Alberto Canestrelli, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida

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ABSTRACT

The Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas (GTM) estuary in Northeastern Florida harbors exceptionally dense populations of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), reminiscent of historical abundances documented by early Euro-American settlers. These oyster reefs are vital for ecosystem services, particularly in water filtration, where our models indicate they filter approximately 60% of the estuary’s volume within an estuarine residence time. This significant filtration capacity is influenced by factors such as reef size, hydrodynamic conditions, and particle concentration.

However, recent decades have seen substantial oyster reef mortality, primarily driven by bank erosion exacerbated by boat wakes. Aerial imagery analysis along the Intracoastal Waterway and its tributaries reveals that, on average, marsh banks displays erosion, which damages adjacent oyster habitats and their filtration functions. Hydrodynamic and particle tracking models predict a 12% reduction in filtration services due to current reef losses, with projections in reef losses indicating up to a 20% decline over the next century if erosion persists.

Field observations contrast the health of oyster reefs in main tidal channels versus lateral channels within the GTM estuary. While lateral channels with similar physical conditions support thriving oyster populations, main channels suffering from high boat traffic predominantly host dead reefs. Our analysis demonstrates that boat-induced energy from wakes significantly outweighs the impact of natural wind waves, making boat traffic the primary driver of reef degradation and oyster mortality.

BIO

Dr. Alberto Canestrelli is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, specializing in the dynamics of coastal environments, particularly estuaries, tidal channels, and salt marshes. His research combines numerical modeling with field data collected using acoustic instruments and drones to develop sustainable solutions for coastal protection and restoration. A key focus of Dr. Canestrelli’s work is on Nature-Based Solutions, designed to enhance coastal defenses and improve estuarine water quality while remaining resilient and self-sustaining in the face of rising sea levels. His dedication to coastal management is further reflected in his leadership of international collaborations, contributing to global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems.

POSTCARD