Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-20-2012 (submitted: 01/20/2012, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Effects of Sesarma reticulatum on tidal creek growth.
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Steven C. Pennings | ||
| Home Institution: | University of Houston | ||
| Award Information: | $105,854 | ||
| Mailing Address: | Department of Biology and Biochemistry | Phone Number: | (713) 743-2989 |
| University of Houston | E-mail Address: | scpennin@central.uh.edu | |
| Houston, Texas 77204-5513 | |||
| Co-investigators: | Huy Vu (University of Houston) | ||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
The goal of this proposal is to develop an understanding of creek development under the conditions of RSLR that integrates both physical and biological processes. We will test the hypothesis that crabs facilitate growth of creeks by bioturbating sediment and removing stabilizing vegetation. Three pairs of creeks, each of which bifurcates into two similar heads will be selected. We will remove Sesarma crabs from one head of each bifurcating creek using a combination of pitfall traps and direct removal by hand. A fence on the "watershed" between the two heads of each creek will be installed to restrict migration of crabs from the reference to the removal head. Four boardwalk stations will be deployed at each creek head using permanent boardwalk legs and portable aluminum platforms, with two permanent 0.5 x 0.5 m plots in three zones along each boardwalk for a total of 24 plots per creek head. Within each plot, we will monitor visible crabs (by species), burrow densities and diameters, stem densities and heights, and sediment deposition on a monthly basis. Adjacent to these plots, we will measure belowground biomass and shear strength on a quarterly basis. Periodic measurement of water flow and suspended sediment flux over spring-neap tide cycles will be taken with acoustic flow meters with optical backscatter sensors placed at the two branches of each creek.
Where will the project be located?
Southeastern corner of Little Sapelo Island (preferred), mouth of the Duplin River, or Dean Creek.
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
I will arrange with my research sponsor to collect and register GPS coordinates
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 03/15/2012 End Date: 08/15/2017
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
Initially: ~6 people for 2 weeks. Then 1-2 people weekly.
Keywords that describe your project
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
Boardwalk legs (5yrs), plastic fencing (3'x10'; 5 yrs). All experimental infrastructure will be removed at the end of the experiment.
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
Common marsh crab species will be collected (Uca, Panopeus, Eurytium, and Sesarma).Crabs will be measured, sexed, and released back to the marsh. Spartina alterniflora stems will be harvested in a 0.5mx0.5m plots at the end of the experiment. We will be using the general UGAMI collection permits.
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
Temporary boardwalks with aluminum platforms will be used to prevent trampling of the marsh. Only the boardwalk legs will be installed in the marsh. A 3'x10' plastic fencing will be installed between the control and removal creek heads to minimize crab migration between creek heads.
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
Yes, temporary boardwalks with aluminum platform. Only the legs will be installed in the marsh.
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
All experimental infrastructure will be removed at the end of the experiment. We expect recolonization of crabs to the disturbed areas within 2 years after the end of the experiment.
Research Permits:
Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division: 021312.0245pm_LOPCreekgrowthstudy (02/24/2012-02/24/2015)
