Date of Award
Spring 2012
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Plant Biology
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Gregg E Moore
Abstract
Tidal habitat in New Hampshire is restricted to 162 miles along coasts and estuaries. Limited area combined with anthropogenic impacts has caused 27 tidal plant species to be listed as threatened or endangered. In 2009 and 2010, the status of four threatened species: Eleocharis parvula, Samolus valerandi, Lilaeopsis chinensis , and Agalinis maritima and one endangered species Salicornia bigelovii was examined. To guide management and conservation, the historic and current distributions were compared and habitat features were determined. All five species were stable; however, S. valerandi and L. chinensis appear threatened by sea level rise and coastal squeeze as they occurred in upper elevation marsh communities. Elevation of both species and marsh zones were measured and area available at different sea level rise increments was calculated. A rise of 0.56 m for S. valerandi, and 0.96 m for L. chinensis would cause complete loss if no restoration efforts are made.
Recommended Citation
Kras, Lauren A., "The status of five state-listed tidal plant species in New Hampshire with emphasis on potential impacts of sea level rise" (2012). Master's Theses and Capstones. 710.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/710