Assisted Migration as a Management Tool in Coastal Ecosystems Threatened by Climate Change
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems are among the first directly impacted by hurricane disturbance and chronic sea-level rise. Studies that explore responses of coastal biota to climate change are needed to develop adaptation strategies, but mechanisms underlying upslope establishment are poorly understood. The hypothesis tested in this study was that inland migration of downslope species is impeded by upslope vegetation. These barriers can be disassembled by hurricane storm surge, providing opportunities for seaward species to establish inland. Results indicate that inland communities are more vulnerable to storm surge, particularly when surges are more sustained and lead to sediment deposition. Ecologically nave vegetation will be impacted most by these events, leading to compositional changes. Where dispersal is limited, upslope and inland establishment of species can be expedited through assisted migration. Vegetation cover is helpful for new transplants, but its removal appears to benefit later survival of transplants when competition may pose a bigger challenge. Species that are transplanted must be tolerant of disturbances, such as fire, that are typical in their new, upslope habitats. Deliberate, assisted migration can be prescriptive and futuristic if these management efforts are matched with climate change projections; it may be necessary where dispersal is limited by natural and anthropogenic barriers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1030259
Entities
People
- Loretta L. Battaglia
Organizations
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale