Developing an indicator system for estuarine ecosystem transitions based on spatial patterns

Informations

Funding country

Netherlands

Acronym

-

URL

-

Start date

6/1/2015

End date

-

Budget

250,000 EUR

Fundings

Abstract

Estuarine ecosystems are facing severe environmental deterioration because of expanding economic activities. Assessing the effects on ecosystem functioning is of great importance, as in estuarine ecosystems, dramatic transitions can occur with concurrent loss of ecosystem functions. Here, we propose to develop a new indicator system for transitions in estuarine ecosystems based on the emergence of biological pattern formation, especially for mudflats, salt marshes and mussel beds. To this end, current theoretical models of pattern formation will be expanded to include the impact of hydrodynamics and wave action, physical stressors typically of estuaries, to study pattern formation at a large range of spatial scales. The models will provide a benchmark description of spatial patterns against which observed patterns can be compared, to quantify the impact of human-induced environmental changes on ecosystems functioning, and the possibility of catastrophic loss of ecosystems. This project will provide valuable tools in the management of estuarine ecosystems that will allow for the assessment of human-induced changes on ecosystem functioning.