Are all intertidal wetlands naturally created equal? Bottlenecks, thresholds and knowledge gaps to mangrove and saltmarsh ecosystems

Abstract

Intertidal wetlands such as saltmarshes and mangroves provide numerous important ecological functions, though they are in rapid and global decline. To better conserve and restore these wetland ecosystems, we need an understanding of the fundamental natural bottlenecks and thresholds to their establishment and long-term ecological maintenance. Despite inhabiting similar intertidal positions, the biological traits of these systems differ markedly in structure, phenology, life history, phylogeny and dispersal, suggesting large differences in biophysical interactions. By providing the first systematic comparison between saltmarshes and mangroves, we unravel how the interplay between species-specific life-history traits, biophysical interactions and biogeomorphological feedback processes determine where, when and what wetland can establish, the thresholds to long-term ecosystem stability, and constraints to genetic connectivity between intertidal wetland populations at the landscape level. To understand these process interactions, research into the constraints to wetland development, and biological adaptations to overcome these critical bottlenecks and thresholds requires a truly interdisciplinary approach.

A global standard for monitoring coastal wetland vulnerability to accelerated sea-level rise

“…The vertical movement of a coastal wetland surface is the sum total of deep subsidence, and surface and shallow subsurface processes 20 .…”

“…1). The complete RSET-MH set-up (hereafter referred to as 'RSET') therefore provides net surface elevation change above the benchmark depth; moreover, as it has been repeatedly shown that vertical accretion is not a valid substitute for surface elevation change 20,32,39 , the complete set-up is necessary to identify the contribution of surface and shallow subsurface processes to surface elevation change at a specific site 39,40 . Repeated measurements allow chronicling of net surface elevation change, which can be integrated with region-specific relative SLR (tide-gauge data) to determine whether the surface elevation has kept pace with SLR over that time period [40][41][42][43] .…”

Beyond 1.5 °C: vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies for Caribbean Small Island Developing States

“…Sea level rise is a major potential climate change threat to mangrove ecosystems because mangroves are sensitive to changes in inundation duration and frequency as well as salinity levels that exceed a speciesspecific physiological threshold of tolerance (Friess et al 2012). Increases in flooding duration can lead to plant death at the seaward mangrove margins as well as shifts in species composition, ultimately leading to a reduction in productivity (Castañeda-Moya et al 2013) and ecosystem services.…”

Hubungan Sebaran Kerang Totok Geloina sp. (Bivalvia: Corbiculidae) dengan Vegatasi Mangrove di Ujung Alang Segara Anakan Cilacap Jawa Tengah

“…Di duga sutrtat jenis inilah yang cocok sebagai habitat kerang Geloinaa. Sumber makan juga tersedia di daerah ini karena hampir sebagian besar wilayah estuaria Segaraanakan bervegetasi mangrove yang merupakan sumber bahan organik dari hasil decomposisi daun mangrove Friess, et al, (2011) mengemukakan bahwa mangrove dapat ditemukan pada daerah yang perubahan lingkungannya sangat besar seperti adanya akresi dan erosi dan mangrove akan selalu ada pada daerah yang berbeda secara fisik dan geomorfologis.…”