ID:
publications-468
Type:
PEER REVIEWED ARTICLE
Year:
2014
Authors:
Shing Yip Lee , Jurgene H. Primavera , Farid Dahdouh-Guebas , Karen McKee , Jared O. Bosire , Stefano Cannicci , Karen Diele , Francois Fromard , Nico
Title:
Ecological role and services of tropical mangrove ecosystems: a reassessment
Venue/Journal:
DOI:
10.1111/geb.12155
Research type:
Uncategorized
Water System:
Precipitation & Ecological Systems
Technical Focus:
Abstract:
AbstractAimTo reassess the capacity of mangroves for ecosystem services in the light of recent data.LocationGlobal mangrove ecosystems.MethodsWe review four longāstanding roles of mangroves: (1) carbon dynamics ā export or sink; (2) nursery role; (3) shoreline protection; (4) landābuilding capacity. The origins of pertinent hypotheses, current understanding and gaps in our knowledge are highlighted with reference to biogeographic, geographic and socioāeconomic influences.ResultsThe role of mangroves as C sinks needs to be evaluated for a wide range of biogeographic regions and forest conditions. Mangrove C assimilation may be underāestimated because of flawed methodology and scanty data on key components of C dynamics. Periāurban mangroves may be manipulated to provide local offsets for C emission. The nursery function of mangroves is not ubiquitous but varies with spatioātemporal accessibility. Connectivity and complementarity of mangroves and adjacent habitats enhance their nursery function through trophic relay and ontogenetic migrations. The effectiveness of mangroves for coastal protection depends on factors at landscape/geomorphic to community scales and local/species scales. Shifts in species due to climate change, forest degradation and loss of habitat connectivity may reduce the protective capacity of mangroves. Early views of mangroves as land builders (especially lateral expansion) were questionable. Evidence now indicates that mangroves, once established, directly influence vertical land development by enhancing sedimentation and/or by direct organic contributions to soil volume (peat formation) in some settings.Main conclusionsKnowledge of thresholds, spatioātemporal scaling and variability due to geographic, biogeographic and socioāeconomic settings will improve the management of mangrove ecosystem services. Many drivers respond to global trends in climate change and local changes such as urbanization. While mangroves have traditionally been managed for subsistence, future governance models must involve partnerships between local custodians of mangroves and offsite beneficiaries of the services.
Link with Projects:
247514
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