Analyzing the Future of Ecologically Based Coastal Defenses in Two Case Study Cities: Annapolis, Maryland and Charleston, South Carolina

This project is focused on the future of three coastal ecosystems with defensive utility: saltmarshes, oyster reefs, and mangrove forests. We examine their potential usage in defending two case study cities; Annapolis Maryland and Charleston South Carolina. In particular, we are focusing on how these three ecosystems can help Charleston and Annapolis defend against and mitigate the effects of rising sea levels, increased storm frequency and destruction, erosion, and other coastal risks attributable to anthropogenic climate change. The analysis looks at where eco-defenses are already extant in and around Annapolis and Charleston and projects where they can potentially exist over the remainder of the 21st century. This potential will vary depending on climatic conditions, such as temperature and sea level rise. As such, the analysis includes several scenarios depending on the severity of anthropogenic climate change. Beyond climatic factors, we use high resolution topographical, population, zoning, and land use data identify potential eco-defense habitat in and around the two case study cities. Using potential eco-defense habitat maps, we are able to construct a risk profile for the two cities. We determine which areas will benefit from protection from each defense and which areas are forced to rely entirely on conventional engineered structures for coastal protection. We also look at the demographic characteristics of protected and unprotected areas, providing insights into environmental justice concerns related to ecologically based coastal defenses.