Mangrove Expansion Alters Sediment and Water Quality and Affects Biodiversity in Texas Wetlands

Summary

Black mangroves are expanding into Texas coastal wetlands and displacing marsh plants. The effects on coastal biodiversity and wetland biogeochemistry are largely unknown. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) will conduct a study within the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, an area that experienced one of the largest increases in black mangroves, to assess impact. To better understand this important, expanding ecosystem, TAMU-CC will carry out innovative research to determine methane, sulfide, and ammonium fluxes from mangrove sediment, how the fluxes affect associated wetland fauna and if there is a statistical link between sediment metabolic profile and benthic organismal biodiversity. Project findings will be integrated into education and outreach modules.