Buried or Fried? Understanding Sedimentation and Temperature Effects - NERRS/NSC(NERRS Science Collaborative) Native Species in the South Slough Reserve and Coos Estuary, Oregon

This project addresses linkages between temperature and sedimentation and ecosystem outcomes using both observational and modeling approaches. The team leveraged the development of a realistic, validated hydrodynamic model of the Coos estuary and extended previous research effort to analyze estuary conditions over large spatial scales. The study found a striking variation in sediment deposition and erosion across the estuary that was not a simple function of distance from estuary mouth. In addition, the model suggests that high estuary temperatures coincide with eelgrass die-off while high levels of sediment accretion result in less successful oyster restoration. Model results have allowed the team and its partners to make more precise recommendations for ongoing oyster and eelgrass restoration efforts and develop user-identified outputs including educational programs.

To investigate sedimentation patterns, the team combined monitoring data from the NERRS System-wide Monitoring Program (SWMP) and Sentinel Sites with new sediment core data and new numerical model simulations. Long cores were collected to measure sediment accumulation over a longer time period (on the order of 100 years). Shorter cores were collected to obtain a yearly cycle of sediment deposition.

A second focus of the project was to add water temperature to the existing hydrodynamic model, which was previously simulating only salinity and sediment (and sea level). Temperature is an important variable to team partners interested in ecosystems and biota. In addition, the model was run for a longer period, simulating three full years of the estuary hydrodynamics, 2014-2016, which will allow more insight into processes affecting native species and prove more useful to stakeholders.

Coos Bay is home to Oregon's largest deep-draft port, as well as critical estuarine ecosystems including eelgrass and native oyster beds. However, water quality deterioration, climate change, and land use changes threaten the resiliency of the estuary and its marine species. In some parts of the estuary, recent restoration efforts of native oysters have failed and eelgrass density has significantly declined. To better understand the environmental factors impacting estuarine habitat, the project team convened with partners and estuary users. The team investigated the impacts of temperature and sedimentation changes on native oyster and eelgrass beds, both of which are critical habitats in the Coos estuary ecosystem. Their data allows for a more comprehensive analysis of sedimentation and water temperature changes over seasonal to decadal timescales.

Project Lead:

David Sutherland, University of Oregon, dsuth@uoregon.edu

Collaborative Lead:

Jenni Schmitt, South Slough Reserve, jenni.schmitt@state.or.us

Partners:

South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve; Charleston Marine Life Center; Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw; Coos County; Coquille Indian Tribe; Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Oregon Department of State Lands

The distributor does not assume liability.

None

Cite this dataset when used as a source: NOAA retains the right to analyze, synthesize and publish summaries of the NERRS/NSC data. The NERRS/NSC retains the right to be fully credited for having collected and process the data. Following academic courtesy standards, the NERR site where the data were collected should be contacted and fully acknowledged in any subsequent publications in which any part of the data are used. The data enclosed within this package/transmission are only as accurate as the quality assurance and quality control procedures that are described in the associated metadata reporting statement allow. The user bears all responsibility for its subsequent use/misuse in any further analyses or comparisons. The Federal government does not assume liability to the Recipient or third persons, nor will the Federal government reimburse or indemnify the Recipient for its liability due to any losses resulting in any way from the use of this data. Requested citation format: NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative(NSC).

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This information is detailed within the project links.

This information is detailed within the project links.