Nicholas Enwright is a Research Geographer at U.S. Geological Survey's Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Lafayette, Louisiana.
He received his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 2019. Nicholas uses applied coastal geography research to understand how the spatial distribution and patterns of environments, such as barrier islands and coastal wetlands, are changing through time. His research program aims to further science related to natural resource assessments, restoration planning, and monitoring by: (1) developing new data using remote sensing techniques; (2) advancing methodologies for geospatial studies; (3) analyzing spatial data using geographic information science (GIS); and (4) forecasting potential future landscapes using geocomputational modeling. Currently, Nicholas' research team is working on projects that span the northern Gulf of Mexico coast and the Atlantic Seaboard.
Professional Experience
Research Geographer, U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, LA, 2022 to present
Geographer, U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, LA, 2013 to 2022
Geographic Information Specialist II, Five Rivers Services/IAP Worldwide Services, contracted to support the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center Lafayette, LA, 2010 to 2013
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., 2019, Louisiana State University, Major: Geography and Anthropology; research emphasis: barrier island habitat mapping and modeling
M.S., 2010, University of North Texas, Major: Applied Geography; research emphasis: geospatial analysis of wetlands
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, 2008, University of North Texas
B.S., 2007, University of North Texas, Major: Geography
Science and Products
Understanding Ecosystem Response and Infrastructure Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise for Several National Parks and Preserves in the South Atlantic-Gulf Region
Mapping Avian Habitat for the Gulf Coast Joint Venture
Coast Train: Massive Library of Labeled Coastal Images to Train Machine Learning for Coastal Hazards and Resources
Understanding Avian Habitat Availability and Use After Barrier Island Restoration in Coastal Louisiana
Mapping High Marsh along the Northern Gulf of Mexico Coast
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Monitoring and Assessment Program Development
Geospatially Enabled, Web-based Habitat Reporting Tool to Support Monitoring and Assessment along the Louisiana Shore
Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program (MsCIP)
Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment
Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program (BICM)
USGS Technical Support for Coastal/Wetlands Ecology: Spatial Analysis and Application for the Gulf Coast Prairie Landscape Conservation Cooperative (GCP LCC)
Louisiana Barrier Island Habitat Mapping and Change Assessment
Whiskey Island Caillou Lake Headlands restoration area 2016–2019 shorelines, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
Caminada Headland restoration area 2016-2019 shorelines, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
Satellite-based barrier island habitat maps, Whiskey Island, Louisiana, 2012-2020
Satellite-based barrier island habitat maps, Caminada Headland, Louisiana, 2012-2019
Seagrass map, Cat Island and Ship Island, Mississippi, 2014
Seagrass map, Cat Island and Ship Island, Mississippi, 2011
Mapping irregularly flooded wetlands, high marsh, and salt pannes/flats along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast
Potential landward migration of coastal wetlands in response to sea-level rise within estuarine drainage areas and coastal states of the conterminous United States
Estuarine drainage area boundaries for the conterminous United States
Caminada Headland restoration area – 2019 habitat map, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
Caminada Headland restoration area – 2018 habitat map, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
Caminada Headland restoration area - 2017 habitat map, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
Delineation of marsh types from Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, to Perdido Bay, Alabama, in 2010
Elevation-based probabilistic mapping of irregularly flooded wetlands along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast
Lacunarity as a tool for assessing landscape configuration over time and informing long-term monitoring: An example using seagrass
Migration and transformation of coastal wetlands in response to rising seas
Developing bare-earth digital elevation models from structure-from-motion data on barrier islands
Assessing habitat change and migration of barrier islands
Council monitoring and assessment program (CMAP): Common monitoring program attributes and methodologies for the Gulf of Mexico Region
Council Monitoring and Assessment Program (CMAP): User guide for the Gulf Coast Monitoring and Assessment Portal
Council monitoring and assessment program (CMAP): A framework for using the monitoring program inventory to conduct gap assessments for the Gulf of Mexico Region
Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program: Mapping habitats in beach, dune, and intertidal environments along the Louisiana Gulf of Mexico shoreline, 2008 and 2015–16
Decision analysis of restoration actions for faunal conservation and other stakeholder values: Dauphin Island, Alabama
Predicting barrier island habitats and oyster and seagrass habitat suitability for various restoration measures and future conditions for Dauphin Island, Alabama
Council monitoring and assessment program (CMAP) compilation of existing habitat and water quality monitoring and mapping assessments for the Gulf of Mexico Region
Science and Products
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Understanding Ecosystem Response and Infrastructure Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise for Several National Parks and Preserves in the South Atlantic-Gulf Region
USGS Researchers at the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center and the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center will provide valuable information to natural resource managers on how important coastal ecosystems in the National Park Service South Atlantic-Gulf Region may change over time. This information could assist with future-focused land management and stewardship.Mapping Avian Habitat for the Gulf Coast Joint Venture
The Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV) was established in 1988 as a result of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, which espouses the restoration of continental waterfowl populations through conservation partnerships in priority habitat regions. Since that time GCJV partners have expanded their mission and purpose to include the provision of habitat to support other priority bird species...Coast Train: Massive Library of Labeled Coastal Images to Train Machine Learning for Coastal Hazards and Resources
Scientists who study coastal ecosystems and hazards such as hurricanes, flooding, and cliff failure collect lots of photographs of coastal environments from airplanes and drones. A large area can be surveyed at high resolution and low cost. Additionally, satellites such as Landsat have provided imagery of the Nation’s coastlines every few days for decades. Scientist’s ability to understand coastal...Understanding Avian Habitat Availability and Use After Barrier Island Restoration in Coastal Louisiana
Using ecological and geographical data, WARC researchers and their partners are analyzing avian and benthic sampling on Whiskey Island and Caminda Headland to compare pre- and post-restoration aspects of habitat occupancy, habitat availability, habitat use, and kernal density estimation.Mapping High Marsh along the Northern Gulf of Mexico Coast
USGS is collaborating with Mississippi State University to investigate the effects of fire on Gulf of Mexico marshes. The project will include mapping high marsh and monitoring black rail, yellow rail, and mottled duck responses to prescribed fire application.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.Geospatially Enabled, Web-based Habitat Reporting Tool to Support Monitoring and Assessment along the Louisiana Shore
The State of Louisiana's Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring (BICM) program has partnered with USGS to developed two habitat classifications schemes for monitoring barrier island habitats and habitats in beach-dune systems along the mainland. These schemes builds upon previous BICM habitat mapping efforts.Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program (MsCIP)
In 2009, the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program (MsCIP) was developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District in conjunction with other Federal and State agencies, to help reduce future storm damage along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Comprehensive Plan for MsCIP includes restoring the Mississippi barrier islands and over 3,000 acres of wetland and coastal forest...Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment
This project is a collaborative effort between the USGS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the State of Alabama funded by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to investigate viable, sustainable restoration options that protect and restore the natural resources of Dauphin Island, Alabama. The project is focused on restoration options that protect and restore habitat and living...Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program (BICM)
The goal of the State of Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring (BICM) program is to provide long-term data on the barrier islands of Louisiana that could be used to plan, design, evaluate, and maintain current and future barrier-island restoration projects.USGS Technical Support for Coastal/Wetlands Ecology: Spatial Analysis and Application for the Gulf Coast Prairie Landscape Conservation Cooperative (GCP LCC)
The Gulf Coastal Prairie (GCP) includes areas within Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas as well as Mexico. The GCP Landscape Conservation Cooperative aims to conserve prairie grasslands which helps migratory birds and other wildlife that rely on these ecosystems.Louisiana Barrier Island Habitat Mapping and Change Assessment
Barrier islands provide numerous invaluable ecosystem goods and services including storm protection and erosion control for the mainland, habitat for fish and wildlife, salinity regulation in estuaries, carbon sequestration in marshes, recreation, and tourism. These islands are dynamic environments due to their position at the land-sea interface. Storms, wave energy, tides, currents, and relative... - Data
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Whiskey Island Caillou Lake Headlands restoration area 2016–2019 shorelines, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
This data package includes a high-water shoreline position map and a structures map for each year from 2016–2019 for the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Caillou Lake Headlands project area (TE-0100), also known as Whiskey Island. The project created 170 acres of marsh habitat and 917 acres of dune and beach habitat on Whiskey Island in Terrebonne Parish using material dredged from Ship SCaminada Headland restoration area 2016-2019 shorelines, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
This data package includes a high-water shoreline position map and a structures map for each year from 2016–2019 for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Incr2 project area (BA-0143). The project restored 489 acres of beach and dune habitat along more than seven miles of Caminada Headland in Jefferson and Lafourche Parishes through the direcSatellite-based barrier island habitat maps, Whiskey Island, Louisiana, 2012-2020
This product is a satellite-based habitat map time series from 2012 to 2020 for the Whiskey Island reach of the Louisiana Gulf shoreline to facilitate monitoring of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Caillou Lake Headlands project area (TE-0100), also known as Whiskey Island. The project created 170 acres of marsh habitat and 917 acres of dune and beach habitat on Whiskey Island in TerrSatellite-based barrier island habitat maps, Caminada Headland, Louisiana, 2012-2019
This product is a satellite-based habitat map time series from 2012 to 2019 for the Caminada Headland reach of the Louisiana Gulf shoreline to facilitate monitoring of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Incr2 project area (BA-0143). The project restored 489 acres of beach and dune habitat along more than seven miles of Caminada Headland inSeagrass map, Cat Island and Ship Island, Mississippi, 2014
This product depicts the spatial coverage of seagrass beds from 0.5-m color-infrared orthoimagery for Cat Island and Ship Island, Mississippi from early fall of 2014. Specifically, the map includes presence and absence of seagrass beds within a potential seagrass extent that was based on topobathymetric data. A minimum mapping unit of 4 square meters was used for this mapping effort.Seagrass map, Cat Island and Ship Island, Mississippi, 2011
This product depicts the spatial coverage of seagrass beds from 0.5-m color-infrared orthoimagery for Cat Island and Ship Island, Mississippi from early fall of 2011. Specifically, the map includes presence and absence of seagrass beds within a potential seagrass extent that was based on topobathymetric data. A minimum mapping unit of 4 square meters was used for this mapping effort.Mapping irregularly flooded wetlands, high marsh, and salt pannes/flats along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast
This data release includes geospatial data for irregularly flooded wetlands and high marsh and salt pannes/flats along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast from Texas to Florida. Specifically, this release includes six products: (1) a map highlighting the probability that an area is an irregularly flooded wetland; (2) a map delineating high marsh and salt pannes/flats; (3) a map from Lake PontchartraPotential landward migration of coastal wetlands in response to sea-level rise within estuarine drainage areas and coastal states of the conterminous United States
We quantified the potential area available for landward migration of tidal saline wetlands and freshwater wetlands due to sea-level rise (SLR) at the estuary scale for 166 estuarine drainage areas and at the state scale for 22 coastal states and District of Columbia. We used 2016 Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) data in combination with the future wetland migration data under the 1.5 m globEstuarine drainage area boundaries for the conterminous United States
To quantify the potential for landward migration at the estuary level, we developed a geospatial dataset for the conterminous United States (CONUS) that identifies the boundaries for estuarine drainage areas. Nine estuarine drainage areas in south Florida were delineated using data developed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD 2018). For the rest of CONUS, we used information conCaminada Headland restoration area – 2019 habitat map, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
This package includes a detailed habitat map, general habitat map, and georeferenced imagery from 2019 for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Incr2 project area (BA-0143). The project restored 489 acres of beach and dune habitat along more than seven miles of Caminada Headland in Jefferson and Lafourche Parishes through the direct placemenCaminada Headland restoration area – 2018 habitat map, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
This package includes a detailed habitat map, general habitat map, and georeferenced imagery from 2018 for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Incr2 project area (BA-0143). The project restored 489 acres of beach and dune habitat along more than seven miles of Caminada Headland in Jefferson and Lafourche Parishes through the direct placemenCaminada Headland restoration area - 2017 habitat map, Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program
This package includes a detailed habitat map, general habitat map, and georeferenced imagery from 2017 for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration Incr2 project area (BA-0143). The project restored 489 acres of beach and dune habitat along more than seven miles of Caminada Headland in Jefferson and Lafourche Parishes through the direct placemen - Maps
Delineation of marsh types from Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, to Perdido Bay, Alabama, in 2010
Coastal zone managers and researchers often require detailed information regarding emergent marsh vegetation types (that is, fresh, intermediate, brackish, and saline) for modeling habitat capacities and needs of marsh dependent taxa (such as waterfowl and alligator). Detailed information on the extent and distribution of emergent marsh vegetation types throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico coast - Multimedia
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Elevation-based probabilistic mapping of irregularly flooded wetlands along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast
Irregularly flooded wetlands are found above the mean high water tidal datum and are exposed to tides and saltwater less frequently than daily. These wetlands provide important ecosystem services, such as providing habitat for fish and wildlife, enhancing water quality, ameliorating flooding impacts, supporting coastal food webs, and protecting upslope areas from erosion. Mapping irregularly floodLacunarity as a tool for assessing landscape configuration over time and informing long-term monitoring: An example using seagrass
ContextSeagrasses are submerged marine plants that have been declining globally at increasing rates. Natural resource managers rely on monitoring programs to detect and understand changes in these ecosystems. Technological advancements are allowing for the development of patch-level seagrass maps, which can be used to explore seagrass meadow spatial patterns.ObjectivesOur research questions involvMigration and transformation of coastal wetlands in response to rising seas
Coastal wetlands are not only among the world’s most valued ecosystems but also among the most threatened by high greenhouse gas emissions that lead to accelerated sea level rise. There is intense debate regarding the extent to which landward migration of wetlands might compensate for seaward wetland losses. By integrating data from 166 estuaries across the conterminous United States, we show thatByDeveloping bare-earth digital elevation models from structure-from-motion data on barrier islands
Unoccupied aerial systems can collect aerial imagery that can be used to develop structure-from-motion products with a temporal resolution well-suited to monitoring dynamic barrier island environments. However, topographic data created using photogrammetric techniques such as structure-from-motion represent the surface elevation including the vegetation canopy. Additional processing is required foAssessing habitat change and migration of barrier islands
Barrier islands are dynamic environments that experience gradual change from waves, tides, and currents, and rapid change from extreme storms. These islands are expected to change drastically over the coming century due to accelerated sea-level rise and changes in frequency and intensity of storm events. The dynamic nature of barrier islands coupled with the importance of these environments make iCouncil monitoring and assessment program (CMAP): Common monitoring program attributes and methodologies for the Gulf of Mexico Region
Executive Summary Under the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act), the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council or Council) is required to report on the progress of funded projects and programs. Systematic monitoring of restoration at the project-specific and programmatic-levels (i.e.Council Monitoring and Assessment Program (CMAP): User guide for the Gulf Coast Monitoring and Assessment Portal
The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act Final Rule at 31 C.F.R. Part 34) was signed into law on July 6, 2012. The RESTORE Act calls for a regional approach to restoring the long-term health of the valuable natural ecosystem and economy of the Gulf Coast region. The RESTORE Act dedicates 80 percent of civilCouncil monitoring and assessment program (CMAP): A framework for using the monitoring program inventory to conduct gap assessments for the Gulf of Mexico Region
Executive Summary Under the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act), the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council or Council) is required to report on the progress of funded projects and programs. Systematic monitoring of restoration at the project-specific and programmatic-levels (wateLouisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring Program: Mapping habitats in beach, dune, and intertidal environments along the Louisiana Gulf of Mexico shoreline, 2008 and 2015–16
Barrier islands, headlands, and coastal shorelines provide numerous valuable ecosystem goods and services, including storm protection and erosion control for the mainland, habitat for fish and wildlife, salinity regulation in estuaries, carbon sequestration in marshes, and areas for recreation and tourism. These coastal features are dynamic environments because of their position at the land-sea inDecision analysis of restoration actions for faunal conservation and other stakeholder values: Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island is a barrier island located in the northern Gulf of Mexico and serves as the only barrier island providing protection to much of the State of Alabama’s coastal natural resources. The ecosystem spans over 3,500 acres of barrier island habitat including, beach, dune, overwash fans, intertidal wetlands, maritime forest and freshwater ponds. In addition, Dauphin Island provides protectiPredicting barrier island habitats and oyster and seagrass habitat suitability for various restoration measures and future conditions for Dauphin Island, Alabama
Barrier islands, such as Dauphin Island, Alabama, provide numerous invaluable ecosystem services including storm damage reduction and erosion control to the mainland, habitat for fish and wildlife, carbon sequestration in marshes, water catchment and purification, recreation, and tourism. These islands are dynamic environments that are gradually shaped by currents, waves, and tides under quiescentCouncil monitoring and assessment program (CMAP) compilation of existing habitat and water quality monitoring and mapping assessments for the Gulf of Mexico Region
This report is a deliverable to the RESTORE Council for Task 7: Document the existing baseline habitat and water quality conditions prior to implementation of the restoration projects; these baseline conditions will serve as a basis for measuring change/progress after restoration. It is the second in a series of CMAP reports. The first report describes the process and development of the CMAP monit - News