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| Abstract Title:
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| Coastal Lagoons and Climate Change: Ecological and Social Ramifications in Temperate Ecosystems
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| Graduate Student Presenter:
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Leslie M. Smith
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| Name of the Author(s) and Affiliation(s):
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Abigail Anthony, URI; Joshua Atwood, URI; Carrie Byron, URI; Crystal Fry, URI; Kifle Hagos, URI; Leanna Heffner, URI; Kim Lellis, URI; Anna Pfeiffer-Herbert, URI; Nicole Rohr, URI; Leslie Smith, URI; Tiffany Smythe, URI; Nathan Vinhateiro, URI
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Interdisciplinary research is an important part of scientific synthesis and enables effective ecosystem management. In this project, we employ an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the effects of climate change on coastal lagoon ecosystems. We examine the effects of climate change on the physical and biological properties of coastal lagoons, explore the ways in which humans value these ecosystems, and consider management implications. Expected shifts in physical and ecological characteristics of lagoons range from changes in flushing regime and water chemistry, to complete inundation and loss, accompanied by concomitant loss of natural and human communities. Coastal lagoon management approaches may vary depending on local conditions and cultural norms. As such, it is important to consider the full spectrum of societal values when considering management alternatives. A lexicon articulating such values would help managers make such decisions. Through this project, we propose such a lexicon comprising four types of values: pragmatic, scholarly, aesthetic and tacit. Pragmatic values, such as fishery revenue, are most easily quantified and therefore commonly discussed. By contrast, tacit values (i.e. sense of place) are more difficult to quantify but may be more influential to stakeholder involvement as they both derive from and shape individual experiences and beliefs. Articulation and inclusion of the full spectrum of values, especially tacit values, will facilitate nimble adaptive management of coastal lagoon ecosystems in the context of global climate change.
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