As our population continues to grow, it is important to understand the effects that this has on our environment.
One of the most noticeable impacts of this growth is on tidal creeks. These waterways are incredibly sensitive to changes in population density and can be greatly affected by human activity. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources‘ (SCDNR’s) Tidal Creeks Project researches what can be done to mitigate these impacts.
Tidal creek ecosystems are the primary aquatic link between stormwater runoff from the land to the estuaries. Small tidal creeks begin in upland areas and drain into larger creeks forming a network.
The creeks increase in size until they join a tidal river, sound, bay, or harbor that ultimately connects to the coastal ocean. Tidal creeks provide critical ecological services such as seafood, recreation opportunities, and pollutant filtration. Tidal creeks and salt marshes act as critical feeding grounds and nursery areas for approximately 75% of our commercially and recreationally important fisheries species. They are complex systems with high biological productivity. Tidal creek systems serve as sentinels or “first responders” to coastal change due to their close connection to the land.
SCDNR’s study provided a framework and conceptual model for understanding tidal creek changes.
SCDNR observed the ecological and public health indicators with regards to impervious cover associated with coastal development. Impervious surfaces are any materials that resist the flow of water through them. Artificial structures, such as pavement, asphalt, concrete, brick, stone—and rooftops are impervious surfaces. Soils compacted by urban development are also highly impervious.
When the amount of impervious cover in the watershed of these systems exceeds 10-20%, water and sediment quality suffered. These impervious surfaces lead to stormwater runoff. Living resources and nursery functions suffered when the amount of impervious cover exceeded about 20-30% of the watershed area.
How do we sustainably continue to have population growth in the coastal area and still maintain our quality of life? This is one of our primary concerns. The overall goal of the project is to assess environmental quality in tidal creeks and surrounding land over time. Since the study dates back to 1994, researchers can determine correlations and hopefully find practical solutions that sustains our growing localities and the tidal creeks.
For more information contact:Dr. Denise Sanger, Phone: 843-953-9074.
Source: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/.
