COASTAL ECOLOGY INSTITUTE

MARINE BIOGEOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Louisiana coastal zone is a broad delta region formed by the Mississippi River. There is a great diversity of wetland habitats, ranging from freshwater marshes and swamps to saltwater tidal flats. CEI scientists study ecosystem dynamics across these habitats, focusing on nutrient cycling, soils, hydrology, primary production, grazing, wildlife populations, and landscape changes. Field surveys and satellite imaging are used to map vegetation and keep track of changing landscapes.

Sea-level rise and land subsidence are important factors contributing to landscape change. CEI scientists are challenged to catalogue and predict vegetation changes that are occurring rapidly in this time of increased human impacts on global environment. CEI scientists study deltaic habitats throughout the world. Results from these investigations are frequently used in coastal management decisions.

Left : Lorna Inniss, Enrique Reyes, and David Courvillion measure nutrient release from Everglades sediments.
Photograph by Jaye Cable.

Right : Brian Vosburg shows a sediment core from False River, Louisiana.
Photograph by Jaye Cable.