The Forgotten Forest: Habitat Assessment of Eroded Forest, Marsh, and Beach Shorelines

About the Project

Three distinct shoreline types (eroded forest, saltmarsh, and beach) have been defined within East Bay Panama City, Florida. Eroded forests are characterized by having a steep drop from the crest of the shoreline to the water line. These sites typically have fallen trees or root masses in the water creating habitat for nekton. Saltmarshes have a less steep drop from the shoreline crest and waterline, typically leading to the area behind the crest to become tidally inundated.

These shorelines also have vegetation tolerant of frequent inundation periods. Beaches have the smallest slope and generally lack trees or other vegetation.

This study

uses paired seine nets to sample the edge and non-edge nekton communities located at these three defined shoreline types. For the study four blocks were established with each block containing one of each shoreline type. Nekton collected during seining was identified in the field and the total length was recorded before being released. 

Initial Research

Three distinct shoreline types studied in this research: (a) eroded forest, (b) salt marsh, (c) beach. 
Demonstration of sampling for all shoreline types. Two sets of seine nets will be pulled parallel to the shoreline to sample the edge and non-edge nekton communities.
Map of East Bay Panama City Florida showing the location of all 12 sites. Sites are grouped into blocks with each block containing each of the three shoreline types under investigation. 

Get in Touch

Cynthia Lupton, Extension Program Assistant

Cl2121@msstate.edu

Contact Us
(228) 388-4710
1815 Popps Ferry Rd.
Biloxi, MS 39532

Fax: (228) 388 – 1375

Mailstop: 9385

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs, or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

quicklinks
About Coastal Conservation and RESTORATION program

Our focus areas are broad and adapt to the current needs of stakeholders, but generally involve coastal conservation and restoration projects at local, state, regional, national, and international scales.