National Estuaries Week is a good reminder for us all to take a moment and reflect on the value and importance these habitats play both for us and for many of the fish species we care about.  

Southeast Alaska is truly a mosaic of estuaries, with nearly 12,000 estuaries lying within 19,000 miles of shoreline that includes the island make-up of the Alexander Archipelago. Yep 12,000, that's a lot of estuaries! These biologically rich habitats unite the world's three most dominant natural realms - the terrestrial environment, the freshwater environment, and the marine environment; no wonder they provide such a valuable nursery setting for many fish species. It is also not surprising that many of our cities and communities settle in these important areas as they form important transportation corridors and provide access to vital natural resources.

To get a better understanding of how these estuaries function in Southeast Alaska recent efforts have mapped the shoreline and assessed the unique characteristics of these estuaries that lie within the fjorial landscape that is characteristic of this region.  

Through the ShoreZone Partnership the majority of Southeast Alaska is now mapped and biological data is available for the nearshore environment. You can find more information on the ShoreZone website at:  https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/shorezone/.

In addition research by two Nature Conservancy scientists, "An Estuarine Classification for a Complex Fjordal Island Archipelago," which appeared in the journal Estuaries and Coasts, is a helpful tool for planning how to conserve these biologically rich habitats in a region that currently supports healthy and vibrant fish populations. The classification is a simple model that tests the understanding of the relationships between physical conditions and the species likely to be found in these places. An informative interview with these researchers can be found here.

Distribution of estuary habitat class category mapped in the study area of Southeast Alaska.

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR) on Florida's First Coast located in St. Johns and Flagler counties, is part of a network of 28 protected coastal areas along the United States coast from Alaska to Puerto Rico, known as the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.  

The GTM NERR, which receives an average of 300,000 visitors annually, is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for estuarine an upland environments, including coastal strand and maritime forest habitats (73,000 acres). There, scientists, educators, and restoration specialists are working with students, businesses and other members of the local community to construct valuable oyster reefs and living shorelines. These projects, which are supported by the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP), the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP), and others are reducing shoreline erosion, increasing sedimentation and providing nursery habitat for marine species.  

Florida's native Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a keystone species because of its critical role in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems. In addition to the ecological goals of these restoration projects and in order to ensure a regular and bountiful supply of oyster shell for reef construction, a SARP-funded NOAA Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) project established an oyster shell recycling program for St. Johns County. The recycling program has provided shell for the SARP and ACFHP living shoreline projects, as well as material for future reef construction.  

Significantly, the recycling and reef building projects are resulting in other outstanding educational, economic and social benefits as well.  

"Over time, the area has been impacted by water pollution, increasing wave action as a result of river traffic and channel dredging, other human-induced factors, and sea level rise," stated Andrea Small, aquatic preserve manager and lead on this project at the Reserve. "These restoration projects will not only provide benefit to the ecosystem, but they are also an important way to connect the local community to the natural environment through volunteer and educational opportunities."   

View of the GTM NERR. Photo credit: Lindsay Gardner, SARP.

The GTMNERR Community Oyster Shell Recycling and Living Reef Construction Project was successfully initiated through the Friends of the GTM Research Reserve's partnership with the St. Johns Technical High School (SJTHS). Nestled within an easily accessible spot in the Reserve, off to the side of a parking area off of the A1A Hwy., piles of shell that have been collected from area restaurants are processed. Each pile has a small sign above it noting the date the shell was placed (the top date) and the date the shell will be ready for harvesting and reuse. In Florida, the oysters are required to bake in the sun for 90 days and are raked during that time to remove bacteria and pathogens and to prevent any potential cross-contamination, as many oysters sold in area restaurants are not actually local, but brought in from other states. Students from the St. John's Technical High School and many others have helped with the oyster raking and bagging.    

Oyster Shell Recycling Staging Area. Photo credit: Lindsay Gardner, SARP.

Oyster Shells Being Processed. Photo credit: Lindsay Gardner, SARP.

SJTH has an Academy of Coastal and Water Resources that was established in 2011 and is dedicated to providing students with high quality, industry relevant curriculum to assure success in post-secondary education and coastal and water resources career opportunities. Through collaboration with business partners, students are engaged in applied learning and develop confidence, long lasting relationships and a sense of community. Students participate in a STEM program of study that focuses on coastal, environmental and water resources and a valuable hands-on curriculum designed in partnership with the St. Johns County Utilities, Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve, Florida Gateway College, and Jacksonville University's Marine Science Research Institute.  They explore the environment and ecosystems through environmental and water resource classes and experience water quality testing, wetland management, wildlife, and fisheries management. In discussions with Linda Krepp, SJTHS Career Specialist and Principal Wayne King, the hands-on learning opportunities afforded by the restoration projects and work experience, have actually had a tremendous impact by offering project-based learning opportunities.

"I'm so excited about the opportunity to partner with the GTM Research Reserve on this project," said King. "Our vision here at SJTHS is to provide opportunities, through Project Based Learning for our students to apply knowledge. The Oyster Reef Restoration Program will help create awareness and provide a legacy for our students."