Seabeach Amaranth and Renourished Beaches in North Carolina.
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Transcript of Seabeach Amaranth and Renourished Beaches in North Carolina.
Seabeach Amaranthand
Renourished Beaches in North Carolina
Seabeach AmaranthAmaranthus pumilus
•Summer annual
•Seeds germinate April – July–Plants may reach 3 to 4 feet across
•Seed production July – death–one plant may produce several thousand seeds–Good seed dispersal
Seabeach amaranth
Historic Range
Charleston
Washington
Boston
Seabeach Amaranth
•Historically occurred in 31counties and 9 states•Had been eliminated from 2/3 of its historical range•Listed as “Threatened” by the USF&W in 1993•Restoration efforts are currently underway
Seabeach amaranth is considered to be a indicator species of a healthy beach landscape.
Embryonic dune formation
birds feed on seeds
Threats
•Habitat loss–Sea walls, revetments–Beach erosion–Hurricanes
•Beach grooming•Off-road vehicles•Herbivory by insects•Pedestrian traffic
Preferred Habitat
•Barrier island beaches–Accreting areas near inlets–Lower foredunes–Upper beach strand
•Seems to prefer dry sand beach with elevation 4 to 6 feet above MHW
Suitable habitat is critical!
In the Carolinas, sea turtles also nest in this habitat.
Ideal seabeach amaranth habitat
Beach Renourishment
•Projects have impacts on seabeach amaranth.–May have long-term benefits
•Winter placement of sand on beaches is most compatible with seabeach amaranth.
Beach Renourishment
•Habitat restoration–Adequate beach elevation
•Seabeach amaranth seed source?-Seed bank from historic populations
Beach Renourishment
•Large numbers of seabeach amaranth plants have been found following renourishment projects on:
–Bogue Banks•Pine Knoll Shores: 0 plants in 2000; following renourishment in 2001/2002 = 779 plants in 2002, and 2690 plants in 2003
–Ocean Isle Beach–Oak Island–Wrightsville Beach
Beach Renourishment
•Some renourished beaches may lack seed bank containing seabeach amaranth.
–Carolina Beach–Bald Head Island
•Introduction of seedlings grown from indigenous seed source will build seed bank.
–Enhancement of beach renourishment projects–Mitigation for coastal projects
Seedling Production
Seedling production
Seabeach Amaranth restoration efforts are
working
Beach Renourishment can provide suitable
habitat for this species
Changing Gears…A plant to avoid using near the dunes
Roundleaf VitexVitex rotundifolia
•Originated in Korea•Invasive•Encroaches into habitat of native dune species
–May impact suitable seabeach amaranth and sea turtle nesting habitat
Beach Vitex
Beach Vitex
Special Thanks to…
•Ed Eudaly - USF&WS Charleston•Greg “Rudi” Rudolph - Carteret County•Doug Piatowski - USACE Wilmington•Town of Oak Island
For additional help…
David Nash
Extension Agent – Coastal Management & Commercial Horticulture
North Carolina Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center
6206 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 452-6393
Email: [email protected]