St. Petersburg researchers attend the 2022 American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) Coastal Summit
Drs. Jennifer Miselis and Legna Torres-Garcia presented at the 2022 ASBPA Coastal Summit March 29-31. Dr. Miselis covered results of a joint USGS-USFWS report on sediment management impacts to barrier island systems, and Dr. Torres-Garcia presented on her work to make hazards resources more accessible to stakeholders in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Jennifer Miselis attended the meeting as part of a panel to present, “Sand for the Future: Looking forward after 40 years with the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA).” Dr. Miselis provided an overview of, “Impacts of Sand Removal from and Placement in Coastal Barrier Island Systems” based on a joint USGS-USFWS State of the Science Report from 2021. The report detailed both the impacts and knowledge gaps surrounding sediment removal and placement on coastal sediment supplies, benthic habitats, fish and other marine species, subaerial beach habitats, and coastal resiliency.
Dr. Legna Torres-Garcia participated in a diversity and inclusion panel and presented on, "Coastal Vulnerability Assessments in Puerto Rico: Focused stakeholder engagement to foster equity and inclusion." The panel covered efforts being made in the coastal sciences as an issue affecting our coastlines. Dr. Torres-Garcia discussed her work on Puerto Rico Hazards funded by the Risk Community of Practice. This project aims to compile information and resources about natural hazards in Puerto Rico to share with coastal stakeholders in underserved areas in this hazard-prone U.S. territory.
The 2022 ASBPA Coastal Summit took place virtually March 29-31, 2022, with the theme, “The Future of Coastal Infrastructure Investments.” The event included presentations from federal partners, Congressional representatives and coastal stakeholders. There were also multiple opportunities for conversations with colleagues on issues affecting our nation’s coastlines.