Recent research (S.A.V.E. Currituck, 2020) has shown that in Currituck Sound, the primary factor limiting SAV distribution is water clarity. SAV in the sound will likely be impacted by construction and shading post construction of the Mid-Currituck Bridge. In addition, studies have shown that shorelines near the Mid-Currituck Bridge terminus on the east and west side are experiencing significant erosion rates. Bridge design and ultimate construction may change local dynamics (i.e., wave field, water clarity) that can influence SAV distribution and shoreline position. This project has three primary objectives relevant to understanding water quality, SAV and shoreline mitigation strategies: 1) Quantify temporal and spatial changes in water quality, specifically CDOM abundance in surface waters of northern Currituck Sound; 2) evaluate shoreline change rates on multiple timescales, including influence of storms, near bridge landing; and 3) synthesize remote sensing and field data to provide information to limit impacts to water quality, SAV and shorelines during bridge construction and maintenance and to prioritize mitigation for maximum benefit.
It is critical to have more information on the current local water quality, shoreline change and SAV dynamics to better predict and limit damage associated with bridge construction and to prioritize required mitigation activities for maximum benefit. This research will focus on expanding data collection near the bridge corridor and broadening our understanding of water clarity/quality dynamics and its potential role in changing SAV distribution.
