A Little Context
Assateague Island National Seashore is home to a diversity of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, including the free-roaming, sun-bathing horses the park is known for. The vegetation, geology, and physical processes here, on this barrier island, reflect the complex interactions between land and sea along the mid-Atlantic coast.
Assateague’s coastal lagoons provide clues of the park’s water quality and ecosystem health. While park waters are currently considered to be in good condition, they have nevertheless been impacted by coastal development activities. Similarly, nearby estuaries where more extensive land use has occurred have experienced significant declines in water quality. Poorer water quality is primarily a result of human activities that introduce excess nutrients to the waters. Too much nutrient, also known as nutrient enrichment, negatively impacts the health of estuarine ecosystems.
Our Work with Assateague
The wellbeing of Assateague’s natural resources is essential to local wildlife and surrounding environments. To ensure these resources are well-protected, the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network, along with Assateague staff, collects ecological monitoring data on several ecosystem vital signs. This data helps park managers make informed decisions and mitigate local and regional coastal development. Learn about our work below.
What We Monitor
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Salt MarshVegetationMonitoring plants can reveal signs of habitat change and overall salt marsh health
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Salt MarshTidal Wetland ElevationSalt marshes need to maintain their surface elevation above water, especially when sea levels are rising
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Salt MarshNektonNekton (free-swimming fishes and crustaceans) are abundant and key vital signs of estuarine health
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Coastal ShoresOcean Shoreline PositionShoreline changes affect wildlife behavior and the safety of coastal communities
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Coastal ShoresCoastal TopographyAs storms approach our shores, coastal landforms are our first lines of defense
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EstuariesSeagrassSeagrass aren't related to land grass, but they are key indicators of estuarine health
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EstuariesEstuarine Water QualityNutrient enrichment along coastal shores is a worldwide consequence of human population growth
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Upland ForestsForest HealthInvasive exotic plants, white-tailed deer, diseases and pathogens, and native forest pests have greatly impacted the forests of New England
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What We MonitorWeather & ClimateUnderstanding patterns and trends in weather and climate means being prepared to better manage park natural resources.
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What We MonitorAir QualityClean air, the thing we can't see yet need. Monitoring it is essential to the health of our visitors and communities.
Monitoring Reports
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Assateague Island NSSalt Marsh ReportsASIS Salt Marsh Monitoring Reports
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Assateague Island NSOcean Shoreline ReportsASIS Ocean Shoreline Monitoring Reports
Last updated: January 11, 2022