-construction monitoring underway to evaluate effectiveness in creating over 100 acres of suitable habitat for the goal of establishing 50 acres of SAV.

As construction was nearing completion, Hurricane Francine’s eastern eyewall passed over the lake. The breakwater withstood the storm with no damage, although flotant marsh detached from nearby shores and accumulated on the lee of the breakwater. Though it was not intended to perform in this way, the breakwater was resilient to the storm and prevented the flotant from washing into open water.

The project highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between ecology and engineering in addressing coastal challenges. By combining natural and engineered solutions, this approach offers valuable insights for future restoration efforts, balancing ecosystem health with shoreline protection.

Restoring SAV also provides significant economic and environmental benefits to coastal communities. By re-establishing SAV habitats, the project strengthens both the coastal ecosystem and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

Presenter:

• Ryan Waldron

#172

Comparative Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Accumulation Rates in the Balize and Transgressive Deltas of the Mississippi River Delta System

The Mississippi River Delta is a vital carbon sink and plays a significant role in mitigating global warming by sequestering carbon. The delta is composed of multiple lobes in various stages of the delta life cycle ranging in ages from ~7,500 to ~500 years old. The youngest delta, the Balize, is characterized by recent sedimentation and active deposition, which offers a unique opportunity to evaluate organic and inorganic accumulation in actively accreting wetlands. Contrarily, a comparative study on an older, transgressive deltaic lobe, where ecosystems are more mature, may have organic and inorganic accumulation rates that differ. Preliminary findings suggest that the Balize delta will exhibit higher carbon sequestration rates due to its more nutrient-rich sediments that provide the foundation for diverse plant growth and increased organic matter accumulation (Bianchi 2009). This study will evaluate the organic contributions to the soil in natural crevasses in the Balize and compare them to recently published results for Barataria Bay, a transgressing marsh originally deposited several thousand years ago. This research aims to understand deltaic carbon dynamics and evaluate the relationship between delta age, morphology, and carbon storage potential as a possible contributor to broader climate mitigation efforts.

Presenter:

• Kaitlyn Gooch

#173

Advancements in Gulf Coast nutrient sensing capabilities through the Gulf of Mexico Nutrient Sensor Project

The Gulf of Mexico Nutrient Sensor Project (GOM NSP) is an ongoing initiative to advance the understanding of dissolved, inorganic nutrient dynamics across Gulf Coast monitoring programs using high-resolution nutrient sensor technologies and regionwide collaboration. Since the project’s launch in 2019, a heterogeneous nutrient sensor network has been purpose-built for monitoring nutrient dynamics in biogeochemically diverse Gulf estuaries. Partnerships have been initiated with research institutions in TX (UT MSI, TAMU), LA (ULL, LUMCON), MS (Grand Bay NERR), and FL (SCCF, Mote Marine Lab). Each partner in the GOM NSP operates (or will soon operate) a commercial nutrient sensor for nitrate (as NO3 or NO3+NO2) or phosphate (PO4) detection. Detection range, environmental limitations, biofouling potential, and maintenance requirements are considered to select a best-fit sensor for each site. Nutrient sensors currently operating within the network are the Systea WIZ wet chemical NO3+NO2 sensor and TriOS OPUS optical NO3 sensor. A Green Eyes NuLAB sensor and Systea WIZ PO4 sensor will be deployed by the end of 2024. Since its inception, the GOM NSP has sought to establish continuous nutrient records in distinct Gulf estuaries, build a cooperative network to facilitate existing and prospective partners’ nutrient sensor operations, and apply best practices to produce and share high quality data. Guided by these goals, this presentation will provide overview and site-specific perspectives on these sensors’ utility and practicality and discuss the project’s current and next stages.

Presenter:

• Emily Piwowarski

#174

Exploring the relationship between the organic content and substrate character of the edge vs. interior of marsh platforms dominated by Phragmites australis

The effects of substrate character on the productivity of marsh vegetation and, thus, delta morphodynamics are poorly understood in the context of the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) complex’s youngest subdelta lobe –The Balize– commonly known as the Birdsfoot Delta (~500 years old). To adequately calibrate MRD evolution models, we must enhance our understanding of this fragile environment’s sedimentological and ecological dynamics to limit coastal Louisiana land loss, restore these highly productive ecosystems, and protect the region’s dominant industries. This work investigates the grain size and organic content of the edge and interior (~5 m and ~20 m from the channel, respectively) of marsh platforms where Phragmites australis (common reed) is the dominant vegetation in the Balize Delta lobe. We predict that interior sites will be composed of organic-rich, fine-grained sediment deposits (mud) as the marshes’ vegetation cover disrupts the channel’s hydrologic connectivity to the platform’s interior, decreasing the flow velocity and, thus, allowing for suspended sediments to settle on the marsh surface; therefore, we expect to find less organic, coarser-grained deposits (sand) along platform edges as these areas of the marsh are more hydrologically connected to the channel network and, thus are subject to higher flow velocities. Without a deeper understanding of these relationships, MRD models are limited in their ability to adequately predict morphodynamic changes in this environment, which may result in unrepresentative estimations of delta stability and vulnerability to

Presenter:

• Madelyn Kurtz

#175

The usefulness of daily tide gauge data in studying extreme coastal water levels

The estimation of the likelihood of extreme storm surges is crucial for coastal flood risk assessments. Tide gauge data serves as the primary tool for monitoring coastal water levels; however, these gauges are spatially scarce, and typically limited to specific coastal locations, which restricts their coverage and creates gaps in understanding extreme events. For instance, in the Mississippi Delta region, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operates only a limited number of tide gauges, providing insufficient spatial information. To address this challenge, this study incorporates a newly obtained dataset provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which includes 30 additional tide gauges that have not been previously analyzed for extreme event statistics. By expanding the spatial coverage of tide gauge data, we significantly enhance the understanding of extreme coastal water levels.

Utilizing machine learning techniques and extreme value analysis, this research aims to improve the robustness of water levels and storm surge statistics. We employ Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling to improve extreme value estimates and reduce the uncertainties related to return level estimations. A comparative analysis is conducted using both daily and hourly tide gauge records to evaluate the impact of different temporal resolutions on the accuracy and reliability of extreme water level predictions. By integrating analytical techniques with expanded datasets, this research enhances predictive capabilities and supports informed decision-making for coastal flood risk management

Presenter:

• Krishna Pratap Sah

#176

Options for addressing challenges of Additionality and Permanence

Louisiana has the most extensive tidal wetlands and the highest carbon accumulation rates in US coastal states (Wang et al., 2019). As a result of the integrated and coordinated restoration efforts in Louisiana, planned through the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan (LCMP), the state has a unique opportunity to investigate a new mechanism for carbon crediting to subsidize coastal protection costs. Carbon credits derived from sequestration by natural systems or planned restoration and coastal protection projects could be sold or traded on the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) to generate revenue for the state; however, current carbon crediting methods are not conducive to crediting coastal resilience strategies at large scales across dynamic wetland systems with diverse stakeholders and high non-permanence risk profiles. These challenges come from 1) technical or methodological applicability, which relates to selecting and applying an appropriate carbon accounting methodology based on project activities and habitat type, and 2) feasibility of project implementation and potential credit yield.

This study, part of a larger work evaluating potential carbon crediting in coastal Louisiana, examines both aspects for projects listed in the 2023 Coastal Master Plan and the Atchafalaya Basin FY2026 plan. Project groupings were developed based on project activities, primary carbon benefits, and applicable VCM standards and mechanisms as the first filter for carbon registry. These groups were then evaluated for feasibility considering major sources of risk and uncertainty for carbon accounting, implementation, and project costs. Results provide direction for next steps in listing eligible and feasible projects on current registry pipelines, additional research and feasibility assessment for those with less clear paths forward, and potential actions to improve the feasibility of those without applicable methodologies or with substantial feasibility challenges.

Presenter:

• Jonathan Scheibly

#177

Acceleration of U.S. Southeast and Gulf coast sea-level rise amplified by internal climate variability

While there is evidence for an acceleration in global mean sea level (MSL) since the 1960s, its detection at local levels has been hampered by the considerable influence of natural variability on the rate of MSL change. Here we report a MSL acceleration in tide gauge records along the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coasts that has led to rates (>10 mm yr−1 since 2010) that are unprecedented in at least 120 years. We show that this acceleration is primarily induced by an ocean dynamic signal exceeding the externally forced response from historical climate model simulations. However, when the simulated forced response is removed from observations, the residuals are neither historically unprecedented nor inconsistent with internal variability in simulations. A large fraction of the residuals is consistent with wind driven Rossby waves in the tropical North Atlantic. This indicates that this ongoing acceleration represents the compounding effects of external forcing and internal climate variability.

Presenter:

• Sönke Dangendorf

#178

State of Louisiana Offshore Wind Roadmap Spatial Planning Process

Working with the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR) and other stakeholders, Jacobs Solutions is helping to develop a roadmap to guide the development of offshore wind in State Waters. Part of this effort involves development of a GIS-based screening (geospatial) tool to assist regulators, resource managers, planners, and policy advisors with making inclusive, transparent and predictable decisions. This presentation will provide an update on the progress of the geospatial tool, likely including a live demonstration.

Presenter:

• Guerry Holm

#179

Climate Central’s Tools for Assessing, Communicating, and Responding to Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flood Risk

With sea levels projected to rise a foot and multiply the frequency of moderate flooding ten-fold by 2050 (NOAA 2022), it is more imperative than ever that coastal stakeholders have the resources they need to analyze, communicate, and adapt to the risks posed by sea level rise and coastal flooding. For the past decade, Climate Central has provided publicly available online tools, maps, reports, and visualizations, grounded in peer-reviewed research and informed by the needs of coastal stakeholders. These resources have been shared by the news media tens of thousands of times, used by over ten million people, and featured at the UN climate conference. Coastal Risk Finder is an interactive web tool that allows users to customize their sea level rise and coastal flood scenario, learn who and what is at risk, and share localized maps, statistics, and graphics. The tool also provides resources for adapting to coastal flood risks and curated lists of coastal resilience efforts in each state. Additionally, Climate Central’s cutting-edge FloodVision technology can capture video, elevation, and spatial data with vehicle-mounted sensors to produce entry-floor elevation data and photorealistic visualizations of flooding for any location the FloodRover vehicle can drive by. These visualizations are powerful tools for communication. This presentation will demo Climate Central’s latest tools, provide examples of how coastal stakeholders use them, and seek feedback from the audience to inform the continuous improvement of our tools.

Presenter:

• Kelly Van Baalen

#180

Categorizing CWPPRA Projects Over Time

Wetlands in Louisiana are vital to maintain and support for many reasons, including to provide home to unique wildlife and fisheries that are essential to Louisiana culture. Since 1990, the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) has been funding coastal wetland restoration projects in Louisiana.

We are (i) characterizing CWPPRA projects regarding acres benefitted, cost per acre, restoration type, location, completed or not, etc., (ii) testing for differences over time in those characteristics, which may reflect evolution of knowledge and abilities regarding the effectiveness of different restoration types, and (iii) testing for differences in project characteristics among completed projects, deauthorized, and authorized projects awaiting full funding.

Preliminary analyses indicate that CWPPRA authorized 229 projects through 2022. Of those, 122 were completed, 50 were deauthorized, and 57 are being planned. The number of projects authorized averaged 9.3/year in the 1990s but declined to 4.2/year in the 20-teens. Likewise, the acreage benefited by authorized CWPPRA projects fell from an average of 7,323/year in the 1990s to 1,475/year in the 2010s. In the 1990s, authorized projects averaged $26,091/acre. Adjusting for inflation, the price should have been $60,501/acre but had risen to $94,382/acre in the 20-teens. That increase reflects a change from more efficient, but probably more uncertain projects, to less efficient but probably more certain projects. None of the 39 projects authorized after 2012 have been completed.

Presenter:

• Alexis Beaud

#182

The Origins of Coastal Wetland Conservation Efforts in Louisiana

Wetlands are protected and managed worldwide to provide a range of ecosystem services including (i) habitat for plants and animals, (ii) carbon storage, (iii) improving downstream water quality, and (iv) reducing flooding by river and coastal waters. Our goal was to identify the earliest recorded examples of coastal wetland conservation efforts in Louisiana. We examined primary sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, governmental reports, and LSU Master’s theses and dissertations.

The earliest wetland protection efforts in Louisiana focused on the importance of coastal wetlands to sustaining continental populations of migratory birds. Earliest efforts protected wildlife from hunting in some places, and provided public hunting opportunities in others. Between 1911 and 1921, 170,000 acres had been donated to Louisiana by wealthy Americans to create refuges from hunting, and Louisiana purchased 60,000 acres to create the first public land for hunting in the United States. Scientific study of coastal wetlands was reported in governmental reports by the 19-teens, in graduate theses and dissertations by the 1950s, in conference reports by the 1960s, and in scientific journals by the 1970s. Topics included wild and prescribed fire to promote waterfowl food plants, and using sediment diversions to create wetlands that support waterfowl food plants. These efforts evolved into Louisiana’s coastal conservation trust fund in the 1980s, CWPPA in 1990, and today’s Master Plan.

Presenter:

• Roan Guidry

#183

Solar Sojourns – Recognizing the Power of Nature

I’m a photographer, songwriter & performer from New Orleans, Louisiana. I practice both lens-based and camera-less photography. My songs are musical snapshots of everyday observations. In all my work I aim to see the world in a new light.

I spent several years beginning in 2011 traveling and photographing the world from the hilltops of Athens to the waterways of Venice while never leaving my home state of Louisiana. What was instantly apparent on the Louisiana World Tour was that this was a state of riches and diversity, a state of constant change – and how we perceive our world is entirely up to us.

These travels and musings later expanded to Louisiana’s ancient world and outside of Louisiana on the Solar World Tour, making sun prints on the road. Throughout all, there was one commonality that connects and unites us both past and present – the sun.

In this talk I will use the experience of these world travels and subsequent community-based sunlit lumen print installation series “Flip the Switch: illumenating the Power of Nature”, to show that there are more parallels than divisions in our ever-changing world and that by recognizing ourselves as a part of nature, we too are a part of this change. I hope to inspire that we are more powerful when we work together with nature rather than against it.

Presenter:

• Natasha Sanchez

#184

Innovative uses of water-filled coffer dams for coastal restoration applications

The first water-filled coffer dam was created in the spring of 1986 in Scotia, California to address water quality concerns with flooding that would work in concert with, or replace traditional techniques of the time, sandbags. From that successful initial application, water-filled coffer dams have been used on a wide variety of construction and environmental applications to think “outside of the box” for many private, local, State, and Federal clients, that is, using water to control water. In 2006, water-filled coffer dams made their way to south Louisiana and have been used in several successful flood control applications and coastal restoration needs. The focus of this presentation is to introduce you to some coastal Louisiana restoration applications where water-filled coffer dams were the solution to specific project needs across Louisiana’s diverse coastal landscape located in Orleans and Cameron Parishes. The flexibility of tube size and deployment of these structures allows for a wide range of applications in very complex habitats. The range of projects presented includes traditional dredge spoil containment, salinity control at the Gulf of Mexico shoreline where in-situ material was not structurally sound, and infrastructure protection both planned within a project design and unplanned.

Presenter:

• John D. Foret

#185

Building Community to Save Culture: The Bayou Culture Collaborative

The Bayou Culture Collaborative (BCC) is a collective of some 700 people and organizations that was established by members of the Louisiana Folklore Society to connect those interested in 1) the human dimension of land loss, 2) transmitting culture in a time of disruption, and 3) impacts of climate migrations. We provide a means for people from diverse backgrounds ranging from folk artists to environmental scientists to connect and explore ways to ensure that the human dimension, especially culture, is included in environmental planning and coastal restoration. This is accomplished through several strategies including a monthly gathering online, in-person events that preserve cultural traditions, and by supporting working groups that target specific components of community preservation. Currently we have five working groups curated by volunteer conveners: Culture and Coastal Planning, Artists and Tradition Bearers, French Language Preservation, Protecting Collections, and Preparing Receiving Communities. This poster will share the range of our work in the gatherings, in working groups, and with state agencies and organizations. In the future we imagine expanding the role of the Bayou Culture Collaborative as a body that can offer assistance, advice, and resources to those seeking to make policy decisions regarding the cultural aspects of communities threatened by coastal land loss.

Presenter:

• Gary LaFleur

#186

Advanced technology for scaling up nature based shoreline resilience

New tools and innovations are emerging that can enhance the beauty and function of the natural infrastructure of our coastlines while accelerating the ability to evaluate and execute projects. The advancement of AI has produced new tools to rapidly assess the health and resilience of natural infrastructure. The emergence of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, allows for the use of biomimetics to reproduce foundational habitat features that have been lost, as well as customizing for site specific challenges such as soft soils, shallow access or sensitive habitats.

Natrx’s approach follows a three phased framework called Assess-Address-Appraise. The Assess phase utilizes advanced geospatial and AI technologies to evaluate coastal vulnerabilities and identify optimal intervention sites. The Address phase leverages Natrx’s proprietary 3D DryForming technology to create customized, biomimetic structures that mimic natural coastal features. These tailored 3D solutions, such as artificial reefs and living shorelines, provide immediate coastal protection while fostering long-term ecosystem regeneration. The Appraise phase employs ongoing monitoring and adaptive management strategies to ensure the continued effectiveness of implemented solutions. This data-driven approach allows for real-time adjustments and optimization of coastal protection measures.

This presentation will provide case studies where we have been able to provide solutions for specific resilience challenges at various scales.

Presenter:

• Tyler Ortego

#187

Love and Care in Climate Adaptation: A Framework

As a global community of human and non-human inhabitants of this planet, we face much uncertainty regarding climate change. Ultimately, we do not know whether we will meaningfully mitigate greenhouse gas emissions quickly enough or whether our efforts to adapt will lead to a more or a less just, equitable, and sustainable society.

Current efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change mostly focus on what needs to be done – electrifying the grid, protecting coastal areas, reducing urban heat island effects, planning for relocation, etc. Though these efforts at times address or try to address the human and social aspects of climate strategies, they rarely if ever intentionally and explicitly center love and care as an integral part of the process.

I argue that for climate adaptation strategies to avoid maladaptation and to work instead toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable future, love and care must play a vital and credible role in how we respond to climate change. In my presentation, I will share a framework to support the integration of love and care into climate adaptation efforts and decision making. The framework includes methods to assess whether love and care are present in adaptation efforts and suggestions for how to better integrate them.

Given the serious risks for maladaptation and the increasing need to adapt to the impacts of climate change in just, equitable, sustainable, and ultimately life-affirming ways, this framework is not only timely, but also opens a critical space for further exploration.

Presenter:

• Melissa Awbrey

#188

Uncrewed Boat for Rapid Coastal Data Collection

Collecting large areas of nearshore coastal data can be logistically challenging. These regions are often too shallow for a live-aboard vessel, but too great an area to efficiently cover with a smaller skiff. HydroTerra Technologies, LLC partnered with Chance Maritime Technologies to leverage their MC-29 Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) to efficiently complete 670 nautical line miles of survey within eight days without refueling. Utilizing the MC-29, a twenty-nine foot long, long-endurance, high-power USV, the combined team was able to operate round-the-clock to collect bathymetry for the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). The MC-29 was controlled over Starlink satellite communications, which allowed HydroTerra’s hydrographic team to monitor the acquisition in real time from their office as though they were on the boat. The MC-29 autonomously followed a line plan generated by HydroTerra, with oversight and piloting by Chance Maritime Technologies. The USV’s maneuverability allowed for close line following, shallow water navigation down to 3 ft of water depth, and high-quality data acquisition even in choppy nearshore seas with active gyro stabilization. The increased speed of acquisition demonstrated by this survey has the potential to increase the size and regularity of large coastal surveys in difficult-to-reach nearshore regions.

Presenters:

• Jason Poret

• Michael Scherer

#189

Enhancing Fire Safety in Coastal Historic Sites, Methodologies and Applications

The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters poses significant risks to historic coastal sites, necessitating innovative approaches to fire protection and safety. This presentation will explore methodologies derived from my doctoral research, which focuses on the Tabriz Historic Bazaar, a UNESCO World Heritage site that suffers from frequent fire incidents due to its complex architecture and historical construction. By adapting fire protection strategies, I aim to demonstrate their applicability to other historic coastal locations, emphasizing the need for flexible solutions that consider unique environmental challenges, such as sea level rise, increased humidity, and extreme weather events.

I will discuss the development of effective fire management plans that reflect local needs and priorities, while also incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and community involvement. This holistic approach not only enhances fire safety but also contributes to broader resilience strategies, enabling communities to preserve their cultural heritage while effectively adjusting to the impacts of climate change.

Presenters:

• Mitra Seyyedpour Esmaeilzadeh

• Traci Birch

#190

Discrepancies between InSAR-Derived Coastal Deformation Maps Highlight the Critical Need for Ground Truthing

The vulnerability of low-lying coastal regions has been extensively studied due to the threat of climate-induced sea-level rise and local vertical land motion. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) provides valuable, spatially continuous measurements of vertical land motion, contributing to flood risk assessments, socio-economic analyses, etc. However, its accuracy relies heavily on ground-truthing, usually provided by continuous GPS data. While InSAR coherence is higher and performs well in urban areas, calibration methods can be problematic. GPS-derived vertical velocities are used to calibrate InSAR-derived vertical deformation by averaging velocities from structures with deep foundations and nearby pavements with shallow foundations. In coastal wetlands, accuracy declines sharply due to reduced signal coherence caused by vegetation. Despite these challenges, InSAR is increasingly applied in coastal studies given the critical ecosystem services of wetlands and growing risks of climate changes. In coastal Louisiana, recent InSAR studies reveal notable discrepancies in vertical land motion, particularly in the southwestern Mississippi Delta (>10 mm yr⁻¹), Covington (~10 mm yr⁻¹), and urban New Orleans (~3 mm yr⁻¹). These discrepancies highlight the need for accurate ground-truthing in the coastal environment. This study evaluates two recent InSAR datasets alongside local vertical land motion data from in-situ measurements, linking our findings to shallow subsurface geology to reconcile these discrepancies and improve understanding of coastal vertical land motion

Presenter:

• Guandong Li

#191

Archaeological Investigations of Two Coastal Shell Midden Sites, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana

Coastal Environments, Inc., Louisiana State University, and members of the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, conducted archaeological investigations at sites 16SMY17 and 16SMY95 to identify potentially intact shell remains, which will be protected by a planned living-shoreline barrier. An examination of historical aerial photography and maps indicates sea level rise and other factors have caused loss in this area. Using grant funding from NOAA to the Chitimacha Tribe, terrestrial and submerged probing, terrestrial augering, and both marine ground penetrating radar (GPR) and sub-bottom profiler surveys were conducted. The research identified areas of subsided and potentially intact midden offshore, as well as disturbances from past oil and gas activities

Presenter:

• Bryan Haley

#192

Systematic evaluation of risk communication practices in online flood risk portals

Flood risk communication helps technical experts to convey critical risk information to stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and the adoption of protective actions. Flood risk maps, accessible online, are a central tool in this communication effort. However, a disconnect exists between the theoretical best practices recommended in research and the real-world application of these principles. This study systemically evaluates over 50 flood map portals, mostly English-language state and territory-level resources across the United States, using a set of best-practice criteria derived from the literature. The evaluation examines key attributes including usability, clarity of instructions, risk presentation, and the availability of actionable information, with an emphasis on how these factors influence stakeholder understanding and engagement. The analysis reveals a significant gap in current communication methods, especially in providing clear explanations and preparedness measures. Coastal states, particularly those with higher flood exposure, tend to perform better than landlocked states. Additionally, states with their own flood-specific portals scored higher, offering more detailed, region-specific information. In contrast, those relying on national resources often lacked tailored local context, resulting in lower total scores. These findings highlight opportunities for policy improvement and the need for state-level investments in flood risk communication to complement national efforts and ensure communities are well informed and prepared for flood risks. 

Presenter:

• Alyssa Pletcher

#193

What is meaningful engagement? A snippet of CRCL’s impact on communities in SE Louisiana.

The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) has engaged with people and communities in SE LA since its creation in 1988. Engagement that is meaningful and impactful is vital to the large effort to restore and protect Louisiana’s coast. Without partnerships and relationships with community members and organizations, CRCL’s efforts would be futile and ineffective. CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program (OSRP) is a perfect case study to observe these efforts. While the program has many accomplishments, team members continuously look for areas of improvement. The OSRP works with and alongside business owners, indigenous communities, oystermen, concerned citizens, students, and more. By reflecting on the definition of meaningful engagement, the various ways in which CRCL’s OSRP interacts with community members (both effective and fruitless), and constructive input from some of these individuals, CRCL can strategize and improve new and existing relationships to be better equipped for expansion and success in future endeavors. CRCL wishes to better understand its engagement with communities of SE LA so that it can successfully contribute to a thriving, sustainable coast for all.

Presenter:

• Abby Slattery

#194

Prioritizing risk and response during compound flood risk events using AI tools

Food incidents are high information events. Data is being generated in real time from emergency calls, 311 operations, field staff, citizen’s reports, and in some cases, aerial and satellite imagery and flood models. Agencies are challenged to curate multiple sources of information to prioritize emergency responses, assess damage, and evaluate infrastructure performance. Conventional flood modeling does not provide hyper-local insights, 311 lines lack flood specific information, small-scale urban flooding is often ignored, and most data sources under-represent marginalized communities. AI tools can help, utilize both quantitative and qualitative data, and integrate with agency workflows to tackle this challenge. With support from the National Science Foundation, ISeeChange has been developing AI tools to directly tackle this challenge. FloodTrackerAI is designed to improve the efficiency, speed, and design of urban flood infrastructure by combining disparate data sources including resident posts, geospatial data on infrastructure and community characteristics, and workflow systems. FloodTrackerAI can extract flood height, flood characteristics, personal impacts, and root causes for flooding of all severity levels, as well as aggregate information from different sources and prompt residents for additional information and low-level maintenance. The presentation ends with a discussion of applications of AI across a range of flood impact management needs.

Presenter:

• Julia Drapkin

#195

Water City, Where Yat? An Investigation of Resident Engagement As a Factor in New Orleans’ Adaptive Capacity

I propose a presentation of my doctoral dissertation research into New Orleans’ capacity to adapt to the demands of the local ecology and a changing climate through transformation of its stormwater and groundwater management infrastructure.

The failure of federal levees and floodwalls under the storm surge of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 laid bare the limitations of the “pump it out and wall it out” paradigm of water management that has prevailed in New Orleans over the past 150 years. Subsequent recurring smaller-scale floods have proven that the city’s hydric challenges are not limited to massive storms during hurricane season.

Plans to reengineer the water infrastructure to “let the water in”, easing pressure on the system, have proceeded in a limited and slow-to-develop manner. There have been many reasons for this. My work looks at the role of resident engagement with the processes of infrastructure implementation as as factor in this needed systemic change. What are the levels of knowledge of and support for new projects like the Gentilly Resilience District, and to what degree do they drive realization of the work? How do residents feel about the prospect of New Orleans becoming a true “water city”? Do attitudes toward city government play a role? I will also discuss spatial justice questions associated with the tensions between needed changes to address flood risk as a public safety issue, and major changes to the cityscape potentially occurring with or without resident support.

Presenter:

• Robert Lloyd