This National Science Foundation (NSF) Geosciences Program (CFDA 47.050) Project Grant award of $334,904 to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) will fund research to investigate how the increasing prevalence of weedy seagrass species affects community interactions and coastal ecosystem functioning. The study will use large-scale field experiments to examine the impacts of seagrass-bivalve interactions on organic and inorganic carbon cycling in coastal ecosystems. The research aims to enhance understanding of the role of species composition shifts in altering biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem resilience. As part of the project, undergraduate research and K-12 education opportunities will be provided to broaden participation in environmental sciences. The award has an effective date of December 1, 2024 and is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2026.
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