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Tjeerd J. Bouma - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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seagrass Coastal Protection services reduced by invasive species expansion and megaherbivore grazing
Open Journal of Ecology, 2020Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Marieke M Van Katwijk, Rebecca K James, Marjolijn J A Christianen, Jaco C De Smit, Elisabeth S Bakker, Peter M J HermanAbstract:Seagrasses provide an important ecosystem service by creating a stable erosion-resistant seabed that contributes to effective Coastal Protection. Variable morphologies and life-history strategies, however, are likely to impact the sediment stabilization capacity of different seagrass species. We question how opportunistic invasive species and increasing grazing by megaherbivores may alter sediment stabilization services provided by established seagrass meadows, using the Caribbean as a case study. Utilizing two portable field-flumes that simulate unidirectional and oscillatory flow regimes, we compared the sediment stabilization capacity of natural seagrass meadows in situ under current- and wave-dominated regimes. Monospecific patches of a native (Thalassia testudinum) and an invasive (Halophila stipulacea) seagrass species were compared, along with the effect of three levels of megaherbivore grazing on T. testudinum: ungrazed, lightly grazed and intensively grazed. For both hydrodynamic regimes, the long-leaved, dense meadows of the climax species, T. testudinum provided the highest stabilization. However, the loss of above-ground biomass by intensive grazing reduced the capacity of the native seagrass to stabilize the surface sediment. Caribbean seagrass meadows are presently threatened by the rapid spread of the invasive opportunistic seagrass, H. stipulacea. The dense meadows of H. stipulacea were found to accumulate fine sediment, and thereby, appear to be effective in reducing bottom shear stress during calm periods. This fine sediment within the invasive meadows, however, is easily resuspended by hydrodynamic forces, and the low below-ground biomass of H. stipulacea make it susceptible to uprooting during storm events, potentially leaving large regions vulnerable to erosion. Overall, this present study highlights that intensive megaherbivore grazing and opportunistic invasive species threaten the Coastal Protection services provided by mildly grazed native species. Synthesis. Seagrass meadows of dense, long-leaved species stabilize the sediment surface and maintain the seabed integrity, thereby contributing to Coastal Protection. These services are threatened by intensive megaherbivore grazing, which reduces the stability of the surface sediment, and opportunistic invasive species, which are susceptible to uprooting in storms and thereby can leave the seabed vulnerable to erosion.
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the role of seagrasses in Coastal Protection in a changing climate
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Barbara Ondiviela, Cristina Galván, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Maria Maza, Javier L Lara, Inigo J Losada, Jim Van BelzenAbstract:The contribution of seagrasses to Coastal Protection is examined through the review of the most relevant existing knowledge. Seagrasses are the largest submerged aquatic vegetation ecosystem protected in Europe and it is worth examining their contribution to Coastal Protection. The review performed highlights incident energy flux, density, standing biomass and plant stiffness as the main physical and biological factors influencing the efficiency of the Protection provided by seagrasses. The main conclusion achieved is that seagrass meadows cannot protect shorelines in every location and/or scenario. The optimal conditions for enhancing the Protection supplied might be achieved in shallow waters and low wave energy environments, with high interaction surface, at the vertical and horizontal dimension, between water flow and seagrasses. Likewise, the most favorable Protection might be provided by large, long living and slow growing seagrass species, with biomass being largely independent of seasonal fluctuations and with the maximum standing biomass reached under the highest hydrodynamic forcings. It is shown that seawater warming, increasing storms and sea level rise, together with the increasing population and anthropogenic threats in the Coastal area may lead to rates of change too fast to allow seagrasses to adapt and keep their Coastal defense service. Finally, to amend the decline of seagrasses and consequent Coastal Protection loss, different artificial and natural adaptation measures are provided.
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identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection opportunities steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J HawkinsAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
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Identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection: Opportunities & steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J Hawkins, Simon P. G. HoggartAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
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The role of seagrasses in Coastal Protection in a changing climate
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Barbara Ondiviela, Cristina Galván, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Maria Maza, Javier L Lara, Inigo J Losada, Jim Van BelzenAbstract:The contribution of seagrasses to Coastal Protection is examined through the review of the most relevant existing knowledge. Seagrasses are the largest submerged aquatic vegetation ecosystem protected in Europe and it is worth examining their contribution to Coastal Protection. The review performed highlights incident energy flux, density, standing biomass and plant stiffness as the main physical and biological factors influencing the efficiency of the Protection provided by seagrasses. The main conclusion achieved is that seagrass meadows cannot protect shorelines in every location and/or scenario. The optimal conditions for enhancing the Protection supplied might be achieved in shallow waters and low wave energy environments, with high interaction surface, at the vertical and horizontal dimension, between water flow and seagrasses. Likewise, the most favorable Protection might be provided by large, long living and slow growing seagrass species, with biomass being largely independent of seasonal fluctuations and with the maximum standing biomass reached under the highest hydrodynamic forcings. It is shown that seawater warming, increasing storms and sea level rise, together with the increasing population and anthropogenic threats in the Coastal area may lead to rates of change too fast to allow seagrasses to adapt and keep their Coastal defense service. Finally, to amend the decline of seagrasses and consequent Coastal Protection loss, different artificial and natural adaptation measures are provided. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Jim Van Belzen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the role of seagrasses in Coastal Protection in a changing climate
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Barbara Ondiviela, Cristina Galván, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Maria Maza, Javier L Lara, Inigo J Losada, Jim Van BelzenAbstract:The contribution of seagrasses to Coastal Protection is examined through the review of the most relevant existing knowledge. Seagrasses are the largest submerged aquatic vegetation ecosystem protected in Europe and it is worth examining their contribution to Coastal Protection. The review performed highlights incident energy flux, density, standing biomass and plant stiffness as the main physical and biological factors influencing the efficiency of the Protection provided by seagrasses. The main conclusion achieved is that seagrass meadows cannot protect shorelines in every location and/or scenario. The optimal conditions for enhancing the Protection supplied might be achieved in shallow waters and low wave energy environments, with high interaction surface, at the vertical and horizontal dimension, between water flow and seagrasses. Likewise, the most favorable Protection might be provided by large, long living and slow growing seagrass species, with biomass being largely independent of seasonal fluctuations and with the maximum standing biomass reached under the highest hydrodynamic forcings. It is shown that seawater warming, increasing storms and sea level rise, together with the increasing population and anthropogenic threats in the Coastal area may lead to rates of change too fast to allow seagrasses to adapt and keep their Coastal defense service. Finally, to amend the decline of seagrasses and consequent Coastal Protection loss, different artificial and natural adaptation measures are provided.
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identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection opportunities steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J HawkinsAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
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Identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection: Opportunities & steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J Hawkins, Simon P. G. HoggartAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
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low canopy seagrass beds still provide important Coastal Protection services
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Marjolijn J A Christianen, Marieke M Van Katwijk, Jim Van Belzen, Peter M J Herman, Leon P M Lamers, Peter J M Van Leent, Tjeerd J. BoumaAbstract:One of the most frequently quoted ecosystem services of seagrass meadows is their value for Coastal Protection. Many studies emphasize the role of above-ground shoots in attenuating waves, enhancing sedimentation and preventing erosion. This raises the question if short-leaved, low density (grazed) seagrass meadows with most of their biomass in belowground tissues can also stabilize sediments. We examined this by combining manipulative field experiments and wave measurements along a typical tropical reef flat where green turtles intensively graze upon the seagrass canopy. We experimentally manipulated wave energy and grazing intensity along a transect perpendicular to the beach, and compared sediment bed level change between vegetated and experimentally created bare plots at three distances from the beach. Our experiments showed that i) even the short-leaved, low-biomass and heavily-grazed seagrass vegetation reduced wave-induced sediment erosion up to threefold, and ii) that erosion was a function of location along the vegetated reef flat. Where other studies stress the importance of the seagrass canopy for shoreline Protection, our study on open, low-biomass and heavily grazed seagrass beds strongly suggests that belowground biomass also has a major effect on the immobilization of sediment. These results imply that, compared to shallow unvegetated nearshore reef flats, the presence of a short, low-biomass seagrass meadow maintains a higher bed level, attenuating waves before reaching the beach and hence lowering beach erosion rates. We propose that the sole use of aboveground biomass as a proxy for valuing Coastal Protection services should be reconsidered.
S J Hawkins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection opportunities steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J HawkinsAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
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Identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection: Opportunities & steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J Hawkins, Simon P. G. HoggartAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
Cristina Galván - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection opportunities steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J HawkinsAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
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the role of seagrasses in Coastal Protection in a changing climate
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Barbara Ondiviela, Cristina Galván, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Maria Maza, Javier L Lara, Inigo J Losada, Jim Van BelzenAbstract:The contribution of seagrasses to Coastal Protection is examined through the review of the most relevant existing knowledge. Seagrasses are the largest submerged aquatic vegetation ecosystem protected in Europe and it is worth examining their contribution to Coastal Protection. The review performed highlights incident energy flux, density, standing biomass and plant stiffness as the main physical and biological factors influencing the efficiency of the Protection provided by seagrasses. The main conclusion achieved is that seagrass meadows cannot protect shorelines in every location and/or scenario. The optimal conditions for enhancing the Protection supplied might be achieved in shallow waters and low wave energy environments, with high interaction surface, at the vertical and horizontal dimension, between water flow and seagrasses. Likewise, the most favorable Protection might be provided by large, long living and slow growing seagrass species, with biomass being largely independent of seasonal fluctuations and with the maximum standing biomass reached under the highest hydrodynamic forcings. It is shown that seawater warming, increasing storms and sea level rise, together with the increasing population and anthropogenic threats in the Coastal area may lead to rates of change too fast to allow seagrasses to adapt and keep their Coastal defense service. Finally, to amend the decline of seagrasses and consequent Coastal Protection loss, different artificial and natural adaptation measures are provided.
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Identifying knowledge gaps hampering application of intertidal habitats in Coastal Protection: Opportunities & steps to take
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Tjeerd J. Bouma, Cristina Galván, Jim Van Belzen, Thorsten Balke, Laura Airoldi, Andrew J Blight, Andrew J Davies, S J Hawkins, Simon P. G. HoggartAbstract:Over the last decades, population densities in Coastal areas have strongly increased. At the same time, many intertidal Coastal ecosystems that provide valuable services in terms of Coastal Protection have greatly degraded. As a result, Coastal defense has become increasingly dependent on man-made engineering solutions. Ongoing climate change processes such as sea-level rise and increased storminess, require a rethinking of current Coastal defense practices including the development of innovative and cost-effective ways to protect coastlines. Integrating intertidal Coastal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes offers a promising way forward. In this perspective, we specifically aim to (1) provide insight in the conditions under which ecosystems may be valuable for Coastal Protection, (2) discuss which might be the most promising intertidal ecosystems for this task and (3) identify knowledge gaps that currently hamper application and hence need attention from the scientific community. Ecosystems can contribute most to Coastal Protection by wave attenuation in areas with relatively small tidal amplitudes, and/or where intertidal areas are wide. The main knowledge gap hampering application of intertidal ecosystems within Coastal defense schemes is lack in ability to account quantitatively for long-term ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge is essential, as this will determine both the predictability and reliability of their Coastal defense function. Solutions integrating intertidal ecosystems in Coastal defense schemes offer promising opportunities in some situations, but require better mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics in space and time to enable successful large-scale application.
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The role of seagrasses in Coastal Protection in a changing climate
Coastal Engineering, 2014Co-Authors: Barbara Ondiviela, Cristina Galván, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Maria Maza, Javier L Lara, Inigo J Losada, Jim Van BelzenAbstract:The contribution of seagrasses to Coastal Protection is examined through the review of the most relevant existing knowledge. Seagrasses are the largest submerged aquatic vegetation ecosystem protected in Europe and it is worth examining their contribution to Coastal Protection. The review performed highlights incident energy flux, density, standing biomass and plant stiffness as the main physical and biological factors influencing the efficiency of the Protection provided by seagrasses. The main conclusion achieved is that seagrass meadows cannot protect shorelines in every location and/or scenario. The optimal conditions for enhancing the Protection supplied might be achieved in shallow waters and low wave energy environments, with high interaction surface, at the vertical and horizontal dimension, between water flow and seagrasses. Likewise, the most favorable Protection might be provided by large, long living and slow growing seagrass species, with biomass being largely independent of seasonal fluctuations and with the maximum standing biomass reached under the highest hydrodynamic forcings. It is shown that seawater warming, increasing storms and sea level rise, together with the increasing population and anthropogenic threats in the Coastal area may lead to rates of change too fast to allow seagrasses to adapt and keep their Coastal defense service. Finally, to amend the decline of seagrasses and consequent Coastal Protection loss, different artificial and natural adaptation measures are provided. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Stephen Polasky - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Non‐linearity in ecosystem services: temporal and spatial variability in Coastal Protection
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 2009Co-Authors: Evamaria W Koch, Denise J. Reed, Elise F Granek, Sally D Hacker, Edward B. Barbier, N. Muthiga, J. Honculada Primavera, Brian R Silliman, Gerardo M. E. Perillo, Stephen PolaskyAbstract:Natural processes tend to vary over time and space, as well as between species. The ecosystem services these natural processes provide are therefore also highly variable. It is often assumed that ecosystem services are provided linearly (unvaryingly, at a steady rate), but natural processes are characterized by thresholds and limiting functions. In this paper, we describe the variability observed in wave attenuation provided by marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs and therefore also in Coastal Protection. We calculate the economic consequences of assuming Coastal Protection to be linear. We suggest that, in order to refine ecosystem-based management practices, it is essential that natural variability and cumulative effects be considered in the valuation of ecosystem services.
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Non-linearity in ecosystem services: Temporal and spatial variability in Coastal Protection
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 2009Co-Authors: Evamaria W Koch, Denise J. Reed, Elise F Granek, Sally D Hacker, Edward B. Barbier, N. Muthiga, J. Honculada Primavera, Brian R Silliman, Gerardo M. E. Perillo, Stephen PolaskyAbstract:Natural processes tend to vary over time and space, as well as between species. The ecosystem services these natural processes provide are therefore also highly variable. It is often assumed that ecosystem services are provided linearly (unvaryingly, at a steady rate), but natural processes are characterized by thresholds and limiting functions. In this paper, we describe the variability observed in wave attenuation provided by marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs and therefore also in Coastal Protection. We calculate the economic consequences of assuming Coastal Protection to be linear. We suggest that, in order to refine ecosystem-based management practices, it is essential that natural variability and cumulative effects be considered in the valuation of ecosystem services.
