NEWSWAVE NEWS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR: OCEANS, COASTS AND GREAT LAKES

IN THIS EDITION: Fall 2012 Interior’s River Initiative ...... 1 Dam Removal on the Dam Removal on the Elwha...1 Elwha River A Day in the Life as an “Island Already manifesting signs of Keeper”...... 3 new life as the watershed is Restoring Coastal Wetlands...4 reconnected to the sea By Barbara Wilcox, USGS U. S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting in American Samoa .5 One year after crews began to take Arctic Habitat Studies...... 6 down two obsolete dams on the Elwha River in Washington State, Eastern Neck National Wildlife the unprecedented restoration is Refuge: ...... 7 already manifesting such signs of Coral Research Partnership new life as fish hatchlings, tree Award ...... 8 saplings and the beginnings of beaches. Hope for Great Lake Fish..... 10 Secretary Salazar participated in a Urban River Project...... 10 ceremony this summer marking the The responses are part of the ongo- removal of the Great Works Dam on the ing restoration study by U.S. Geo- National Oceanic Partnership Penobscot River in Maine – a major step logical Survey (USGS) scientists Program...... 11 toward enabling the river to flow freely from Old Town to the Gulf of Maine. and their state, Federal and tribal ERMA Expanded to Arctic... 12 Ecosystem responses to removing partners. The Elwha River runs Interior at CSO Meeting...... 12 dams in the Elwha river watershed are through Olympic National Park highlighted in this issue. Photo credit: DOI SCUBA Divers...... 13 Tami Heilemann, DOI. Elwha See page 22 Deepwater Canyons...... 14 Interior’s River Initiative Science: Key for Tampa Bay .15 “All American Rivers” Restoration Fish Extinctions...... 15 Projects Benefit Coastal and News from the Regions...... 17 Ocean Waters Too Trends of Coastal Change... 20 By Caitlin Fong and Chris Eng Managing Offshore Sand.... 21 Rivers are a critical part of the Surfing Bison...... 24 endless water cycle. Rain that falls in the mountains starts a journey through tiny streams that This issue of NEWSWAVE includes ultimately flow into our Nation’s examples of Interior programs mightiest rivers, discharging along engaged in restoring and strengthening connections with our coasts. This perpetual cycle ties even our most interior lands to Aerial view of the mouth of the Elwha watersheds and local communities River near Port Angeles, Wash. Photo that benefit our Nation’s estuaries the health of our coasts and oceans. credit: Tom Roorda, Northwestern and coasts. Territories Inc. See River Initiative page 9 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Visit us online: http://www.doi.gov/pmb/ocean/index.cfm For more information about Are you interested in contributing ocean and coastal activities to NEWSWAVE? at DOI contact: Visit: http://www.doi.gov/pmb/ocean/ Terry Holman, Coordinator news/Newswave/index.cfm DOI Ocean and Coastal Activities, Please contact Ann Tihansky with any 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop 3530 questions, comments or to receive Washington, D.C. 20240, NEWSWAVE via email. Telephone: 202-208-1944, [email protected] Fax: 202-208-4867 202-208-3342 or 813-727-0841 [email protected] Subscribe to the Federal NEWSWAVE Contributors Marc Blouin prepares a drill tower for Ocean.Data.Gov’s Newsletter geologic coring in support of a climate Ann Tihansky, Editor, DOI Receive monthly updates about change study in South Florida. Photo Tami Heilmann, DOI the National Ocean Council's data credit: USGS. See related story page 13. Liza Johnson, DOI portal. Support ocean, coastal and Seth Sykora-Bodie, DOI Great Lakes information sharing Charlie Broadwater, BOEM and planning. Rodney Cluck, BOEM Contact Laura Muhs, Natural New Video: Return of the Gen- Heather Crowley, BOEM Resource Specialist tle Giants: Huron-Erie Cor- Marjorie Weisskohl, BOEM [email protected] ridor Fish Habitat Restoration Deanna Wheeler, BOEM Learn about restoring vital Charles Barbee, BSEE Chris Horrell, BSEE fish habitat in the Great Lakes David Smith, BSEE region. Footage includes lake Zoe Diaz-Martin, USFWS sturgeon spawning on the new Chris Eng, USFWS reef habitats even before the Amidia Frederick, USFWS construction was complete. See Caitlin Fong, USFWS www.estuaries.org/conference related story page 10. Kathy Kuletz, USFWS 6th National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Habitat Restoration, October 20-25, 2012 Tampa LKzollX4Z50&feature=youtu.be Shaun Roche, USFWS Convention Center, Tampa, Florida Marc Blouin, USGS Betsy Boynton, USGS Kate Bradshaw, USGS Noel Burkhead, USGS Arleen Elkins, USGS Ben Young Landis, USGS Sandra Morrison, USGS Rachel Pawlitz, USGS Barbara Wilcox, USGS Cris Benton Diana Bowen, Coastal States Organization Laura Bankey, National Aquarium Allison Miller, Consortium for Ocean Leadership Tom Roorda, Northwestern Territories Inc. Judy Irving, Pelican Media Keith Thorpe, Peninsula Daily News This image is a 3-D terrestrial LIDAR scan of Interstate 510 in New Orleans, Louisiana Nanette O’Hara, Tampa Bay Estuary on August 31, 2012 during Hurricane Isaac. This new technology is being used Program by USGS to map flooding in urban areas.http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article. asp?ID=3389&from=rss#.UHSH9i7pfgd 2 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 A Day in the Life as an “Island Keeper” Refuge interns share their summer experience at a National Wildlife Refuge By Zoë Diaz-Martin and Amidia Frederick Note: Zoe and Amidia were sta- tioned at “Outer Island” within the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Connecticut On graduation day, like millions of other college students finishing up their bachelor’s degrees and entering the real world, both of us Island Keepers from left, Amidia Frederick and Zoe Diaz-Martin at Outer Island. Below, pondered the same question: “what a typical view from Outer Island, part of the island system in the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Connecticut, Photo credit: Shaun Roche, USFWS will become of us in these hard http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=53546 times?” Yet, the Stewart B. McKin- ney National Wildlife Refuge on Wanted: coastal Connecticut has given us the gift of time to contemplate our Enthusiastic individuals to spend futures and to decide what to do in their summer on an island off the this world. Most importantly, it has coast of Connecticut gaining valu- provided us with lots of practical able work experience in the natural experience that we can use if we resource field. choose to pursue full-time work in Refuge interns will spend three the field of natural resources. months assisting with important When we tell people our titles tasks like invasive species man- are “Island Keepers” with the US and collect Asian shore crabs into agement, wildlife and vegetation Fish and Wildlife Service, we get small buckets. As part of a new surveys, nest counts, fencing/post- responses mixed with awe and inventory of the island’s birds and ing habitat, pollinator monitoring, laughter. In reality, a day in the life vascular plants; we have identified working with threatened and endan- of an “Island Keeper” is filled with some species that had not yet been gered bird species, interacting with both. No day here is exactly the recorded here. the public by conducting interpretive same. Our duties are varied but we tours and educational programs, Being an island keeper requires are mainly responsible for greet- and assisting with island mainte- you to be a flexible self-starter ing the public, leading interpretive nance projects on the property. and have a sense of humor. It is a tours and environmental educa- Applicants must be able to work once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that tional programs, aiding with main- in all kinds of weather, over differ- gives you hands-on experience tenance projects and managing ent types of terrain and with biting with applied environmental science invasive vegetation. One day might insects. in the natural resources field. It is consist of pulling Japanese Knot- also a chance to do some island weed, while another is painting a living daily astounded by the sheer building or showing local inner- Learn more about the USFWS beauty of the Thimble Islands. city kids the wonders of the island “Island Keeper” program: Most of all, it is satisfying to work and intertidal zone. We especially http://www.fws.gov/refuges/news/ toward conserving areas that are enjoy environmental education and Island%20Keepers%20Need- important to wildlife in the north- seeing the faces of school children ed_01032012.html eastern United States. light up as they conquer their fears 3 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Restoring Coastal Wetlands Adds Value to Silicon Valley Interior Supports Collaborative Spirit in South San Francisco Bay By Ben Young Landis “Restoring ecosystem processes and functions in these important shorelines of the South Bay ben- efits not only fish and wildlife, but the people and communities who live in and visit the surrounding areas,” said Interior Assistant Sec- retary of the Interior for Water and Anne Castle, Interior Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science, visits the Science Anne Castle, who toured South Bay restoration team. Left to right: Cheryl Strong, wildlife biologist with USFWS the project earlier this year. “The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Laura Valoppi, biologist with USGS Western Ecological Research Center and lead scientist for South Bay Salt Pond strong alliance of federal, state, lo- Restoration Project, Anne Castle, and John Bourgeois, Executive Project Director for cal and private partners, including the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. Photo credit: Ben Young Landis the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the largest wetland restoration restore back to marshes and what (USFWS) and U.S. Geological initiative on the U.S. West Coast. percentage to retain and reengineer Survey (USGS), is ensuring that Directed by the State of Califor- as managed ponds — and how to the beautiful and productive Bay, nia’s Coastal Conservancy agency, accomplish both using smart, adap- which attracted a vibrant popula- the restoration progress rests heav- tive management strategies. tion to live and work next to it, is ily on collaborative involvement protected and restored so that its Thanks to the South Bay Salt Pond from two Interior bureaus: USGS many benefits are preserved.” Restoration Project, however, some and the USFWS. of these evaporation ponds have The South Bay Salt Pond Restora- “In a project of this scale and at recently been opened up to bay tion Project has strong community this unique location, we have to ac- waters for the first time in about support through local cities and count for a complex set of past and 100 years, while the others are now utilities, such the Santa Clara Val- future ecological and human fac- managed ponds for shorebirds and ley Water District and the Alameda tors,” says John Bourgeois, execu- waterfowl instead of salt produc- County Flood Protection Agency, tive project manager of the project tion. A series of aerial images taken as well as from U.S. Senator Di- for the Coastal Conservancy. “How by Cris Benton shows the natural anne Feinstein and philanthropies will mudflats and the wildlife they process of ecological succession such as the Packard, Hewlett and support be affected by the resto- from barren salt pans to marsh Moore foundations. These depend- ration? What will happen to the vegetation. able friends and partners are criti- toxic mercury from legacy mining cal to the planning and success of “But this isn’t some black-and- stirred up by channel scour? Will the 15,000 acre restoration project. white, simple decision process sediment transport be sufficient to The entire South San Francisco where we say, ‘let’s convert every- naturally rebuild these marshes? Bay area stands to reap the eco- thing back to marshes,’” explains These are some of the questions nomic benefits, which include rec- Laura Valoppi, a biologist with that management expertise from reational opportunities, enhanced the USGS Western Ecological USFWS and scientific research flood protection, new wildlife Research Center who serves as from USGS are helping us with.” habitats, as well as construction research coordinator for the overall and research jobs. Bourgeois and colleagues have an restoration. important task at hand: deciding Now in its ninth year, the South how much of the 15,000 acres to Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project See South Bay page 16 4 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 U. S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting in American Samoa “Building Resilience into Coral Reef Conservation” By Liza Johnson American Samoa’s Governor Togiola Tulafono and Interior’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fish and Wildlife and Parks Eileen Sobeck co-hosted the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) annual meeting in Pago Pago, American Samoa, August 17-23, 2012. USCRTF members met together to discuss the 2013 work- plan and share recent accomplishments, coral conservation efforts, existing challenges and needs in addressing coral reef research on local and global scales, including an update on the petition to USCRTF steering committee members soak up list 82 species of coral under the Endangered Species Act and the cultural, historical, and environmental background newly formed Regional Ocean Partnerships in the Pacific Islands about the National Park of American Samoa and and Caribbean regions. The meeting also examined resilience the island of Ofu from Lelei Peau, native of Ofu and and response of coral reefs and coastal communities to disasters the USCRTF’s American Samoa Point of Contact. as well as climate change. The members passed a resolution that Photo credits: Liza Johnson formalized the Watershed Partnership Initiative (WPI). The WPI focuses on addressing priority issues and promoting interagency activities that improve watershed conditions and coral reefs. The resolution also prioritized community engagement to ensure that watershed management strategies facilitate the blending of cul- tural and traditional ecological knowledge and western science approaches. The meeting included a business meeting, specific issue-related side meetings, and field site visits. Governor Togiola, serving his last term as Governor gave welcoming remarks. Eileen Sobeck and Eric Schwaab (NOAA) co-chaired the meeting. Dr. Steve Palumbi of Stanford University gave a keynote presentation on coral reef resilience in American Samoa. USCRTF members and staff from DOI, EPA, NOAA, Several USCRTF members attended site visits at two of the select- USACE, and USDA met with the Watershed ed priority watershed sites: the West Maui Ka’anapali Watershed Partnership Initiative (WPI) program coordinator and local non-profit groups to tour the West Maui in Hawaii and the Faga’alu Watershed in American Samoa. Mem- Watershed. bers discussed key threats to the watersheds, existing watershed restoration efforts, and the role of key community partners. While in American Samoa, Sobeck met with field staff from the National Park of American Samoa, Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, and the Office of Insular Affairs to discuss issues of coral reef health, invasive species, watershed restoration, marine protected area management, community engagement and out- reach, and local culture. The next USCRTF meeting to be held in February, 2013, in Wash- ington, DC will focus on the National Ocean Policy implementa- tion, the Endangered Species Act, and the USCRTF Watershed USCRTF members visited sites within the Faga’alu Partnership Initiative. watershed (the third project selected as part of the Learn more:http://www.coralreef.gov/ USCRTF’s Watershed Partnership Initiative). Here they inspect a stabilized stream that may provide a pathway for sediment and other contaminants to enter the coastal waters. 5 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 BOEM Continues Arctic Habitat Studies Scientists Begin New Phase of Chukchi Sea Research The Bureau of Ocean Energy Man- agement (BOEM) announced the next steps in an important study of the Hanna Shoal area in the Chuk- chi Sea offshore Alaska to advance the focused effort of incorporating new scientific and environmental information throughout the imple- mentation of the Five Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2012- 2017. It is part of Interior’s com- mitment to science-based resource management in the Arctic. Pacific Walrus and Black-legged Kittiwakes on Chukchi Sea ice. Almost 1700 walrus were seen during a two-to-three hour period on August 19 along the south side of The three-week expedition in Au- the Hanna Shoal. Photo credit: Kathy Kuletz, USFWS. gust 2012, was part of a long-term This research supports ongoing study of marine life in the Hanna efforts to further develop and ag- Shoal area in the northeast Chuk- gregate scientific information to chi Sea. Previous studies of Hanna identify both areas that may be Shoal have documented sustained made available for oil and gas leas- benthic productivity, accompanied ing and areas that may be deferred by high concentration of water under this targeted leasing model. birds, walruses, and whales. This study will help identify and mea- “We are taking a cautious approach sure important physical and biolog- to any future leasing in the Arctic ical processes that contribute to the and scheduled Alaska sales later high concentration of marine life in the Five Year Program to allow in this area, advancing BOEM’s for the continued development understanding of environmental of exactly this kind of scientific considerations such as food web information,” said BOEM Director dynamics and potential contami- Tommy P. Beaudreau. nant bioaccumulations. Over the course of the Hanna Shoal study, which runs until 2016, BOEM physical oceanographer Dr. The new information will help Heather Crowley, left, and Kimberly inform BOEM’s future resource scientists will identify and measure Powell, University of Alaska Fairbanks management decisions in the important physical and biological graduate student, sort benthic organisms Arctic. As discussed in the Final processes that contribute to the collected with the trawl. Photo credit: high concentration of marine life Deanna Wheeler, BOEM Hanna Shoal Oil and Gas Leasing Program for Ecosystem Study; PolarTREC Program. 2012-2017, BOEM has developed in the area. Work will include a focused leasing strategy for the documenting physical and oceano- Arctic that is specifically designed graphic features, ice conditions stations, including selected stations to identify areas with significant and information concerning local from previous research. The inves- oil and gas resource potential while species. tigation team consists of a uniquely minimizing possible conflicts with The Hanna Shoal project will qualified group from the University environmentally sensitive areas. consist of more than 30 sampling Arctic Habitat See page 19 6 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge: A Place for Community Stewardship and Environmental Education By Laura Bankey, Director of Conservation, National Aquarium The Eastern Neck National Wild- life Refuge, part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System, is located at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay Community volunteers and partners planting native marsh grasses along a newly on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. resored tidal marsh on the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: National Aquarium. This 2,285-acre island refuge is a major feeding and resting place ties and environmental education Public wildlife refuges are such for migrating and wintering wa- for nearby schools. treasures, special places where terfowl. More than 100,000 ducks, Since 2000, the National Aquarium wildlife is managed and protected geese and swans seek sanctuary has been working with USFWS for future generations, a place to here each year, as do migrating and staff, federal, state, corporate, connect with the natural world. In- breeding songbirds and shorebirds, academic and local volunteers volving the public through restora- and bald eagles that thrive here to restore native habitats on the tion and environmental education year-round. refuge as parts of its Chesapeake on refuge property engages the The Refuge and its partners offers Bay Initiative. To date, more than community in enjoying and pro- multiple recreational opportunities 12 acres of tidal wetlands and tecting the shared resources of our as well as opportunities for public forested buffers have been restored public lands. engagement in stewardship activi- by removing invasive species and Learn about a National Wildlife planting more than 145,000 native Refuge near you: http://www.fws. plants. gov/refuges/index.html Joint initiatives have included a Learn more about your public living shoreline project on the lands: www.publiclandsday.org southern end of the island at Hail Cove, multiple tidal wetland res- toration projects along the western edge of the island, development of a kayak trail that circumnavigates the refuge, and installation of a native BayScape garden and nature trail at the visitor’s center. Students participating in the Aquarium’s Wetland Nursery or Terrapins in the Classroom Programs also visit the refuge to take part in restora- tion activities as well as learn about the island ecosystems. A student volunteer holds two ribbed The mission of the National Aquar- mussels, a shellfish species that thrives in the restored habitat. Photo credit: ium is to inspire the conservation National Aquarium. of the world’s aquatic treasures. 7 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Coral Research Project At left-A coral community atop a structure piling adjacent to a subsea Wins Partnership Award oil and gas structure at a depth Study focused on deepwater of about 1,500 ft was discovered as part of the NOPP-funded study coral communities referred to as Lophelia II. Red By Marjorie Weisskohl, BOEM laser beams, projected from the ROV, represent a separation of The National Oceanographic Part- 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). nership Program (NOPP) Office Lophelia coral colonies and (see related story page 11) awarded anemones are abundant. The project the 2011 ‘Excellence in Partner- team also placed a marker on top ing’ Award to the team managing of the piling with a plastic ball of known dimensions for use as a size the project known as Lophelia II reference. on October 15. This project was a Below- An orange basket starfish 2008 NOPP-funded project titled, sits atop Lophelia corals at a depth “Exploration and Research of of 1,476 ft. Photo credits: Lophelia II Northern Gulf of Mexico Deep- 2012 Expedition, NOAA/BOEM. water Natural and Artificial Hard Bottom Habitats with Emphasis on from 1,000 to 9,000 ft. The project the Gulf of Mexico this summer Coral Communities: Reefs, Rigs, included research at three different where they discovered Lophelia and Wrecks.” kinds of deepwater habitat: natu- coral growing deeper (2,620 ft) The project was nominated for its ral reefs, shipwrecks and offshore than previously seen in the Gulf. exceptionally diverse partnerships energy platforms. In addition to This newly available information which include “scientists, gradu- scientific and management goals, will inform future environmental ate students, technicians, public a major component was educa- reviews and decision-making. outreach professionals, and indus- tional outreach to allow the general Learn more: http://www.oceanlead- ership.org/2012/nopp-announces- try specialists from a very broad public and especially children to experience and learn about these excellence-in-partnering-award- spectrum of ocean sciences ranging winner/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_ from Federal regulating agency unique features and ecosystems. medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed scientists to academic scientists to The Lophelia II team completed %3A+OceanLeadership+%28Consor industry partners.” their last research mission in tium+for+Ocean+Leadership%29&u tm_content=FaceBook Dr. Charles Fisher from Pennsylva- nia State University and Dr. James Brooks from TDI Brooks Interna- tional, Inc. led the project with Bu- reau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the funding agencies. The Deepwater Coral Ecosystems Project began in 2008 and brought together numerous cooperating groups and leading scientists to ex- plore and study poorly understood deep-water or “cold-water” coral communities and shipwrecks in the deep Gulf of Mexico. They con- ducted scientific exploration and discovery in water depths ranging 8 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 River Initiative continued from page 1 Water transporting sediment, nutri- ents, pathogens, and other pollut- ants picked up along the way can affect not only the health of our rivers, coasts and oceans, but the health of our communities. Migra- tory species like salmon can carry ocean nutrients back up rivers and into watersheds. America’s Great Outdoors Initia- tive (AGO), launched in 2010, by A group of stand-up paddleboarders (SUPs) from a non-profit organization called President Obama is a 21st-century Below the Surface, celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the Clean Water Act by approach to conservation that rec- exploring the Anacostia River outside Washington, DC. Photo credit: Ann Tihansky. ognizes how the health of natural and communities; encourages new like the Elwha River in the State resources are interconnected with policies, programs and projects of Washington, where scientific our human communities. Led by that conserve river resources; partners USGS, NPS, US Fish the Departments of Interior (DOI), increases recreational access; and and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Agriculture, the Environmental develops lasting strategies for NOAA and the Lower Elwha Klal- Protection Agency, and the Coun- long-term river conservation and lam Tribe are working together to cil on Environmental Quality, the recreation objectives. The Rivers reopen over 70 miles of historic AGO Initiative recognizes that the Initiative has three strategic priori- salmon habitat (see related story best conservation solutions start ties for achieving these goals: page 1). with the American people. Show the Way by demonstrating Through the Rivers Initiative, DOI During public listening sessions successful and innovative ap- is forging long-term partnerships, held across the country, Americans proaches to river conservation engaging local communities, and repeatedly voiced their support for and recreation through the “All providing innovative technologi- river stewardship. American Rivers” projects that cal and management approaches. show how federal and states agen- Communities of river conservation On May 22, 2012, cies, and local communities can and recreation practitioners are Secretary Salazar announced work together to achieve specific, critical support for local efforts that that the Elwha River Dam tangible river conservation and restore and reconnect Americans Removal was selected as the recreation outcomes. with their treasured riverways. All-American-Rivers project Make it Easier by providing tools For more information:http://www. for the State of Washington. and services to governmental agen- doi.gov/Americas-Great-Outdoors- Press release: http://www.doi. cies, communities, and other stake- Highlighted-River-Projects.cfm. gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar- holders to improve the planning Highlights-10-Projects-in-Pacific- and implementation of river con- Northwest-and-Western-States-as- Americas-Great-Outdoors-Rivers.cfm servation and recreation projects. For example, DOI is developing the National Rivers Atlas, which In response, Secretary of the is a geospatial watershed planning Interior, Ken Salazar, established tool for local communities. DOI is the Rivers Initiative, prioritizing also developing online tools and river conservation and recreation resources that will facilitate part- throughout DOI. The Initiative im- nerships and communication. proves coordination and communi- cation among government agencies Inspire Involvement by celebrat- ing partnership successes. Projects 9 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Habitat Restoration Provides Hope for Great Lake Fish Species By Sandra Morrison, USGS “The science said: ‘If you build it, they will come,’ but we hardly could have dreamed of such an enthusias- tic reception to this newly created rocky habitat for sturgeon and other native fish of the Great Lakes,” said US Geological Survey (USGS) Di- rector Marcia McNutt. “This success gives us hope.” Led by Michigan Sea Grant, the The lake sturgeon, a fish native to the Great Lakes region and listed as threatened or Middle Channel Reef Project is endangered in several states, has already been observed spawning in the newly created supported by the National Oceanic rocky habitat of the “Middle Channel Reef” project. Photo credit: Arleen Elkins, USGS. and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Urban River Project Adds Value to Chesapeake the Great Lakes Restoration Initia- Bay’s Watershed and Coastal Communities tive (GLRI) through Environmen- By Caitlin Fong and Chris Eng, USFWS tal Protection Agency (EPA), and the Huron-Erie Corridor Initiative Flowing through our nation’s capital, the Anacostia River has experienced (HEC) partners. USGS scientists de- decades of urbanization, and has been ranked as one of the most polluted veloped a model to predict where to rivers in the country. Through partnerships with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife build fish habitat that enhances fish Service’s Coastal Program, D.C. Department of the Environment, Natural reproduction and rebuilds native fish Resources Conservation Service, and numerous other local organizations, populations (including lake sturgeon, the Watts Branch Stream Restoration project, is part of a large-scale wa- lake whitefish, and walleye) in the tershed restoration of the Anacostia River, the “Forgotten River.” channel connecting Lakes Huron and A watershed-based approach method was used to assess conditions and Erie.“The fact that we are already used a natural channel design method to restore 1.8 miles of stream and observing sturgeon spawning on the Middle Channel Reefs helps validate riparian habitat along Watts Branch. The project restored a stable, self- the science that guided the planning, sustaining stream with diverse aquatic habitat and reduced bank erosion. design and location of this project,” The project also had a strong urban renewal component, which con- said Dr. Jennifer Read, Assistant nected low-income urban neighborhoods to their local waterway, creating Director of Michigan Sea Grant and a healthier community with a stronger sense of stewardship. The effort Principal Investigator of the Middle invested nearly three million dollars in the local economy by supporting Channel Reef Project. jobs in manufacturing, surveying, construction, restoration, planting and maintenance of the habitat. The project served as an outdoor classroom Through collaborative support, the for the D.C. Green Corps, an innovative job training program, created USGS has also developed a “blue- print” for fish spawning habitat by Washington Parks and People, http://www.washingtonparks.net/, an restoration in the HEC that helps alliance of community urban park partnerships. D.C. Green Corps pro- identify and prioritize future restora- vides access to environmental careers in urban and community forestry tion sites. These restoration efforts and forest-based ecosystem and watershed restoration. The project serves are a key part of the EPA efforts to as a model for using innovative techniques and partnerships in future remove Beneficial Use Impairments urban restoration efforts. The far-reaching impacts downstream improve and eventually delist the St. Clair both the resource health of the Anacostia River, Chesapeake Bay and the and Detroit River Areas of Concern. watershed communities that rely on them. Rebecca Wodder, Senior Advi- Learn more: http://huron-erie.org/ sor to Secretary Salazar, said, “It has been exciting to see the many ways local communities can benefit from the combined aspects of river restora- tion and recreation.” 10 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Building the National Oceanic Partnership Program-- Creating a community that fosters advances in ocean science, technology, and education By Allison Miller, Consortium for Ocean Leadership and Rodney Cluck, BOEM The National Oceanographic Part- types of partnerships for almost Roadmap: Technologies for Cost nership Program (NOPP) was cre- fifteen years working to leverage Effective, Spatial Resource As- ated in 1997 by the U.S. Congress resources on ocean-related topics. sessments for Offshore Renewable as a collaborative way for Federal Many topics are interdisciplinary Energy, http://www.boem.gov/uploaded- with multiple stakeholders sharing Files/BOEM/Environmental_Stewardship/ agencies to provide leadership and Environmental_Studies/Renewable_En- coordinate national oceanographic similar interests. For example, in ergy/AT%2010-x14%20Roadmap%20 research and education initiatives. 2010, the Bureau of Ocean Energy for%20Technologies.pdf By bringing the public and private Management, the Department of Evaluating Acoustic Technologies sectors together, the NOPP facili- Energy, and the National Oceanic to Monitor Aquatic Organisms at tates interactions among Federal and Atmospheric Administration Renewable Energy Sites, http://www. agencies, academia, and industry. collaborated on a funding solicita- boem.gov/uploadedFiles/BOEM/Environ- The partnership also increases vis- tion aimed at advancing offshore mental_Stewardship/Environmental_Stud- ibility for ocean issues on the na- renewable energy by addressing ies/Renewable_Energy/Evaluatingacoust- ictechnologiesRESites(1).pdf tional agenda and achieves a higher the need for environmental in- level of coordinated effort across a formation such as protocols and Developing Environmental Pro- broad oceanographic community. monitoring. tocols and Monitoring to Support Ocean Renewable Energy and This leadership promotes resources The three agencies collaboratively sharing and fosters community- Stewardship, http://www.boem.gov/up- funded the eight research projects loadedFiles/BOEM/Environmental_Stew- wide innovative advances in ocean highlighted below. They were ardship/Environmental_Studies/National/ science and technology. The com- led by Cornell University, Pacific NT10x32.pdf munity can then support larger, Energy Ventures, University of Visual Impact Evaluation System more comprehensive projects that Massachusetts Dartmouth, Univer- for Offshore Renewable Energy, benefit all participants. The cu- sity of Washington, University of http://boem.gov/uploadedFiles/BOEM/ mulative investment in research Texas-Austin, University of Arkan- Environmental_Stewardship/Environ- through NOPP reached over $549 mental_Studies/Pacific_Region/Studies/ sas, Parametrix, and University of PC-10-08.pdf million between 1997 and 2011. Rhode Island respectively. Bayesian Integration Marine Spa- Such collaborative work en- Characterization and Potential Im- tial Planning and Renewable En- hances the sustainability of ocean pacts of Noise Producing Construc- ergy Siting, http://boem.gov/uploaded- and coastal economies by sound tion and Operation Activities on the Files/BOEM/Environmental_Stewardship/ scientific information that helps Outer Continental Shelf, http://www. Environmental_Studies/Pacific_Region/ balance the myriad of demands boem.gov/uploadedFiles/BOEM/Environ- Studies/PC-10-x13.pdf on coastal and ocean resources. mental_Stewardship/Environmental_Stud- ies/Renewable_Energy/Characterization- Developing Environmental Pro- Planning in the marine eviron- PotentialImpacts.pdf tocols and Monitoring to Support ment heavily relies on partnerships Ocean Renewable Energy and Stew- Protocols for Baseline Studies and at all levels throughout the Fed- ardship, http://www.boem.gov/upload- Monitoring for Ocean Renewable eral government as well as on the edFiles/AT-10-x16a%20Protocols%20 Energy, http://www.boem.gov/uploaded- and%20Modeling%20Tools.pdf regional scale where many plans Files/BOEM/Environmental_Stewardship/ will be implemented. NOPP has Environmental_Studies/Pacific_Region/ been guiding and facilitating these Studies/PC-10-x12.pdf

11 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Responsive Federal Mapping Tool Expanded to Arctic A new federal interactive online mapping tool (ERMA® ) used by emergency responders during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has been expanded to include the Arc- tic, and will help address numerous challenges in the Arctic posed by increasing ship traffic and pro- posed energy development. At right, Eileen Sobeck, Interior’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Parks as well as co-chair of the National Ocean Policy’s Ocean Research Management- Administration (NOAA) and the Interagency Policy Committee, participated in a panel discussion at the Coastal States Organization (CSO) annual meeting in September. Other panel members (from left): Department of the Interior’s Bu- Braxton Davis, North Carolina Coastal Program Manager and CSO Past Chair; Pete reau of Safety and Environmental Johnson, Deputy Director of the Council of Great Lakes Governors; Betsy Nicholson, Enforcement (BSEE), called the Northeast Lead, NOAA Coastal Services Center (hidden from view); and Donald Environmental Response Man- Schregardus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Environment. Photo credit: agement Application, known as Diana Bowen, CSO. ERMA®, an important step for- ture ERMA provides,” said BSEE ward for the Arctic region. Interior Shares director James A. Watson. “With Perspectives at Coastal “We are committed to a compre- the potential for oil and natural gas States Organization hensive, science-based approach to development, as well as increased energy policy in the Arctic,” said shipping activity offshore Alaska, 42nd Annual Meeting Deputy Secretary of the Interior it is essential that responders have Eileen Sobeck (DOI) and Don David J. Hayes. “This initiative is access to real-time information that Schregardus (USN), the National part of the Administration’s com- provides full situational aware- Ocean Policy’s Ocean Research mitment to continuing the expan- ness. That’s why I’m so pleased Management-Interagency Policy sion of safe and responsible pro- that BSEE was able to partner Committee co-chairs, were invited duction of our domestic resources with NOAA to help complete this to discuss the National Ocean Pol- and is an exciting step forward in invaluable application.” icy at the Coastal States Organiza- tion (CSO) 42nd Annual Meeting our efforts to collect, synthesize ERMA brings together all of the in Huron, OH, September 24 -27. and deliver relevant information to available information needed for Sobeck pointed out benefits of the decision-makers.” an effective emergency response policy, with a key advantage being “The addition of Arctic ERMA in the Arctic. In an emergency the increased coordination and col- will be a tremendous benefit to situation, ERMA is equipped with laboration among Federal agencies. responders in this rapidly develop- near real-time oceanographic She is encouraged that this collabo- ing region,” said Jane Lubchenco, observations and weather data ration will continue as it improves under secretary of commerce for from NOAA, and critical environ- our ability to accomplish tangible oceans and atmosphere and NOAA mental, commercial, and industrial results, specifically as the Regional administrator. “This scientific tool data information from BSEE, and Planning Bodies (RPB) become could provide essential informa- numerous other federal and state established. Betsy Nicholson, tion in responding to potential oil response agencies. Responders NOAA, discussed the progress and spills and pollution releases in the can further customize the tool status of the Northeast RBP and Arctic.” with environmental, logistical, and Pete Johnson from the Council of operational data such as fishery “I know first-hand how critical Great Lakes Governors discussed closure areas, resources at risk it is for emergency responders to activities taking place in the Great have the common operating pic- See ERMA page 23 Lakes Region. 12 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 SCUBA DIVERS: A Critical Workforce For Interior’s Oceans, Coasts, Rivers and Great Lakes By Ann Tihansky Work in our ocean, coasts, estuar- ies, rivers and Great Lakes often requires getting beneath the surface to thoroughly evaluate and moni- tor these watery resources. Many of these underwater duties require specialized technical diving skills due to challenging environmental BSEE dive team member Charles Barbee trains underwater near the sunken aircraft conditions, complex tasks, or both. carrier USS Oriskany. Photo credit: BSEE. SCUBA divers at the U.S. Geo- techniques, tools and innovative The BSEE dive program, led by logical Survey (USGS), Bureau of sampling devices. For example, a Federal Preservation Officer and Safety and Environmental Enforce- patent application has been filed Diving Safety Officer Christopher ment (BSEE) and Bureau of Ocean on a new device used to evaluate Horrell, conducts annual recerti- Energy Management (BOEM) have fishery habitats in the Colorado fication dives that improve diving formed well-trained teams to ac- River at Glen and Grand Canyons, skills and increase BSEE’s capa- complish a diverse set of tasks that in Arizona. bilities in the water. The dive team integrate the stewardship mission Blouin works with these teams to consists of scientists and seasoned with high-quality safety training. develop safety support for divers investigators, and conducts field in- The USGS Dive Team includes working in submarine environ- vestigations that facilitate a clearer nearly 200 divers scattered across ments that include low visibility, understanding of the various re- the U.S. Led by Dive Safety Pro- cold water, high velocity currents sources the Bureau is charged with gram Manager Marc Blouin, this and potentially aggressive marine inventorying and protecting as the team has contributed significantly animals. The USGS dive-safety nation’s offshore energy portfolio to a number of scientific stud- program developed a low-visibility continues to grow on the Outer ies ranging from climate change, training module that is used by Continental Shelf. coral disease, current velocities, many institutions worldwide. Using a “Science-based Compli- bridge scour, invasive mussels, USGS divers also participate with ance” approach, BSEE’s dive fish habitat, sea otters, sea turtles, the US Coast Guard in multi-agen- program, an entity within the Sea- habitat mapping, drilling, and hy- cy training initiatives for rescue floor Compliance, Assessment, and drology in caves and springs. This lifesaving and dive accident man- Monitoring Program (SCAMP), work often challenges the divers agement to help guarantee every- conducts several tasks including: to design and develop specialized one is prepared for emergencies. 1) site investigations, 2) verifying damages to natural and cultural resources, 3) assessing mitigation At left, USGS field dive effectiveness, 4) documenting and officer, Glen Black, issuing incidents of non-compli- operating a suction ance, 5) determining potential sampler (patent pending), used to civil and criminal penalties for collect periphyton non-compliance, and identifying and invertebrates and documenting newly identified for a collaborative resources. fisheries habitat project. Photo by Marc Blouin, USGS. See SCUBA page 14 13 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Mid-Atlantic Deepwater Canyons Expedition The Mid-Atlantic Deepwater Canyons expedition is continuing to explore deep sea communities in a series of three research cruises. The project, co-funded by Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the U.S. Geological Survey, and NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration, and managed by Continental Shelf Associates, also includes scientific partners from several academic institutions. The USGS DISCOVRE (Diversity and Connectivity of Vulnerable Reef Ecosystems) team will investigate the biology and ecology of deepwater canyons off the eastern coast of the United States. Scientists will be examining the microbial associates of deep-sea corals and the microbial diversity present in soft sediments, neither of which has ever been explored in these canyons. They will also be deploying setting plates to look at the microbial biofilms that form on various substances (limestone, sandstone, steel), since those biofilms determine which macrofauna will later colonize rocky outcrops or ship- wrecks. Other aspects of study include studying coral population genet- Locations of the five mid-Atlantic canyons off the Delaware peninsula ics, benthic ecology, foodwebs, and paleoclimate using coral skeletons. that are part of the Deepwater Canyons Keep up with the expedition through Mission Logs, Photo Gallery, and Expedition; from south to north: Norfolk, Washington, Accomac, Baltimore and the Ocean Explorer Deepwater Canyons 2012 News Feed: http://oceanex- Wilmington, are shown in a Google Earth plorer.noaa.gov/explorations/12midatlantic/welcome.html image available: http://fl.biology.usgs. More: http://fl.biology.usgs.gov/DISCOVRE/index.html gov/DISCOVRE/discovre_gmap_MAC.html

ever completed in North America SCUBA continued from page 13 See more SCUBA action: with divers from the Lower Elwha BSEE’s Environmental Enforce- http://www.nps.gov/olym/ Klallam Tribe, the National Oce- naturescience/Elwha-Snor- ment Division enjoys a solid anic and Atmospheric Administra- kel-Survey-2007.htm relationship with the BOEM dive tion, Peninsula College and the program working in concert with http://www.nps.gov/olym/parknews/ Wild Salmon Center. The underwa- elwha-river-snorkel-survey.htm BOEM and other federal dive ter trip began just above Chicago programs to foster inter-agency Camp and ended at the Straits of http://www.bsee.gov/BSEE-News- cooperation, as well as engaging in Juan de Fuca west of Port Angeles, room/BSEE-News-Briefs/2012/ further training and enhancing the WA. This survey provided vital BSEE-Dive-Team.aspx dive team’s capabilities. This past baseline data before dam removal http://www.boem.gov/uploaded- year, the team, joined by divers began. It will improve understand- Files/BOEM/BOEM_Newsroom/ from BOEM, conducted a train- ing of the salmon recolonization Library/Bulletin/03-2012.pdf ing exercise on the sunken aircraft process and guide future moni- Restoring the Elwha carrier USS Oriskany, the battle- toring efforts. The USGS Seattle River: http://gallery.usgs. ship USS Massachusetts, a vessel dive team is leading the follow-up gov/photos/06_18_2012_ known as the Russian Freighter, monitoring part of the study, part- aEUh8LJww6_06_18_2012_1#. and an artificial reef called Three nering with divers from the EPA UGNtoWDn12A Barges, all off Florida’s northwest and the Elwha Tribe in the largest coast. During this exercise they project of it’s kind in the country conducted diver rescue training (see related story page 1). and limited visibility and entangle- ment drills along with learning to use a new underwater camera. At right-Hydrologists from the Water Interior (NPS, USFWS, USGS) Science Center in Orlando, FL, set up a has also participated in one of the device to monitor water flow velocity. longest snorkel surveys (42 miles) Photo by Marc Blouin, USGS. 14 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 North American Fish Extinctions May Double by 2050 By Rachel Pawlitz, USGS A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey, “Extinction Rates in North American Freshwater Fishes, 1900-2010,” was published in the Septem- ber issue of the journal BioScience. The study finds that North America lost 39 species and 18 subspecies between 1898 and 2006. From 1900- 2010, freshwater fish species in North America went extinct at a rate 877 times faster than the rate found in the fossil record. Based on current trends in threatened and endangered fish species, researchers estimate that Two fish species facing extinction. The Slender Chub (top) has not been seen an additional 53-86 species of freshwater fish may be extinct by the year since 1996 and may be the next species 2050. to be considered possibly extinct in Natural causes of fish extinction are linked to transitions in landforms and North America. The Pygmy Sculpin (bottom) is a southeastern fish that is continental watercourses over time, but many twentieth century extinc- only known to occur in one location, tions were caused by dams, channelization of rivers, water pollution, and a spring. Photo credit: Noel Burkhead, other human-induced factors. USGS. sefishescouncil.org http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3315#.UD-oEJFuJz0

Scientific Research: A Key Foundation for Restoring Tampa Bay USGS publication highlights solid foundation of scientific research and partnerships. Prepared in partnership with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Nanette O’Hara, Tampa Bay Estuary Program Integrating Science and Resource Management in Tampa Bay, Florida Tampa Bay is among the most well-studied estuaries in the nation thanks to a strong collaboration among bay area scientists and hands- on managers that stretches back more than 30 years. In addition to research supported by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), its local partners and academic institutions, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted a far-ranging suite of research in the bay in the past decade. Key findings are featured in a joint publication of the USGS and the TBEP along with examples of how the research has been used to drive management solutions. USGS Scientist Kim Yates, TBEP’s Executive Director Holly Green-

Circular 1348 ing and Hillsborough County’s Environmental Resources Manage- ment Division Director Gerold Morrison, co-edited USGS Circular

U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey 1348, “Integrating Science and Resource Management in Tampa Bay, Florida.” The publication demonstrates how science has been critical to the developing and implementing successful management strategies through the public, government, academ- ic and private partnership working in Tampa Bay. Chapters cover the natural history of the bay and its physical characteristics; changes brought about by develop- ment; seagrass restoration; water quality; freshwater inflows; sediment contamination and benthic health; and habitat protection and restoration. Taken together, they present a comprehensive synthesis of what scientists have learned about Tampa Bay, and how the Tampa Bay science community has collectively used that knowl- edge to advance bay recovery goals. “The progress we’ve made in restoring Tampa Bay exemplifies how sound science can help guide successful and cost-effective management of an important urban estuary,” said Holly Greening, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. “The combination of a very strong locally- based scientific community, enhanced by the U.S. Geological Survey’s research team, has contributed to a deep understanding not only of how Tampa Bay functions, but of the value of the bay to our region’s economy and quality of life.” The report is available online: http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1348/ 15 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 ence Center, the California Water Science Center and the National Research Program. Valoppi is in charge of coordinat- ing and synthesizing this USGS research and also compiling re- search conducted by a community of universities, consultants and nongovernment groups in the San Francisco Bay area who are all contributing to the restoration research. “The project management team works closely with the principal in- vestigators of the research projects, as well as local stakeholders,” says Cheryl Strong, a refuge biologist managing the bird habitat compo- nent of the restoration. “We can talk with our research colleagues, which is critical to how we evalu- ate and adjust our adaptive man- agement plan as we move forward with the restoration.” “Like the Bay ecosystem itself, this restoration is not a static process,” says Bourgeois. Learn more: http://www.southbayrestoration.org

Levees at Pond A21, near Fremont, Calif., were breached in 2006. This series of aerial kite photography shows the natural sedimentation processes and ecological succession of marsh vegetation to the previously barren salt pans. (upper left) Photo credits: Cris Benton. Dates for images, clockwise from upper left, April 2008, September 2009, October 2010, October 2011. http://www.southbayrestoration.org/ track-our-progress/island-ponds-before-after.html

Salt Marsh continued from page 4 to functioning sediment and water flows.” For example, some managed ponds are now important nesting and for- Establishing these tidal flows will aging grounds for federally listed naturally rebuild local marshes — waterbirds, like the Western snowy key habitat for other endangered plover and the California least tern. species like the California clapper “We can’t just tear down levees rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. and flood out these threatened and These are only two of the uncer- endangered species,” says Valoppi. tainties and science questions “And for tracts where we can re- being investigated by a USGS sci- USGS studies are examing effects of store tidal action, we have to figure ence centers, including the Western restoration on breeding shorebirds like out where to design openings in the Ecological Research Center, the the black-necked stilt (above). Photo levees to ease the ecosystem back Pacific Coastal and Marine Sci- credit: Judy Irving, Pelican Media. 16 NEWSWAVE • Summer 2012 News from the Regions Across the Nation, the Interior Department provides leadership and coordination for ocean, coastal and Great Lakes activities. Federal partners support state- led regional ocean partnerships and efforts to address common concerns within the regions. There are nine regional planning areas: 1-The Northeast, 2- Mid-Atlantic, 3-South Atlantic, 4-Caribbean, 5-Gulf of Mexico, 6-West Coast, 7-Great Lakes, 8-Pacific Islands, 9-Alaska/Arctic.

Northeast Regional Ocean marine birds and how they move within estuarine and marine habitats, land- Council (NROC) the near-shore environment, in addition use cover in coastal watersheds, and to gathering data on how far above the distribution of key species of manage- Bob LaBelle (BOEM) ocean surface birds are moving. The ment concern using a common set of (Maine,New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Atlantic Landscape Conservation standards and attributes. Rhode Island, Connecticut) Cooperative has funded a project to take http://collaborate.csc.noaa.gov/nroc/ all of the available marine bird data col- West Coast Governor’s Alliance default.aspx lected for the North Atlantic and develop (WGCA) a predictive model that will identify The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (US- Joan Barminski (BOEM) FWS), Bureau of Ocean Energy Manage- areas that should not be developed for (California, Washington and Oregon) offshore wind energy. ment (BOEM), and the U.S. Geological http://westcoastoceans.org Survey (USGS) have completed com- piling all available historic records on Governor’s South Atlantic The WCGA held its annual meeting on marine bird distribution and abundance Alliance (GSAA) August 27-28, 2012. At the meeting, into a data base designed to help the Executive Committee decided to agencies assess whether or not these Eric Strom (USGS) revise its 11 Action Coordination Teams species are moving through the rotor (North Carolina, South Carolina, to reflect the re-visited priorities of the swept zone to inform future wind power Georgia, Florida) WCGA and to restructure the Executive development decisions. USFWS is in http://www.southatlanticalliance.org Committee itself to include tribal rep- year four of a five year project to fund resentation. The relationship between The Governors’ South Atlantic Alliance observers on Ships of Opportunity to the WCGA and the West Coast Regional (GSAA) has been working on a project collect observations on marine birds, Planning Body (RPB) was a key discus- entitled “Designing a Multi-State and funded by BOEM. Through AMAPPS sion topic at the meeting. Regional Framework for Ocean Planning (Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for and Decision Making”. The Southeast Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) Protected Species), USFWS, Department Coastal Ocean Observing Regional As- of Navy, and the National Oceanic and sociation (SECOORA) has taken the lead, Linda Kelsey (USFWS) Atmospheric Administration have been and DOI agencies (USGS and NPS) are (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Missis- collaboratively gathering baseline infor- providing “relevant federal products, sippi, Texas) mation on the distribution and density tools, experiences, and datasets for the http://www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org/ of marine birds, sea turtles and other project.” The GSAA has four Issue Area marine mammals. BOEM has funded a USFWS currently serves as the DOI lead Task Teams (1-Clean Coastal and Ocean three-year diving duck satellite telem- on the Alliance Management Team. also and Waters, 2-Working Waterfronts, etry study which is being conducted by provides funding to support coastal wet- 3-Disaster Resilient Communities, and the USFWS, USGS and other partners lands restoration and for the acquisition 4-Healthy Ecosystems). DOI has partici- to determine migratory movements of of coastal wetland tracts. Florida, Ala- pating agencies on each one (USGS, NPS, marine birds. This study will provide a bama, Mississippi, and Texas have par- FWS). The DOI has been contributing more focused look at the highest priority to mapping known distributions of key See page 18 17 NEWSWAVE • Summer 2012

continued from page 17 Great Lakes Restoration ticipated in the USFWS National Coastal Initiative (GRLI) Wetland Grants Program and received Phyllis Ellin (NPS), Norman Grannemann project funds that support GOMA’s habi- (USGS) tat restoration goals. Louisiana has its (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, own Federally-funded wetlands restora- New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wiscon- tion program in which USFWS and USGS sin) play a major role. USFWS is working with http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/glri/ GOMA to develop sea level rise models USGS and the Huron-Erie Corridor Initia- for all 47 National Wildlife Refuges along tive (HEC) partners hosted a celebration to the Gulf coast. The Refuge System is highlight the successful St. Clair River lake also prioritizing potential land acquisi- sturgeon and native fish habitat restoration tion and conservation needs across the and other HEC restoration successes. The five Gulf States in support of the GOMA event took place along the St. Clair River Gulf coast habitat restoration and con- in Algonac, MI on August 28 and included Rachel Jacobson, Interior’s Deputy servation goals. the first showing of the Return“ of the Gentle Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife Giants: Huron-Erie Corridor Fish Habitat and Parks, spoke about measurable Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Restoration” video, a live sturgeon display, outcomes being achieved under the Council (MARCO) and legislative and agency representa- Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Photo tives discussing HEC programs. USGS also credit: Peter Cassell, EPA. Maureen Bornholdt (BOEM) hosted a boat tour of HEC research sites for (Maryland, New York, New Jersey, EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Delaware, Virginia) aboard R/V Muskie. www.huron-erie.org Partnership (PROP) http://www.midatlanticocean.org/ The Huron- BOEM is the Federal co-chair of the Richard Hannan (USFWS) Erie Corridor Regional Planning Body (RPB) for the (American Samoa, Commonwealth (HEC) is the Mid-Atlantic and is planning a stake- of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, waterway holder workshop in late November as Hawaii) that connects an initial step to launch regional ocean Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie Lakes Huron planning in the Mid-Atlantic. MARCO and the governors of American Samoa, and Erie and the Federal agencies engaged with the Commonwealth of the Northern through ocean planning in the region will con- Marianas (CNMI) and Guam signed the St. Clair vene the workshop which is scheduled the agreement for the Regional Ocean River, Lake St. for November 27 and 28 at the Arlington Partnership for Hawaii and the Pacific Clair and the campus of George Mason University in Islands-referred to as the Pacific ROP, or Detroit River. Virginia. PROP. http://hawaii.gov/gov/newsroom/ Map credit: press-releases/u.s.-pacific-islands-collabo- The Udall Foundation’s Institute for Michigan Sea ration-sets-framework-for-regional-ocean- Environmental Conflict Resolution Grant. partnership recently presented a webinar on effec- tive tribal relations for representatives Great Lakes Week 2012, took place in DOI participants gave PROP board from Federal agencies, Mid-Atlantic Cleveland, OH, September 10-14 with the members an informal, brief introduction states (MARCO), and the Shinnecock and theme, “Taking Action, Delivering Results,” to DOI and ocean resource-related issues Oneida tribes. The Udall Foundation has focusing public attention on efforts to rid such as marine planning. Don Palawski offered to provide training sessions for the Great Lakes of toxic hotspots, reduce (USFWS-Refuges) presented an over- federal agency representatives and RBP polluted runoff, restore fish and wildlife view of issues important to the Refuge members on collaborative leadership habitat, and prevent Asian carp and other complex in the insular Pacific, Dave training for ocean planning and stake- invasive species from entering the lakes. Helweg (USGS) gave an overview of DOI Rachel Jacobson, Interior’s Deputy As- holder engagement. organizational structure, National Park sistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and and Refuge management units in the Parks, spoke during the Joint Session along insular Pacific, and science and technol- with representatives from EPA and Environ- ogy capabilities available to support the Alaska ment Canada. PROP’s goals. Ellen Aronson and Joan Jim Kendall (BOEM) Learn more: www.glweek.org Barminski (BOEM) presented an overview In the Alaska region, the United States of the BOEM mission and capabilities. Coast Guard is currently the federal Caribbean Regional Ocean Copies of a BOEM overview fact sheet co-lead for Coastal Marine Spatial Partnership (CROP) and the 2010 DOI CMSP workshop report (U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report Planning. DOI’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Sherri Fields (NPS) Management (BOEM) will assume the 2011-1152) were provided to board (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) leadership role in 2013. members. 18 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Arctic Habitat continued from page 6 of Texas at Austin, Florida Institute of Technology, the University of Maryland, Old Dominion Univer- sity and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, who conducted previ- ous research in the area, along with additional researchers from the University of Rhode Island and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The researchers used the US Coast Guard Cutter Healy as their research platform. The research builds on BOEM’s recently published major study, “Chukchi Sea Offshore Monitor- ing in Drilling Area (COMIDA): Above, sampling equipment aboard the USCGC Healy, used to collect specimens from the sea floor, including, left to right, multi-Haps core, box core, double Van Veen grab, Chemical and Benthos (CAB),” with missile-shaped gravity cores at each end. Photo credit: Kathy Kuletz, USFWS. http://www.data.boem.gov/PI/ PDFImages/ESPIS/5/5182.pdf, chemical and biological environ- opment, energy production, and en- which establishes updated base- ment of the seabed prior to any vironmental protection through oil line information on the biological anticipated oil and gas exploration and gas leasing, renewable energy and chemical characteristics of activities. BOEM manages the development and environmental the Chukchi Sea planning area. exploration and development of reviews and studies. Through work conducted dur- the nation's offshore energy and BOEM’s Environmental Studies ing two field seasons in 2009 and mineral resources. The Bureau Program: http://www.boem.gov/ 2010, scientists characterized the seeks to balance economic devel- studies/.

You can dowload USGS video: “Wetlands Revival” A documentary film exploring the role of science in restoring salt ponds to wetland habitat in south San Francisco Bay. See related story page 4.

An array of benthic sediments and organisms collected for study from the sea floor about 130 feet deep on the Hanna Shoal in the Chuckchi Sea. Biological specimens seen here include a purple rose starfish with 10 arms (lower right), various other http://www.werc.usgs.gov/Pro- starfish/sea stars, brittle stars, purple sea cucumbers, several types of crabs, pink and orange soft corals, and feathery filter feeders known as bryozoans. Larger rocks are ductDetails.aspx?ID=3935 covered with white barnacles. Photo by Heather Crowley, BOEM. 19 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Scientists Track Trends RESTORE ACT: Restoring the Gulf of Mexico of Coastal Change Along The 2012 Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Northern Gulf of Mexico Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE). By Kate Bradshaw The Gulf Coast Region is a large, diverse landscape, ecologically rich due to Extreme storms historically have coastal geomorphology, climate, hydrology, and connection to a produc- battered barrier islands along the tive marine environment. The area is of great cultural, historic and econom- northern Gulf of Mexico coast- ic importance as reflected in ports, coastal communities, trade, agriculture, line. Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and seafood harvest, energy production and tourism. Congress passed the RESTORE Act to create a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund to support the Katrina (2005) left both Dauphin Gulf recovery from environmental and economic injuries resulting from Island (AL) and the Chandeleur decades of oil and gas development in the region, including impacts from Islands (LA) vulnerable to future Deepwater Horizon. storms like Hurricane Isaac, which Interior manages 3.5 million acres on 45 national wildlife refuges and eight hit the region in August 2012. national park areas from Texas to Florida and oversees nearly 160 million Scientists with the USGS’s Coastal acres of public lands offshore. Bureaus share a broad range of responsibil- Marine Geology program used ity for natural and trust resources-migratory birds, marine mammals, anad- historical baseline information romous fish, 132 species listed under the ESA - as well as for coastal barrier and monitoring data to predict the islands, science support and research leadership, ocean energy, recreation coastal changes likely to occur in and tourism. Interior maintains offices in every state where our profession- this vulnerable area as a result of als engage in land management, technical assistance, scientific research, Isaac’s landfall. Decades of infor- law enforcement and environmental and cultural education. Interior mation, combined with storm surge supports the recovery of the Gulf Coast region through partnerships that models and up-to-date predictions support restoration, promote outdoor recreation and tourism, and sup- of Isaac’s track from the NOAA’s port states and local communities with a shared mission for ecological and economic sustainability. Learn more about the RESTORE ACT: http://www. National Weather Service, enabled whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/10/executive-order-gulf-coast-ecosystem-restoration scientists to accurately forecast where beach and dune erosion, In advance of Isaac’s landfall, overwash, and inundation would USGS scientists also predicted that occur. Isaac would overwash the central part of the inhabited Dauphin Is- “We can now combine more accu- land where Katrina had breached it rate coastal data with powerful new seven years ago. Post-storm aerial scientific models to provide the photography and lidar surveys very best predictions of hurricane are used to verify the forecasts of surge, waves, and erosion,” said coastal impacts and help refine pre- USGS Director Marcia McNutt. dictive models. Learn more about Hurricane Isaac made landfall near USGS coastal change predictive New Orleans and although it was capabilities: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/ not as strong as Katrina, its slow hurricanes/isaac/coastal-change/ movement built up storm surge Learn about other USGS science sup- which intensified its impacts on porting coastal resilience: http://www. coastal elevations. One hundred usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_sto- percent of the Chandeleur Islands, ry/isaac/ a narrow chain of uninhabited At right - Aerial images of the islands, situated within Breton Na- Chandeleur Islands, LA before (top) and after (bottom) Hurricane Isaac, tional Wildlife Refuge, experienced demonstrate the severe impacts overwash conditions. Eighty-three overwash and inundation can have percent of the islands were com- on beaches. Photo credit: USGS. More pletely inundated, which further images are available on-line. reduced island elevations. http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/ isaac/photo-comparisons/ 20 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Managing Offshore Sand Resources BOEM’s Role in Restoring Our Nation’s Coastlines By Seth Sykora-Bodie The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is most well-known for its role in leas- ing offshore oil and gas reserves, “protecting the environment while ensuring the safe development of the nation’s offshore energy and marine mineral resources.” What few know is that these mineral resources include sand, gravel and shell resources on the Outer Conti- nental Shelf (OCS). These sedi- Active beach restoration taking place at NASA’s Wallops Island facility. Photo credit: Charlie Broadwater, BOEM ments are the basic building blocks of our Nation’s beaches. While closer to shore they must go far- nation as a whole, and that they states own the rights to offshore ther offshore to gain access to sand protect the integrity of the local mineral resources within three nau- resources that occur in the OCS. ecosystem. In evaluating these tical miles off the coast (with two These materials are used to renour- projects, BOEM seeks to minimize exceptions, Texas and Florida’s ish beaches, protect and restore detrimental environmental effects Gulf of Mexico coastline), BOEM shorelines and wetlands where while maximizing habitat protec- manages these resources further they mitigate hurricane impacts, tion. Since 1994, over $12 million offshore, in the OCS, through the erosion, sea-level rise and wetland has been spent on MMP Environ- Marine Minerals Program (MMP). habitat loss as well as protecting mental Studies that inform the Coastal states usually rely on these critical inland infrastructure. decision-making process. offshore deposits as their source Access to these deposits is man- The MMP has worked collabora- for material used in beach renour- aged through BOEM’s MMP to tively with other federal agencies ishment programs. However, as ensure that these proposed projects such as the National Park Service, states deplete the sand resources are economically beneficial to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United Stated Geological Survey, United States Army Corps of Engi- neers, United States Navy and the United States Air Force to study, analyze, develop and construct various conservation activities related to the strategic placement of dredged material from the OCS. The MMP also has active partner- ships with coastal States, such as Louisiana, Florida and Virginia as well as their environmental agen- cies. Since the program is strictly A hopper dredge used during a project at NASA’s Wallops Island facility. Photo credit: Charlie Broadwater, BOEM See Sand Resources page 23 21 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 Elwha continued from page 1 and empties into the Pacific Ocean through the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Angeles, Washington. Its sand and gravel beds and swift currents historically combined to make the Elwha River an unusually diverse and productive fishery, with 10 runs of anadromous (freshwater- to-sea migration) fish, including all five species of native Pacific salm- on and steelhead, until two hydro- electric projects dammed its flow Interior scientists and resource managers participated in a Elwha River public science in 1913 and 1927. The Elwha and forum along with representatives from the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and NOAA. Glines Canyon dams collected not During the forum they presented their findings, future directions for study and also just water but the large amounts of answered questions from the audience. Participants from left, Jeff Duda (USGS), George Pess (NOAA), Mike McHenry (Lower Elwha Klallam tribe), Guy Gelfenbaum sediment (19 million cubic meters) (USGS), Tim Randle (Bureau of Reclamation), and Josh Chenoweth (Olympic National that would normally have been car- Park). Photo credit: Keith Thorpe, Peninsula Daily News. ried downstream, providing habitat for many species and counteract- research ecologist Jeff Duda. The through the turbid waters to search ing coastal erosion. The dams thus scientists collected detailed beach for mates in waters that have been changed the watershed’s physical topography and nearshore bathym- blocked by the dams for 100 years. and biological character and with etry around the Elwha River mouth Recolonization of coho and steel- it the kind of species that could in May and August 2012 to docu- head from this past winter has thrive there. By 2011, the Elwha’s ment the initial delivery of sedi- resulted in the first juvenile salmon fish population had dwindled to ment down the river to the Strait. to emerge from the gravels above less than 5 percent of its historical Roughly 90,000 cubic meters of the Elwha Dam site. levels; the now-outmoded power sand has accumulated offshore and Changes in the Elwha River estu- plants had long been closed. In directly east of the river mouth in ary is renewing important habitat 1992, the U.S. Congress authorized areas that USGS models predicted. for juvenile salmon. The news the decommissioning of the Elwha The changes have begun to change of their first natural passage in and Glines Canyon dams, which the ecology of the river and its nearly 100 years is just a first step would become the largest river estuary in ways USGS and partners in restoring the Elwha’s uniquely restoration ever attempted in the will continue to observe. As river productive fisheries. United States. The USGS and many water and sediment mix into the It is also highly symbolic to the partners were called in to study coastal waters of the Strait of Juan Lower Elwha Klallam people. the entire process, beginning with de Fuca, a large, turbid river plume In fact, tribal tradition holds that establishing baseline conditions for was created. Decreases in annual life itself began for the tribe from hydrology, geomorphology, biology seaweeds were documented by within the Elwha River, at a site and ecology. ongoing USGS-led SCUBA dive behind the Elwha Dam that was “We have had the opportunity to studies (see related story, page 13), submerged by the reservoir. It has gather a lot of data and information but nearshore invertebrates and fish been restored to view only this as the Elwha story unfolds. Our job were still abundant during the first year. “There’s a bowl in the rock. is to provide a technically accurate season of post-dam removal That’s where the Creator created scientific narrative of the ecosys- monitoring. the Elwha people,” said Lower tem response, which will provide a In what Duda calls a pleasant Elwha Klallam chair Frances baseline to help us understand the development, Chinook, coho, and Charles. http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/ changes that occur over the short- pink salmon, as well as native features/usgs_top_story/elwha-one- and long-term,” explained USGS steelhead, have begun to swim year-later/?from=title 22 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012 ERMA continued from page 12 by the NOAA Ship Fairweather. Sand Resources continued from page 21 maps, and mariner notices, de- In addition to local and natural limited to managing offshore pending on the need. resource information, BSEE has resources and projects, the physical contributed improved access to key Integrating and synthesizing real- work, such as the removal of sand environmental, commercial, and or gravel resources, is done by oth- time and static data into a single industrial data sources throughout interactive map, ERMA provides a ers, chiefly the U.S. Army Corps lease areas in the Arctic. BSEE and of Engineers. These relationships quick visualization of the situation, other organizations will optimize improving communication and co- have grown stronger with time as real-time sensors to feed the data the MMP has created a number of ordination among responders and directly into ERMA during both stakeholders. NOAA developed working groups. Currently, there potential oil releases and hazmat are three working group regions: Arctic ERMA to be better prepared spill drills. for escalating energy exploration Mid-Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and and transportation activity in the ERMA is frequently used as a plan- Florida. The MMP holds annual region. ning and management tool in spill meetings of public, private, and drills and trainings. Most recently, academic stakeholders who are “After observing the positive way Arctic ERMA was used by NOAA, involved in evaluating and design- in which the ERMA assisted re- BSEE, and the U.S. Coast Guard ing these projects. sponse efforts in the Gulf of Mex- during a Chukchi Sea oil spill drill. ico, I believe it is highly important Over the last twenty years the to support the continued develop- Arctic ERMA is a product of a MMP has been involved in projects ment of an Arctic ERMA. It will partnership among NOAA, BSEE, that have moved over 69 million be useful to communities, public Oil Spill Recovery Institute and cubic yards of sand (or roughly 50 agencies and the private sector as the University of New Hampshire. Empire State Buildings) in Florida, a tool to guide many activities,” ERMA is currently available for Louisiana, Maryland, South Caro- said Fran Ulmer, chair, U.S. Arctic eight geographic regions—Gulf lina, and Virginia. In the next few Research Commission. The Alaska of Mexico, New England, Atlan- years, the MMP expects there will Ocean Observing System, the Uni- tic, Caribbean, Southwest, Pacific be an additional 3 or 4 states that versity of Alaska Fairbanks, and Islands, Pacific Northwest, and have never received OCS sand to the University of New Hampshire, Arctic. begin the process for access to fed- eral resources for beach nourish- as well as Alaska’s Arctic bor- The Interagency Working Group ment, shore protection, or wetlands oughs, are working with NOAA’s on Coordination of Domestic restoration projects. To date, the Office of Response and Restoration Energy Development and Permit- completed MMP projects have re- to keep this database current. Data ting in Alaska, was established stored approximately 180 miles of includes the traditional and local by President Obama in July 2011. coastline to the advantage of many knowledge of cultural and subsis- Chaired by Department of the species that rely on beaches for tence resources. They also include Interior Deputy Secretary David J. nesting or as critical coastal habi- observations of the extent and con- Hayes, the working group coordi- tat as well as our nation’s coastal centration of sea ice, locations of nates the efforts of federal agen- communities and vital inland ports and pipelines, and vulnerable cies responsible for overseeing the infrastructure. The MMP is an- environmental resources. Informa- safe and responsible development other way the Interior works with tion in Arctic ERMA is pulled from of onshore and offshore energy in stakeholders to protect and restore many innovative and current sourc- Alaska. http://www.doi.gov/alas- beaches across the nation. es, including data provided through kaenergy. a recent Memorandum of Agree- Learn more: http://www.boem.gov/ View Gulf of Mexico ERMA: ment with Shell, Conoco-Phillips MarineMineralsProgram http://gomex.erma.noaa.gov/erma. and Statoil USA that calls for the html. sharing of physical and biological data in the Arctic, as well as infor- Arctic ERMA: mation gained during the August https://www.erma.unh.edu/arctic 2012 hydrographic survey cruise 23 NEWSWAVE • Fall 2012

Lighthouses Mark Historical Shoreline Changes on Cape Hatteras National Seashore http://www.nps.gov/caha/historyculture/cape-hatteras-light-station.htm http://www.nps.gov/caha/historyculture/lightstations.htm

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is our nation’s first national seashore established on January 12, 1953. Three light stations still serve as active aids-to-navigation along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaming out across the treacherous waters known to sea captains as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The lighthouses stand constant as the sandy deposits of the barrier island system continue to shift over time.

The Ocracoke Light is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. Ocracoke Inlet was first placed on the map when English explorers wrecked a sailing ship there in 1585. Two centuries later, this was one of the busiest inlets on the East Coast. Ocracoke Village, was known then as Pilot Town, because pilots, who were hired to steer ships safely through the shifting channels to mainland ports, settled there. Ocracoke Lighthouse construction began in 1794, but in less than 20 years, the main channel had shifted nearly a mile away. Later, in the 1870s, two tall coastal lights, Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras, were built along the Outer Banks to warn ships of the dangerous shifting shoals offshore of the barrier islands. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest The Hatteras lighthouse brick lighthouse in the world. It was built was moved a total 1,500 feet from of 2,900 feet along shore in 1870, a carefully-prepared but in 129 years ‘move corridor’. Below, the shoreline a view from the top of had migrated to Bodie Island Lighthouse the lighthouse shows within 100 feet the path it traveled of it. In 1999, the from the shore to it’s lighthouse was present location. moved inland to a distance of 1,600 feet from the Atlantic Ocean.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

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