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Development & Urbanization Research at Hollings Marine Laboratory
Overview
A major component of the research at HML is to provide guidance for how coastal development should proceed to ensure that valuable natural resources are sustained. Understanding how coastal development affects estuarine ecosystems allows HML scientists to assess and predict changes that involve human health and well-being. Estuarine ecosystems are characterized by high biological productivity, great ecological value, complex environmental gradients and many interconnected processes. These systems are the first zone of impact for most contaminated runoff and are critical feeding grounds, spawning areas and nursery habitats for many species of fish, shellfish, birds, waterfowl and mammals. The effects of shoreline development on estuarine condition and public health measures have been the focus of several research programs conducted at the HML. Results of these studies indicate that the amount and type of watershed development are linked to an abundance of fecal coliform bacteria, water quality fluctuations, sediment quality, the kinds and abundances of biota, and the abundance of juvenile fish and shrimp that use these habitats as nurseries.
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