Meeting Abstract

P1.22  Tuesday, Jan. 4  Quantifying changes in sediment transport following removal of the invasive mudweed, Avrainvillea amadelpha, in Maunalua Bay, Oahu, Hawaii MACDUFF, S; ANSON, J.Y.*; NETH, L; University of Hawaii; University of Hawaii; University of Hawaii jorg@hawaii.edu

Remodification of watersheds surrounding Maunalua Bay has lead to erosion with increased amount of sediment deposition on the coastal ecosystem. Changes in both water and substratum quality resulted in a massive introduction of the invasive mudweed, Avrainvillea amadelpha. Retention of sediments was largely controlled by a flora consisting of A. amadelpha and other nonnative algal species at several regions of the bay. Within our study site, increased volumes and residence time of polluted runoff waters remain the primary stressors supplying nutrients to the invasive algal population. The study investigated sediment transport and characteristics concurrent with the removal of the invasive algae by contractors and community members. Preliminary results showed no significance for suspendable sediments flushing away from the bay with respect to a sediment trapping dataset. Settling rates of resuspendable sediments were quantified and compared in cleared and uncleared patches within the study site to provide strategic efficiency in the ongoing effort to restore the health of Maunalua Bay.