Restoration and Mitigation
of Coastal Systems
OCN 4106/5106
Restoration and Mitigation
of Coastal Systems
OCN 4106/5106
Fall Semesters
Wednesday 10:00-1:00
Instructor: Elizabeth Irlandi
Office Location: Biological Oceanography Lab-Link Building Room 223
Office Phone: 321-674-7454
Email: irlandi@fit.edu Web Page: http://my.fit.edu/~irlandi
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description: This class is a seminar-style course designed to introduce students to current activities in mitigation and restoration of coastal systems. Lectures, guest speakers, and field trips will be integrated in a case-study format to demonstrate the process of restoration and mitigation planning. Participants in the class will develop a mitigation plan for a hypothetical development project as well as assist the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program with restoration activities of an impounded mangrove marsh or other similar activity.
Text: There is no text required for the course. Required reading for each unit will be put on reserve in the library.
Grading: Grades will be determined by evaluation of the student's performance on an individual mitigation/restoration plan and participation in a group project for the mangrove restoration site. Background information and project outlines for the individual restoration projects are due at midterm. A full written and oral presentation of the project will be due the last day of class. Oral presentations and class participation will also be evaluated by the other students in the class.
Grading Scale:
Aerial Photos of Pepper Cover
1943
1963
1989
The class is working closely with Ray Mojica (land manager) of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program on restoring an impounded mangrove marsh. Students in the class participate in a group effort that will facilitate the planning and implementation of the restoration project.
Blazing a survey line
Pepper Cover Trash Pick Up
Beach and Dune Restoration Projects
Beach nourishment is a common practice for restoring eroded beaches and dunes in Florida. The geological, biological, social, and economical considerations of beach nourishment are discussed in the class. Field trips to nourished and un nourished beaches are made, and data are collected to examine differences in beach elevation profiles, flora, and fauna on un nourished and nourished beaches.
Discharge of dredged sand to beach face
Elevation profiling of beach face post nourishment
Permitting and Mitigation of Wetland Loss
For the past several years wetland scientists from the St. Johns River Water Management District have provided instruction to the class on how they review permits for wetland impacts. They provide the students with a detailed examination in the process of permitting and mitigating wetland loss.
