Celebrating CERF's 50th Anniversary - A new wave of information from the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation - Estuarine Research ...
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CERF’s Up! Volume 47 • Number 1 I March 2021
Celebrating
CERF’s 50th Anniversary
A new wave
of information
from the Coastal
and Estuarine
Research
Federation
CERF’s Up! Volume 47 • Number 1
March 2021
Horseshoe crab at Oyster Bay National Wildlife
Refuge, Long Island
Photo: Richard Sack
Table of Contents
President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The First Meeting (1971) of the Estuarine Research Federation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Reflections on the CERF 2021 Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Nekton Ecology: Origins, Progress, and Prospects for the Next 50 Years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Early Efforts to Culture Microscopic Oyster Larvae, 1878–1920 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Seagrasses: A Half-Century of Progress and a Look to the Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Diagnostic Timescales: Old Concepts, New Methods,
and the Ageless Power of Simplification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CERF 2021
Call for Photos Celebrating CERF’s 50th Anniversary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CERF 2021 Conference Art: Little Sur—From Past to Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Film Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CERF’s Rising TIDES Conference Program Continues to Grow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
New CERF Award Recognizes Contributions to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice . . . . . . . 18
Scientific Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Student/Early Career Participation Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Virtual Meeting Mentorship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Estuaries and Coasts Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Estuaries and Coast Editors’ Choice Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
November 2020 Coastal and Estuarine Science News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Angels and Sustainers 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Results of CERF’s Up! Survey of Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Afterthoughts: A Historical Tale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CERF Governing Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Editors’ Note:
This issue begins the celebration of CERF’s 50th anniversary with an article on the first meeting of CERF
in 1971 (when it was known as the Estuarine Research Federation, ERF for short). This is followed by four
articles solicited by Bob Christian and Bob Murphy (of the History Committee for the 2021 Conference)
on historical developments in estuarine disciplines. Thanks to the USFWS Oyster Bay National Wildlife
Refuge (near Plainview, Long Island, site of the first ERF meeting in 1971) for use of their photos.
Front cover: Beach in Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Long Island, just north of Plainview on Long Island
Photo: Richard Sack
Back cover: Oyster boat in Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: US Fish & Wildlife Service
President’s Message
Jim Fourqurean
The work of CERF scientists has never been more important
As all of us are anticipating a return changes in plant growth and struc- the name of the next storm to come.
to normalcy sometime soon from tural formation of many important Our coastal ecosystems are redistrib-
the global pandemic of 2020, the estuarine and coastal marine species uting in response to changing storms
work of CERF members has never of ecological and economic impor- and sea level rise, and therefore the
been more important. 2020 was the tance, like oysters and reef corals. protection that healthy marshes,
second hottest year, 0.6 °C hotter mangrove forests, barrier islands,
Heating is unequally distributed
than the 1981–2010 baseline. The estuaries, and coral reefs provide
globally, with the arctic heating over
last six years were the hottest six against ocean storms and erosion is
twice as fast as the global average.
years in history and 2011–2020 was being lost.
And recent monitoring programs have
the hottest decade ever recorded. The
indicated that our coastal waters It is clear that we, the coastal and
ecological and societal impacts of
are also warming faster than the estuarine scientists and managers
this temperature increase are concen-
open ocean. Warming also changes in CERF, are needed now more than
trated on our coastlines, where the
the distribution of evaporation and ever. Never has understanding and
majority of the earth’s human popu-
rainfall across the earth’s surface. managing the coastlines been more
lation lives and where sea level rise
This changing distribution not only important. A healthy and vibrant CERF
from a warming earth is threatening
influences river flow, and therefore will also ensure that we continue to
our ecosystems and our built environ-
salinity, in our coastal ocean, it develop the next generation of talent
ment. CERF members need to lead
also causes droughts in historically in the field that can advance our abil-
the way in developing understanding
productive arable land and floods in ity to ameliorate, adapt, and mitigate
of the causes and consequences of
other places. climate change in the coastal environ-
these changes.
The long-term average of sea level ment!
Increases in temperatures are primar-
rise since the 1960s has increased
ily being driven by global atmospheric Jim Fourqurean
coastal flooding. Global sea level rise
CO2 concentrations, and despite the
has accelerated to 4.8 mm per year,
global economic slowdown caused
up from the 3.2 mm per year real-
by the pandemic that reduced global
ized since 1990. And a hotter world
CO2 emissions by 7%, there was no
produces more, and more powerful,
respite from rising atmospheric CO2
storms and cyclones that threaten
levels—which reached a record 413
our coastlines. 2020 set a new high-
ppm in May. In addition to causing
water mark for hurricanes in the
global heating, atmospheric CO2
Atlantic basin, so many that we had
dissolves in our freshwaters, estuar-
to relearn our Greek alphabet to know
ies, and the coastal ocean, driving
1
The First Meeting (1971) of the Estuarine
Research Federation
Alan M. Young
NEERS Historian
Professor Emeritus, Salem State University, Salem Massachusetts
ayoung@salemstate.edu
The first ERF meeting, as a joint a business meeting. An additional chose L. Eugene Cronin of the Chesa-
meeting of AERS (meeting #46) and 11 stand-by papers were available if peake Biological Lab as the first
NEERS (meeting #4), was hosted by needed but records do not indicate President of ERF; Cronin had been a
Adelphi University and held on Long if any of them were presented in lieu founder and first President of AERS
Island at the Holiday Inn in Plainview, of scheduled papers. There were 75 22 years earlier.
New York, 4–6 November 1971. participants at the inaugural meeting,
Were you there in 1971? We are gath-
22 of whom were NEERS members so
ering short reminiscences from people
presumably around 50 were mem-
who attended the first meeting. Please
bers of AERS. I have identified seven
send to bulletin@cerf.science. –Eds.
extant attendees but there probably
(continued)
are a few more out there. Attendees
NEERS returned to Long
Island in 2011, 40 years
after the first ERF meeting
Holiday Inn in Plainview, New York, 2020 in 1971.The meeting was
hosted by Darcy Lonsdale
Plainview lies seven km south of Oys- of Stony Brook Univer-
ter Bay in Long Island Sound. After sity (third from left). Sue
registration Thursday evening and the Adamowicz of the Rachel
traditional Beer Blast, there were 15 Carson National Wildlife
paper presentations Friday morning Refuge (second from right)
and afternoon, with a banquet Fri- led a Saturday field trip
to the Wertheim National
day evening. Another 4 papers were
Wildlife Refuge
given Saturday morning followed by
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The First Meeting … (continued)
The program from the 1971 meeting:
3
The First Meeting …
1971 meeting program1; inside:
4 1. https://cerf.memberclicks.net/cerf-s-up--47-1--bulletin---additional-materials
Reflections on the CERF 2021 Theme
Bob Christian and Bob Murphy for the CERF 2021 Theme Committee
Bob Christian (left) and Bob Hartwick (right) on deck of Cynthia near the Great Bay, New Jersey (circa 1967). The houseboat Cynthia
was owned by Rutgers University. It had been the “home” of numerous estuarine scientists and students (e.g., Thurlow Nelson, Mel
Carriker, Bob Loveland) since 1909
As you know, the CERF 2021 confer- issue contains the first group of these the topic any way they wished, includ-
ence theme is “Celebrating our past, articles, and more will appear in sub- ing reviews, personal stories, and
charting our future.” The celebration sequent issues. opinions. We prompted them with
is for 50 years as an organization and a few possible questions: How has
We invited CERF members to submit
a longer history of research, educa- the field changed; how have guid-
manuscripts that captured how past,
tion, and management of estuaries ing paradigms come and gone; how
present, and future hypotheses and
and coasts. Successful science has technology and methodology
research connect to our understand-
and wise management depends on changed; what may the future hold?
ing and management of estuaries.
evaluating and translating history to Then we got out of the way. We hope
We also directed requests to former
advance understanding and predic- you find the articles informative and
CERF officers and award winners.
tion. Numerous activities are planned thought-provoking.
These experts were asked simply to
around the theme, and one is a series
choose a topic within their expertise
of short articles in CERF’s Up! This
and run with it. They could address
5
Nekton Ecology: Origins, Progress, and Prospects
for the Next 50 Years
Dennis M. Allen, Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, University of South Carolina, Georgetown, South Carolina, USA
dallen@baruch.sc.edu
of fishes, swimming crustaceans,
and squids to discover papers from a
broader range of topics.
Nekton ecology is basically about
relationships among organisms and
habitats. It is about how nekton use
habitats, how habitats support motile
organisms that represent multiple
trophic orders, and how those rela-
tionships change with environmental
conditions. Research has come a
long way since the first ERF confer-
ence in 1971. It is beyond the scope
of this article to review those accom-
plishments, but perhaps some obser-
vations and thoughts about what has
Juvenile silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) are common among the more than 100 species
transpired since I was a graduate stu-
of fishes comprising the nekton of East and Gulf Coast estuaries dent in the mid-1970s will help spawn
Photo: D.M. Allen some new ideas and approaches.
Early efforts to characterize and
The first known use of the term the jellyfishes, many of which are
quantify nekton relied almost entirely
nekton was in 1891 by Ernst Haeckel large and capable swimmers. Imper-
on nets. Fishers and scientists have
who proposed that it be used to fect as the definition might be, those
long recognized the limitations of
distinguish a group of aquatic ani- of us who refer to nekton in our
nets. Avoidance by the targeted
mals with an ability to swim from the research are not likely to give up
animals and size-selective retention
animals belonging to the plankton. using the term.
in meshes are fundamental problems
Various definitions exist, but most
The term nekton has not been as in every deployment. The extent of
recognize nekton as animals that
universally accepted as plankton or avoidance and retention varies greatly
can move independently of water
benthos. A search of CERF’s journals due to differences in size and behav-
currents. In G. Lauff’s book Estuaries
(Chesapeake Science, 1960–1977; ior among species and life stages.
(1967), which was an outcome of the
Estuaries, 1978–2005; Estuaries and Furthermore, susceptibility of any
first “Conference on Estuaries” held
Coasts, 2006–2019) identified 317 organism to capture varies across
in 1964, J.L. McHugh1 acknowledged
articles that use the term nekton; different environmental settings and
that it was difficult to characterize the
those accounted for about 7% of conditions. High variability prevails,
assemblage of organisms comprising
the nearly 4800 articles published. with repeated net hauls and use of
the nekton in estuaries. He identified
The term fish was found in 64% of alternate gear and deployment strate-
fishes and swimming invertebrates
all articles. In many of those papers, gies at the same place and time usu-
(especially some crabs, shrimps,
use of the term nekton would have ally yielding different catches. Nekton
lobsters, and squids) as secure
been appropriate. Nevertheless, there are patchy in time and space. These
members, and he recognized many
has been about a 10% increase in obstacles to accurately describing
part-time members such as some
the use of the term in all articles over and quantifying assemblages are
polychaetes, birds, reptiles, and mam-
the decades. I encourage others to humbling, but with increasing aware-
mals. In 1997, Aleyev2 suggested that
use nekton when referring to assem- ness, mitigation of the sources of
there was reason to consider the term
blages of macroscopic, motile fishes, variability, and improved statistical
nekton obsolete because it does not
crustaceans, and mollusks in estuar- procedures, researchers are now
allow for a meaningful quantitative
ies, even if the group of interest is better at interpreting the incomplete
distinction from the term plankton,
only fishes. This would likely enable snapshots obtained in the field.
which most zoologists agree includes
those most focused on the ecology
6
beyond the range of cameras has
been enhanced by tag and recapture
techniques. Externally visible tags still
work; however, electronic tags (some
that need to be activated, others that
broadcast signals) have expanded
options for understanding move-
ments on many scales. The timing
and destinations of tidal, diel, sea-
sonal, and annual migrations of many
fishes and motile invertebrates con-
tinue to be revealed. Tags have also
been used to identify home ranges
and demonstrate site fidelity for a
wide range of species. A tendency for
many resident and young transient
species to remain in unexpectedly
small areas for extended periods has
been widely recognized. Coupling this
knowledge with a better understand-
ing of how changes in habitat and
Seines are frequently used to sample nekton in shallow-water systems. Although their water quality affect the physiology
effectiveness might be better in confined areas such as this flooded, intertidal, salt marsh and behavior of estuarine species will
creek than along open shorelines, avoidance (escape) is usually high likely improve management on local
Photo: D.M. Allen
and broader scales.
Early researchers tended to focus
on single species, especially those
which supported fisheries. There is
a growing recognition that single
species cannot be understood or
managed without considering all of
the other species (including their
prey) that share their habitats. An
increased appreciation for interde-
pendency among constituents and
the complexity of ecosystems has led
to better decisions for both estuarine
systems and living resources. Just
how estuaries function as nurseries
remains a critical focus in the study
of nekton ecology.3 Often overlooked
Imaging sonar systems provide opportunities to count, measure, and characterize move-
is that nekton are more than just
ments of fishes and motile invertebrates (nekton) in turbid waters. Identification to species
is not always possible and the field of view is limited; however, deployments in intertidal
users of habitat; most play roles in
salt marsh creeks have revealed patterns of tidal movements, feeding behavior, predator- both maintaining and changing their
prey interactions, and other activities habitats. In this time of significant
Photo: D.M. Allen challenges imposed by human activi-
ties and changing climate, it is more
Advances in technology have pro- developments of sonar-based imag- important than ever to direct research
vided new options for answering ing instruments have extended that towards social behavior, physiology,
questions about the occurrence and ability in turbid systems. Refinement trophic dynamics, and impacts of
behavior of nekton in estuaries. Video of that technology and the analysis of fishery harvests as they relate to habi-
cameras have enabled researchers the output holds much promise. tats and food web structure within
to observe behavior and count and and between ocean, estuarine, and
The need to understand movements
measure fishes and invertebrates, riverine ecosystems.
and migrations of nekton species
especially in clear water. More recent (continued)
7
Sunset at Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Long Island Photo: Sheldon Pollack
Nekton Ecology… (continued)
To address relationships and pro- increase.4,5 More long-term stud- References:
cesses, researchers in estuaries ies in other estuaries are needed to 1. McHugh, J.L. Estuarine Nekton. 1967.
appear to rely less on the use of understand the mechanisms and In Estuaries, G.H. Lauff (ed.). 581–620.
manipulative field experiments than consequences of climate change and Publication No. 83. Washington DC: Ameri-
our colleagues working in freshwater human activities. Experiments and can Association for the Advancement of
Science.
and terrestrial systems. Recogniz- field surveys conducted simultane-
2. Aleyev, Y.G. 1997. Nekton. 435 pp. The
ing that variability imposed by tides ously in multiple estuaries represent- Hauge: Junk. Doi:1007/978-94-010-1324-6
adds another level of complexity in ing a wide range of settings and 3. Day, J.W. Jr., B.C. Crump, W.M. Kemp,
coastal systems, increased uses of environmental conditions are likely and A. Yanez-Arancibia (eds). 2013. Estua-
experiments could prove valuable to show important commonalities rine Ecology. Second Edition. Hoboken NJ:
in addressing many questions. This and differences in relationships and John Wiley & Sons.
is not to say that that the need for processes. Increased communication 4. Allen, D.M., W.B. Allen. R.F. Feller, and
descriptive data from field sampling and coordination among researchers J.S. Plunket (eds.). 2014. Site Profile of the
North Inlet – Winyah Bay National Estua-
is any less important than it always has been and can be further facili-
rine Research Reserve. Georgetown, S.C.
has been. Long-term collection tated through CERF. https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/
programs that maintain consistency artsandsciences/baruch_institute/docu-
The study of estuarine nekton has
in methodology are key to document- ments/siteprofile3nov14.pdf
come a long way, but much remains
ing and interpreting change in our 5. Kimball, M.E., D.M. Allen, P.D. Kenny, and
to be learned. Acquisition of new V. Ogburn-Matthews. 2020. Decadal-scale
changing world. For example, our
information and efforts by scientists changes in subtidal nekton assemblages
multi-decadal datasets for nekton
to assist in the application of existing in a warm-temperate estuary. Estuaries and
and zooplankton (including larval
knowledge has not kept up with the Coasts 43:927–939.
invertebrates and fishes) in North
immediate needs of decision-makers
Inlet estuary, South Carolina, continue
who manage shallow-water ecosys-
to reveal decreases in abundances
tems and resources. Improving these
in key populations, shifts in the tim-
endeavors is critical to the well-being
ing of reproduction and migrations,
of the world’s estuaries and the wel-
and changes in community structure
fare of humans in the next 50 years
as water temperature and sea level
and beyond.
8Early Efforts to Culture Microscopic
Oyster Larvae, 1878–1920
Victor S. Kennedy, Professor Emeritus
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, USA
Larvae of eastern oysters Crassostrea sacrificed oysters to produce larvae. tumbler in a stream of water from
virginica grow in about three weeks But he could not refresh his cultures a fire hydrant, and used a syringe to
from a ~60 µm zygote to a ~350 by removing the microscopic larvae produce strong currents in the tum-
µm larva competent (i.e., ready) to from their culture vessels (watch bler several times a day. Before his
settle as spat. A modern hatchery like glasses, tumblers, beakers), which research ended, he was able to keep
that at Horn Point Laboratory on the became depleted of phytoplankton, small numbers of larvae alive for up
Choptank River outside Cambridge, crowded with other microzooplank- to 14 days.
Maryland, can produce billions of ton, and contaminated with waste.
From 1880 to 1885, U.S. Fish Com-
competent larvae annually, with hun- The metal screens of the time had
mission embryologist John A. Ryder
dreds of millions settling as spat for mesh sizes too large to trap his lar-
worked incessantly on the problem
use in restoration and research.1 Such vae, which survived for no more than
of separating larvae from old cul-
production depends on a sophisti- six days.
ture water and placing them in new
cated seawater system that heats In 1882, Brooks’ assistant H.J. Rice water, as well as rearing larvae in
or cools estuarine water for holding used 8-cm-wide strips of white constructed coastal ponds. He built
broodstock, for stimulating spawn- flannel to wick water away from a 20 forms of incubating apparatus “…
ing, and for culturing algal food for culture tumbler, with one end extend- ranging in size from less than a cubic
the growing larvae and spat.2 Culture ing about halfway down inside the foot to large ponds four feet deep
water is filtered regularly to capture tumbler and the other hanging over and several hundred square yards in
larvae, which are then transferred into the vessel’s lip in the air. Later, to area.” In 1882, he modified a glass-
clean water and fed on schedules keep larvae from being entangled jar system used by fish culturists to
determined by culture conditions and in the wicks, Rice placed a glass separate live fish eggs from dead.
larval age. oil-lamp chimney upright near the There were five tiers to his system.
Now, flash back 14 decades. tumbler’s edge, with larvae swimming The first was an elevated cylindrical
Researchers struggled for years in outside the chimney while the chim- reservoir of estuarine water filtered
the late 19th century to spawn and ney supported the wicks. Another through a large mass of cotton wool.
keep small numbers of larvae alive cloth strip hanging from an elevated A rubber tube siphoned that water
in culture for more than a few days. reservoir wicked clean water down to two culture jars of larvae on the
Experiments began in 1878–1879 into the tumbler. Rice estimated that next level, then another tube moved
when Professor W.K. Brooks of Johns he exchanged 8 L per day with this water from the jars to a third-level
Hopkins University, copying fish cul- system. To keep culture temperatures aquarium containing seagrass to
turists, mixed gametes stripped from steady, he stood the reservoir and provide O2 and absorb CO2. Aquarium
water was siphoned to a fourth-level
pair of culture jars of larvae, with the
water finally siphoned to a cylinder
on the floor. The siphons held cotton
filters to retain larvae and water baths
around the jars dampened tempera-
ture fluctuations. Workers dipped
water from the floor cylinder to the
upper cylinder by day and night. Many
experiments with this system did not
produce competent larvae. Mean-
while, contemporaneous experiments
by Navy Lieutenant Francis Winslow
involving tumblers, soup plates, din-
Fig. 1. Francis Winslow‘s 1884 use of dinner plates by which swimming oyster trocho-
ner platters, funnels, and bubbled
phore larvae in A are washed gently to B by a small amount of water siphoned from C,
air resulted in small culture systems
leaving unfertilized eggs or dead larvae behind
that did not require filters (Fig 1).3
9oyster Ostrea edulis had been used
in Europe since Roman times. For
about a decade, Ryder released young
artificially fertilized larvae into ponds
he built near the Potomac River,
near Chincoteague Bay, and in New
Jersey. He tested numerous types of
spat collectors and developed three
systems of “condensed spat-culture”
involving ponds, tidewater ditches, or
inclined troughs holding oyster shell
as settlement material before finish-
ing his work inconclusively around
1891. Other investigators continued
similar experiments in Maryland and
New York into the early 20th century,
also with limited settlement success.
In 1920, a technological breakthrough
finally allowed mass culture of bivalve
Fig. 3. William Wells’ 1922 diagram of how
larvae. William Wells used a milk
Fig. 2. William Wells with the clarifier he competent oyster larvae can yield spat for
clarifier (a centrifuge that removes oyster bed restoration
used to separate oyster larvae from old particles from milk) to separate
culture water, pictured behind him 2. http://hatchery.hpl.umces.edu/facilities/
oyster larvae from old culture water
Winslow learned of the effects of (Fig. 2).4 Ryder had earlier found that descriptions/.
temperature on early larval develop- larvae that passed through pumps 3. Winslow, F. 1884. Report of experiments
in the artificial propagation of oysters, con-
ment and the deleterious effects of were not injured, so being whirled in a ducted at Beaufort, N.C., and Fair Haven,
crowded conditions on larval survival clarifier was tolerable. Concentrated Conn., in 1882. U. S. Comm. Fish and
but never reared competent larvae in larvae from within the clarifier could Fisheries, Report of the Commissioner for
these systems. be transferred to new water. Wells 1882, X (XXIII): 741-761 + 1 plate.
centrifuged developing larvae daily, 4. Wells, W. F. 1921. Report on artificial
Ryder experimented with bolting propagation of shellfish, pp. 32–40. In:
providing new water and eventually
cloth, filter paper, and cotton wool Albany NY: State of New York Conserva-
settlement material when larvae
pads as filters for retaining larvae in tion Commission, 10th Annual Report for
became competent. In this way he the year 1920.
17 of his lab-based systems. By 1887,
grew thousands of larvae to settle- 5. Wells, W. F. 1922. Studies on oyster
he concluded that “The trouble with
ment (Fig. 3).5 In later years, nylon culture, pp. 42–48. In: Albany NY: State
filters, of any form whatsoever, is that
screens of different mesh sizes of New York Conservation Commission,
they soon clog and become useless. 11th Annual Report for the year 1921.
replaced the use of clarifiers. Subse-
They can never be successfully used Note: More details and illustrative figures
quent research elucidated optimal
in any practical system of propaga- are in V.S. Kennedy. 2014. Technological
spawning and growing conditions
tion.” He gave up on laboratory sys- constraints during the first 40 years of
and developed algal strains as larval
tems and focused on using estuarine eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica aqua-
food, leading to today’s highly mecha- culture. Reviews in Fishery Science and
ponds. Coastal ponds holding a
nized and productive hatcheries. Aquaculture 22:55–72.
variety of settlement material (tree
branches, cement-coated tiles and References:
slates, shells) for larvae of the flat 1. http://hatchery.hpl.umces.edu/overview/
about-horn-point-oyster-hatchery/
10Seagrasses: A Half Century of Progress
and a Look to the Future
Bob Orth1, Ken Heck2, Jon Lefcheck3, and Jessie Jarvis4
1
Bob Orth, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA; 2Ken Heck, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, University
of Alabama, Dauphin Island, Alabama, USA; 3Jon Lefcheck, Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, MarineGEO,
Smithsonian Institution, Edgewater, Maryland, USA; 4Jessie Jarvis, Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University
of North Carolina, Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
jjorth@vims.edu
Seagrasses are well-known to be ing the identification of hydrophilic life in the marine environment, results
extraordinarily productive habitat- pollination, which became one of the that provide a greater understanding
forming foundation species that have defining characteristics for this broad of angiosperm response to climate
successfully colonized all shallow ecological grouping of plants. related stressors.8 Finally, compara-
estuarine and coastal regions of the tive analysis revealed that seagrasses
These early studies set the stage for
world except for the most polar seas. can sequester carbon in sediments,
future work seeking to expand on
We now understand that seagrasses sometimes as much per unit area as
these topics and, critically, link them
are critically important coastal habi- prominent terrestrial systems such
to management outcomes. Long-
tats that provide numerous ecosys- as temperate forests. It has been
term mapping and monitoring pro-
tem services, including provision of suggested that 10–20% of all ocean’s
grams in places like Chesapeake and
nursery habitat, carbon sequestra- carbon is somehow bound by sea-
Tampa Bays allowed for large-scale
tion, increased water quality, reduced grasses.9
assessments of nutrient mitigation
human pathogens, enhanced local
practices leading to unprecedented Emerging technologies have also
biodiversity, and a food source for
resurgence of grasses in these increased our capacity to solve new
threatened mega-herbivores.
regions, validating multi-decadal mysteries about seagrass systems.
Like many other ecosystems, efforts to curb nutrient pollution.1, 2 Genetic tools have permitted finer
seagrasses face many emerging An improved understanding of seed delineation of evolutionary relation-
challenges associated with global ecology has led to increased restora- ships leading to species reclassifica-
environmental change, including tion success.3 Hundreds of studies tions, which are currently being used
warming temperatures, increasing have now established that dense to revisit IUCN Red List classifica-
runoff and eutrophication, decreas- and extensive seagrass meadows tions for all current seagrass species,
ing pH and dissolved oxygen con- are vital habitats that increase faunal and a better understanding of the
centrations, and tropicalization of density and diversity,4 particularly of phylogeography of this clade.10 These
herbivorous fishes and invertebrates. juveniles and of commercially impor- tools have also allowed us to evalu-
Because seagrasses have the high- tant and threatened species.5 ate the spatial extent of seagrass
est light requirements of any plant on clones and the relative importance of
We now know much more about the
Earth, they are particularly sensitive sexual reproduction in determining
roles small invertebrates play in plant
to these changes and therefore serve the size of seagrass populations.11
production by removing epiphytes
as sentinel species and harbingers of They also help to understand the role
and their importance in top-down
declining conditions. intraspecific genetic diversity plays in
control of seagrass health versus tra-
mediating response to disturbance12
Early seagrass ecology focused on ditional bottom up influences.6 Meso-
and in promoting restoration suc-
establishing a baseline for the biol- cosm experiments in the early 2000s
cess.13 Increased availability of high-
ogy and ecology of these underwater were also some of the first to link this
resolution satellite imagery has vastly
plants. Seminal articles from the late increased biodiversity to the delivery
increased our ability to remotely
1800s through 1970s demonstrated of ecosystem services such as pro-
map and monitor seagrasses, par-
how the distribution of seagrasses duction and nutrient cycling, helping
ticularly in tropical areas with good
was declining due to widespread to cement biodiversity conserva-
water quality (such as the Mediter-
wasting disease and other distur- tion as a cornerstone of sustainable
ranean and Australian waters).14, 15
bances, such as hurricanes. At the management.7 Increases in the use of
Finally, coordinated experiments have
same time, scientists also docu- ‘omics’ since the 2010s have provided
increased both the reach and impact
mented the reproductive biology a greater understanding of the evolu-
of seagrass science through organi-
and ecology of seagrasses, includ- tion and adaptation of seagrasses to
zations like SeagrassNet, Seagrass
11Watch and the Zostera and Thalas- conservation efforts.19 As stressed now been observed in western Aus-
sia Experimental Networks. These in a recent UN report highlighting the tralia.23 Megaherbivores, in particular,
programs provide a global baseline importance of seagrasses globally, may introduce dramatic changes
for gauging change and can further including, supporting, and cham- as they alter the three-dimensional
validate and generalize long-standing pioning the seagrass research in structure, and therefore habitat value,
principles in the field. geographic regions currently under- in places where they have not been
represented at scientific meetings observed before, or in places where
Nevertheless, challenges exist. A
and in the literature is essential to their populations have recovered
major issue facing all scientific fields
ensure a better understanding of the substantially, such as sea turtles in
is inclusivity, both geographically and
world’s seagrass ecosystems.20 Bermuda.24 Finally, seagrasses could
otherwise. Most published seagrass
play a more prominent role in marine
work has occurred in North Amer- Further interesting questions include
spatial planning, such as the recent
ica, Europe, and Australia,16 while the integration of seagrasses into
establishment of the Nature Coast
research in areas such as the Indo- seascape ecology, particularly with
Aquatic Preserve on the Gulf Coast of
West Pacific, a hotspot of seagrass respect to the movement of individu-
Florida, and in international manage-
biodiversity, is under-represented als among habitats throughout their
ment plans, such as their inclusion in
in the literature.17 The lack of up-to- life histories, and what this means for
carbon budgets under the Nationally
Determined Contributions mandated
160 by the Paris Agreement.
140 The CERF biennial meetings have
served as an important vehicle in
120 advancing seagrass research, par-
alleling the increasing interest in
Papers and Posters
100
seagrasses worldwide. From very few
80 papers on seagrasses in the early
days of the meetings to today, where
60 over 100 papers and posters are
presented on all different aspects of
40
seagrass from mapping and monitor-
20 ing, to modelling, physiology, faunal
interactions, to tropicalization (Fig. 1).
0 These papers and posters are being
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 presented by many young students
and faculty from an ever-growing
Fig. 1. Number of seagrass papers and posters presented at CERF conferences by year number of countries who represent
the future of seagrass science. Our
date information on seagrass status the recruitment of these organisms hope is that CERF will continue to
and condition over large geographic to adult populations.21 Similarly, the be open to the diversity of ongoing
regions, including most of Africa co-benefits that arise from rhizome- seagrass research worldwide and be
and deep-water meadows in the associated lucinid bivalves or a place that fosters the interactions
Indian Ocean, are due in a large part nitrogen-fixing bacteria are relatively among scientists and managers that
to a want of resources necessary to unexplored, but exciting new evidence results in better conservation and
access technologies to reliably detect suggests these mutualisms can management of this very important
seagrass habitats.18 This results improve local abiotic conditions and but threatened habitat.
in low awareness of the societal relieve anoxic stress.22 Herbivorous
importance of seagrasses, leading fauna will also garner more attention
Note: References for this article can be
to increased local stressors, ineffec- as they expand into novel seagrass found at https://www.cerf.science/cerf-s-
tive management, and a reduction habitats with climate change and up--47-1--bulletin---additional-materials
in the success of regional seagrass directly consume seagrass, as has
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13Diagnostic Timescales: Old Concepts, New Methods,
and the Ageless Power of Simplification
Lisa V. Lucas1 and Eric Deleersnijder2
1
Research Engineer, U.S. Geological Survey, Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division, Menlo Park,
California, USA; 2Associate Professor, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
llucas@usgs.gov
such simplification and distillation models,27,28 and in quantifying con-
Don’t throw the past away power is now needed more than ever, nectivity between regions.12,29,30
You might need it some rainy day given the daunting volumes of data
Technological advances leading to
generated by in situ, vessel-based,
Dreams can come true again our current data boom have thus
and remote observing platforms,
When everything old is new again produced a distillation challenge to
as well as by high-resolution, multi-
which simplification tools like tim-
dimensional computer models. Giga-,
“Everything Old is New Again” escales may lend a hand. In parallel,
tera-, and petabytes of data are, after
–Peter Allen and Carole Bayer Sager technology and advanced math-
all, not very useful unless meaning-
ematical methods have also led to
ful information (such as the identi-
increasingly powerful approaches for
The theory underlying the well-known fication of key processes or causal
quantifying timescales, with greater
diagnostic timescale “residence time” relationships) can be extracted from
temporal and spatial resolution than
dates back more than a century to its them.19,20
ever before. For example, high-reso-
genesis in chemical engineering.1,2
Diagnostic timescales—parameters lution, multi-dimensional numerical
Other physical and biological times-
that estimate how long processes models, in which virtual particles or
cales commonly used in the natural
take—represent an old tool for tack- tracers are transported by computed
sciences and engineering—such as
ling this relatively new problem of velocities and diffusivities, are now
flushing time,3 water age,3 turnover
“too much data.”19-21 They can provide commonly used to calculate trans-
time,4,5 e-folding time,6 and doubling
an approximate means of extract- port timescales such as water age31,32
time7,8—were implemented at least
ing the essence from large, detailed (elapsed time since entering33-35),
as early as the 1920s–1950s. Prior
datasets22 (e.g., the amount of time exposure time12,32,36 (time that will be
to the era of computational numeri-
for which an estuary is exposed to spent in the domain), or residence
cal modeling, assessment of such
an imported contaminant before it time32,37,38 (a variant of the exposure
timescales relied upon experimenta-
is lost to the sea). A timescale can time22,39; Fig. 1). Reactions can also
tion, observation, and/or analytical
also convert a primitive variable (e.g., be accounted for alongside trans-
derivation. These timescales were
velocity) into a more meaningful num- port,40 resulting in timescales that are
used (1) to characterize or condense
ber20 conveying the material effect “holistic”, i.e., capturing the influence
experimental or observational data,3,5
of the variable in the context of the of a broad collection of processes
and (2) to convey, in a simple manner,
specific problem under study (e.g., in a single parameter.22 Usually,
information about the state or func-
the time for planktonic food subsidies computation-based timescales are
tioning of a system.2,3,8
to advect from a productive source obtained via forward schemes,37,41,42
Through subsequent decades, region to an unproductive area).22 which involve running a transport
diagnostic timescales have helped In addition, because they all carry model in the usual way: forward in
us distill complexity into intuitively the same units (time), timescales time. Such approaches traditionally
meaningful metrics9-12 and have aided describing different biological, geo- have required multiple simulations if
us in making sense of natural or chemical, or physical phenomena can one wished to quantify a timescale as
anthropogenic phenomena.13-18 For be directly compared to each other, a function of time. Advanced meth-
example, a long hydraulic residence thus bridging disciplinary divides and ods developed over the last couple
time—which encapsulates the overall providing a simple way to identify of decades, however, provide an
retentive effect of potentially com- the fastest, and sometimes domi- antidote to that requirement, allow-
plex, three-dimensional hydrodynamic nant, process(es).18,22,23 Furthermore, ing for the computation of spatially
processes—might help explain algal diagnostic timescales can prove and temporally variable timescales
biomass build-up or nutrient deple- useful in spatial or temporal system with a single simulation.43-45 These
tion in an estuary. It can be argued comparisons,24-26 in the development approaches include: (1) forward
that in the environmental sciences of simple algebraic “pencil and paper” methods for water age that require
14timescale-based models offer a use-
ful counterbalance to (and intuitive,
back-of-the-envelope check on) more
complex numerical models, which (1)
tend to be computationally demand-
ing,22 (2) may be difficult to use, and
(3) are not available to every scientist
or resource manager desiring a quick,
approximate answer to a question.
Diagnostic timescale estimation, a
century-old scientific and engineer-
ing approach, has arguably never
been more useful than it is today for
integrating physical, biological, and
geochemical processes and distill-
ing large amounts of data. Timescale
evaluation complements the analysis
of primitive variables20 and, in the
process, helps shed new light on the
Fig. 1. Schematic describing relationships between core transport timescales: water age,
functioning of complex systems.
residence time, transit time, and exposure time, following Zimmerman, 35 Delhez, 39 and
many others. Reprinted from Lucas and Deleersnijder22
Moreover, diagnostic timescales can
form the foundation of simple math-
solution of an evolution equation for permits high-frequency measure- ematical models16,27,61 that provide a
the “age concentration,”29,43,44 and (2) ment of stable isotopes and other convenient and accessible alterna-
adjoint methods for residence time water quality parameters along a tive—or companion—to computa-
and exposure time, which involve run- high-speed boat track, allowing for tionally demanding expert models.22
ning a numerical transport model in the spatial mapping of water age and Despite being old in concept, the
reverse.36,45 These newer approaches potentially related variables such as usefulness of diagnostic timescales
can be applied not only to water and chlorophyll a or nutrient concentra- has only expanded, and in recent
tracers, but also to particulate matter tions.60 decades their methods of estimation
and substances adsorbed onto sedi- have significantly improved in terms
Diverse diagnostic timescales—such
ment particles.46-50 Their application of resolution.43-45,59,60 Perhaps their
as those for algal growth, oxygen con-
is becoming increasingly common for most enduring value to estuarine and
sumption, nutrient uptake, advective
the world’s coastal systems.51-55 coastal science, specifically, is their
or diffusive transport, or sedimenta-
utility in encapsulating the complex-
Similar advances have occurred in tion of particles—can be compared
ity of real ecosystems—helping us
field instrumentation, allowing for with each other to discern the fastest
identify the essential components of
more detailed assessments of field- process(es) operating in a system
our conceptual models and attaching
based transport timescales than was or influencing a constituent of inter-
approximate values to them. Diag-
possible several decades ago. For est.22,28 They can also form the basis
nostic timescales demonstrate that
example, drifters—Lagrangian devices of very simple (e.g., box, steady state)
the power of simplification never gets
released into a water body to fol- mathematical models that, despite
old.
low water parcels and often used to their simplicity, can perform well
quantify transport time56-58—are now quantitatively.16,27 In some cases, the Note: References for this article can
frequently GPS-equipped, eliminat- timescale comparison (i.e., their ratio) be found at cerf.science/cerf-s-up-
ing the need to physically follow their essentially is a model, with that ratio -47-1--bulletin---additional-materials.
trajectories (by vessel) and making it representing the balance between If the reader wishes to learn more
possible to track hundreds of drifters two critical processes and serving about diagnostic timescale defini-
and collect thousands of drifter-days as an indicator of likely ecosystem tions, methods, and applications in the
of data in a single study.59 Methods response. (For example, the ratio coastal zone, they are encouraged to
for conducting field studies with of an oxygen consumption times- check out the authors’ recent review
natural or artificial tracers have also cale to a residence time has been paper on the topic at Lucas and Del-
improved over time. For example, shown to be a useful indicator of eersnijder 2020.
modern vessel-based instrumentation hypoxia occurrence.)10 Such simple,
15CERF 2021
In light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty Call for Photos
about when it will once again be safe to travel and congregate in
Celebrating CERF’s
large groups, the CERF Governing Board has made the difficult
decision to hold the CERF 2021 conference virtually. This decision
50th Anniversary
We are gathering photos from CERF’s past 50
was made after a great deal of analysis at the latest point pos-
years to use in the CERF’s Up! bulletin this anniver-
sible in the meeting planning process. The decision to hold CERF
sary year. If you have historical photos showing
2021 virtually reflects the need to protect the health and safety of
field studies, lab work, people, or meetings, please
all attendees while still serving our mission.
send them to bulletin@cerf.science. Photos taken
The conference planning committee has been working for many at the same spot in the 1970s and again recently
months to produce an exciting meeting that showcases our that show change would be fun. Please send as
science and its application to management of our coastlines, jpg files, high resolution if possible, and include a
provides opportunities to network, and celebrates the 50th anni- caption and photo credit.
versary of the Federation. While we lament the loss of coming
together in person for CERF 2021, we recognize a virtual format Save the Dates!
offers us exciting new opportunities for innovation. We anticipate The CERF 2021 virtual conference will be held 1-4
an inclusive conference, enhanced international participation, and and 8-11 November. Based on feedback from our
new ways to present exciting ideas, all while reducing our carbon members, we have decided to spread the confer-
footprint. Expect to see more about the conference format, includ- ence over two weeks with shorter days. We look
ing the call for abstracts, in the coming months. forward to having you join us in November!
CERF 2021 Conference Art:
Little Sur—From Past to Future
Elizabeth Lacey, Associate Professor of Marine Science,
Stockton University, Galloway, New Jersey, USA
The CERF 2021 “Celebrating our Coast and large stands
Past, Charting Our Future” virtual of pristine redwood
meeting will feature work by confer- forests. The estuary’s
ence artist Alice McEnerney Cook. In habitats and resources
each bulletin leading up to the virtual as well as much of its
conference, an estuary from Alice’s watershed are privately Little Sur along the California coastline. Oil on linen. 12”
collection will be featured and per- owned and therefore x 20”. Painted in 2000 by CERF 2021 Conference Artist
Alice McEnerney Cook. http://mcenerneycook.com/
spective shared from CERF members public access is limited.
as they reflect on the estuary’s past For many research- land along the north side of the river
and its chart towards the future. ers, the struggle for access to the would be repatriated to the Esselen
estuary as a result of the political Tribe of Monterey County. As climate
Little Sur estuary lies along the
conflicts has limited their ability to journalist Eric Holthaus states, “One
Central California coast and receives
track the status of the estuary and its of the best climate solutions is giving
waters from the Ventana Wilderness
resources. Regional state, county, and Indigenous people their land back.”
at the base of the Santa Lucia Moun-
nonprofit agencies continue to work For researchers, there remains a
tains. The region has been identified
with private landowners on land use continued interest in studying the
as a coastal resource of national
practices and water rights to reduce impacts of both development and
significance; it is home to important
environmental impacts from ranch natural processes in the understudied
fish spawning grounds and rare and
and tourism developments. Despite region. As many CERF members can
endangered plants and wildlife (e.g.,
these challenges from the Little Sur attest, ecological research goals often
California condor, steelhead, Santa
past, the chart for the future shows intersect with sociological perspec-
Lucia fir). Habitats within the Little
promise after a July 2020 announce- tives on land and water rights. Learn
Sur estuary include some of the
ment that 486 ha (1,200 acres) of more about the Esselen Tribe at
largest sand dunes along the Big Sur
esselentribe.org.
16https://conference.cerf.science/film-festival
Mill Neck Bay at Oyster Bay National
Wildlife Refuge, just north of Plainview on
Long Island (site of first Estuarine Research
Federation meeting in 1971)
Photo: Sheldon Pollack
17CERF’s Rising TIDES Conference
Program Continues to Grow
CERF’s Rising TIDES (Toward an CERF’s 2021 Biennial Conference and RTCP student alumni as participants,
Inclusive, Diverse, and Enriched Soci- at regional Affiliate Society meetings providing new networking, training,
ety) Conference Program (RTCP) will that follow. Specifically, these efforts and tools to help them achieve career
expand, substantially, in 2021 thanks will (1) enhance professional and goals; provide training and sup-
to a new $99,999 grant from the leadership development for students port to six new mentors to increase
National Science Foundation (NSF, from groups underrepresented in mentorship capacity; provide implicit
Award No. 2036515) through the Geo- science, technology, engineering, bias training to an estimated 50
science Opportunities for Leadership and mathematics (STEM) through individuals through a pre-conference
in Diversity—Expanding the Network workshops, scientific sessions, and workshop; and support other DEI
(GOLD—EN) program. This is the third other conference and post-confer- initiatives within the conference. New
grant awarded by the NSF to sup- ence activities, (2) build the capacity this year, the 2021 RTCP students
port the program that began in 2017. of CERF to achieve DEI objectives will be supported to attend Affiliate
The new award is led by Principal through an inclusion-focused work- Society meetings in their region fol-
Investigator (PI) and CERF Executive shop open to all attendees of the lowing CERF’s biennial meeting. New
Director Susan Park and Co-PIs Treda CERF Conference and through addi- also will be an external evaluation of
Grayson and Kristin Wilson Grimes tional learning opportunities, and (3) all RTCP activities.
(CERF’s Broadening Participation ensure broad reach to the CERF com-
More information, including the appli-
Council Co-Chairs), and Hilary Neck- munity by infusing DEI conversations
cation process, is available at
les (CERF Past President). throughout the CERF Conference and
https://conference.cerf.science/2021-
the Federation. The 2021 program
RTCP 2021 will include diversity, rising-tides-conference-program.
will welcome 16 new students and 10
equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at
New CERF Award Recognizes Scientific Awards
Contributions to Diversity, Equity, Submit a Nomination for the
Inclusion, and Justice 2021 Scientific Awards
CERF has a new scientific award that recognizes the significant contribu- We invite and urge you to nominate
tions of an individual who has worked for greater diversity, equity, inclu- a colleague, mentor, and/or former
sion, and justice (DEIJ) in estuarine and coastal science, management, student for a prestigious Coastal
education, and/or stewardship. and Estuarine Research Federation
Scientific Award. The awards nomi-
CERF’s Broadening Participation Council created the award in response to
nations deadline is 7 April 2021.
the events of 2020, including the Black Lives Matter movement, and in rec-
Recipients will be selected in May
ognition that DEIJ efforts often go unrecognized and unrewarded by orga-
and announced on the website soon
nizations and academic institutions through standard review processes.
after.
Yet, DEIJ efforts are fundamental to broadening participation in STEM to
improve science and strengthen management decisions. How to Nominate
The new award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional long- Each award accepts nominations
term or emerging leadership and commitment to positive change in DEIJ differently. Visit conference.cerf.
and is open to individuals in any career stage. The award received unani- science/cerf-2021-scientific-awards
mous support from CERF’s Governing Board at the Fall 2020 meeting. to read more in-depth about each
award and its nomination proce-
CERF’s Broadening Participation Council Co-Chair, Kristin Wilson Grimes, dures.
observes, “CERF is a leader among professional societies by creating an If you have questions regarding the
award that recognizes the efforts of individuals committed to greater DEIJ awards procedure or nominations,
within our professions. CERF’s Broadening Participation Council is proud please contact the CERF Scientific
to have created this new award to recognize the importance of this work Awards Committee Chair Robert
and the value it brings to CERF, science, and society.” Co-Chair Treda Gray- Orth (jjorth@vims.edu), or consult
son adds, “DEIJ work requires dedication and is often not easy, and I am with the chair of the specific award
pleased that CERF can now honor individuals who go above and beyond— subcommittee.
sometimes unnoticed—to ensure that our field embraces and accepts all.”
18You can also read
