Mudflat Ecology

Intertidal mudflats are productive marine habitats that provide ecosystem services to the land-sea interface. A comprehensive synthesis is needed to bring together and contextualize the different disciplines, tools, and approaches used in their study.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 429 pages
\n Publication date: 21 February 2019
\n Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG
\n

Intertidal mudflats are unique and highly productive marine ecosystems that play a vital role in providing essential ecosystem services to the land-sea interface. Unlike other marine habitats, these mudflats have not yet received a comprehensive synthesis, resulting in a scattered knowledge base that lacks an integrated conceptual framework. In this paper, we aim to bridge this gap by bringing together and contextualizing the diverse disciplines, tools, and approaches used in the study of intertidal mudflats. We will particularly focus on the relationships between the various components of the synthesis, both at the conceptual and operational levels, and validate these relationships through close collaboration with the authors.

Intertidal mudflats are dynamic and complex ecosystems that thrive in the intertidal zone, which is the area between high and low tides. These mudflats are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including seagrass, algae, crabs, clams, and fish. One of the key features of intertidal mudflats is their productivity. These mudflats are highly productive due to the abundance of nutrients in the water and the constant exposure to sunlight. The plants and animals in these mudflats use these nutrients to grow and reproduce, resulting in a dense and diverse ecosystem.

Intertidal mudflats also provide important ecosystem services to the surrounding environment. These mudflats act as a buffer against erosion, protecting the coastline from the impact of waves and storms. They also trap sediment and pollutants, preventing them from entering the ocean and causing harm to marine life. In addition, intertidal mudflats provide habitat for a variety of birds and mammals, including migratory birds and seals.

Despite their importance, intertidal mudflats are facing several threats. One of the biggest threats is human activity. Development, pollution, and overfishing have all contributed to the degradation of intertidal mudflats. The loss of vegetation and the destruction of habitats have led to a decline in the biodiversity of these mudflats, and the loss of productivity has had a negative impact on the ecosystem services they provide.

Another threat to intertidal mudflats is climate change. Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns are causing the sea to encroach on intertidal mudflats, destroying habitats and displacing species. This has led to a decline in the resilience of these mudflats and has made them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

To protect intertidal mudflats and the ecosystem services they provide, it is important to take action. This can include reducing pollution and sedimentation, protecting habitats from development, and implementing sustainable fishing practices. It is also important to raise awareness about the importance of intertidal mudflats and the threats they face.

In conclusion, intertidal mudflats are unique and highly productive marine ecosystems that provide important ecosystem services to the land-sea interface. These mudflats are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species and are highly productive due to the abundance of nutrients in the water and the constant exposure to sunlight. However, they are facing several threats, including human activity, climate change, and degradation. By taking action to protect these mudflats and the ecosystem services they provide, we can help to ensure the sustainability of our oceans and the health of our planet.

\n Weight: 449g\n
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783319991924\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018\n