Identifying the Ecological and Management Implications of Mangrove Migration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Principal Investigator

Michael Osland

Start Date

2019-01-30

End Date

2021-07-01

Release Date

2018

In the northern Gulf of Mexico, mangrove forests have been expanding near their northern range limits in parts of Texas, Louisiana, and north Florida since 1989. In response to warming winter temperatures, mangroves are expected to continue migrating northward at the expenses of salt marshes. In this project, we will host workshops and leverage existing collaborations with scientists across the northern Gulf of Mexico to produce two products that are relevant to resource managers within this transition zone between mangrove forests and salt marshes. The first product will leverage a community-curated data network called the Mangrove Migration Network to produce a journal article that examines temperature thresholds for mangrove damage and mortality. The winter of 2017-2018 presents an outstanding opportunity to improve our ability to forecast the effects of changing winter temperature extremes on coastal wetlands. We will integrate data from the Gulf of Mexico Mangrove Migration Network to assess vulnerability of coastal wetlands to changing winter temperature extremes. The second product will be a workshop-derived journal article that focuses on issues related to mangrove restoration and management in coastal wetlands in Texas, Louisiana, and north Florida. This work will support the conservation stewardship missions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service by providing science to inform management of its lands along the Gulf of Mexico.

ScienceBase WMS

• National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers
• Southeast CASC