Partner Institution: SUNY, Stony Brook University

Implementation of pilot seagrass restoration (FIIS), and NCBN Water Quality Monitoring

Project Description: This project aims to reduce climate vulnerability of seagrass meadows across
Fire Island National Seashore (FIIS) through the application of innovative assisted gene flow approaches. Collection and storage of viable seagrass seeds from local populations for field studies across multiple parks will test the site/temperature compatibilities of local and outsourced eelgrass genotypes that showed evidence of strong adaptive capacity. In addition, seeds from local and outsourced populations at three sites along a temperature gradient will be planted and monitored for the performance of each genotype along with abiotic conditions at each site to evaluate genotype performance – a necessary step towards future temperature-resilient eelgrass restoration.

The objectives of this task are to implement the Inventory and Monitoring
Program (I&M) estuarine water quality and seagrass monitoring protocols at Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE) and Fire Island National Seashore (FIIS) in alternate years. Monitoring of long term seagrass sites, established more than a decade ago, will also be included at FIIS. Monitoring will follow the standard methods described in the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN)Vital Signs protocols for monitoring estuarine nutrient enrichment. Seagrass condition indicators will be measured and the sampling approach is consistent with the global seagrass monitoring protocol described at http://www.SeagrassNet.org

Lead Principal Investigator: Bradley Peterson, SUNY, Stony Brook University

Partner Institution: SUNY, Stony Brook University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Holly Plaisted

Start Year: 2024

End Year: 2027

Initial Funding Amount: $210,476.00

Federal Grant Number: P24AC02248

Continuation of post-Hurricane Sandy physical monitoring of the Old Inlet breach, Fire Island National Seashore

Project Description: On October 30, 2012, Hurricane Sandy produced a record storm surge along the Long Island coast. Along the western barrier islands, the water level reached 3.6 m above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), over a meter higher than the previous storm of record. Three inlets were opened along the ocean shoreline, including a breach at Old Inlet in the Wilderness Area of the National Seashore. To understand and monitor the physical characteristics of the breach at Old Inlet, bathymetric surveys within the breach, breach shoreline position, and breach stability analyses have been conducted periodically since establishment of the breach and are continuing.

The School of Marine and Atmospheric Science of Stony Brook University has maintained an aerial photographic history of the breach at two week to monthly intervals, beginning on November 2, 2012 and continuing to date. Images are posted at:_http://po.msre.sunysb.edu/GSB/

The School of Marine and Atmospheric Science of Stony Brook University Stony Brook University has also been evaluating the influence of the breach on water levels within Great South Bay. Eighteen reports of this assessment have been submitted periodically from December 2012 through April 2018. Reports are posted at: http://po.msrc.sunysb.edu/GSB/. In addition, nearly monthly messages accompanying the aerial overflights have also been issued.

We intend to continue the aerial photo reconnaissance flights and monitoring of Bay water levels, temperatures and salinities during the lifetime of the breach and after in the event of breach closure.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Charles Flagg, SUNY, Stony Brook University

Partner Institution: SUNY, Stony Brook University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Jordan Raphael

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Natural Hazards & Environmental Quality (NRDA), Water (FW & Marine)

Start Year: 2018

End Year: 2020

Initial Funding Amount: $9,635.00

Federal Grant Number: P18AC01151

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2020, Amount: $0.00

Location: Old Inlet breach, Fire Island National Seashore

State(s): New York

Monitoring Estuarine Condition at Fire Island National Seashore and Gateway National Recreation Area (FY 2018-2022)

Project Description: Coastal environments include several habitats of concern for resource managers in coastal parks. Estuaries, beaches and nearshore areas are nursery grounds for many species of recreational and commercial importance, and they contribute significantly to visitor experience (e.g., boating, fishing, wildlife viewing) at coastal parks. Compromised water quality in coastal environments often results from regional population growth and local development. Water quality monitoring data collected by NPS Inventory & Monitoring network programs and coastal parks allow the NPS to evaluate conditions and track trends within park-boundaries. However, effective management of both estuarine and marine resources requires understanding water quality issues beyond park boundaries since most water quality problems originate there. Understanding this larger picture is a critical step in the successful management of coastal waters. The primary purpose of this study is not the acquisition of property or services for the direct benefit or use by the Federal Government, but rather to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation.

The objectives of this project are to implement the estuarine water quality and seagrass monitoring protocols on alternating parks per year. Measurements of water column condition indicators will occur at Fire Island National Seashore (FIIS) and Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE) in alternate years; and measurements of seagrass indicators at FIIS in April, June and October of all years as identified in the attached scope of work. Monitoring will follow the standard methods described in the NCBN protocols for monitoring estuarine nutrient enrichment. Seagrass condition indicators will be measured during the spring, summer and fall periods at FIIS and the sampling approach is consistent with the global seagrass monitoring protocol described at http://www.SeagrassNet.org.

Lead Principal Investigator: Bradley Peterson, SUNY, Stony Brook University

Partner Institution: SUNY, Stony Brook University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Dr. Jim Comiskey

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Water (FW & Marine)

Start Year: 2018

End Year: 2022

Initial Funding Amount: $53,974.00

Federal Grant Number: P18AC00538

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2019, Amount: $70,290.00
  • Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2020, Amount: $55,008.00
  • Amendment Number: 03, Year: 2021, Amount: $0.00
  • Amendment Number: 04, Year: 2023, Amount: $0.00
  • Amendment Number: 05, Year: 2023, Amount: $0.00

National Parks or Protected Areas:

  • Fire Island (NPS)
  • Gateway (NPS)

Monitoring Estuarine Condition at Fire Island National Seashore and Gateway National Recreation Area (FY 2022-2024)

Project Description: Coastal environments include several habitats of concern for resource managers in coastal parks. Estuaries, beaches and nearshore areas are nursery grounds for many species of recreational and commercial importance, and they contribute significantly to visitor experience (e.g., boating, fishing, wildlife viewing) at coastal parks. Compromised water quality in coastal environments often results from regional population growth and local development. Water quality monitoring data collected by National Park Service (NPS) Inventory & Monitoring network programs and coastal parks allow the NPS to evaluate conditions and track trends within park boundaries. However, effective management of both estuarine and marine resources requires understanding water quality issues beyond park boundaries since most water quality problems originate there. Understanding this larger picture is a critical step in the successful management of coastal waters.

The objectives of this project are to implement the estuarine water quality and seagrass monitoring protocols at alternating parks per year. Measurements of water column condition indicators will occur at Gateway National Recreation Area (GATE) and Fire Island National Seashore (FIIS) in alternate years; and measurements of seagrass indicators at FIIS July-August of
all years as identified in the project scope of work. Monitoring will follow the standard methods described in the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN) Vital Signs protocols for monitoring estuarine nutrient enrichment. Seagrass condition indicators will be measured and the sampling approach is consistent with the global seagrass monitoring protocol described at
http://www.SeagrassNet.org.

This project is part of the NPS long-term Vital Signs Monitoring Program and the protocol being used was developed specifically for the coastal parks by United States Geological Survey (USGS) scientists (Kopp and Neckles 2009) to be implemented by the NPS. Both USGS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) depend on NPS to collect water quality data in the park units. At this time there are no other government or state agencies collecting similar water quality data at this high a resolution that covers all park estuarine waters within park boundaries for Fire Island NS or Gateway NRA. The water quality data is made broadly available to partners and state agencies, filling a vital need for water quality data of estuarine waters along the east coast.

Lead Principal Investigator: Bradley Peterson, SUNY, Stony Brook University

Partner Institution: SUNY, Stony Brook University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Dr. Jim Comiskey

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Water (FW & Marine)

Start Year: 2022

End Year: 2024

Initial Funding Amount: $53,776.00

Federal Grant Number: P22AC00601

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 1, Year: 2023, Amount: $58,551.00

Location: Gateway NRA and Fire Island NS

National Parks or Protected Areas:

  • Gateway (NPS)
  • Fire Island (NPS)

State(s): New York

Student and Other Involvement:

  • Doctoral Students: 1
  • Undergraduate Students: 1
  • Interns: 1

Summary of Student Involvement: The graduate student calibrates all of the field equipment prior to deployment. They also participate in all water quality and seagrass monitoring. The undergraduate assists in both the field and lab sample collection and processing.

Summary of Other Involvement: Field help