Nature Conservancy award supports URI research on salt marsh health

April 6, 2026 - 20:10

KINGSTON, R.I. – April 6, 2026 – Rhode Island’s salt marshes, vital buffers against coastal storms and crucial wildlife nurseries, face escalating threats from rising seas and environmental change. A significant research initiative at the University of Rhode Island is now delving into the unseen ecosystem within the mud itself to diagnose marsh health and forecast futures.

Doctoral candidate Madison Geraci, specializing in evolution and marine biology, is leading an investigation into the diverse microscopic organisms, like foraminifera and testate amoebae, embedded in marsh sediments. These tiny life forms serve as sensitive biological indicators. By analyzing their populations and conditions in marshes across the state, Geraci’s work aims to develop a new toolkit for assessing marsh vitality.

The research seeks to move beyond simply observing surface vegetation to understanding the foundational ecological processes. Scientists hope that by establishing the baseline health of these ecosystems through sediment cores, they can better predict how different marshes will respond to ongoing sea-level rise. This scientific insight is critical for informing future coastal management and restoration strategies, ensuring these natural barriers continue to protect Rhode Island’s shoreline and support its marine life for generations to come. The project represents a proactive step in turning ecological research into actionable guidance for conservation.