Historical ecology of semi-enclosed coastal embayments: tools and techniques for discovering ecological events of the recent past

Yvette A. M. Pedretti; Belinda J Robson

doi:10.1071/MF22005

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Historical ecology of semi-enclosed coastal embayments: tools and techniques for discovering ecological events of the recent past

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Historical ecology of semi-enclosed coastal embayments: tools and techniques for discovering ecological events of the recent past

Yvette A. M. Pedretti and Belinda J Robson

Marine and freshwater research, Vol.74, pp.247-263

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/MF22005

Appears in Open Access via Read & Publish Agreements

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Abstract

Fisheries

Marine & Freshwater Biology

historical ecology

coastal ecosystems

ecosystem management

ecosystem restoration

Environmental history

Ecosystem function

Ecosystem services (incl. pollination)

Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology)

Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems

Expanding knowledge in history, heritage and archaeology

The sheltered environments of coastal embayments have played a vital role for humans for millennia and their resources have underpinned modern industrial development globally. Their effective management and restoration remains an enormous challenge, owing, in part, to lack of recognition of the threshold changes that occurred in many bays prior to scientific study (i.e. >50 years ago). Advances in marine extraction technologies and increased clearing of catchments for agriculture and urbanisation in recent history (similar to 400 years) have resulted in profound physical, chemical and biological changes to these ecosystems. More recently, the integration of ecology, history, archaeology, economics and fisheries science have contributed to the emerging field of 'marine historical ecology' (MHE). The synthesis of information from these different disciplines can markedly improve knowledge of past ecosystem condition, thereby assisting managers to set realistic goals for environmental restoration to improve biodiversity and ecosystem function. This paper reviews historical knowledge of long-term environmental degradation processes in coastal embayments, summarising the wide range of methods and techniques used as evidence and providing examples from around the world, thereby illustrating the need for longer time-frames of reference for contemporary restoration ecology.

Details

Title: Historical ecology of semi-enclosed coastal embayments: tools and techniques for discovering ecological events of the recent past
Authors/Creators: Yvette A. M. Pedretti (Author) - Murdoch Univ, Environm & Conservat Sci, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
Belinda J Robson (Author)
Publication Details: Marine and freshwater research, Vol.74, pp.247-263
Publisher: Csiro Publishing
Identifiers: 991005555070307891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article
Note: Special Issue Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands – Part 2

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.2 Marine Biology; 3.2.92 Fisheries Ecology
Web Of Science research areas: Fisheries; Limnology; Marine & Freshwater Biology; Oceanography
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science