Date of Award

Spring 2024

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Biological Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Easton R White

Second Advisor

Mariah Livernois

Third Advisor

Nathan Furey

Abstract

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. In turn, these extreme events may affect coastal resources such as fisheries. Extreme events not only have ecological effects but also economic and cultural impacts as human communities throughout the world depend on coastal resources for their livelihoods. In this thesis, I used long-term fisheries independent data to discern how different coastal Texas recreational fish species (Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Black Drum, and Southern Flounder) were affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and a freeze event in 2021. I found variation in the post-storm response (percent change) of each fish species in different bay systems and by extreme event type (e.g., hurricane or freeze). Specifically, I found three out of four fish species (Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and Southern Flounder) were resistant and resilient following Hurricane Harvey, while only two out of four fish species (Black Drum and Southern Flounder) were resistant and resilient after the freeze event. Spatially, fish responses also varied after both events across estuarine systems but no significant drivers for this variation were found. This research improves fisheries management by suggesting the benefit of a combination of species-based and place-based strategies following extreme events. I highlight the need for multi-stressor research and more in-depth spatial analysis to improve our understanding of how major disturbances are affecting coastal ecosystems.

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