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<p>Subtidal nearshore seagrass beds are important components of coastal ecotones. Understanding their association with shoreline morphology and shoreline stabilization interventions is critical to achieving a holistic approach to restoration. We combined geospatial analyses with field-based monitoring to better understand intra-ecotone associations between shorelines and nearshore seagrass beds in a shallow subtropical estuary. Using GIS analyses of aerial imagery, shoreline characterization models, and seagrass coverage models, the relationship between shoreline morphology, erosion, and yearly persistence of seagrass was examined in Mosquito Lagoon, FL between 2011 and 2021. Seagrass beds growing adjacent to stabilized “living shoreline” segments were monitored in the field throughout the 2023 growing season (March–November). GIS analyses indicate that within this microtidal system, seagrass persistence was associated with wider intertidal zones, shallower nearshore depths, and reduced rates of shoreline retreat. These shoreline morphological differences were all relatively small (&lt; 1&#xa0;m). Increased seagrass density along natural uneroded shorelines relative to three living shoreline designs was observed during field monitoring. Bayesian hierarchical models suggest that in this study, differences in seagrass density appeared attributable to shoreline slope rather than the stabilization treatment itself. Although the individual analyses in this study have relatively high levels of uncertainty, all suggest that seagrass suitability was greater along gradually sloped, slowly eroding shorelines. We recommend measurements of subtidal slope and adjacent SAV be incorporated into living shoreline monitoring protocols, as this represents a potential mechanism by over time, which intertidal deployments can positively impact adjacent subtidal communities.</p>

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Examining the Relationship Between Nearshore Seagrass and Living Shorelines in a Subtropical Estuary

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月13日

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  • Gabriel W. Benson,
  • Melinda J. Donnelly,
  • Lori J. Morris,
  • Robert E. Isdell,
  • Linda J. Walters

摘要

Subtidal nearshore seagrass beds are important components of coastal ecotones. Understanding their association with shoreline morphology and shoreline stabilization interventions is critical to achieving a holistic approach to restoration. We combined geospatial analyses with field-based monitoring to better understand intra-ecotone associations between shorelines and nearshore seagrass beds in a shallow subtropical estuary. Using GIS analyses of aerial imagery, shoreline characterization models, and seagrass coverage models, the relationship between shoreline morphology, erosion, and yearly persistence of seagrass was examined in Mosquito Lagoon, FL between 2011 and 2021. Seagrass beds growing adjacent to stabilized “living shoreline” segments were monitored in the field throughout the 2023 growing season (March–November). GIS analyses indicate that within this microtidal system, seagrass persistence was associated with wider intertidal zones, shallower nearshore depths, and reduced rates of shoreline retreat. These shoreline morphological differences were all relatively small (< 1 m). Increased seagrass density along natural uneroded shorelines relative to three living shoreline designs was observed during field monitoring. Bayesian hierarchical models suggest that in this study, differences in seagrass density appeared attributable to shoreline slope rather than the stabilization treatment itself. Although the individual analyses in this study have relatively high levels of uncertainty, all suggest that seagrass suitability was greater along gradually sloped, slowly eroding shorelines. We recommend measurements of subtidal slope and adjacent SAV be incorporated into living shoreline monitoring protocols, as this represents a potential mechanism by over time, which intertidal deployments can positively impact adjacent subtidal communities.