COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXTENSION

SUSTAINABLE SHORELINE PROTECTION ALTERNATIVES

A living shoreline uses living plant material, oyster shells, earthen material, or a combination of natural structures with riprap or offshore breakwaters to protect property from erosion. Erosion is caused by wind, water, and wave action and results in loss of residential and commercial property, reduction of storm buffering capacity, aquatic and terrestrial habitat loss, increased suspended solids and water quality degradation.To combat these effects, property owners often erect bulkheads or seawalls. While these methods are certainly effective, they also tend to alter or create a loss of natural habitat. Living shorelines present an ecological and economic alternative that may be viable for low-erosional settings.

MISSISSIPPI MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM

A Master Naturalist is a concerned citizen who wants to learn more about Mississippi’s natural resources and management tools that can be used to help protect our land and water resources. Master Naturalist Certification Requirements: ● A Master Naturalist will receive 40 hours of in-depth training in natural resource and wildlife management. This information will be taught by regional experts at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center with field trips to discover and learn more about south Mississippi’s wildlife and natural habitats.● Master Naturalist volunteers will promote environmental stewardship within their community through conducting educational activities, projects, and demonstrations. An additional 40 hours of volunteer service is required to obtain certification in the program.

MISSISSIPPI MASTER NATURALIST NEWSLETTER

Volume 1, Issue 1

AQUACULTURE AND SPORTFISH WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Water quality management of aquaculture and sport-fish ponds has many aspects that should be considered. Some water quality issues result from watershed conditions and the nature of soils in which ponds are constructed. Others are related to culture species, culture methodology, and weather conditions. Some of the factors that are important include water source, watershed size and quality, seepage, overflow, runoff, evaporation and rainfall, air and water temperature, thermal stratification, ionic composition of water, salinity, total alkalinity, suspended solids, turbidity, color, pH, phytoplankton abundance, stocking, fertilization, and feeding rates, and dissolved oxygen.

For more information, contact: Dr. Chris Boyd

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

ENVIRONMENTAL EXTENSION

MSU-CREC

MSUCARES.COM

SEA GRANT