Abstract
A great diversity of organisms modify the physical structure of estuarine and coastal environments. These physical ecosystem engineers - particularly, dune and marsh plants, mangroves, seagrasses, kelps, reef-forming corals and bivalves, burrowing crustaceans, and infauna - often have substantive functional impacts over large areas and across distinct geographic regions. Here, we use a general framework for physical ecosystem engineering to illustrate how these organisms can exert control on sedimentary processes, coastal protection, and habitat availability to other organisms. We then discuss the management implications of coastal and estuarine engineering, concluding with a brief prospectus on research and management challenges.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Functioning of Ecosystems at the Land-Ocean Interface |
Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
Pages | 53-81 |
Number of pages | 29 |
Volume | 7 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780080878850 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780123747112 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 6 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Earth and Planetary Sciences