Search Results (218)

Mapping marine habitats is fundamental for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based management in oceanic regions under increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures. In the context of global initiatives—such as marine protected area expansion and international agreements—habitat mapping has become mandatory for regional and global conservation policies. It provides spatial data to delineate essential habitats, support connectivity analyses, and assess pressures, enabling ecosystem-based marine spatial planning aligned with EU directives (2008/56/EC; 2014/89/EU). Beyond biodiversity, macrophytes, rhodolith beds, and coral reefs deliver key ecosystem services—carbon sequestration, coastal protection, nursery functions, and fisheries support—essential to local socioeconomies. This systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) examined 69 peer-reviewed studies across Central-Eastern Atlantic archipelagos (Macaronesia: the Azores, Madeira, the Canaries, and Cabo Verde) and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. We identified knowledge gaps, methodological trends, and key challenges, emphasizing the integration of cartographic, ecological, and technological approaches. Although methodologies diversified over time, the lack of survey standardization, limited ground truthing, and heterogeneous datasets constrained the production of high-resolution bionomic maps. Regional disparities persist in technology access and habitat coverage. The Azores showed the highest species richness (393), dominated by acoustic mapping in corals. Madeira was most advanced in the remote mapping of rhodoliths; the Canaries focused on shallow macrophytes with direct mapping; and Cabo Verde remains underrepresented. Harmonized protocols and regional cooperation are needed to improve data interoperability and predictive modeling. Full article

In a smart microgrid (SMG) system that deals with unpredictable loads and incorporates fluctuating solar and wind energy, it is crucial to have an efficient method for controlling frequency in order to balance the power between generation and load. In the last decade, cyberattacks have become a growing menace, and SMG systems are commonly targeted by such attacks. This study proposes a framework for the frequency management of an SMG system using an innovative combination of a smart controller (i.e., the Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC)) with three conventional cascaded controllers, including Fractional-Order PI (FOPI), Tilt Integral Fractional Derivative (TID^μ), and Proportional Integral Derivative Acceleration (PIDA). The recently released Eel and Grouper Optimization (EGO) algorithm is used to fine-tune the parameters of the proposed controller. This algorithm was inspired by how eels and groupers work together and find food in marine ecosystems. The Integral Time Squared Error (ITSE) of the frequency fluctuation (ΔF) around the nominal value is used as an objective function for the optimization process. A diesel engine generator (DEG), renewable sources such as wind turbine generators (WTGs), solar photovoltaics (PVs), and storage components such as flywheel energy storage systems (FESSs) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are all included in the SMG system. Additionally, electric vehicles (EVs) are also installed. In the beginning, the supremacy of the adopted EGO over the Gradient-Based Optimizer (GBO) and the Smell Agent Optimizer (SAO) can be witnessed by taking into consideration the optimization process of the recommended regulator’s parameters, in addition to the optimum design of the membership functions of the fuzzy logic controller by each of these distinct algorithms. The subsequent phase showcases the superiority of the proposed EGO-based FFOPI-TID^μ-PIDA structure compared to EGO-based conventional structures like PID and EGO-based intelligent structures such as Fuzzy PID (FPID) and Fuzzy PD-(1 + PI) (FPD-(1 + PI)); this is across diverse symmetry operating conditions and in the presence of various cyberattacks that result in a denial of service (DoS) and signal transmission delays. Based on the simulation results from the MATLAB/Simulink R2024b environment, the presented control methodology improves the dynamics of the SMG system by about 99.6% when compared to the other three control methodologies. The fitness function dropped to 0.00069 for the FFOPI-TID^μ-PIDA controller, which is about 200 times lower than the other controllers that were compared. Full article

Microplastic pollution presents a significant and rising risk to both ecological integrity and the long-term viability of economic activities reliant on marine ecosystems. The Black Sea, a region sustaining economic sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport, is increasingly vulnerable to this form of contamination. Mytilus galloprovincialis, a well-established bioindicator, accumulates microplastics, providing a direct measure of environmental pollution and indicating potential economic consequences deriving from degraded ecosystem services. While previous studies have documented microplastic pollution in the Black Sea, our paper specifically quantified microplastic contamination in M. galloprovincialis collected from four sites along the western Black Sea coast, each characterised by distinct levels of anthropogenic influence: Midia Port, Constanta Port, Mangalia Port, and 2 Mai. We used statistical analysis to quantify site-specific microplastic contamination in M. galloprovincialis and employed machine learning to develop models predicting accumulation patterns based on environmental variables. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of mussels as bioindicators of marine plastic pollution and highlight the utility of machine learning in developing effective predictive tools for monitoring and managing marine litter contamination in marine environments, thereby contributing to sustainable economic practices. Full article

Mangrove forests, vital coastal ecosystems that provide critical biodiversity habitats and carbon sequestration services, face increasing heavy metal pollution that threatens their ecological functions through bioaccumulation and toxicity to marine organisms. However, existing studies lack dynamic insights into temporal and spatial variations of heavy metals in mangrove sediments. This study systematically analyzed two mangrove reserves in Hainan Island, China (Hainan Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve [DZG] and Hainan Qinglan Provincial Nature Reserve [QL]), by collecting sediment samples in 2014 and 2022, analyzing metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) via ICP-MS, and applying the geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk index, Markov transition matrix, and statistical analyses. Results showed that DZG exhibited rising Cu and Zn levels but declining Cr, As, Cd, and Pb, with Cd showing the most significant decrease (66.83%). In contrast, QL saw only a 42.7% reduction in Cd, while other heavy metals increased. Spatial heterogeneity linked higher concentrations to anthropogenic hotspots, DZG’s southeast (industrial/aquaculture inputs), and QL’s northwest (urban/industrial discharges). Although ecological risks were generally low, Cd in QL reached a moderate risk level (E_Cd = 46.44, 40 ≤ E_i < 80). The large-scale pond-to-mangrove conversion significantly increased vegetation cover, which enhanced sedimentation rates and exerted a “dilution effect” on sediment heavy metals. These findings underscore anthropogenic activities as the dominant driver of heavy metal contamination. We recommend (1) stringent wastewater control near QL, (2) enhanced shipping regulation, and (3) the establishment of mangrove buffers in heavy metal accumulation zones to improve ecological status. Full article

In the context of the prevailing environmental crisis, one innovative approach with the potential to promote inclusive conservation is payment for environmental services (PES). While numerous studies have documented the efficacy of PES in terrestrial ecosystems, mechanisms tailored to marine ecosystems remain relatively unexplored. The objective of this article is to conduct a systematic literature review to identify the essential components of a PES mechanism for fisheries and to map the lessons, challenges, and opportunities associated with it. Three databases were explored: Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Using Boolean operators, we searched for articles containing the following terms in the title, abstract, and/or keywords: “payment for ecosystem services” AND “fish*” and “payment for environmental services” AND “fish*”. Twenty-six articles focusing in depth on PES in the context of fisheries were identified. The results indicate that PES is a tool that can reconcile conservation and social objectives while offering numerous benefits for fisheries management. Nevertheless, it is imperative to meticulously evaluate the circumstances under which PES can meaningfully contribute to the inclusive conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems rather than assuming that it is a universal policy panacea. Full article

Biological invasions are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss globally, affecting the quality of ecosystem services, the economy, and public health. Research on the presence, distribution, impacts, and introduction pathways of invasive alien species is essential for understanding and tackling the invasion process. Continental, coastal, and marine aquatic ecosystems of the Yucatan Peninsula concentrate a high number of native species; however, the states that are in the region (Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo) also have the largest loss of natural capital at the national level. The presence of aquatic invasive species has contributed to this downward trend, mainly in protected areas. For this research, an analysis of the national biodiversity information system, the global biodiversity information facility, and the specialized scientific literature was carried out to determine the presence of aquatic invasive species within the protected areas of the Yucatan Peninsula and adjacent marine zone. The results indicated that there are 22 documented aquatic invasive species in 25 protected areas, which were classified into the following taxonomic groups: marine macroalgae (3 species), plants (2), inland and marine fish (11), crustaceans (2), mollusks (2), and hydrozoans (2). A total of 15 of these species had a very high invasiveness score, 6 had a high score, and 1 had a medium score. This research will be useful in strengthening regional public policy and guiding decision makers on the management of aquatic invasive species, mainly for those that are seriously affecting aquatic ecosystems, such as Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus and P. pardalis in freshwater protected areas and Pterois volitans in marine protected areas. Efficient management strategies will be a key element in the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and for sustainable regional development. Full article

Aquatic ecosystems are essential for biodiversity and ecosystem services, but anthropogenic pressures threaten them. In this context, citizen science has emerged as an innovative strategy for biodiversity conservation and environmental monitoring. We conducted a scientometric analysis to identify patterns and gaps in the scientific literature on citizen science in aquatic ecology. We analyzed 185 articles published between 2003 and 2024 on the Web of Science and Scopus databases, with the highest number of publications on the topic (15.14%) in 2023. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom were the most productive and frequently studied countries. Studies focused on marine ecosystems (50.28%), while freshwater environments, such as rivers (12.99%), remain under-represented. Taxonomic groups such as fish (30.64%) and aquatic mammals (13.87%) were most commonly studied. The focus of monitoring was on ecology and species conservation. The projects adopted a contributory model of citizen engagement (92.97%), with a predominance of urban citizens (60.51%). Participants were trained through online platforms (25.75%) and in-person courses (21.56%), while communication methods involved sharing photos and videos (38.77%) and online uploads (23.79%). Therefore, expanding studies on freshwater ecosystems and rural and traditional communities, and integrating different levels of citizen participation, is essential. Full article

Marine fouling communities, characterized by a high abundance of suspension feeders, play a crucial role in regulating ecosystem services, particularly in improving seawater quality. While not typically prioritized in conservation due to their prevalence in degraded or artificial habitats, fouling communities are important for their ecological functions under increasing urbanization and climate change. Bryozoans are an important component of these communities, although their filtering activity is less understood compared to some other groups, such as bivalves and ascidians. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the filtration activity of two widespread fouling bryozoan species, namely Schizoporella errata and Bugula neritina in the northern Adriatic (Slovenia). We measured the clearance rates (CR) of both the species when fed with microalgae to assess their filtration capacity and determine the most suitable units for quantifying the biofiltration. B. neritina exhibited a higher average CR than S. errata. The maximum CR was 32 mL/(h·cm²) for the S. errata and 52 mL/(h·cm²) for the B. neritina. Due to the morphological and growth differences between the species, the surface area was determined to be the most appropriate unit for expressing the CR. We also examined the CR of the S. errata exposed to fluorescent microplastic beads and identified active feeding areas within the colonies. Feeding zooids in S. errata were concentrated at the terminal growth margins and elevated areas of the frontal budding, as indicated by a higher fluorescence and microsphere density. These results contribute to the existing knowledge on fouling bryozoans in coastal habitats and provide further insights into their potential role as biofilters and contributors to ecosystem functioning. Full article

Seagrass beds provide essential ecosystem services, such as habitat for marine life, water quality purification, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation. For the Changshan Archipelago, which relies heavily on marine resources, the growth and development of seagrass beds are key factors affecting aquaculture. This study is based on data collected from a survey conducted in the nearshore waters of the Changshan Archipelago in August 2022, encompassing seagrass distribution and water sample data. The water samples were analyzed for various parameters, including salinity, suspended solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, sea temperature, nitrite-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations. A habitat suitability assessment of the seagrass beds in the Changshan Archipelago was conducted. The study calculated the suitability index for each environmental variable based on the abundance index, and then established a Habitat Suitability Index model using a weighted allocation method. The results indicate that the seagrass bed area in the study region is primarily composed of excellent and suitable habitats. The concentration of inorganic nutrients is a key factor influencing seagrass growth. The HSI model not only identifies the hierarchical distribution of habitats in seagrass areas, but also detects potential suitable habitats for seagrass. This provides scientific reference for future seagrass bed resource protection and artificial cultivation efforts. Full article

In the Mediterranean, the dune–beach ecosystem is characterized by the presence of thick deposits of dead leaves of the endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica, called banquettes (Dune–Beach–Banquette ecosystem—DBB). This ecosystem plays an important role in the coupling between sea and land. The banquettes provide important ecosystem services: protection of beaches against erosion, contribution to the building of the dune, and a source of nitrogen for coastal vegetation. They are home to a rich and diverse invertebrate fauna that are consumed by other predatory invertebrates and seabirds. A conceptual model of the functioning of the DBB ecosystem and its relation with adjacent ecosystems has been outlined. When dead P. oceanica leaves return to the sea, which is the fate of most of the banquette, they constitute an important source of carbon and nutrients for coastal ecosystems and fisheries. Beach management, with the removal of banquettes and driftwood to meet the supposed requirements of beach users and tourists, is an ecological disaster, in addition to being an economic burden for coastal municipalities. Beach management methods that respect the interactions between the marine and terrestrial realms, which preserve the beaches from erosion and allow the return of the banquettes to the sea, and which take into account the real perceptions of beach users are feasible in the framework of the concept of the ‘ecological beach’. Full article

This study seeks to scientifically verify the actual effect of a marine ecological restoration project; according to the problems reflected in the assessment, the ecological restoration project can be corrected in time. This study constructs an assessment index system of marine ecological restoration effect from three aspects of ecological environment, social, and economic benefits, and uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the index weight. Taking the Pulandian Bay ecological restoration project and the Daling River estuary ecological restoration project as examples, the application analysis was carried out. The results showed that the Pulandian Bay project scored 77.18 and the restoration effect was ‘good’, while the Daling River estuary project scored 80.19 and the restoration effect was ‘excellent’. Both achieved the effects of improving the regional ecological environment, improving ecosystem service functions, improving the quality of life of residents, and driving regional economic development. The assessment method adopted not only reflects the impact of ecological restoration on the ecological environment and economic society but also visually displays the benefits of the project, reflecting the contribution of the ecosystem to human well-being, which can provide a reference for the evaluation of similar marine ecological restoration projects. Full article

Various types of tidal barriers are used in estuaries to reduce saltwater intrusion and regulate freshwater discharge, but they often alter the physicochemical environment and faunal composition. With the use of these structures expected to increase due to climate change, there is a need to understand their impacts. A tidal exclusion barrier in the Ramsar-listed Vasse–Wonnerup Estuary (Australia) was found to act as an ecotone, fragmenting the estuarine gradient into two distinct components, a relatively stable marine-like environment downstream and a highly variable oligohaline to hypersaline (~0 to >100 ppt) environment upstream. The downstream regions contained a speciose and functionally rich estuarine fauna, comprising mainly polychaetes and bivalves. The upstream regions were taxonomically and functionally depauperate, containing insects, gastropods, and ostracods typically found in saline wetlands. The fragmentation of the estuary has likely impacted the provision of ecosystem services, with the fauna downstream mainly comprising burrowing species that bioturbate and, thus, aid in nutrient cycling. In contrast, the environmental conditions caused by the barrier and the resultant epifaunal invertebrate assemblages upstream aid little in bioturbation, but provide nutrition for avian fauna. These results may help in understanding the impacts of constructing new barriers in coastal ecosystems in response to climate change. Full article

Marine zoning is a widely used spatial tool for managing ocean spaces, minimizing conflicts between uses, and maintaining ecosystem services. This review examines and profiles the use of marine zoning and its potential to support climate resilience and ecosystem services through a systematic PRISMA analysis of 121 articles. The findings highlight the importance of balancing sustainable resource use and human well-being with nature protection through well-tailored zoning objectives. The review underscores the need to expand research on underrepresented marine habitats such as seagrass and algae, which play a critical role in climate change mitigation. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of broadening the scope to consider human activities beyond fisheries, which are often the primary focus. Stakeholder engagement and public awareness are identified as crucial for effective marine zoning planning. A significant gap is noted in the integration of ecosystem services and natural capital into marine zoning research. Furthermore, despite marine zoning’s potential to address climate change challenges, the reviewed articles reveal limited attention to this topic, indicating an urgent need for further research. This review advocates for the incorporation of ecosystem service valuation and climate change considerations into marine zoning to ensure sustainable management that balances ecological preservation with human well-being. Full article

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important tool for conserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of marine ecosystem services. This study examines the extent of MPAs in the Adriatic-Ionian region (EUSAIR). The analysis focuses on nationally designated marine protected areas and Natura 2000 sites (their marine parts), as well as areas of biodiversity importance that are not officially protected. With a marine area of 484,017 km², the EUSAIR region has 46 nationally designated marine protected areas and 348 Natura 2000 marine protected areas as of 2021, which together represent a protected area of 16,347 km² or 3.4% of the region’s total marine area. However, strictly protected areas of IUCN categories I and II account for only 0.07% of the region’s marine area, highlighting a significant gap in achieving global and EU biodiversity targets. In addition, around 30.75% of the marine area is classified as important for biodiversity based on various conservation instruments, but is not legally protected. These findings underline the urgent need for enhanced protection, improved management and stricter conservation measures to achieve the targets of the Kunmingand Montreal Global Biodiversity Frameworks and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, which aims to have 30% of marine areas protected and 10% under strict protection by 2030. Achieving the EU biodiversity targets by 2030 will require a significant expansion of MPAs in the EUSAIR region and intensified efforts to designate new MPAs, integrate existing areas of high biodiversity and ensure effective management consistent with biodiversity conservation objectives. Full article

Reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon sinks have become the core issues of the international community. Although coastal blue carbon ecosystems (such as mangroves, seagrass beds, coastal salt marshes and large algae) account for less than 0.5% of the seafloor area, they contain more than 50% of marine carbon reserves, occupying an important position in the global carbon cycle. However, with the rapid development of the economy and the continuous expansion of human activities, coastal wetlands have suffered serious damage, and their carbon sequestration capacity has been greatly limited. Ecological restoration has emerged as a key measure to reverse this trend. Through a series of measures, including restoring the hydrological conditions of damaged wetlands, cultivating suitable plant species, effectively managing invasive species and rebuilding habitats, ecological restoration is committed to restoring the ecological functions of wetlands and increasing their ecological service value. Therefore, this paper first reviews the research status and influencing factors of coastal wetland carbon sinks, discusses the objectives, types and measures of various coastal wetland ecological restoration projects, analyzes the impact of these ecological restoration projects on wetland carbon sink function, and proposes suggestions for incorporating carbon sink enhancement into wetland ecological restoration. Full article