Forecasting mangrove ecosystem degradation utilizing quantifiable eco-physiological resilience -A study from Indian Sundarbans

Abstract

Sundarbans mangrove forest, the world's largest continuous mangrove forests expanding across India and Bangladesh, in recent times, is immensely threatened by degradation stress due to natural stressors and anthropogenic disturbances. The degradation across the 19 mangrove forests in Indian Sundarbans was evaluated by eight environmental criteria typical to mangrove ecosystem. In an attempt to find competent predictors for mangrove ecosystem degradation, key eco-physiological resilience trait complex specific for mangroves from 4922 individuals for physiological analyses with gene expression and 603 individuals for leaf tissue distributions from 16 mangroves and 15 associate species was assessed along the degradation gradient. The degradation data was apparently categorized into four and CDFA discriminates 97% of the eco-physiological resilience data into corresponding four groups. Predictive Bayesian regression models and mixed effects models indicate osmolyte accumulation and thickness of water storage tissue as primary predictors of each of the degradation criteria that appraise the degradation status of mangrove ecosystem. RDA analyses well represented response variables of degradation explained by explanatory resilience variables. We hypothesize that with the help of our predictive models the policy makers could trace even the cryptic process of mangrove degradation and save the respective forests in time by proposing appropriate action plans.

Regeneration capacity and threats to mangrove areas on the southern coast of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines: Implications to mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation

“…The loss of mangrove cover around the world was primarily accounted for anthropogenic activities, particularly coastal developments (Curnick et al 2019;Chowdhury et al 2019). The enormous anthropogenic activities especially conversion of the ecosystem to urban settlements, aquaculture, tourism, mining, and infrastructure are among those that prompted the rapid degradation of the mangrove ecosystem (Kathiresan 2018;Chowdhury et al 2019;Begam et al 2020). Natural events such as sea-level rise, increased level of toxic elements in sediments, constant erosion due to strong tidal action, and storms have also impacted the mangrove ecosystem recovery (Chowdhury et al 2019;Begam et al 2020).…”

“…Many studies in other countries have reported that the consequence of mangrove ecosystem degradation is apparent in the poor growth performances of plants, as well as the decline in density and coverage of the mangrove forest (Chowdhury et al 2019;Begam et al 2020). Accordingly, with high levels of degradation, secondary succession will be delayed, and gradually the ecosystem will become susceptible to the brink of extinction as their homeostatic functioning collapses (Begam et al 2020). Regeneration can also be delayed by the lack of propagules, competition, pollution, and poor soil conditions in a particular mangrove area (Machenga and Ali 2014).…”

“…Regeneration capacity is an important aspect to study because it can be used to determine the capacity of the ecosystem to recover itself despite environmental pressures (Begam et al 2020). The re-establishment of a once damaged ecosystem is driven by the establishment of the seedlings even it can take time to manifest (Lewis et al 2005;Alura and Alura 2016;Begam et al 2020).…”

“…Regeneration capacity is an important aspect to study because it can be used to determine the capacity of the ecosystem to recover itself despite environmental pressures (Begam et al 2020). The re-establishment of a once damaged ecosystem is driven by the establishment of the seedlings even it can take time to manifest (Lewis et al 2005;Alura and Alura 2016;Begam et al 2020). Regeneration potential of a mangrove stand in terms of seedling recruitment and survivorship is essential to be evaluated as it primarily drives population growth and determines the productivity of the mangrove ecosystem (Kathiresan et al 2016).…”

Twin Disasters: Tracking COVID-19 and Cyclone Amphan’s Impacts on SDGs in the Indian Sundarbans

“…10 Moreover, the fertility of the Sun darbans is degrading due to land con version for aquaculture, agriculture, and erosion processes. 9,11 The loss of the Sundarbans' extensive mangrove ecosystems further escalates disaster risk by increasing exposure and reduc ing coastal protection. 12 Due to the COVID19 lockdown, about 80% of an average household's livelihood may be affected by the lack of income gener ated from aquaculture, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.…”