Events

Wind-tidal flats are dominant wetlands across the south Texas coast, characterized by extreme physical conditions that support laminated cyanobacteria mats, benthic infauna, and migratory shorebirds. These systems provide essential ecosystem services such as sediment stabilization, nutrient cycling, and storm attenuation, yet are widely degraded by vehicle rutting and other disturbances. Despite their ecological importance, wind-tidal flats remain poorly understood, with no standardized methods for assessing damage or guiding restoration. This thesis addresses these gaps through two complementary studies.

This dissertation examines foraging habitat availability and the potential effects of sea level rise for four imperiled wading birds: the reddish egret (Egretta rufescens), little blue heron (Egretta cearulea), tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), and roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) along the west coast of Florida and the upper Laguna Madre in Texas.

This symposium will bring together graduate students, university researchers from across Texas, and industry scientists to present potential science-based solutions to coastal issues.