Managed realignment as compensation for the loss of intertidal mudflat: A short term solution to a long term problem?

摘要: Intertidal mudflats are critical to the functional ecology of estuaries yet large areas being lost as a result land claim, erosion and coastal squeeze. This study examines whether managed realignment (at Paull Holme Strays, Humber estuary) can realistically achieve compensation for loss intertidal mudflat in long term. Typical estuarine species quickly colonised site with total number recorded from whole almost equal that reference area within one year. Comparable biomass between two was achieved after 2 years. However, organism abundance remains an order magnitude lower compared outside. Community structure has changed characterised by terrestrial/freshwater organisms early colonising composed typically species. developing benthic communities only represent those typical estuary low elevation high inundation frequency. Rapid accretion favoured saltmarsh colonisation much this is expected increase proceeds invertebrate inhibited increasing elevation. Hence, restore be short term solution sites tidal dynamic turbid natural rates, such Humber.