Macroecology of coastal zones under global changes

Abstract

Coastal areas are important for maintaining the ecological integrity of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems but they are sensitive to both human activities and nature changes (Dong et al., 2010; Wu et al., 2010; Wu et al., 2015; Wu et al., 2017). These areas are subject to dramatic stress due to rapid population growth, as well as intensive industrial aggregation and expansion. Environmental problems have arisen in coastal environments from degraded water quality, resulting in highly undesirable conditions that affect coastal ecosystem structures and functions. In this context, it is important to develop sustainable socio-economics for coastal environmental issues and draft relevant management policies (Ling et al., 2014; Wu et al., 2015; Wu et al., 2020). Therefore, shortterm and/or long-term environmental and ecological monitoring networks have been established in some coastal areas to evaluate environmental problems such as eutrophication, heavy metal pollution, harmful algal blooms (HABs), microplastic, and organic pollutants along with their biomagnifications. The measurement and analysis of hydro-biogeochemical variables in the marine environment are helpful for a better understanding of aquatic status (Wang et al., 2011; Wu et al., 2023). Coastal ecosystems can also be affected by natural changes, including hurricanes, droughts, and floods. Therefore, a better understanding of both natural and anthropogenic influences on coastal ecosystems has paramount validity in coastal ecosystem management and conservation.