Land-use researchers ready for field studies

After long preparation, Land Use-Coastal Ecosystem Study (LU-CES) scientists have begun their field research. LU-CES is a multidisciplinary project involving scientists from several South Carolina and Georgia research institutions who will examine how various land uses and land-use changes affect the condition of marine resources. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Ocean Program, through the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, is funding the competitively approved LU-CES research program.

Science-based information gained from this program could help community leaders and resource managers prioritize and minimize land-use activities’ effects on ecosystems.

"Local leaders often lack scientific information about the effects of various types and intensities of development on coastal ecosystems," said Rick DeVoe, executive director of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium. "People need research-based information upon which to make decisions, but it's often been unavailable or it's in a form that they can't use" LU-CES field research will initially be focused along the Okatee River watershed in South Carolina. Later in the program, the Satilla River in Georgia will also be examined.

To date, LU-CES scientific teams have prepared State-of-Knowledge Reports, providing integrated statements of what is known about the relationship between land-use activities and the condition of marine resources in the southeast region. These reports and a synthesized document are published on the LU-CES Web page at http://inlet.geol.sc.edu/luces2/luces/LUCES_1.HTML.

LU-CES scientists recently initiated the first full year of field investigations. Researchers will examine the system’s land use patterns, physical attributes, hydrology, geochemistry, nutrient dynamics, surface and groundwater characteristics, toxic contaminants, and ecological effects in critters such as grass shrimp, juvenile clams, and oysters.

The project is a collaboration among scientists and staff from Beaufort County, Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, NOAA/NOS Charleston Laboratory, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources Marine Resources Research Institute, University of Georgia, and University of South Carolina.