Burgeoning U.S. coastal populations and related development practices have resulted
in the degradation of critical coastal ecosystems. Although the U.S. has a diversity
of coastal habitats, the ecological condition and systematic loss of these habitats
may be an early symptom of large-scale coastal ecosystem impairment. Poised between
people and the ocean, coastal habitats have a high degree of connectivity with coastal
communities and providing them with critical ecological services. Since these habitats
are sensitive to land use changes that occur with population growth, they serve
as sentinels: first responders to coastal change.
In the coastal southeast, tidal creeks act as sentinel habitats. Tidal creeks form
part of the estuarine ecosystem characterized by high biological productivity, complex
environmental characteristics, and numerous interconnected processes. Tidal creek
networks form the primary hydrologic link between estuaries and land based activities.
They are critical feeding grounds, spawning areas, and nursery habitats for many
species of fish, shellfish, birds, waterfowl, and mammals. The significant economic
and ecological value of tidal creek habitats and the degree of human interaction
with these habitats are disproportionate to their spatial area.
Research at CHHR
Current research at the NOAA Center for Human Health Risk (CHHR) investigates the
linkages between land use and environmental condition of tidal creek sentinel habitats
including understanding the linkages with human health and well-being. The sentinel
habitats project involves field and laboratory work to obtain data for multiple
parameters including water quality, sediment contaminants, biological condition,
human exposure, and land use. Traditional and new technologies are used to evaluate
ecosystem condition, animal health, and potential threats to public health and welfare.
Collaborations with the National Estuarine Research Reserve NERR
is an overarching goal for this effort.