Donna Bilkovic

Education

• B.S. Biology, University of Michigan
• M.S. Biology, University of Michigan
• Ph.D. Marine Ecology, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

About

A central goal of my research is to support the development of restoration/conservation strategies and decision-tools for coastal ecosystems.  I have worked on multiple aspects of the ecology of coastal habitats and assemblages with particular attention to 1) interacting roles of natural and anthropogenic perturbations and species composition, diversity, and distribution, 2) the assessment of environmental consequences of various anthropogenic impacts – emphasizing coastal development, habitat loss and fragmentation, and marine debris, 3) the conservation and management of coastal habitats, shorelines, and assemblages.  

My research on the effects of coastal development, including shoreline hardening and riparian land use conversion, on nearshore habitats and fish and invertebrate communities has led to substantive changes in how shorelines are managed. In Chesapeake Bay, this research was used to inform recommendations (and ultimately legislation) to limit the use of hardening for shoreline protection. I also co-managed a derelict fishing gear removal program that strove to link research, management and commercial interests (watermen) to address marine debris in Virginia. 

My current research efforts are focused on 1) improving our understanding of social-ecological feedbacks that erode or strengthen coastal habitat resilience, 2) the use of nature-based approaches for shoreline erosion control (living shorelines) and their role as estuarine habitat conservation strategies, 3) the need for decision-support prioritization tools that integrate habitat function and connectivity into conservation and restoration targeting, 4) strengthening science-based shoreline and wetland management guidelines, and 5) worldwide reform in marine debris management.