Evolution of Marine Coastal Ecosystems under the Pressure of Global Changes: Proceedings of Coast Bordeaux Symposium and of the 17th French-Japanese Oceanography Symposium

Coastal and estuarine environments are highly productive, but have been subjected to anthropogenic pressures since the industrial era. They are vulnerable to alteration of their physical, chemical and biological characteristics, and are often the receptacle of chemical and biological pollution sources. A transdisciplinary and integrated approach is required to prevent risks, and operational coastal oceanography occupies an important place in this framework.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 517 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Coastal and estuarine environments, situated at the intersection of terrestrial and marine realms, stand as some of the world's most productive ecosystems. Nevertheless, since the dawn of the industrial era, these environments have faced significant anthropogenic pressures, which have intensified notably since the second half of the 20th century, coinciding with a pronounced acceleration in the warming (climate change) of continents, particularly at high latitudes. Coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to alterations in their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, including marine intrusion, acidification of marine environments, changes in ecosystems, evolution, and artificialization of the coastline. These environments, in close proximity to heavily populated areas, often serve as receptacles for numerous chemical and biological pollution sources, significantly diminishing their resilience. In the context of the rapid evolution and degradation of these vital areas, crucial for the food security of numerous populations worldwide, it becomes imperative to enhance our understanding of the pressure factors and their multifaceted effects and impacts on biodiversity and socio-eco-systems. This necessitates a transdisciplinary and integrated approach to mitigate risks. Within this framework, operational coastal oceanography assumes a significant role, as does the implementation of a genuine socio-eco-system approach to foster environmentally sustainable development.

Marine intrusion, acidification of marine environments, changes in ecosystems, evolution, and artificialization of the coastline are all factors that can lead to the alteration of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of coastal ecosystems. These changes can have significant impacts on biodiversity and socio-eco-systems, including reduced resilience, pollution, and habitat loss. In order to mitigate these risks, it is necessary to adopt a transdisciplinary and integrated approach that considers the various factors contributing to the degradation of coastal ecosystems. This approach should include the implementation of policies and regulations to reduce pollution, promote sustainable development, and protect coastal habitats. It should also involve the use of scientific research and monitoring to better understand the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems and develop effective strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Additionally, it is important to engage local communities and stakeholders in the conservation and management of coastal ecosystems to ensure that their voices and needs are heard and that the benefits of these ecosystems are shared equitably. By taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach, we can help to preserve and protect these valuable coastal environments for future generations.

Weight: 831g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030434861
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020