Sea level rise, storm surge and changing ocean conditions are a serious threat to human health and safety, commerce and culture, and wildlife and natural habitats alike. South Carolina Aquarium Resilience Initiative for Community Engagement (RICE) participates in fieldwork addressing these impacts and connects at-risk communities with tools to understand and track flooding trends that can lead to actionable change.
Education and Engagement
RICE aims to make the topic of resilience accessible to everybody. From fieldwork opportunities and citizen science data collection to community listening sessions and outreach events, we work to provide communities with the tools and information they need to keep their families, homes and businesses safe.
Shoreline Stabilization
The saltmarsh is a natural wetland sponge that protects our coastline from the effects of rising tides and storm surge. We work alongside South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to stabilize our coastal wetlands through oyster reef restoration, saltmarsh cordgrass planting and waterway revitalization. With a thriving ecosystem protecting our coastal communities, we are working with nature to protect ourselves, our waterways and the wildlife within them.
Resources and Tools
Understanding the causes and impacts of climate change with accessible resources and tools can better prepare us for when we are met with challenges in our own communities. The Sea Change documentary was produced in partnership with South Carolina ETV and the Medical University of South Carolina to address resilience in the Lowcountry. Additionally, the SeaRise Viewer was created to help residents visualize sea level rise impacts in their respective communities, using environmental and population overlays for additional insight.
Thank you to our lead partner for Resilience Initiative for Community Engagement,
the Southern Environmental Law Center.