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Gregory Steyer, Ph.D.

Greg Steyer is the USGS Science Advisor for the Gulf of Mexico.

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Oceanography and Coastal Studies, Louisiana State University, 2008

M.S., Biology, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1988

B.S., Biology, University of Maryland College Park, 1985

RESEARCH

Greg's primary interest is developing ecological indicators, adaptive management approaches, and ecological and landscape models for use in natural resource decision support. For over 30 years, he has worked for State and Federal governments developing monitoring, modeling and research programs for the evaluation of wetland restoration projects and programs. 

Greg has developed a comprehensive wetland monitoring network for the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) called the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (http://www.lacoast.gov/crms2/Home.aspx), that allows evaluation of the effects of restoration and protection efforts at project, hydrologic basin and coastwide scales.  Greg has also developed desktop ecological models for the Louisiana Coastal Area and Louisiana State Master Plan that project over 50 years how wetland vegetation communities and coastal geomorphology will change with and without restoration and protection efforts.  Greg is actively involved in working with USGS, DOI and other Gulf of Mexico scientists in developing foundational monitoring and adaptive management programs for the RESTORE Council and Natural Resources Damage Assessment and Restoration Trustee Council. His current research investigates the cumulative effects of multiple restoration projects on coastal landscape change and resilience.    

Science and Products

link
Ship Island Karen Westphal ds903_abstract.html

Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
Learn More
link
Ship Island Karen Westphal ds903_abstract.html

Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
Learn More
link
Fundamental Monitoring Elements

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Monitoring and Assessment Program Development

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and USGS will jointly lead the development of foundational components for Gulf region-wide monitoring.
By
Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
link

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Monitoring and Assessment Program Development

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and USGS will jointly lead the development of foundational components for Gulf region-wide monitoring.
Learn More
link
Adaptive Management graphic

Structured Decision-Making to Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Coastal Conservation and Restoration under Climate Change Uncertainties: Case Study on Barrier Island of the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Barrier island resource managers within the northern Gulf of Mexico have the opportunity to more directly incorporate scientific uncertainties and technological challenges inherent with large-scale barrier island restoration projects, and as such, commit to developing robust long-term monitoring programs and applying adaptive management.
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
link

Structured Decision-Making to Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Coastal Conservation and Restoration under Climate Change Uncertainties: Case Study on Barrier Island of the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Barrier island resource managers within the northern Gulf of Mexico have the opportunity to more directly incorporate scientific uncertainties and technological challenges inherent with large-scale barrier island restoration projects, and as such, commit to developing robust long-term monitoring programs and applying adaptive management.
Learn More
link
Brown Pelican nesting colony on Louisiana barrier island

Enhancing Cross-Jurisdictional Adaptive Management in the Gulf of Mexico

Using an iterative qualitative coding process, WARC researchers are identifying objectives, stressors, and management priorities to support the implementation of adaptive management in restoration programs across the Gulf of Mexico.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
link

Enhancing Cross-Jurisdictional Adaptive Management in the Gulf of Mexico

Using an iterative qualitative coding process, WARC researchers are identifying objectives, stressors, and management priorities to support the implementation of adaptive management in restoration programs across the Gulf of Mexico.
Learn More

USGS Earthmap Capacity Assessment Dataset

The U.S. Geological Survey provides a wide range of scientific information to an even wider group of stakeholders. Understanding what capacities are needed and if and or where these capacities exist across the USGS landscape is critical in moving science to the next level of use, implementation, and visualization. The concept behind the groups organized to conduct and interpret the survey that col

Geomorphic and ecological effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on coastal Louisiana marsh communities

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in 2005, subjecting the coastal marsh communities of Louisiana to various degrees of exposure. We collected data after the storms at 30 sites within fresh (12), brackish/intermediate (12), and saline (6) marshes to document the effects of saltwater storm surge and sedimentation on marsh community dynamics. The 30 sites were comprised of 15 pairs. Most pair
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Primary production across a coastal wetland landscape in Louisiana, U.S.A. (2012-2014)

Above- and belowground production in coastal wetlands are important contributors to carbon accumulation and ecosystem sustainability. As sea level rises, we can expect shifts to more salt-tolerant communities, which may alter these ecosystem functions and services. Although the direct influence of salinity on species-level primary production has been documented, we lack an understanding of the lan
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Predicting landscape effects of Mississippi River diversions on soil organic carbon sequestration

It contains supporting data from the wetland morphology modeling to support the analysis on the landscape effects of Mississippi River diversions in the context of sea-level rise on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration along coastal Louisiana wetlands.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Land area change in coastal Louisiana from 1932 to 2010

Coastal Louisiana wetlands make up the seventh largest delta on Earth, contain about 37 percent of the estuarine herbaceous marshes in the conterminous United States, and support the largest commercial fishery in the lower 48 States. These wetlands are in peril because Louisiana currently undergoes about 90 percent of the total coastal wetland loss in the continental United States. Documenting and
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Filter Total Items: 39

Assessing coastal wetland vulnerability to sea-level rise along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast: Gaps and opportunities for developing a coordinated regional sampling network

Coastal wetland responses to sea-level rise are greatly influenced by biogeomorphic processes that affect wetland surface elevation. Small changes in elevation relative to sea level can lead to comparatively large changes in ecosystem structure, function, and stability. The surface elevation table-marker horizon (SET-MH) approach is being used globally to quantify the relative contributions of pro
By
Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

A landscape-scale assessment of above- and belowground primary production in coastal wetlands: Implications for climate change-induced community shifts

Above- and belowground production in coastal wetlands are important contributors to carbon accumulation and ecosystem sustainability. As sea level rises, we can expect shifts to more salt-tolerant communities, which may alter these ecosystem functions and services. Although the direct influence of salinity on species-level primary production has been documented, we lack an understanding of the lan
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Determining the spatial variability of wetland soil bulk density, organic matter, and the conversion factor between organic matter and organic carbon across coastal Louisiana, U.S.A.

Soil bulk density (BD), soil organic matter (SOM) content, and a conversion factor between SOM and soil organic carbon (SOC) are often used in estimating SOC sequestration and storage. Spatial variability in BD, SOM, and the SOM–SOC conversion factor affects the ability to accurately estimate SOC sequestration, storage, and the benefits (e.g., land building area and vertical accretion) associated
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Operational considerations for implementing regional sediment management plans in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Development of a comprehensive and stakeholder-driven Regional Sediment Management plan can provide the basis for long-term sustainable resource use and protection. This paper highlights three operational components that can positively influence sediment management at a regional scale, including (1) integration of an operational sediment budget, (2) development of a monitoring and adaptive managem
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Wetland paleoecological study of southwest coastal Louisiana: sediment cores and diatom calibration dataset

Wetland sediment data were collected in 2009 and 2010 throughout the southwest Louisiana Chenier Plain as part of a pilot study to develop a diatom-based proxy for past wetland water chemistry and the identification of sediment deposits from tropical storms. The complete dataset includes forty-six surface sediment samples and nine sediment cores. The surface sediment samples were collected in fres
By
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Forecasting landscape effects of Mississippi River diversions on elevation and accretion in Louisiana deltaic wetlands under future environmental uncertainty scenarios

Large sediment diversions are proposed and expected to build new wetlands to alleviate the extensive wetland loss (5,000 km2) affecting coastal Louisiana during the last 78 years. Current assessment and prediction of the impacts of sediment diversions have focused on the capture and dispersal of both water and sediment on the adjacent river side and the immediate outfall marsh area. However, littl
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Landscape-level estimation of nitrogen removal in coastal Louisiana wetlands: potential sinks under different restoration scenarios

Coastal eutrophication in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is the primary anthropogenic contributor to the largest zone of hypoxic bottom waters in North America. Although biologically mediated processes such as denitrification (Dn) are known to act as sinks for inorganic nitrogen, it is unknown what contribution denitrification makes to landscape-scale nitrogen budgets along the coast. As the St
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Monitoring vegetation response to episodic disturbance events by using multitemporal vegetation indices

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery and land/water assessments from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery were used to quantify the extent and severity of damage and subsequent recovery after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita of 2005 within the vegetation communities of Louisiana's coastal wetlands. Field data
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Development of a reproducible method for determining quantity of water and its configuration in a marsh landscape

Coastal Louisiana is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. From 1956 to 2010, over 3,734 km2 of Louisiana's coastal wetlands have been lost due to a combination of natural and human-induced activities. The resulting landscape constitutes a mosaic of conditions from highly deteriorated to relatively stable with intact landmasses. Understanding how and why coastal landscapes change over time is cri
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Forecasting the effects of coastal protection and restoration projects on wetland morphology in coastal Louisiana under multiple environmental uncertainty scenarios

Few landscape scale models have assessed the effects of coastal protection and restoration projects on wetland morphology while taking into account important uncertainties in environmental factors such as sea-level rise (SLR) and subsidence. In support of Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan, we developed a spatially explicit wetland morphology model and coupled it with other predictive models. Th
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Predictive occurrence models for coastal wetland plant communities: delineating hydrologic response surfaces with multinomial logistic regression

Understanding plant community zonation along estuarine stress gradients is critical for effective conservation and restoration of coastal wetland ecosystems. We related the presence of plant community types to estuarine hydrology at 173 sites across coastal Louisiana. Percent relative cover by species was assessed at each site near the end of the growing season in 2008, and hourly water level and
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Geomorphic and ecological effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on coastal Louisiana marsh communities

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in 2005, subjecting the coastal marsh communities of Louisiana to various degrees of exposure. We collected data after the storms at 30 sites within fresh (12), brackish/intermediate (12), and saline (6) marshes to document the effects of saltwater storm surge and sedimentation on marsh community dynamics. The 30 sites were comprised of 15 pairs. Most pair
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Pre-USGS Publications

Steyer, G.D., Couvillion, B., Wang, H., Sleavin, B., Rybczyk, J., Trahan, N., Beck, H., Fischenich, C., Boustany, R., and Allen, Y. 2012. Landscape change and relative elevation sub-models, Appendix D-2 Wetland Morphology Model Technical Report in Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, 104 p.
Casper, Andrew F., Rebecca A. Efroymson, Steven M. Davis, Greg Steyer, and Brian Zettle, 2010, Improving Conceptual Model Development: Avoiding Underperformance Due to Project Uncertainties. ERDC TN-EMRRP-EBA-5, 7 p. The product is available online at http://libweb.erdc.usace.army.mil/Archimages/3263.PDF
Lin, Jeff P., Scott Bourne, Brady Couvillion, Jane M. Smith, Gregg Snedden, Gregory D. Steyer, and Sally L. Yost, 2010, Evaluation of a Method for Measuring Lateral Obscuration of Coastal Marsh Vegetation in Louisiana. ERDC/EL TN-10-2, 15 p. The product is available online at http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/elpubs/pdf/eltn10-02.pdf
Conzelmann, C., G.D. Steyer, M. Comeaux, and K. Suir. 2009. CRMS Mapping Applications and the Google Maps Application Programming Interface (API): An Alternative to the Traditional Web Form. The product is available online at http://cs.tamucc.edu/dim/docs/papers/Craig%20Conzelmann.doc
Twilley, R.R., B.R. Couvillion, I. Hossain, C. Kaiser, A.B. Owens, G.D. Steyer, and J.M. Visser. 2008. Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration Program: The Role of Ecosystem Forecasting in Evaluating Restoration Planning in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain. American Fisheries Society Symposium 64:29-46.
Steyer, G.D., A.B. Owens, and B.R. Couvillion. 2006. Data Collection Network to Support Ecosystem Forecasting for the Barataria Basin – Mississippi River Domain. Coastal Environment and Water Quality (ed. By Y.J. Xu & V.P. Singh), 431-442. Water Resources Publications, LLC, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163-0026, USA.
Steyer, G.D., R.R. Twilley and R.C. Raynie. 2006. An Integrated Monitoring Approach Using Multiple Reference Sites to Assess Sustainable Restoration in Coastal Louisiana. Pages 326 – 333 In Aguirre-Bravo, C., Pellicane, Patrick J., Burns, Denver P., and Draggan, Sidney (Eds.) Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere. 2004 September 20-24, Denver, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-42CD, Fort Collins, CO, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 990 p.
Day, J., J. Barras, E. Clairain, J. Johnston, D. Justic, G. Kemp, J. Ko, R. Lane, W. Mitsch, G. Steyer, P. Templet, and A. Yanez-Arancibia. 2005. Implications of Global Climatic Change and Energy Cost and Availability for the Restoration of the Mississippi Delta. Ecological Engineering. 24:253-265.
Day, J., P. Templet, J. Ko, W. Mitsch, G.P. Kemp, J. Johnston, G. Steyer, J. Barras, D. Justic, E. Clairain, and R. Theriot. 2004. The Mississippi Delta: System Functioning, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Management. Pages 851-880. In: Caso, M., I. Pisanty, and E. Ezcurra (eds). Environmental Diagnosis of the Gulf of Mexico. Vol. 2. National Institute of Ecology, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
Ko, J., J. Day, J. Barras, R. Morton , J. Johnston, G. Steyer, G.P. Kemp, E. Clairain, and R. Theriot. 2004. Impacts of Oil and Gas Activities on Coastal Wetland loss in the Mississippi Delta. Pages 957-977 In: Caso, M., I. Pisanty, and E. Ezcurra (eds). Environmental Diagnosis of the Gulf of Mexico. Vol. 2. National Institute of Ecology, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
Steyer, G.D., C.E. Sasser, J.M. Visser, E.M. Swenson, J.A. Nyman, and R.C. Raynie. 2003. A Proposed Coast-wide Reference Monitoring System for Evaluating Wetland Restoration Trajectories in Louisiana. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 81:107-117.
Summers, J.K., and G.D. Steyer. 2000. A Framework for an Integrated and Comprehensive Monitoring Plan for the Estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Gulf Ecology Division, Gulf Breeze, Florida. EPA 620-R-00-006.
Steyer, G.D. and D.W. Llewellyn. 2000. Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act: A Programmatic Application of Adaptive Management. Ecological Engineering. 15: 385-395.
Johnston, J.B., J. Barras, S. Hartley, D.A. Fuller, and G. Steyer. 1998. The integration of GIS and image processing technology for monitoring wetland restoration projects. Pages 607-616 in: McComb, A.J., and J.A. Davis, editors. Wetlands for the Future: INTECOL’S V International Wetlands Conference, Perth, Australia.
Steyer, G.D., D. Fuller, and J. Barras. 1995. The integration of GIS and image processing technology with continuous and real-time data collection for monitoring wetland restoration projects. National Interagency Workshop on Wetlands, New Orleans, LA.
Cahoon, D.R., D.J. Reed, J.W. Day, Jr., G.D. Steyer, R.M. Boumans, J.C. Lynch, D. McNally, and N. Latif. 1995. The influence of Hurricane Andrew on sediment distribution in Louisiana coastal marshes. Journal of Coastal Research. SI 21: 280-294.
Guntenspergen, G.R., D.R. Cahoon, J. Grace, G.D. Steyer, S. Fournet, M.A. Townson, and A.L. Foote. 1995. Disturbance and recovery of the Louisiana coastal marsh landscape from the impacts of Hurricane Andrew. Journal of Coastal Research. SI 21: 324-339.
Steyer, G.D., C.I. Simon, and S.G. Underwood. 1993. A resource management approach for evaluating the effectiveness of wetland restoration projects. Pages 742-745 in: Landin, M.C., editor. Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, Society of Wetland Scientists, Utica, MS.
Stone, G.W., J.M. Grymes, III, K.D. Robbins, S.G. Underwood, G.D. Steyer, and R.A. Muller. 1993. A chronologic overview of climatological and hydrological aspects associated with Hurricane Andrew and its morphological effects along the Louisiana coast, USA. Shore and Beach. 61(2): 2-12.
Trepagnier, C.M., B. Good, G.D. Steyer, and W. B. Sutton. 1993. Evaluation of three crevasse splay marsh creation projects at the Mississippi River delta. Pages 115-119 in: Landin, M.C., editor. Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, Society of Wetland Scientists, Utica, MS.

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    Ship Island Karen Westphal ds903_abstract.html

    Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

    Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
    link

    Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

    Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
    Learn More
    link
    Ship Island Karen Westphal ds903_abstract.html

    Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

    Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
    By
    Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
    link

    Structured Decision-Making as a Tool for Coastal Restoration: A Case Study on Ship Island, Mississippi

    Barrier islands protect mainland areas from storm surge, but can erode over time and require restoration. Ship Island, a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi, provides an example of this: the island was battered by Hurricane Camille in 1969 and split into two separate islands. As part of the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use approximatel
    Learn More
    link
    Fundamental Monitoring Elements

    Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Monitoring and Assessment Program Development

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and USGS will jointly lead the development of foundational components for Gulf region-wide monitoring.
    By
    Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
    link

    Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Monitoring and Assessment Program Development

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and USGS will jointly lead the development of foundational components for Gulf region-wide monitoring.
    Learn More
    link
    Adaptive Management graphic

    Structured Decision-Making to Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Coastal Conservation and Restoration under Climate Change Uncertainties: Case Study on Barrier Island of the Northern Gulf of Mexico

    Barrier island resource managers within the northern Gulf of Mexico have the opportunity to more directly incorporate scientific uncertainties and technological challenges inherent with large-scale barrier island restoration projects, and as such, commit to developing robust long-term monitoring programs and applying adaptive management.
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
    link

    Structured Decision-Making to Facilitate Multi-Stakeholder Coastal Conservation and Restoration under Climate Change Uncertainties: Case Study on Barrier Island of the Northern Gulf of Mexico

    Barrier island resource managers within the northern Gulf of Mexico have the opportunity to more directly incorporate scientific uncertainties and technological challenges inherent with large-scale barrier island restoration projects, and as such, commit to developing robust long-term monitoring programs and applying adaptive management.
    Learn More
    link
    Brown Pelican nesting colony on Louisiana barrier island

    Enhancing Cross-Jurisdictional Adaptive Management in the Gulf of Mexico

    Using an iterative qualitative coding process, WARC researchers are identifying objectives, stressors, and management priorities to support the implementation of adaptive management in restoration programs across the Gulf of Mexico.
    By
    Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
    link

    Enhancing Cross-Jurisdictional Adaptive Management in the Gulf of Mexico

    Using an iterative qualitative coding process, WARC researchers are identifying objectives, stressors, and management priorities to support the implementation of adaptive management in restoration programs across the Gulf of Mexico.
    Learn More
  • Data

    USGS Earthmap Capacity Assessment Dataset

    The U.S. Geological Survey provides a wide range of scientific information to an even wider group of stakeholders. Understanding what capacities are needed and if and or where these capacities exist across the USGS landscape is critical in moving science to the next level of use, implementation, and visualization. The concept behind the groups organized to conduct and interpret the survey that col

    Geomorphic and ecological effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on coastal Louisiana marsh communities

    Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in 2005, subjecting the coastal marsh communities of Louisiana to various degrees of exposure. We collected data after the storms at 30 sites within fresh (12), brackish/intermediate (12), and saline (6) marshes to document the effects of saltwater storm surge and sedimentation on marsh community dynamics. The 30 sites were comprised of 15 pairs. Most pair
    By
    Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Primary production across a coastal wetland landscape in Louisiana, U.S.A. (2012-2014)

    Above- and belowground production in coastal wetlands are important contributors to carbon accumulation and ecosystem sustainability. As sea level rises, we can expect shifts to more salt-tolerant communities, which may alter these ecosystem functions and services. Although the direct influence of salinity on species-level primary production has been documented, we lack an understanding of the lan
    By
    Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Predicting landscape effects of Mississippi River diversions on soil organic carbon sequestration

    It contains supporting data from the wetland morphology modeling to support the analysis on the landscape effects of Mississippi River diversions in the context of sea-level rise on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration along coastal Louisiana wetlands.
    By
    Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
  • Maps

    Land area change in coastal Louisiana from 1932 to 2010

    Coastal Louisiana wetlands make up the seventh largest delta on Earth, contain about 37 percent of the estuarine herbaceous marshes in the conterminous United States, and support the largest commercial fishery in the lower 48 States. These wetlands are in peril because Louisiana currently undergoes about 90 percent of the total coastal wetland loss in the continental United States. Documenting and
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 39

    Assessing coastal wetland vulnerability to sea-level rise along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast: Gaps and opportunities for developing a coordinated regional sampling network

    Coastal wetland responses to sea-level rise are greatly influenced by biogeomorphic processes that affect wetland surface elevation. Small changes in elevation relative to sea level can lead to comparatively large changes in ecosystem structure, function, and stability. The surface elevation table-marker horizon (SET-MH) approach is being used globally to quantify the relative contributions of pro
    By
    Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    A landscape-scale assessment of above- and belowground primary production in coastal wetlands: Implications for climate change-induced community shifts

    Above- and belowground production in coastal wetlands are important contributors to carbon accumulation and ecosystem sustainability. As sea level rises, we can expect shifts to more salt-tolerant communities, which may alter these ecosystem functions and services. Although the direct influence of salinity on species-level primary production has been documented, we lack an understanding of the lan
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Determining the spatial variability of wetland soil bulk density, organic matter, and the conversion factor between organic matter and organic carbon across coastal Louisiana, U.S.A.

    Soil bulk density (BD), soil organic matter (SOM) content, and a conversion factor between SOM and soil organic carbon (SOC) are often used in estimating SOC sequestration and storage. Spatial variability in BD, SOM, and the SOM–SOC conversion factor affects the ability to accurately estimate SOC sequestration, storage, and the benefits (e.g., land building area and vertical accretion) associated
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Operational considerations for implementing regional sediment management plans in the northern Gulf of Mexico

    Development of a comprehensive and stakeholder-driven Regional Sediment Management plan can provide the basis for long-term sustainable resource use and protection. This paper highlights three operational components that can positively influence sediment management at a regional scale, including (1) integration of an operational sediment budget, (2) development of a monitoring and adaptive managem
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Wetland paleoecological study of southwest coastal Louisiana: sediment cores and diatom calibration dataset

    Wetland sediment data were collected in 2009 and 2010 throughout the southwest Louisiana Chenier Plain as part of a pilot study to develop a diatom-based proxy for past wetland water chemistry and the identification of sediment deposits from tropical storms. The complete dataset includes forty-six surface sediment samples and nine sediment cores. The surface sediment samples were collected in fres
    By
    St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

    Forecasting landscape effects of Mississippi River diversions on elevation and accretion in Louisiana deltaic wetlands under future environmental uncertainty scenarios

    Large sediment diversions are proposed and expected to build new wetlands to alleviate the extensive wetland loss (5,000 km2) affecting coastal Louisiana during the last 78 years. Current assessment and prediction of the impacts of sediment diversions have focused on the capture and dispersal of both water and sediment on the adjacent river side and the immediate outfall marsh area. However, littl
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Landscape-level estimation of nitrogen removal in coastal Louisiana wetlands: potential sinks under different restoration scenarios

    Coastal eutrophication in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is the primary anthropogenic contributor to the largest zone of hypoxic bottom waters in North America. Although biologically mediated processes such as denitrification (Dn) are known to act as sinks for inorganic nitrogen, it is unknown what contribution denitrification makes to landscape-scale nitrogen budgets along the coast. As the St
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Monitoring vegetation response to episodic disturbance events by using multitemporal vegetation indices

    Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery and land/water assessments from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery were used to quantify the extent and severity of damage and subsequent recovery after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita of 2005 within the vegetation communities of Louisiana's coastal wetlands. Field data
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Development of a reproducible method for determining quantity of water and its configuration in a marsh landscape

    Coastal Louisiana is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. From 1956 to 2010, over 3,734 km2 of Louisiana's coastal wetlands have been lost due to a combination of natural and human-induced activities. The resulting landscape constitutes a mosaic of conditions from highly deteriorated to relatively stable with intact landmasses. Understanding how and why coastal landscapes change over time is cri
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Forecasting the effects of coastal protection and restoration projects on wetland morphology in coastal Louisiana under multiple environmental uncertainty scenarios

    Few landscape scale models have assessed the effects of coastal protection and restoration projects on wetland morphology while taking into account important uncertainties in environmental factors such as sea-level rise (SLR) and subsidence. In support of Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan, we developed a spatially explicit wetland morphology model and coupled it with other predictive models. Th
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Predictive occurrence models for coastal wetland plant communities: delineating hydrologic response surfaces with multinomial logistic regression

    Understanding plant community zonation along estuarine stress gradients is critical for effective conservation and restoration of coastal wetland ecosystems. We related the presence of plant community types to estuarine hydrology at 173 sites across coastal Louisiana. Percent relative cover by species was assessed at each site near the end of the growing season in 2008, and hourly water level and
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Geomorphic and ecological effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on coastal Louisiana marsh communities

    Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in 2005, subjecting the coastal marsh communities of Louisiana to various degrees of exposure. We collected data after the storms at 30 sites within fresh (12), brackish/intermediate (12), and saline (6) marshes to document the effects of saltwater storm surge and sedimentation on marsh community dynamics. The 30 sites were comprised of 15 pairs. Most pair
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Pre-USGS Publications

    Steyer, G.D., Couvillion, B., Wang, H., Sleavin, B., Rybczyk, J., Trahan, N., Beck, H., Fischenich, C., Boustany, R., and Allen, Y. 2012. Landscape change and relative elevation sub-models, Appendix D-2 Wetland Morphology Model Technical Report in Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, 104 p.
    Casper, Andrew F., Rebecca A. Efroymson, Steven M. Davis, Greg Steyer, and Brian Zettle, 2010, Improving Conceptual Model Development: Avoiding Underperformance Due to Project Uncertainties. ERDC TN-EMRRP-EBA-5, 7 p. The product is available online at http://libweb.erdc.usace.army.mil/Archimages/3263.PDF
    Lin, Jeff P., Scott Bourne, Brady Couvillion, Jane M. Smith, Gregg Snedden, Gregory D. Steyer, and Sally L. Yost, 2010, Evaluation of a Method for Measuring Lateral Obscuration of Coastal Marsh Vegetation in Louisiana. ERDC/EL TN-10-2, 15 p. The product is available online at http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/elpubs/pdf/eltn10-02.pdf
    Conzelmann, C., G.D. Steyer, M. Comeaux, and K. Suir. 2009. CRMS Mapping Applications and the Google Maps Application Programming Interface (API): An Alternative to the Traditional Web Form. The product is available online at http://cs.tamucc.edu/dim/docs/papers/Craig%20Conzelmann.doc
    Twilley, R.R., B.R. Couvillion, I. Hossain, C. Kaiser, A.B. Owens, G.D. Steyer, and J.M. Visser. 2008. Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration Program: The Role of Ecosystem Forecasting in Evaluating Restoration Planning in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain. American Fisheries Society Symposium 64:29-46.
    Steyer, G.D., A.B. Owens, and B.R. Couvillion. 2006. Data Collection Network to Support Ecosystem Forecasting for the Barataria Basin – Mississippi River Domain. Coastal Environment and Water Quality (ed. By Y.J. Xu & V.P. Singh), 431-442. Water Resources Publications, LLC, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163-0026, USA.
    Steyer, G.D., R.R. Twilley and R.C. Raynie. 2006. An Integrated Monitoring Approach Using Multiple Reference Sites to Assess Sustainable Restoration in Coastal Louisiana. Pages 326 – 333 In Aguirre-Bravo, C., Pellicane, Patrick J., Burns, Denver P., and Draggan, Sidney (Eds.) Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere. 2004 September 20-24, Denver, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-42CD, Fort Collins, CO, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 990 p.
    Day, J., J. Barras, E. Clairain, J. Johnston, D. Justic, G. Kemp, J. Ko, R. Lane, W. Mitsch, G. Steyer, P. Templet, and A. Yanez-Arancibia. 2005. Implications of Global Climatic Change and Energy Cost and Availability for the Restoration of the Mississippi Delta. Ecological Engineering. 24:253-265.
    Day, J., P. Templet, J. Ko, W. Mitsch, G.P. Kemp, J. Johnston, G. Steyer, J. Barras, D. Justic, E. Clairain, and R. Theriot. 2004. The Mississippi Delta: System Functioning, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Management. Pages 851-880. In: Caso, M., I. Pisanty, and E. Ezcurra (eds). Environmental Diagnosis of the Gulf of Mexico. Vol. 2. National Institute of Ecology, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
    Ko, J., J. Day, J. Barras, R. Morton , J. Johnston, G. Steyer, G.P. Kemp, E. Clairain, and R. Theriot. 2004. Impacts of Oil and Gas Activities on Coastal Wetland loss in the Mississippi Delta. Pages 957-977 In: Caso, M., I. Pisanty, and E. Ezcurra (eds). Environmental Diagnosis of the Gulf of Mexico. Vol. 2. National Institute of Ecology, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
    Steyer, G.D., C.E. Sasser, J.M. Visser, E.M. Swenson, J.A. Nyman, and R.C. Raynie. 2003. A Proposed Coast-wide Reference Monitoring System for Evaluating Wetland Restoration Trajectories in Louisiana. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 81:107-117.
    Summers, J.K., and G.D. Steyer. 2000. A Framework for an Integrated and Comprehensive Monitoring Plan for the Estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Gulf Ecology Division, Gulf Breeze, Florida. EPA 620-R-00-006.
    Steyer, G.D. and D.W. Llewellyn. 2000. Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act: A Programmatic Application of Adaptive Management. Ecological Engineering. 15: 385-395.
    Johnston, J.B., J. Barras, S. Hartley, D.A. Fuller, and G. Steyer. 1998. The integration of GIS and image processing technology for monitoring wetland restoration projects. Pages 607-616 in: McComb, A.J., and J.A. Davis, editors. Wetlands for the Future: INTECOL’S V International Wetlands Conference, Perth, Australia.
    Steyer, G.D., D. Fuller, and J. Barras. 1995. The integration of GIS and image processing technology with continuous and real-time data collection for monitoring wetland restoration projects. National Interagency Workshop on Wetlands, New Orleans, LA.
    Cahoon, D.R., D.J. Reed, J.W. Day, Jr., G.D. Steyer, R.M. Boumans, J.C. Lynch, D. McNally, and N. Latif. 1995. The influence of Hurricane Andrew on sediment distribution in Louisiana coastal marshes. Journal of Coastal Research. SI 21: 280-294.
    Guntenspergen, G.R., D.R. Cahoon, J. Grace, G.D. Steyer, S. Fournet, M.A. Townson, and A.L. Foote. 1995. Disturbance and recovery of the Louisiana coastal marsh landscape from the impacts of Hurricane Andrew. Journal of Coastal Research. SI 21: 324-339.
    Steyer, G.D., C.I. Simon, and S.G. Underwood. 1993. A resource management approach for evaluating the effectiveness of wetland restoration projects. Pages 742-745 in: Landin, M.C., editor. Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, Society of Wetland Scientists, Utica, MS.
    Stone, G.W., J.M. Grymes, III, K.D. Robbins, S.G. Underwood, G.D. Steyer, and R.A. Muller. 1993. A chronologic overview of climatological and hydrological aspects associated with Hurricane Andrew and its morphological effects along the Louisiana coast, USA. Shore and Beach. 61(2): 2-12.
    Trepagnier, C.M., B. Good, G.D. Steyer, and W. B. Sutton. 1993. Evaluation of three crevasse splay marsh creation projects at the Mississippi River delta. Pages 115-119 in: Landin, M.C., editor. Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of the Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, Society of Wetland Scientists, Utica, MS.