Natural Resource Management

Amanda Heinzmann, Olesya M. Savchenko, Candice Prince, and James Leary

In this publication, we present an overview of stakeholder concerns regarding hydrilla management, synthesizing insights gathered from the largest state-wide survey of Florida residents about invasive aquatic plant management in the state’s public waters. Our objective is to equip decision-makers, including agencies like FWC, with valuable insights. By understanding stakeholder concerns, decision-makers can formulate policies for the effective management of aquatic invasive species that garner public support.

Alexandra L. Bijak, Ashley R. Smyth, Savanna C. Barry, and Laura K. Reynolds

Vegetated coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, store large amounts of carbon in plant biomass and underlying sediments, known as blue carbon. There is increasing interest among policymakers and natural resource managers in quantifying and monetizing the carbon stored in blue carbon ecosystems. However, carbon cycling in the marine and coastal environment is complex. This complexity and the logistical issues in accurately measuring blue carbon limit our ability to manage and restore blue carbon ecosystems as nature-based tools for climate change mitigation. This publication provides a general introduction to the processes that affect net carbon storage in blue carbon habitats and addresses implications for natural resource managers interested in quantifying net carbon storage.