Virginia Sea Grant Graduate Research Fellows, ODU

Abstract

Live coral reef fishes are imported to the US through the marine aquarium trade (MAT), which supports coastal livelihoods in exporting countries, the aquarium hobby, and marine education programs. To sustain the MAT in the long-term, there is a need to understand its impact on fish populations and influence the demand for MAT fishes. This presentation summarizes key findings from a study that assessed the vulnerability to overfishing of top 306 fishes in the MAT. Research findings were communicated to the public through an outreach plan formulated with input from the Virginia Seafood Agricultural and Research Extension Center, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, aquarium hobbyists, and aquarium shops in the Hampton Roads area. The outreach plan provides educational literacy on the vulnerability of fishes in the MAT and promotes conscientious and informed decision-making when choosing saltwater fishes for the home aquarium. 

Biography

Jem has over a decade of experience in various sectors, including marine conservation, fisheries, and environmental management. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a B.S. in Environmental Science and went on to finish a Master of Environment degree from the University of Melbourne through an Australian Leadership Award. She has received several competitive awards, grants, and fellowships from various institutions, including AusAID, the Fulbright Program, American Association of University Women, Virginia Sea Grant, and the National Science Foundation. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at ODU’s Ecological Sciences Program and a 2025 John M. Knauss Fellow working with the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program under the Office of Coastal Management. 

Abstract

Tidal flooding, which is accelerating in the Hampton Roads area due to sea level rise, has the potential to impact water quality in the Chesapeake Bay by introducing nutrients to the bay when the tide recedes. High concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (Enterococcus species) are also present in the majority of floodwater samples. This study investigates differences in nutrient and Enterococcus concentrations in tidal floodwaters across different watersheds, land uses, and flooding routes. Floodwaters in three watersheds in and around Norfolk, VA were sampled through multiple citizen science events. Floodwater concentrations of both parameters significantly exceeded baseline concentrations in every flood event. Significant differences in nutrient and Enterococcus loading between watersheds and between flooding routes were found in some events, but not others.

Biography

Alyssa Bucci is an Ocean & Earth Sciences master’s student at Old Dominion University. Before graduate school, she worked as an environmental scientist for a state water quality agency promoting best practices in agriculture. She is interested in anthropogenic impacts on water quality in coastal environments. Her research analyzes the impact of land use on nutrient and bacteria loading to the Chesapeake Bay during tidal flooding.

Abstract

Living shorelines, novel solutions for shoreline protection, are becoming a popular alternative to traditional shoreline armoring. These nature-based techniques balance ecological considerations, like oyster substrate or fish habitat, with social considerations, such as shoreline erosion. Despite increasing regulatory support for living shorelines, there remain key gaps in our understanding of the biological, physical, and societal factors that influence project success. In this presentation, I will provide a high-level overview of ongoing research and outreach supported by Virginia Sea Grant, which aims to enhance local science-practice partnerships and uplift living shoreline knowledge produced through practical on-the-ground efforts in coastal Virginia and beyond. 

Biography

Ella is a 4^th year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University. Ella is broadly interested in the intersections between people and their environments. Her dissertation research spans a variety of topics relating to nature-based shoreline protection features known as living shorelines, with a specific interest in small-scale, residential living shorelines. She works across Hampton Roads with non-profit practitioners and residential landowners to study the socio-ecological benefits of these projects. 

Abstract

Our study emphasizes the need for a finer spatially explicit approach to estimating carbon in marshes, improving management and conservation strategies. To properly communicate this, we produce transdisciplinary solutions to design effective educational campaigns focused on different target groups across sectors, as well as disciplinary, professional, and cultural boundaries. We want to help coastal communities to be aware of changing conditions and the risks of losses of salt marshes and create educational programs to explain climate mitigation and adaptation.

Biography

Zlatka Rebolledo Sánchez is an Ecological Sciences Ph.D. candidate at Old Dominion University and a member of the Coastal Plant and Ecotone Ecology Lab (https://erikyando.weebly.com/), studying marine and coastal ecosystems with a spatial ecology perspective. Zlatka is a Virginia Sea Grant 2023-2025 Graduate Research Fellow, a Rising TIDES (Toward an Inclusive, Diverse, and Enriched Society) Scholar of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, and a fellow of the SP²ARK (Scientists Promoting Policy, Access, Research, and Knowledge) Policy Program.