Virtual Poster Session for CMS Graduate Poster Session 2021

CMS Graduate Poster Session 2021

UNCW Center for Marine Science

W E L C O M E !

Our virtual poster session will give our graduate students an opportunity to answer questions and receive valuable feedback on their research. Our students work really, really hard throughout the year, and this event (even virtually) allows them to get some practice presenting their work to the world. 


TO ATTEND A VIRTUAL POSTER DISCUSSION, click on the "chat" button during the poster session (4:00-6:00 pm, April 16th). Or click on the video button for the few posters featuring a pre-recorded video presentation. Please preview posters and prepare questions prior to the live session. [Note each student's availability for chat.] 

Thank you to everyone taking time out to attend, and thank you to students for sharing your work. 


More info: https://uncw.edu/cms/gradpostersession.html

Filter displayed posters (141 keywords)

Carbon Monoxide (2) Coastal Development (2) Isotopes (2) Microplastics (2) Natural Products (2) Water Quality (2) pollution (2) sustainability (2) show more... Acetaldehyde (1) Aquaculture (1) Aquatic ecology (1) Arctic (1) Atmospheric (1) Belize (1) Beluga (1) Blue Economy (1) Cancer Research (1) Carbon monoxide (1) Chirp (1) Clean Water Act (1) Climate (1) Climate Change (1) Coastal Resiliency (1) Community Rating System (1) Comparative Physiology (1) Conservation (1) Diving Physiology (1) Drug Discovery (1) Environmental Justice (1) Estuary (1) Ethanol (1) FEMA (1) Fisheries (1) Fisheries crime (1) Fisheries management (1) Fishery (1) Fishery Management (1) Flood (1) Fluvial Morphology (1) Foraging ecology (1) Foraminifera (1) Forced labor (1) Freeboard Height (1) GIS (1) Gas Chromatography (1) Geology (1) Geophysics (1) Grain size (1) Habitat utilization (1) Halodule (1) Hemoglobin (1) Hurricane (1) Hurricanes (1) Hypoxia (1) IUU fishing (1) Illegal fishing (1) Insurance (1) International policy (1) International relations (1) Isotope chemistry (1) Mapping (1) Marine Geology (1) Marine Mammal Protection Act (1) Marine Mammals (1) Marine Policy (1) Mass Spectrometry (1) Naked Mole-Rat (1) National Flood Insurance Program (1) National Sword (1) North Atlantic Right Whale (1) North Carolina (1) Offshore Renewable Wind (1) Paleochannel (1) Paleoclimatology (1) Paleotempestology (1) Plastic pollution (1) Policy (1) Production Economics (1) RAS (1) Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (1) Red blood cells (1) Resilience (1) Resiliency (1) Risk (1) Science (1) Seagrass (1) Secondary Metabolites (1) Selective Breeding (1) Stable Isotopes (1) Sustainability (1) Sustainable Aquaculture (1) Transboundary fish stocks (1) Tropical Cyclone (1) Water Treatment Plants (1) Water affordability (1) Wetlands (1) Wind Turbines (1) Zooplankton (1) Zostera (1) alpha cellulose (1) aquaculture (1) biofilm (1) black sea bass (1) bulkhead (1) comparative ecology (1) cotton (1) denitrification (1) edge of range (1) epiphyte (1) erosion (1) eutrophication (1) feeding trial (1) fish (1) fisheries (1) flake (1) grazing rates (1) gummy (1) international trade (1) intertidal marshes (1) ischemia- reperfusion (1) lipid peroxidation (1) living shoreline (1) marine debris (1) marine organisms (1) microenvironment (1) microfibers (1) nekton (1) nitrogen cycle (1) northern elephant seals (1) ocean acidification (1) ocean warming (1) plastic trade (1) polyester (1) reef-building corals (1) shark (1) shoreline stabilization (1) siRNA (1) stormwater (1) stress (1) surf zone (1) thermal tolerance (1)
Show Posters:

Tracks

Biology & Marine Biology (8)
CMS (5)
Chemistry & Biochemistry (1)
Coastal Engineering (1)
Earth & Ocean Sciences (2)
MCOP (11)

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Endogenous Carbon Monoxide Formation from Lipid Peroxidation: A Comparative Analysis between Humans and Elephant Seals

Alicia T. Cotoia, Michael S. Tift, Ph.D

Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) is the endogenously produced gas resulting from heme breakdown by heme oxygenase (HO). Though typically regarded for its toxic effects, CO is cytoprotective in small quantities. This is evident in tissues exposed to ischemia/ reperfusion (IR)- such as in stroke, organ transplantation, and atherosclerosis- where CO is a vasodilator allowing for the introduction of blood flow- and thus oxygen- to constricted tissues. Reintroduction of oxygen has its own dangers, as it produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that degrade cellular membranes in a process known as lipid peroxidation (LPO). Previous studies have indicated that LPO produces CO independent of HO, though how much CO produced is unknown. This study seeks to determine this, as well as differentiate CO concentrations produced in species that do not routinely experience IR (i.e. humans) against species that do [i.e. northern elephant seals (NES)]. To test this, human and NES cells will be cultured, and HO will be knocked- down via siRNA. LPO will then be induced by H2O2 addition. To ensure LPO is upregulated, LPO by-products- such as MDA and 4-HNE- will be measured via spectrophotometry. Then, CO production will be measured via gas chromatography. With HO knocked down, resulting CO is expected to be from LPO, where NES are expected to produce differing CO levels compared to human dues to their natural adaptions to routine IR. This comparative approach will allow us to understand the mechanisms involving CO cytoprotection, as well as how CO can be used therapeutically in human IR.
Presented by
Alicia Cotoia
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Keywords
Carbon monoxide, lipid peroxidation, ischemia- reperfusion, siRNA, northern elephant seals
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th, 5:00PM- 6:00PM

First Report of Red Blood Cell Lifespan in a Marine Mammal: An Insight Into Endogenous Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Anna Pearson, Dr. Todd Schmitt, Dr. Todd Robeck, Dr. Luis Hückstädt, Dr. Michael Tift

Abstract
Deep-diving marine mammals are known to have high concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), experience hypoxemia from extended breath-holds, and ischemia-reperfusion events in tissues from the physiological dive response. However, certain deep-diving seals (e.g., elephant and Weddell seals) are known to have levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in their blood that are similar to those seen in chronic cigarette smokers (>10% carboxyhemoglobin; COHb). The source of the high CO in the seals is currently unknown. The gas is naturally produced in humans and lab animals as a byproduct of heme degradation, by heme oxygenase enzymes. Therefore, CO production is tightly correlated with red blood cell (RBC) lifespan and associated Hb degradation, as shown by higher COHb (average 1.9%, maximum 9.7%) in patients with shortened RBC lifespans due to hemolytic anemia. Although normally considered a toxic gas, low levels of CO are naturally produced in most mammals (≤ 1% COHb in healthy humans), and exposure to moderate concentrations of exogenous CO has shown to elicit cytoprotective effects (e.g., anti-inflammation) in tissues exposed to hypoxia or ischemia-reperfusion events. Therefore, there is a desire to ascertain the mechanisms behind the regulation of elevated CO in marine mammals. Similar to humans, the production of high concentrations of CO in marine mammals is hypothesized to be directly related to their RBC lifespan. The RBC lifespan has been determined in a variety of terrestrial vertebrates, but never reported for any marine mammal species. In terrestrial mammals, there is an allometric relationship with larger animals having longer RBC lifespans. This study reports the first measurements of RBC lifespan in a marine mammal, the shallow-diving bottlenose dolphin (mass = 216 ± 23 kg, Hb = 14 g/dl). We hypothesize that the bottlenose dolphin would have a RBC lifespan that is similar to healthy humans (~120 days). Our results show the RBC lifespan of the bottlenose dolphin is 95 ± 3 days. Like humans, bottlenose dolphins also had low levels of CO in their blood (1.6 ± 0.5 % COHb) and exhaled breath (2.4 ± 1.0 ppm). Ongoing measurements in larger, deeper-diving mammals (e.g., beluga whales, 747 ± 244 kg, Hb = 21 g/dl), will further reveal the impact of heme stores and body mass on RBC lifespan and endogenous CO production in mammals.
Presented by
Anna Pearson
Institution
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
Other Affiliations
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, University of California, Santa Cruz
Keywords
Comparative Physiology, Carbon Monoxide, Red blood cells, Hemoglobin, Marine Mammals, Stable Isotopes, Diving Physiology
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th, 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
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Investigating endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) in the hypoxia-tolerant naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber)

Kristi M. Mitchell, Matthew Pamenter, and Michael S. Tift

Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known by many only as a dangerous toxic gas but has been recognized to generate naturally in the body in low concentrations, produced endogenously by way of heme degradation and then expelled by the body by respiration. Research has shown CO may hold cytoprotective benefits, with increased concentrations acting as a preventative to injury during periods of hypoxemia. Naked mole-rats, Heterocephalus glaber, exhibit increased hypoxia-tolerance, living exclusively in underground burrows and demonstrating chronic hypercapnia. To investigate their extreme hypoxia-tolerance, 16 naked mole-rats were used in a hypoxia exposure study. Animals were exposed to normoxia (n=4), acute hypoxia (7% oxygen) for four hours (n=4) and 24 hours (n=4), and chronic hypoxia (11% oxygen) for seven days (n=4). The spleen, brain, and lung were then analyzed for endogenous CO concentrations using gas chromatography. There was not a statistically significant difference in CO values between exposure periods in the brain or the lung. The spleen values indicated a difference in CO concentrations between the naked mole-rats exposed to four hours (70.03 ± 13.83 pmol CO) and 24 hours (43.58 ± 8.84 pmol CO). The study is ongoing and will be continued to include additional tissue samples.
Presented by
Kristi Mitchell
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Biology and Marine Biology
Keywords
Carbon Monoxide, Hypoxia, Naked Mole-Rat
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16, 5:00-6:00pm

Natural Product Drug Discovery from Marine Bacteria

Bradley Hlebak

Abstract
Due to the increase in the rates of diseases such as cancer and the limited resources in terms of novel drugs to help fight this increase, researchers are turning towards natural products to meet demands. The goal of this research project is to examine new collections of marine bacteria as well as the isolation and structure elucidation of novel bioactive compounds. Four lead strains of bacteria have been identified as either being bioactive or containing potential novel compounds, DSK021, DSK075, DSK121, DSK148. These strains will undergo isolation and the bioactive compounds will be structurally elucidated.
Presented by
Bradley Hlebak <bth4579@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other Affiliations
MARBIONC
Keywords
Natural Products
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th 5pm-6pm

Nekton utilization of mesohaline marsh-edge habitat between riverine and adjoining creek systems

Jocelyn Fifer, Martin Posey, Devon Eulie, Troy Alphin

Abstract
Within the Cape Fear River estuary, intertidal marsh provides habitat for both resident and transient species. The intertidal marsh-edge is an important sub-habitat for these species, and a variety of factors may affect the use of this habitat to include, tidal stage, exposure, sediment composition and geomorphology. Little is known of nekton abundances and distributions in mesohaline marsh systems and more specifically nekton utilization of riverine marsh habitat compared to adjoining creek marsh habitat. The objective here is to describe nekton utilization of mesohaline marshes and investigate whether a difference exists between utilization of river marsh-edge habitat compared to creek marsh-edge habitat. This will be accomplished by monthly sampling paired creek and river sites using active and passive gears.
Presented by
Jocelyn Fifer
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science
Keywords
Habitat utilization, intertidal marshes, nekton
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th 4-6pm

Production Economics of Black Sea Bass in a Recirculating Aquaculture System: Sensitivity to Genetically Induced Growth and to Alternative Protein Sources in Aquafeed

Kaitlyn Hudson, Wade. O Watanabe, Christopher F. Dumas, Md Shah Alam and Thomas M. Losordo

Abstract
Black sea bass, Centropristis striata, occupy shelf waters of the eastern US and are highly sought by commercial and sport fishermen. As demand increases, pressures upon wild stock intensifies creating opportunities for meeting this demand through aquaculture production. Preliminary studies at UNCW (Resimius et al. 2014) have provided a basis to further evaluate alternative production practices and improved performance traits that enable recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facilities to operate with higher economic efficiency and profitability. A major biological factor not included previously, is the effects of selective breeding to improve growth performance and feed efficiency. Genetic selection combined with more sustainable aquafeeds containing terrestrial protein sources such as cottonseed meal or soybean meal as main protein sources, have great potential for improving growth performance and feed efficiency, to reduce production costs and improve the profitability of RAS facilities. The overall goal of this study is to decrease barriers to black sea bass production by conducting a detailed economic analysis of a hypothetical commercial scale land-based RAS for production of black sea bass to help identify the critical biological constraints to production in the Southeastern US. A spreadsheet economic model of a RAS growout production facility for black sea bass will be developed to explore the profitability of different production scenarios via sensitivity analysis.
Presented by
Kaitlyn Hudson
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Keywords
Aquaculture, Selective Breeding, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, Production Economics
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th 4-5pm

The impacts of microplastics on threatened corals in future oceanic conditions

Sharla Sugierski, Nicole Fogarty

Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the oceans and can cause harm to marine life, including corals. However, little is known about how the microplastic presence could influence the susceptibility of corals to other stressors like the projected impacts of climate change. This study investigated the impacts of microplastics on Acropora cervicornis corals in both ambient ocean conditions and future (ocean acidification and warming - OAW) conditions over 3 weeks. Nine A. cervicornis genotypes were tested using a multifactorial design of four treatments: (1) ambient control, (2) ambient microplastics, (3) OAW, and (3) OAW microplastics in a 36-tank experimental system controlled by Neptune Apex Systems. There was lower skeletal growth, higher symbiont densities, and lower chlorophyll a/symbiont cell as a result of microplastic exposure. Growth and chlorophyll a concentrations were also significantly lower in the OAW microplastics treatment compared to the ambient control treatment. The results indicate that microplastics can impair growth in A. cervicornis and the reliance of the host on its symbiotic algae, and that the combined stressor of OAW and microplastic exposure may push corals into a stressed state more so than the individual stressors. These findings suggest microplastic pollution is a threat to coral health, and that the health impacts could be worse in the future.
Presented by
Sharla Sugierski <sas8185@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Biology and Marine Biology
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science
Keywords
Microplastics, reef-building corals, ocean warming, ocean acidification, stress
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th 4-6pm EST

Zooplankton grazing rates in the surf zone off Wrightsville Beach, NC

Amanda Shuman

Abstract
My thesis examines the grazing impact of the surf zone zooplankton population on surf zone phytoplankton. This project moved beyond general observation and species identification and addressed these questions: does zooplankton grazing account for a statistically significant portion of phytoplankton biomass in the surf zone? do water temperature and tidal stage have a significant effect on the grazing rates? From August 2020-April 2021, samples were taken at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach, NC. Using a dilution sequence and 48hr incubation, chlorophyll a levels were measured and used to calculate phytoplankton growth and the grazing coefficients. The surf zone grazing rates were then compared to known grazing rates of different ocean habitats, specially off-shore and estuarine waters. The surf zone zooplankton were found to have a grazing rate of 61.3% +/- 21.1% d-1, while off-shore zooplankton were found to have a range of 17-31% d-1 and estuarine zooplankton 28.8-81.6% d-1. In addition, the grazing coefficients from each sampling round were found to have a significant positive correlation with the water temperature (p= 1.6 x 10-15). There was no significant effect of tidal stage (p=0.898). This research was the first to examine the zooplankton grazing in the surf zone.
Presented by
Amanda Shuman
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Biology and Marine Biology
Keywords
Zooplankton, grazing rates, surf zone, comparative ecology
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Available April 16th 4:30-5:30pm

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Discovering Natural Product Producers from the Microbiome of Arctic Sediment

Alex Swystun, Patrick Erwin, R Thomas Williamson, Wendy Strangman

Abstract
The benthic marine biome is an underexplored area of research in terms of natural product discovery. Natural products are an endless resource of unique molecular structures with the potential to create new pharmaceutical drugs (Dias et al., 2012). Thanks to advancements in molecular biology in the 1990s and on, these marine microbes can be grown in the right media and cultured in lab to look for genes and metabolites (Marris, 2006). Isolated bacterial strains from arctic deep-sea sediments are sequenced using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and tested at Wayne State University Oncology Center for toxicity. Six out of the forty-seven strains have been tested for toxicity, and one isolated proteobacterial strain produced a secondary metabolite with a unique structure that significantly killed esophageal carcinoma. The Alcanivoracaceae family is not well reported in the literature for bioactive compounds, and there are most likely more undiscovered compounds in other rare benthic marine microbial families.
Presented by
Alex Swystun
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science
Keywords
Drug Discovery, Secondary Metabolites, Natural Products, Cancer Research
Chat with Presenter
Available Friday 4-6

Effects of epiphyte biofilm on thermal tolerances of edge of range seagrasses in North Carolina

Mike Wheeler, Dr. Jessie Jarvis, Dr. Martin Posey, Dr. Winn Johnson, Dr. Bradley Furman

Abstract
Seagrasses are marine angiosperms found in coastal tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters around the world that provide many valuable ecosystem services. In North Carolina, there are two seagrass species located at their edge of distributional range: Zostera marina, a temperate species which thrives in colder water and is thermally stressed in summer, and Halodule wrightii, a tropical species which thrives in warmer water and is thermally stressed in winter. Epiphytes, mainly micro- and macroalgae that grow on and around the leaf surface of seagrasses, have been shown to create a thermal boundary layer which can raise the temperature of the leaf phyllosphere microenvironment by up to 0.8 °C depending on biomass and epiphyte species composition (Noisette). Edge of range seagrasses are threatened by warming sea surface temperatures due to climate change and input of excess nutrients from coastal development can increase the biomass of epiphytes which may aggravate this heat stress in Zostera. For this project, my goals are to determine if epiphytic cover negatively impacts Zostera marina in summer conditions, or potentially alleviates Halodule wrightii cold stress in winter conditions. I also want to characterize the seasonality of epiphyte species community between both Halodule wrightii and Zostera marina as very little is known about NC seagrass epiphyte communities.
Presented by
Michael Wheeler
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, department of Marine Science
Keywords
Seagrass, Halodule, Zostera, epiphyte, thermal tolerance, biofilm, edge of range, microenvironment
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th 4-6pm

Factors influencing denitrification in constructed wetlands and wet detention ponds in the Wilmington, N.C. area

Nicholas D. Picha, Michael A. Mallin, Lawrence B. Cahoon

Abstract
Stormwater runoff frequently transports excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into aquatic ecosystems. As enclosed water bodies such as lakes and ponds accumulate these and other pollutants, harmful or noxious algal blooms can result. These blooms generate a biochemical oxygen demand when they deteriorate, creating hypoxic or anoxic conditions; blooms of certain taxa can be toxic. Stormwater runoff over an increasingly urbanized landscape characterized by development in the form of impervious surfaces such as parking lots, roads and sidewalks further contribute to this issue. In dealing with the excess nutrient load, constructed wetlands and wet detention ponds are created to retain stormwater runoff and aid in nutrient removal. Denitrification is one way in which the microbial community can permanently and naturally remove nitrogen in the form of nitrate, from these receiving water bodies. This study will measure denitrification and associated factors in city-owned wetlands and detention ponds to assess how various water quality parameters, constructed wetland and detention pond size, watershed area, and sediment grain size can affect denitrification rates, and determine which aquatic macrophyte species should be planted to best encourage denitrification.
Presented by
Nick Picha <ndp5254@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science
Keywords
Aquatic ecology, denitrification, stormwater, pollution, nitrogen cycle, eutrophication
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16, 3-430pm

Historical foraging ecology of belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) in the Pacific Arctic

Devin Fraleigh and Dr Alyson Fleming

Abstract
The Pacific Arctic has been changing rapidly over the last several decades. Yet little ecological data exists from the period of time before major climate changes began, limiting understanding of past ecosystem conditions and establishment of ecological baselines. Using historical museum collections of teeth from belugas, a sentinel species for tracking change, this project aims to create a new archive of historical conditions from approximately 1850 to 1980. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of tooth growth layer groups will provide valuable information on beluga foraging ecology for each year of an individual’s life. With the inclusion of compound specific isotope analysis, a more recent methodology, underlying shifts at the base of the food web will also be examined. Data from 9 Smithsonian specimens of beluga teeth from 1847-1898 have already been collected and analyzed. It is my goal to analyze additional specimens identified in other biological collections from the same region dating from the 1900s. The resulting historical baseline will provide a unique opportunity to directly compare changes both in the foraging behavior of beluga as well as the marine food web before the most significant anthropogenic impacts began and will help inform management of Pacific Arctic marine resources.
Presented by
Devin Fraleigh
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science
Keywords
Isotopes, Arctic, Beluga, Foraging ecology
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16 5:00-5:45pm

The Effects of Natural and Microplastic Fiber Ingestion on the Growth Performance and Health of Juvenile Black Sea Bass

Austin M. Schmidt, Wade O. Watanabe, Md Shah Alam, Patrick M. Carroll, Alison Taylor, Carolina Priester

Abstract
In this project supported by Cotton Inc. (Cary, NC), the UNCW Center for Marine Science Aquaculture Program will compare the dietary effects of synthetic microfiber (polyester) and natural cotton microfiber ingestion on the health, growth performance, feed efficiency, and body composition of hatchery-produced juvenile black sea bass under controlled laboratory conditions. Based on the scientific literature, the diets will include polyester and cotton microfibers at concentrations that are environmentally relevant. Ten experimental diets will be formulated and prepared as follows: three levels (0.25, 1.0 and 5% dry wt.) of synthetic microfiber, three levels of cotton microfiber, three levels of alpha cellulose, and one control diet without cellulose, microfiber or microplastic. Diets will be formulated to meet the nutrients requirements of black sea bass and will be fed over a period of ten weeks in triplicate tanks. Fish growth will be monitored and at the end of the feeding trial, histopathology of intestinal and gill tissues will be analyzed using traditional light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To further explore digestibility of microplastics in juvenile black sea bass, apparent digestibility coefficients of the diets study will be determined by using chromic oxide as an inert marker in the diets and collecting the feces.
Presented by
Austin Schmidt
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington - Center for Marine Science
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science Aquaculture
Keywords
Microplastics, microfibers, black sea bass, fish, marine organisms, aquaculture, RAS, sustainability, pollution, marine debris, feeding trial, cotton, polyester, alpha cellulose
Chat with Presenter
Available 4-6 PM April 16th, 2021

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Simultaneous Quantification of Acetaldehyde, Formaldehyde, and Methanol in Atmospheric Samples: Analysis and Temporal Variability

Benjamin C. Lancaster, Megumi Shimizu, Robert Kieber, Ralph Mead, Brooks Avery, Jennifer Harfmann

Abstract
Gas phase and rainwater ethanol concentrations have increased dramatically in the last decade as a result of increasing use of ethanol as a biofuel, followed by a sudden decrease in 2020. Rainwater ethanol concentrations correlated positively with the number of vehicle kilometers driven in North Carolina and South Carolina over this time period highlighting the importance of vehicle exhaust on controlling the abundance of the alcohol in this region. The global pandemic and resulting state mandated lockdowns provided a unique opportunity to examine the effect of decreased vehicle km (estimated to be an approximately 12% decrease in km driven the southeaster USA in 2020) on ethanol concentrations in air and rain. This resulted in a decrease in the volume weighted concentration of ethanol in rain from 733 nM in 2017, and 506 nM in the first half of 2018, to 123 nM during July - September of 2020. Gas phase concentrations decreased during the summer of 2020 to 1.3 + 0.3 ppbv from 4.7 ± 1.1 ppbv in July 2016. Reduced concentrations of atmospheric ethanol caused by shifts in driving habits will have important implications for air quality because of potential reductions in smog formation as well as reduced concentrations of ozone, acetaldehyde and peroxyacetly nitrate (PAN). Data presented in this presentation are important because they suggest that changing commuting habits and a switch to electric based vehicles will have a significant impact on the amount of ethanol in the atmosphere.
Presented by
Benjamin Lancaster <bcl6888@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science
Keywords
Ethanol, Acetaldehyde, Atmospheric, Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography

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Beach Profile And Water Level Measurements Using A Rapid-Deployable Line-Scanning Low-Cost (LLC) Lidar System

Christopher O'Connor and Ryan Mieras

Abstract
Recent developments in fixed terrestrial LiDAR has proven capable of measuring the physics of coupled hydro-morphodynamic shoreline evolution during storms and the post-storm recovery processes; however, the high cost and terrestrially-fixed nature of units like those presently in use at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Field Research Facility (USACE FRF) in Duck, NC prohibit widespread adoption and are impractical to transport for use during extreme events impacting areas other than Duck, NC. A rapid-deployable Line-scanning Low-Cost (LLC) LiDAR system was developed at UNCW to address the high cost and immobile nature of the terrestrially based LiDAR system. The LLC LiDAR can currently be produced at less than one one-hundredth the price of the terrestrially based LiDAR system. An experiment was conducted to test the accuracy of the LLC LiDAR system against that of the terrestrially based FRF DUNE LiDAR.
Presented by
Christopher O'Connor
Institution
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Keywords
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1500-year hurricane frequency reconstruction using grain size and δ18O analysis of foraminifera in the Pelican Cays, Belize

Chris Blanco, Dr. Andrea Hawkes, Dr. Chad Lane

Abstract
Accurately forecasting tropical cyclone (TC) activity requires prehistoric records on multi-decadal, centennial, and millennial timescales. Without these long-term records, our ability to fully understand paleo TC climatology and improve the accuracy of TC models is limited. Grain size analysis, which entails the identification of coarser grain deposits in the sediment record, is a common proxy for paleo TC activity. One drawback to the grain size TC proxy is that other energetic events can produce similar deposits. To reduce the chances of mislabeling storm deposits, we can apply a second, verifying proxy. The δ18O composition of CaCO3 tests can be used to verify TC-produced deposits (tempestites) in the sediment record. Rainfall produced by TCs is depleted in the heavier oxygen isotope, 18O, due to Rayleigh fractionation effects amplified by repeated evaporation and condensation processes in TCs. When CaCO3 organisms produce their tests, they utilize the ambient oxygen that is available to them. Therefore, negative excursions in the δ18O time-series of a sediment record can be used as indications of TC events. This TC proxy is relatively new and its efficacy in certain organisms like benthic foraminifera and environments like reef-lagoons has yet to be established. I will analyze the δ18O of Elphidium spp. in a 5-m sediment core from Elbow Cay in the Pelican Cays, Belize to reconstruct a 1500-year record of TC activity in the region. I hypothesize that the negative δ18O excursions identified in the foraminiferal stable isotope record will be coeval with TC-produced coarser sediment deposits
Presented by
Chris Blanco
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other Affiliations
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Keywords
Hurricanes, Paleotempestology, Grain size, Isotopes, Isotope chemistry, Paleoclimatology, Foraminifera, Belize
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th, 4-5 PM EST

Investigating controls on paleodrainage morphology and evolution since the Wisconsin lowstand offshore Masonboro Island, NC

Ben Ammerman, Shannon Klotsko, and Andrea Hawkes

Abstract
In this study, we document a large paleodrainage system offshore from Masonboro Island, North Carolina with high-resolution Chirp subbottom profiler data. The paleodrainage system likely formed during the last sea level lowstand, when terrestrial drainage extended across the continental shelf. The paleodrainage system has a valley bounding reflector with evidence of repeated incision and complex sedimentary structures above, including sediment progradation and infilling. This geometry is indicative of an incised valley system, where a drainage channel migrated back and forth throughout the constraining valley. The location of the incised valley system does not line up with any modern drainage system and the valley’s scale, highlighted by an isopach map, is much larger than that of today. This indicates that there have been changes in the regional drainage patterns between the formation of this incised valley and today. Potential causes of drainage reorganization could be related to changes in topography, such as long-term tectonic uplift or migration of sedimentary barriers, or be related to changes in climate, such as fluctuations in precipitation.
Presented by
Ben Ammerman <bea6878@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Earth and Ocean Sciences
Other Affiliations
Center for Marine Science
Keywords
Marine Geology, Geology, Chirp, Geophysics, Paleochannel, Climate, Fluvial Morphology
Chat with Presenter
Available April 16th, 4-5 pm

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Building a Framework for a Localized Approach To Wetland Protection To Most Effectively Establish Coastal Community Resiliency

Rachel Baker

Abstract
Coastal wetlands have increasingly faced difficulties in the establishment of adequate protection from rapid coastal development and urbanization. A phenomenon known as the “coastal squeeze” is occurring as sea levels rise and people are moving to coastal areas at a disproportionate rate, causing a need for more developments. However, these wetlands play a major role in protecting our coastlines and communities that are otherwise vulnerable to environmental and climate-related impacts. The presence of coastal wetlands can directly reduce impacts from these threats by acting as a natural sponge for flood storage, filtering runoff from rain events, and acting as an energy buffer between coastal lands and storm surges. Historically, federal agencies have used a top down approach to coastal wetland protection, meaning that restrictions and regulations are set by the federal government and trickle down to affect state and local governments, where restrictions cannot sway from or be any stricter than the federal standards. A bottom-up approach, however, or one stemming from local government regulations, has the potential to be more effective in protecting our wetlands to establish coastal community resiliency. In order to understand what variables should be included in an appropriate and effective bottom-up regulatory approach, multiple perspectives from key players in wetland protection and coastal development should be considered by local-level policy makers. My research outlines these variables and what this type of policy framework can mean for coastal community resiliency.
Presented by
Rachel Baker
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Masters of Coastal and Ocean Policy
Keywords
Wetlands, Coastal Resiliency, Coastal Development
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Available April 16th 4-6 pm EST

Assessing the Resiliency of North Carolina Fisheries to Tropical Cyclones

Amelia Woodruff

Abstract
The coastal region of North Carolina experiences its fair share of damaging hurricanes that have cost families, businesses, and ultimately taxpayers billions of dollars. The commercial fishing community is no exception to these expenses, experiencing losses in infrastructure, equipment, and harvest when these storms pass. These losses are disruptive to the industry and impact fishing operations, processors, and dealers, as well as the greater economy of the region. It is recommended that to pursue stronger resiliency to tropical cyclones in North Carolina’s fisheries, increased efforts are required in building more resilient industry infrastructure, as well as preserving, protecting, and restoring the ecosystems that these fisheries depend upon.

Zoom Meeting Passcode: mcop
Presented by
Amelia Woodruff
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Other Affiliations
Zoom Passcode: mcop
Keywords
North Carolina, Fishery, Fisheries, Fishery Management, Resilience, Resiliency, Tropical Cyclone, Hurricane, Climate Change,
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Available Friday April 16th, 4-6pm

Drinking Water Affordability in Wilmington, NC

Riley Lewis

Abstract
Water utilities in Wilmington are struggling to maintain affordable rates for low‐income customers while also complying with water quality regulations. The problem stems from increasing water pollution, needed infrastructure improvements to the treatment plants, outdated pipe infrastructure in private residences, and income disparities within communities. Affordability and equity are not new concepts but a lack of regulation and universally enforceable definitions prevent the implementation of affordably in US water policies.
Presented by
Riley Lewis
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Keywords
Water affordability, Environmental Justice, Water Quality, Water Treatment Plants, Policy
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Available April 16th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor in the Sea of Japan

Paige Copenhaver

Abstract
The United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Article 63(1) requires nations to cooperate to effectively manage transboundary fish stocks, populations that extend between at least two country's exclusive economic zones (EEZs). For the countries surrounding the Sea of Japan (China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and South Korea), political tensions are high. Because of the high tension in the area, there is a lack of international collaboration in managing the waters of the Sea of Japan. The lack of proper management allows for vessels involved with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to to avoid regulation. Since vessels have been able to fish illegally, they have dodged fisheries regulations and overfished many transboundary fish stocks in the Sea of Japan. Additionally, there is evidence linking vessels participating in illegal fishing with other organized crime such as forced labor and human trafficking. Illegal fishing causes further political divides between Sea of Japan countries, which in turn makes international collaboration to combat illegal fishing and other illegal activities at sea. Reframing the IUU problem in the Sea of Japan as a socioeconomic issue rather than a purely natural resource issue could foster an increased level of international collaboration in managing transboundary fish stocks and enforcing proper management to combat IUU fishing and forced labor.
Presented by
Paige Copenhaver
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Keywords
Illegal fishing, IUU fishing, Forced labor, Conservation, International policy, International relations, Fisheries management, Fisheries crime, Transboundary fish stocks
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Available April 16th, 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Integrating Offshore Renewable Wind into the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)

Julia Gerringer

Abstract
In 1972 the Marine Mammal Protection Act was signed into law to protect all marine mammals. It was a moratorium to prevent killing, harming, harassing or capturing marine mammals after their historical demise from commercial whaling. It sought to restore populations of depleted marine mammals and to maintain functionality in the ecosystem. As technologies progress and our need for renewable energy progresses, concerns increase on construction of offshore wind turbines and their impacts on marine mammals. For this, the MMPA was analyzed along with the current permitting process for incidental takes under the MMPA for offshore renewable leasing. As offshore renewable energies are in their infancy in the U.S., gaps exist in the permitting process and what the cumulative impacts will be on marine mammals. For this, I present four recommendations 1) redefining the term harassment in the Act 2) Congress clarifying in the Act what is allowed and what is prohibited 3) ecosystem-based approach for permitting and 4) increasing resources to both the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Presented by
Julia Gerringer <jeg7253@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Master of Coastal and Ocean Policy
Keywords
Marine Mammal Protection Act, Offshore Renewable Wind, Wind Turbines, North Atlantic Right Whale
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Available April 16th, 4 - 6 pm.

Rising Risk: The Future of Flood Policy in Southeastern North Carolina

Paul L. Willeboordse

Abstract
In 1968, the US Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in response to increased development and population growth in the coastal floodplains. Overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the NFIP was delegated to establish a shared risk structure for flood loss, as well as create effective guidelines for future development. As severity and frequency of flooding events increase, many stakeholders today have criticized whether NFIP mapping methodology inaccurately portrays risk. This analysis evaluated NFIP risk portrayal under three objectives; (1) if irregular mapping updates result in skewed NFIP policies or claims, (2) if building height correlates with flood events and average claim amount, and (3) if NFIP programs such as the Community Rating System (CRS) effectively distribute risk through a “shared” perspective. Using historical NFIP data from nine southeastern North Carolina counties, statistical analyses compared structure freeboard height and CRS class ranks to corresponding policy and claim costs. Results indicate that communities participating in the CRS experienced reduced claims compared to non-participating communities (MD = $8,755.21 ; p = 1.21E-21), yet accreditation into higher CRS ranks did not demonstrate further reduced claims. Building elevation data revealed a negative correlation between freeboard height and building flood damage. More than 50% of regional claims are attributed to structures with 2 feet of freeboard or greater. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the NFIP incorporate 3D elevation data to portray risk more accurately for independent structures. In addition, stricter floodplain construction guidelines may be warranted with statewide freeboard requirements and a 0.2% annual chance baseline. Future research should examine the weight of credited programs in the CRS, as well as how NFIP financial policy can incentivize change for pre-existing development. How these variables are utilized in the unveiling of “Risk Rating 2.0” scheduled for October 2021 will significantly impact the health and resiliency of NC communities for the foreseeable future.
Presented by
Paul Willeboordse
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Coastal & Ocean Policy
Other Affiliations
Department of Public & International Affairs
Keywords
Flood, Insurance, Mapping, Sustainability, National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA, GIS, Coastal Development, Risk, Community Rating System, Freeboard Height
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Available April 16th; 4:00-6:00PM

The Chinese National Sword: A Catalyst for Plastic Waste Reform

Karly Lohan

Abstract
Over 350 million pounds of plastic waste are produced globally each year, and 91% of that plastic is not recycled. The United States produces more waste per capita of any country and has significant waste infrastructure issues and mismanagement practices for plastic waste. Roughly 225 shipping containers of plastic waste per day are shipped to countries with limited waste management infrastructure where plastic is more likely to be disposed of improperly, contributing to environmental pollution and human health problems (Break Free From Plastic). Plastic production and export trends have increased exponentially since the 1950's and become dominant in the consumer market. The global economy and society have benefited from lighter and cheaper packaging products, clothing, construction materials, transportation, medical supplies, food safety, and a variety of other uses. China is the main importer of plastic waste, importing 7.3-million tons of recycled plastics with a value of $3.7-billion, accounting for about 56-percent of global volume (Jambeck et al.). The sheer volume of plastic imports coupled with high levels of contamination in exported waste have created challenges for China because the recycling industry relies on clean plastic to create to produce new plastic products. Minimal contamination is key to a successful recycling industry, and many nations like the United States do not have the infrastructure or recycling facilities to keep up with consumer habits, virgin plastic production, and uneducated disposal of products. The National Sword policy was passed in 2017 by the Chinese government with the goal of reducing contamination rates in plastic imports. Acceptable limits for contamination in plastic waste material were reduced from 5-10% to 0.5%, as well as refusing some forms of waste all together. This policy halted waste imports by 99% in Chinese ports and led to a major global shift in the end of life of plastic products. Ships with plastic exports were forced to reroute to Pacific Island nations or back to the country of origin, often illegally dumping in land or water due to the lack of international law protecting developing nations. Stakeholders in developing nations blame the National Sword for exacerbating marine pollution and illegal waste trade that impacts the fishing industries, tourism, and human health. Stakeholders in developed nations blame the policy for a static plastic market and accumulation of waste that was previously exported. Despite these controversies, the National Sword provides stakeholders with incentives to upgrade infrastructure and technology in order to compete in the stricter market, while shedding light on the obligation of plastic producers to be responsible for the end of life of their plastic products.
Presented by
Karly Lohan
Institution
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Other Affiliations
Master of Coastal and Ocean Policy
Keywords
Plastic pollution, National Sword, international trade, plastic trade

The Future of Water Quality: Restoration Plan Assessment of Lockwood Folly River in Brunswick County, North Carolina

Sheryl E Brock

Abstract
Brunswick County is known as the fastest growing county in North Carolina, rising from just 1,182 acres to 16,885 acres developed over the past 30 years. As development continues to rise in Brunswick County, North Carolina, so does the percentage of impaired waters in the area; in particular, the Lockwood Folly River. In coordination with the Clean Water Act, the state of North Carolina has issued numerous restoration plans in hopes of rehabilitating the river to a suitable recreational waterbody. An effective strategy to mitigate water quality issues needs to contain a set of goals, objectives, and policies that adhere to best land use practices. This study examines the policies and practices surrounding impaired waters in hopes of restoring the economic system that stakeholders along the North Carolina coast depend on.
Presented by
Sheryl Brock
Institution
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Master of Coastal and Ocean Policy
Keywords
Water Quality, Science, Clean Water Act
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Available April 16, 4-6PM

The Great White Underbelly: International Flake Trade

David Haun

Abstract
The South African population of great white shark has been in decline over the last three decades, despite the nation's efforts to legally protect the species. Climate change, habitat destruction, and loss of prey species are all major contributors to the great white's struggles. The Demersal Shark Longlining (DSL) fishery currently operates at unsustainable levels, depleting populations of smoothhound and soupfin sharks, key components of the great white's diet. International demand for these shark species, commonly prepared as 'flake', has further exacerbated the issue. This study examines the policies and practices surrounding great white shark protection and related shark fisheries management in South Africa, with recommendations on how to improve management practices to better support the white shark population.
Presented by
David Haun <dgh9282@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Keywords
shark, fisheries, sustainability, flake, gummy
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Available April 16th 4-6 pm ET

The Role of Sustainable Aquaculture as a Driver of the Blue Economy Model

Georgia Busch

Abstract
Aquaculture is identified as a key ocean-based economic sector that has potential for improvements if regulated under updated policies that achieve a more balanced use of marine resources. Standards for sustainability can be developed, implemented and regulated hand-in-hand with economic growth opportunities, as outlined by the Blue Economy model. This analysis finds that although sustainable aquaculture practices (like the innovative Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture systems) are profitable, these practices could be more widely adopted and standardized if policies prioritized ocean health and environmental impact as a main component of economic growth.
Presented by
Georgia Busch <geb2416@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Keywords
Marine Policy, Sustainable Aquaculture, Blue Economy
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Transitioning Away from Bulkheads: The Rippling Effects of Living Shorelines

Michelle Rackley

Abstract
Presented by
Michelle Rackley <mlr9684@uncw.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Coastal and Ocean Policy Masters Program
Keywords
Estuary, bulkhead, living shoreline, shoreline stabilization, erosion
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