The loss of intertidal habitats has caused declines in shorebird populations (Piersma et al. , 2016; Studds et al. , 2017) and is a key driver for the focus on their restoration.
Filtering of nitrogen pollution: Salt marshes can act as a buffer from nitrogen pollution, caused by run-off from agricultural areas where fertiliser has been applied. The uptake of nitrogen by salt marsh plants can increase their biomass and reduce the amount of nitrogen entering the ocean (Nelson & Zavaleta, 2012). The presence of filter feeders in tidal flats can significantly reduce nutrient and pollution loads in the water column (Officer et al. , 1982). Supporting human livelihoods: Living in coastal areas provides opportunities for specific economic activities and trade (Kummu et al. , 2016). This is reflected in the fact that many large cities are close to the coast. Many communities are dependent on coastal ecosystems for food. For example, subsistence fishing provides protein-rich food and income in many countries (Bell et al. , 2009) and gleaning (the collection by hand of marine organisms from intertidal areas) is an economic activity specifically dependent on healthy tidal flat systems (Grantham et al. , 2021). Coastal areas also support tourism and recreational activities, although these can have negative consequences on sensitive coastal landscapes (Gormsen et al. , 1997).
Intertidal invertebrates are a key human food supply globally, with many communities being dependant on coastal systems for their livelihood. Left: A crab catcher searches for mud crabs at a tidal flat in Sonadia Island, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. [Credit: Sayam Chowdhury]. Bottom: Traditional shellfish harvesting on the former tidal flats of Seamangeum in South Korea. These tidal flats, along with the shellfish harvesting grounds, have been lost due to the embankment at Seamangeum. [Credit: Ju Yung Ki, www.grida.no/resources/4418]
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