Impacts of Changing Beach and Dune Configurations on Coastal Wildlife and Communities: A Case Study along the Coast of East Central Florida
Presentation Type
None
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Location
Student Union Event Center
Start Date
17-11-2025 1:45 PM
End Date
17-11-2025 2:00 PM
Presentation Description/Abstract
Barrier islands along Florida’s Atlantic coast serve as critical buffers against storm surges and erosion while supporting diverse coastal ecosystems. However, changes in geomorphology from intensified hurricanes, increased development, etc., alter beach and dune configurations, threatening both natural habitats and coastal infrastructure. This research examines the changes in barrier islands along Florida's East Coast, focusing on the impacts of beach and dune configurations on coastal habitat between Ponce Inlet and St. Augustine Inlet. The study aims to analyze changes in dune vegetation, shoreline types (natural vs. armored), and elevation profiles from 2014-2024 using high-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR elevation data. Additionally, ten years of sea turtle nesting and shorebird data were incorporated in the spatial and quantitative analyses, using Nesting Beach Surveys from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and research-grade Birding Activity data from eBird. Public perceptions of coastal resilience, were also incorporated, previously collected through community surveys during living seawall stakeholder workshops in November 2024 and analyzed using Chi-Square tests. The study results aim to enhance understanding of how a dynamic, changing coast affects community resiliency and the habitat stability of sea turtle nesting and shorebird foraging zones. The findings also broaden scientific understanding, support decision-making, and guide regional stakeholders in mitigating disaster impacts while preserving marine biodiversity and community welfare.
Impacts of Changing Beach and Dune Configurations on Coastal Wildlife and Communities: A Case Study along the Coast of East Central Florida
Student Union Event Center
Barrier islands along Florida’s Atlantic coast serve as critical buffers against storm surges and erosion while supporting diverse coastal ecosystems. However, changes in geomorphology from intensified hurricanes, increased development, etc., alter beach and dune configurations, threatening both natural habitats and coastal infrastructure. This research examines the changes in barrier islands along Florida's East Coast, focusing on the impacts of beach and dune configurations on coastal habitat between Ponce Inlet and St. Augustine Inlet. The study aims to analyze changes in dune vegetation, shoreline types (natural vs. armored), and elevation profiles from 2014-2024 using high-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR elevation data. Additionally, ten years of sea turtle nesting and shorebird data were incorporated in the spatial and quantitative analyses, using Nesting Beach Surveys from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and research-grade Birding Activity data from eBird. Public perceptions of coastal resilience, were also incorporated, previously collected through community surveys during living seawall stakeholder workshops in November 2024 and analyzed using Chi-Square tests. The study results aim to enhance understanding of how a dynamic, changing coast affects community resiliency and the habitat stability of sea turtle nesting and shorebird foraging zones. The findings also broaden scientific understanding, support decision-making, and guide regional stakeholders in mitigating disaster impacts while preserving marine biodiversity and community welfare.