Research

“Qualifying the Impacts of Coastal Acidification on Rhode Island Shellfish Aquaculture Nitrogen Removal Capacity”

Principal Investigator (PI):
Robinson Fulweiler; Boston University

Shellfish, such as oysters, help to combat coastal eutrophication and acidification, yet it is unknown how coastal acidification may influence an organism’s ability to remove and store nitrogen–the nutrient largely associated with eutrophication. This project seeks to understand how coastal acidification influences the ability of oysters to extract nitrogen from the water column and store it in the shells and tissue. It also seeks to quantify how coastal acidification alters nitrogen removal via the microbially driven process of denitrification in the sediment surrounding oyster habitats. The team will expose growing oysters to different pH levels and analyze how rates of denitrification change in response to different levels of acidity. The team will also work with aquaculture farms across the state, measuring pH at various locations to improve understanding of how acidity varies in coastal waters.

“Understanding Local Changes in Summer Flounder for Improved Sustainable Management”

Principal Investigator (PI): Corinne Truesdale, RIDEM

Rick Bellavance, Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association

Greg Vespe, Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association 

RIDEM is responding to stakeholder observations of a decline in summer flounder in Rhode Island waters over previous years that are not evident in coast-wide stock assessments. This project seeks to describe summer flounder stock dynamics in Rhode Island waters to understand the species’ response to local environmental change and to better inform management practices. The team will be using tagging and time series analysis to study local movement dynamics and distribution changes. McManus and his team will work with local recreational harvesters to deploy tags and collect information on flounder population size, movement and distribution in state waters. The goal of this project is to improve understanding of summer flounder population in local waters for enhanced science-based management of the resource.

Principal Investigator (PI): Meng (Matt) Wei, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography

Co-PIs: Steven D’Hondt, University of Rhode Island

Pamela Rubinoff, Rhode Island Sea Grant/Coastal Resource Center

Dr. Wei and his research team will use Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to create a precise and detailed vertical land motion map of Rhode Island, with a particular emphasis on coastal communities. By analyzing the rates of subsidence in these areas, they aim to enhance our understanding of coastal flooding risks associated with changing sea levels. Integrating this data with existing datasets will provide a more comprehensive understanding of subsidence in Rhode Island and its potential impacts on vulnerable coastal communities.

“Salt marsh resilience and carbon dynamics on Block Island, RI: Outlooks on restoration and blue carbon economy”

Principal Investigator (PI): Erin Peck, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography

This research investigates the resilience of Block Island salt marshes to sea level rise and human-driven stressors, with a focus on marsh morphology and carbon storage. By measuring carbon fluxes, sediment dynamics, and marsh vulnerability, the project will inform restoration and conservation strategies while advancing understanding of blue carbon potential. Findings will directly support local coastal management and workforce development through applied science and community engagement.

“Project title: Enhancing Eelgrass Resilience and Thermal Tolerance Through Seed-Based Restoration and Enhancement Approaches”

Principal Investigator (PI): Eric Schneider (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Marine Fisheries)

Eelgrass is a foundational coastal habitat in Rhode Island but is increasingly threatened by warming waters and habitat degradation. This project evaluates seed-based restoration approaches, including the use of eelgrass seeds sourced from different regions, to improve resilience and thermal tolerance. The research also addresses regulatory and policy barriers to seed transfer, producing guidance to support effective, science-based eelgrass restoration statewide.

“Sources, Transport, and Bioaccumulation of Fluorinated Compounds in Narragansett Bay Fish and Shellfish and Potential Risks”

Principal Investigator (PI): Rainer Lohmann (University of Rhode Island)

This study examines the presence and movement of fluorinated compounds, including PFAS, in Narragansett Bay waters, sediments, and marine organisms. By measuring concentrations across fish, shellfish, and kelp, the project aims to better understand pathways of bioaccumulation and potential ecological and human health risks. The findings will provide critical data to inform environmental monitoring, seafood safety discussions, and risk assessment efforts in Rhode Island.

Sustained Access to Rhode Island’s Coast in a Changing Climate (SEA-C)

Principal Investigator (PI):
Nathan Vinhaterio, University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute

Co-PIs:
Elin Torell, University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute
Emi Uchida, URI Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Jesse Reiblich, URI Marine Affairs
Leah Feldman, RI CRMC

Public shoreline access areas lie on the front lines of climate change – the active coastal zone – where storm surge flooding, sea level rise, and stormwater runoff dynamically combine. Researchers from the Coastal Institute will investigate how climate change may lead to the loss of public lands, identify the user groups most likely to be impacted, and establish the local actions needed to minimize climate impacts, especially for underserved communities.

The proposed project will form an interdisciplinary research team and partner with municipal leaders and other stakeholders in Rhode Island to investigate how climate change may lead to the loss of public lands, identify the user groups most likely to be impacted, and establish the local actions needed to minimize climate impacts, especially for underserved communities.

Through a series of pilot studies in Bristol County, RI the project team will (i) develop baseline geospatial data layers that can be used to identify where existing resources may be threatened or lost due to climate change, (ii) quantify human visitation to coastal access sites through (anonymized) cell location records, focus groups, and surveys, and (iii) perform legal research to prioritize areas for public access designation.

Results of the pilot studies will guide the development of a detailed action plan that identifies research needs and positions the SEA-C team to pursue future grant proposals.

More than Recreation: Reframing coastal fishing access in RI as a food security issue 

Principal Investigator (PI):
Melva Treviño-Peña, URI Marine Affairs

Co-PI(s):
Patrick Baur,  URI Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary Sciences
Seray Ergene, URI College of Business
Amelia Moore, URI Marine Affairs
Marta Gomez-Chiarri, URI Aquaculture/Fisheries

In recognition of fishing at coastal access points as important within traditional food networks, researchers from the University of Rhode Island have partnered with the Center for Southeast Asians of Rhode Island and the Refugee Dream Center to better understand the usage and barriers for shore fishers.

The proposed project will characterize how different communities seek to improve their food security and overall well-being by fishing public coastal spaces in Rhode Island.

Researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of coastal resource utilization, nutritional and cultural services provided by local coastal fisheries, and barriers to coastal access.

Moreover, this project will identify areas of disconnect between government agencies and shore fishers, including fishing regulation and licensing, public health advisories, and community knowledge and perceptions of environmental quality and risks.

The results of this study will open new, policy opportunities that strategically reduce barriers to coastal access, recognize the contributions of locally-caught fish to local and regional food security, and foster local food system resilience by highlighting underutilized species and markets.