Effects of Tidal Estuary Restoration

Around Barnstable County, a number of estuaries have been historically affected by restrictions to tidal flow (e.g., dikes, railroad bridges, highways, etc.). These have often had dramatic effects on the estuaries and their ecological communities.  Tidal restoration occurs through the removal of man made barriers to slowly restore the coastal marsh ecosystem and reverse the effects of restriction.  The effects of restoration may include displacement of Phragmites and other invasive plants, counteracting soil and water acidity, increased water column flushing and oxygenation, increased sediment transport to counter sea level rise, increased fish and shellfish habitat, and natural mosquito control through predation.

Recently, there have been numerous efforts to restore tidal flow to restricted bodies of water in the area.  We have worked with various partners to measure the effects of tidal restrictions on shellfish growth and survival (e.g., the Herring River in Wellfleet, MA), as well as assess the effects of the restoration of tidal flow to estuaries (e.g., East Harbor/Pilgrim Lake in Truro, MA).