Evaluation of the effects of urbanization and environmental features on sandy beach macrobenthos highlights the importance of submerged zones

Author(s)

Corte, Guilherme N. ; Checon, Helio H. ; Esmaeili, Yasmina Shah ; Defeo, Omar ; Turra, Alexander

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 182, p. 12-pg., 2022-07-23.

Abstract

To assess how sandy beach biodiversity is influenced by the effects of environmental features and urbanization, we sampled the macrofauna in the whole across-shore gradient of 90 beach sites in Southeast Brazil. We found that morphodynamic features were the main drivers of macrobenthos, but urbanization-related variables, such as number of beachgoers and number of constructions on the upper shore, decreased species richness and biomass. We also found that submerged zones sustained the highest number of species and biomass in the across-shore gradient, but were the most impacted by human activities. By demonstrating the ecological importance of submerged zones, our results show that beach management practices, which are mainly focused on the upper shore, are missing important components of beach biodiversity. To secure the sustainability of beach ecosystems, management initiatives should include both their social and ecological components and consider the entire Littoral Active Zone as the proper management unit. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/19776-2 - Fostering the ecosystem-based approach in beach spatial planning and conservation
• Grantee: Alexander Turra
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/22036-0 - Evaluating the potential of different benthic indicators to assess sandy beach ecological integrity: subsides for management and monitoring practices
• Grantee: Hélio Hermínio Checon
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/03804-9 - Environmental governance of macrometropolis paulista in face of climate variability
• Grantee: Pedro Roberto Jacobi
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/17071-9 - Preserving sandy beaches: biodiversity, goods and services, and impacts on a neglected ecosystem
• Grantee: Guilherme Nascimento Corte
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral