Historical reconstruction of human-induced changes in U.S. estuaries

摘要: Estuaries are vital ecosystems that have sustained human and marine life since earliest times. Yet, no other part of the ocean has been so fundamentally shaped by activities. Understanding magnitude, drivers consequences past changes is essential to determine current trends realistic management goals. This review provides a detailed account human-induced in Massachusetts, Delaware, Chesapeake, Galveston San Francisco Bays Pamlico Sound. Native Americans lived off these estuaries for millennia, yet left few signs local resource depletion. European colonisation, commercialisation industrialisation dramatically depleted degraded valuable species, habitats water quality. Exploitation habitat loss were main factors depleting 95% valued with 35% being rare 3% extirpated. Twentieth century conservation efforts enabled 10% species recover. Such profound diversity altered structure functions estuarine as well their services well-being. Thus, undesirable health risks societal costs increased over decades. Protecting restoring vitality will enhance resilience towards future disturbances, require better governance often-neglected ecosystems. Their documented historical richness role people may increase necessary awareness appreciation.