Assessing the contribution of terrestrial to atoll island accretion
This work focusses on the quantifying empirical relationship between island margin vegetation and overwash sediment deposition on coral islands in the Maldives. Motivated by a need to understand the mechanisms of coral island building and response to sea level rise (SLR), we have undertaken systematic surveys of vegetation in combination with detailed measurements of recent overwash deposits to classify and develop three-dimensional models of common vegetation types and associated sedimentation patterns. The research will allow reconsideration of the role of vegetation in island formation, change and adaptation in response to SLR. In doing so, will be used to develop a framework of how vegetation may be used to improve island resilience to SLR, and the foundation for a nature-based adaptation capacity building programme for atoll islands.
Collaborators: Professor Paul Kench, National University of Singapore, Associate Professor Mike Hilton, University of Otago
Nature-based solutions (living shorelines) for coastal protection
Humans and associated infrastructure in the coastal zone are threatened by hazards, such as erosion and flooding. The severity of these coastal hazards is predicted to increase with rising sea levels and more frequent storm events resulting from future climate change. In responses to these coastal hazards, there is growing interest in applying ecological engineering principles – combining engineering and ecological objectives to develop infrastructure that benefits both humans and nature. Natural, created or restored habitats such sand dunes, oyster reefs, macroalgal canopies, mangroves and saltmarshes have the potential to provide coastal protection as well as enhancing biodiversity and other ecosystem services (e.g. food provision, improved water quality). Our research in this theme seeks to develop and test the efficacy of nature-based coastal defence solutions in protecting coastal communities from flooding and erosion, as well as how ecological-engineering can be incorporated into coastal defence planning for enhanced hazard risk reduction. A focus of this research involves habitat restoration for ecosystem engineer species.
Collaborators: Dr Rebecca Morris, University of Melbourne, Professor Steve Swearer, University of Western Australia, Professor Jon Barnett, University of Melbourne
Strategies for managing and restoring dune systems
At least five highly invasive plants have been introduced to the temperate dune systems of Australasia. These species have altered the geomorphic and ecological processes of these Nationally Threatened Ecosystems, as well as created foredunes which may be less resilient to environmental change, including eustatic sea-level rise. Research in this theme occurs in partnership with the Department of Conservation and seeks to understand the nature of the dune flora, stability of landforms, change in habitat and, in general, understanding the natural character of dune systems in New Zealand. Research in this theme also considers the stability of foredunes and their capacity to provide coastal hazard mitigation, changes in dunal processes in response to climate forcing (i.e. greening) and vegetation removal, and the factors that safeguard ecosystem integrity of active dune systems.
Collaborators: Associate Professor Mike Hilton, University of Otago, Professor Sarah Wakes, University of Otago