Investigating the Interconnectedness of Climate Change, Nuisance Mosquito Populations, and Long-Term Resilience of Coastal Salt Marsh Systems [NERRS Science Collaborative] – download: Research_SciCollab_CoastalSaltMarshSystems.
A chief concern is how climate change and sea level rise may affect marsh habitats, subsequently increasing mosquito production. Also of concern is how past physical alterations meant to reduce mosquito habitat affect the ability of salt marshes to maintain their relative elevation, and, as a result, their long term resiliency in the face of sea level rise. Recognizing the valuable role that salt marshes play in buffering coastal communities, coastal decision-makers are increasingly advocating for the restoration of salt marshes. While the thin-layer application of dredge spoil is of increasing interest as a way to help marshes keep up with rising sea levels, it could also greatly affect mosquito production. In this project, mosquito control agencies and other land management partners are working together to design and implement a marsh research program that informs future mosquito control management actions.
Fonseca Lab 