Restoration
Historical anthropogenic alterations of the landscape and coastal region have resulted in the alteration and degradation of aquatic habitat. Greater value has been placed on restoring these habitats in terms of processes and ecosystem function. We focus on both nontidal (stream or upland) and tidally influenced waters.
Coastal Restoration
Scientists at Ecosystem Solutions have extensive experience in conducting and implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal ecosystems in addition to upland habitats. Examples of habitat restoration include the development of novel techniques and approaches to restoring submerged aquatic vegetation (or, SAV), oyster reef creation, and wetland creation.
SAV
SAV is one of the most critical habitats in shallow water zones in coastal
regions. These habitats provide a variety of ecosystem services including
nursery areas for finifish and shellfish, sediment stabilization, and
nutrient uptake. As photosynthetic plants, SAV also produces oxygen as
a by-product of photosynthesis, thereby improving water quality conditions
for aquatic animals.
Staff at ESI have expertise in the techniques currently utilized to restore SAV habitat using a wide variety of species. Approaches to SAV habitat restoration need to be streamlined in order to be cost-effective as there are limited resources available. This need has prompted the use of seeds for restoration and ESI has worked collaboratively with Wayfarer Nursery & Supply and other organizations to improve this methodology.
Oyster Reefs
Oyster reefs were once a dominant feature of the Chesapeake Bay landscape. Reefs were often intertidal and posed navigation hazards for ships. However, after years of over harvesting and impacts from disease, oyster reefs have virtually disappeared from our coastal waters. ESI is working to implement developing technologies to install reefs in conjunction with SAV (above) to re-create conditions prior to European settlement. Benefits of this approach are not only restricted to ecological improvement, but also the minimization of shoreline erosion and re-suspension of sediments. These "living shorelines" are a wonderful approach for waterfront landowners to consider as they are frequently less expensive to install than traditional shoreline hardening and may also serve an economic benefit as production of fish would likely improve.
Marshes
Marshes serve as the transient zones between the sea and the terrestrial
environment. Like many transitional zones, marshes are highly valuable
for the ecological role they play. ESI works with several organizations
to implement marsh restoration as part of habitat restoration and shoreline
protection. Marsh structure varies, largely dependent on salinity regime,
and we have the ability to address freshwater and marine marsh creation.
Stream Restoration
Restoring stream channels and other non-tidal surface waters is critical to providing suitable habitat for a variety of fish, birds, and other animals. In addition, restored stream channels provide improved water quality.
Stream Corridors
Streams are the lifeblood of all riverine systems and are frequently impacted
by local land use. Examples of impacts to streams include deforestation
of the riparian (bank area) zone, channel alteration and ditching, and
damming and other blockages. These impacts destroy instream habitat for
aquatic insects ("fishfood"), fish, and forest dwelling birds.
Oftentimes, the simplest and most cost-effective restoration practice
is simply to plant a reforested area along the banks of streams, so-called
riparian buffer reforestation.
ESI works with local organizations to identify potential restoration sites, acquire plant material, and install the trees. ESI also conducts follow up monitoring of restored regions to assess the forest and stream health and recommend remedies as needed. For larger restoration projects, ESI teams with engineers and construction companies to relocate stream channels, install biologs, and other restoration practices as the site dictates.
Wetlands
Wetlands filter nutrients and slow overland flow of water into streams
thereby serving as sponges in the landscape. Upland wetlands (those associated
with non-tidal regions) store stormwater and provide additional habitat
for a variety of species. ESI works with plant providers, hydrological
engineers, and construction firms to design and restore wetlands. As part
of this service, ESI will also provide monitoring services to assess the
function of restored wetlands.