Coastal systems in transition: From a ‘natural’ to an ‘anthropogenically-modified’ state

摘要: Abstract The structure and functioning of coastal ecosystems are shifting worldwide as a result natural changes and, even more important, consequences intense human intervention, which habitat destruction, overexploitation resources environmental pollution among the most serious. In this context, 56th Conference Estuarine Coastal Sciences Association was held in Bremen, Germany, September 2016 under umbrella topic ‘Coastal Systems Transition: From to an anthropogenically-modified state’. objective Special Issue is demonstrate synthesize effects both, variations intervention estuaries other ecosystems. 22 articles originate from various disciplines cover wide range ecosystems, including temperate tropical estuaries, hypersaline lagoons, mangrove forests, coral reefs dunes. categorized four main topics, (1) drivers dynamics systems, (2) impacts on estuarine biodiversity community structure, (3) bay functioning, (4) management options for protecting diversity, functions services. Several studies clearly show that systems affected by multiple pressures, salinity, hydrology, trophic state complexity consequence frequently addressed. One challenges remains distinguishing between human-induced biological, geochemical physical processes interactions them. A number provide excellent examples how biological indicators (e.g., benthic fish diversity structure) suitable assessing stressors It important task standardize these easier application locations evaluating success measures. high variability complex process interactions, increasing pressure require interdisciplinary deeper understanding well scenario experiments model applications.