Editorial

4 pages, 212 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Nuria Navarro and Inmaculada Rodríguez-Santalla

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(4), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11040767 - 31 Mar 2023

Viewed by 979

Coastal wetlands are valuable and sensitive environments that are among the most productive yet highly threatened systems in the world [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

22 pages, 8113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Land Use/Land Cover Changes on Carbon Storage in North African Coastal Wetlands

by Rajaa Aitali, Maria Snoussi, Alexander S. Kolker, Bouchra Oujidi and Nadia Mhammdi

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(3), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10030364 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4091

Abstract

Healthy wetlands are among the most effective sinks for carbon on the planet, and thus contribute to mitigate climate change. However, in North Africa, coastal wetlands are under high pressure especially from urban sprawl and tourism development, due to the rapid population growth [...] Read more.

Healthy wetlands are among the most effective sinks for carbon on the planet, and thus contribute to mitigate climate change. However, in North Africa, coastal wetlands are under high pressure especially from urban sprawl and tourism development, due to the rapid population growth and migration. This paper analyzed the effects of land use/land cover changes on carbon stocks, over 20 years, in six North African coastal wetlands, and estimated the economic value of the carbon sequestered during the considered period. The methodology used combined remote sensing and modeling. The results showed that among the six studied sites, only two (Moulouya and Moulay Bouselham) showed an increase in stored carbon and therefore are potential carbon sinks. In turn, the other four showed a more or less significant loss of carbon, which will likely be released into the atmosphere. The underlying processes that drive changes in carbon dynamics are mainly urban expansion and land use conversion, which often occurs at the expense of the natural habitats surrounding the wetlands. Understanding these processes can provide valuable decision-making information for land use planning, wetlands conservation and carbon reduction policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greenhouse Gas Emission Model for Tidal Flats in the Republic of Korea

by Nhi Yen Thi Dang, Heung-Sik Park, Kaleem Anwar Mir, Choong-Gon Kim and Seungdo Kim

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(11), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9111181 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2389

Abstract

Since coastal wetlands have been severely degraded and polluted by human activities, they have increasingly become a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), so understanding the characteristics of their emissions is critical for devising future climate change mitigation strategies. This study modified a [...] Read more.

Since coastal wetlands have been severely degraded and polluted by human activities, they have increasingly become a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), so understanding the characteristics of their emissions is critical for devising future climate change mitigation strategies. This study modified a model based on carbon balance to forecast carbon stored and CO₂, CH₄ emissions in four types of typical tidal flats—Phragmites australis (PA), Spartina alterniflora (SA), Suaeda japonica (SJ), and Bare Tidal Flat (BTF) in Korea’s Ganghwa province from 2017 to 2047. The model was built using biomass data from salt plant species collected in different locations. The results indicate that the total annual simulated flow of CH₄ increased over time in all four areas, most notably in SA, while CO₂ remained relatively stable. The mean CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes in the four types of representative tidal flats were in the range of 0.03 to 19.1 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.007 to 5.23 mg m⁻² d⁻¹, respectively, across all seasons. Besides, the results indicate that the amount of carbon accumulated in the top soil increases linearly over time in nearly all areas studied, ranging from 0.01 to 0.13 (kgC m⁻² yr⁻¹). In general, the study provides a model for Korean tidal flats that incorporates carbon storage and GHG emissions in the intertidal zone in order to develop potential GHG reduction scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution and Sources of Organic Carbon in Surface Intertidal Sediments of the Rudong Coast, Jiangsu Province, China

by Yinan Mao, Qingyun Ma, Jiaxin Lin, Ye Chen and Qiang Shu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(9), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9090992 - 11 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1893

Abstract

In this study, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and stable carbon isotopes (δ¹³C) were measured in surface intertidal saltmarsh and bare tidal flat sediments along the Rudong coast. The distribution and sources of organic carbon were examined [...] Read more.

In this study, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and stable carbon isotopes (δ¹³C) were measured in surface intertidal saltmarsh and bare tidal flat sediments along the Rudong coast. The distribution and sources of organic carbon were examined under different depositional environments based on C/N ratios and a two-terminal mixing model. The results showed that the average TOC content of the vegetated saltmarsh sediments, bare tidal flat areas near vegetation (BF1), and bare tidal flat areas far from vegetation (BF2) were 4.05, 2.72, and 1.22 mg/g, respectively. The mean δ¹³C value within the vegetated saltmarsh area was −22.37‰, and the C/N ratio was 9.3; the corresponding values in the BF1 area were −23.27‰ and 7.95, respectively; and in the BF2 area, the corresponding values were −21.91‰ and 5.36, respectively. These C/N ratios reflect an increasing marine contribution with distance from the vegetated zone. Combined with the two-terminal mixing model, the organic carbon in the vegetated saltmarsh sediments was dominated by terrestrial sources, while the bare tidal flat sediments were more influenced by marine sources, and the bare tidal flat sediments nearer to the vegetated zone (BF1) were influenced by a combination of vegetation, marine sources, and other terrestrial factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4891 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Vulnerability Analysis of the Riumar Dune Field in El Garxal Coastal Wetland (Ebro Delta, Spain)

by Inmaculada Rodríguez-Santalla, Alejandro Díez-Martínez and Nuria Navarro

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(6), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9060601 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3632

Abstract

The aim of this work is to apply a vulnerability index in the dune field located in the Riumar urban zone at the mouth of the Ebro River. This dune field represents the natural barrier of the El Garxal coastal lagoon system. The [...] Read more.

The aim of this work is to apply a vulnerability index in the dune field located in the Riumar urban zone at the mouth of the Ebro River. This dune field represents the natural barrier of the El Garxal coastal lagoon system. The index used integrates the dimensions of exposure, susceptibility, and resilience from the analysis of 19 variables. The results obtained show moderate susceptibility and high resilience, which are in line with the behavior of this dune field during the last sea storms (Gloria in January 2020 and Philomena in January 2021, among others) that have tested the capacity of this system to cope with the effects of these storms. Therefore, increasing the knowledge of the factors affecting the vulnerability of the dunes can be helpful in the management and conservation of these coastal environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endophytic Fungi of Emersed Halophytes in River Deltas and Tidal Flats of the Korean Ramsar Wetlands

by Jong-Myong Park, Ji-Won Hong, Young-Hyun You and Jong-Guk Kim

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(4), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9040430 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

This study aimed to obtain information on the diversity and distribution of the endophytic fungi in Ramsar wetlands. Vast salt marshes in Suncheon Bay, Korea, are formed by two types of ecotones (tidal flats and deltas) that are supported by the emersed halophytes [...] Read more.

This study aimed to obtain information on the diversity and distribution of the endophytic fungi in Ramsar wetlands. Vast salt marshes in Suncheon Bay, Korea, are formed by two types of ecotones (tidal flats and deltas) that are supported by the emersed halophytes Phragmites australis and Suaeda japonica. Overall, 324 endophytes were isolated from P. australis (six sampling points in the delta and five in the tidal flats) and S. japonica (six in tidal flats). Margalef’s, Menhinick’s, Shannon’s, and Simpson’s diversity indices significantly varied among the ecotones. In particular, higher variance in diversity value and unevenness was observed in the delta marsh compared with the tidal flat marsh. Further, morphological diversity in the delta salt marsh was 1.8 times higher than that of the tidal flat. Comprising several dominant genera (Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium), Epicoccum, Paraconiothyrium, Septoriella, and Talaromyces were widely distributed regardless of the aquatic conditions or halophyte species. This study highlights the distinct distribution and diversity of marine endophytes in various ecotones that can physically protect the coastal areas. This data is of much value to secure a national culture collection for future restoration of the coastal wetlands and their ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cispatá Bay and Mestizos Evolution as Reconstructed from Old Documents and Maps (16th–20th Century)

by Marco Piccardi, Ivan D. Correa and Enzo Pranzini

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(9), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8090669 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2491

Abstract

Historical cartography is increasingly being used for the study of coastal evolution, but less considered are coeval descriptive sources as well as exploration reports that accompany the construction of maps. Herein, these issues are considered when analyzing the chronological model of the Rio [...] Read more.

Historical cartography is increasingly being used for the study of coastal evolution, but less considered are coeval descriptive sources as well as exploration reports that accompany the construction of maps. Herein, these issues are considered when analyzing the chronological model of the Rio Sinú mouth and Cispatá bay evolution before the Tinajones delta formed (around 1942–1943) as it is established in the literature. This study is based on the examination of about 500 manuscripts or printed maps produced from the 16th century to 1937 (the last one before the Tinajones delta was formed) in which the Morrosquillo Gulf, the Rio Sinú terminal course, the Mestizos headland and Cispatá bay are represented. These maps were compared with coeval descriptive sources. Several maps are not based on new topographic surveys but are more recent elaborations of the original documents, while others include updates of only limited portions of the area and simply replicate or mix a drawn coastline, at best, tens of years before or, at worst, centuries before. A synchronic and diachronic comparative analysis of these documents was performed, and, out of these maps, only three were found to be reliable for the morphological reconstruction of the area. Many of the remaining maps turned out to be full or partial copies of the originals, so they attribute the wrong date to the described coastlines and water depths. These findings led to a new model for Cispatá bay evolution with respect to that proposed by previous scholars using some of these maps. In particular, some river mouths and coastal morphologies were backdated, and bay infilling proved to be far faster than described before. Written documents demonstrate that this process was triggered by inland slope deforestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

19 pages, 4883 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Main Threats in Mediterranean Coastal Wetlands. The Ebro Delta Case

by Inmaculada Rodríguez-Santalla and Nuria Navarro

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(11), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9111190 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3354

Abstract

Coastal wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that exist at the interface between land and sea. They represent environments with a great diversity of habitats and communities, high carbon sequestration capacity and a wide range of ecosystem services. In the Mediterranean, the largest coastal wetlands [...] Read more.

Coastal wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that exist at the interface between land and sea. They represent environments with a great diversity of habitats and communities, high carbon sequestration capacity and a wide range of ecosystem services. In the Mediterranean, the largest coastal wetlands are found in deltaic areas like that of the Ebro River (Spain), which has a coastline length of approximately 50 km, occupying a total area of 325 km². The Ebro Delta is included in different national and international frameworks for environmental conservation, despite which there are several risks that threaten it. The lack of sedimentary contributions due to the regulation of the Ebro riverbed (irrigation, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power generation) has caused erosion and the retreat of certain sections of its coastline. To this situation of sediment deficit must be added the threat posed by the effects of global change, such as the rise in sea level, the increase in temperature and in the frequency and intensity of storms. This study analyses the particularities of the coastal wetland of the Ebro Delta, identifying the main threats it faces, as well as possible adaptation and mitigation strategies to these changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 34683 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Arid Coastal Wetlands of Northern Chile: Towards an Integrated Management of Highly Threatened Systems

by Nuria Navarro, Manuel Abad, Estefanía Bonnail and Tatiana Izquierdo

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9(9), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9090948 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3716

Abstract

The ecological value of coastal wetlands is globally recognized, particularly as biodiversity hotspots, but also as buffer areas because of their role in the fight against climate change in recent years. Most of Chile’s coastal wetlands are concentrated in the central and southern [...] Read more.

The ecological value of coastal wetlands is globally recognized, particularly as biodiversity hotspots, but also as buffer areas because of their role in the fight against climate change in recent years. Most of Chile’s coastal wetlands are concentrated in the central and southern part of the country due to climate conditions. However, northern coastal wetlands go unnoticed despite being located in areas of high water deficit (desert areas) and their role in bird migratory routes along the north–south coastal cordon of South America. This study reviews the current environmental status of the arid coastal wetlands of northern Chile (Lluta, Camarones, Loa, La Chimba, Copiapó, Totoral, Carrizal Bajo) in terms of regulations, management, and future aims. The main natural and anthropogenic threats to these coastal wetlands are identified, as well as the main management tools applied for their protection, e.g., the Nature Sanctuary designation, which allows for the protection of both privately and publicly owned property; and the Urban Wetland, a recently created protection category. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Wetlands)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Coastal Wetlands

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI