Ecosystem design as an avenue for improving services provided by carbonate producing marine ecosystems.

Hildegard Westphal,Alexander Petrovic,Gary N Murphy,Christiane Schmidt,Marleen Stuhr,Thomas Mann,Steve S Doo

doi:10.7717/peerj.12785

Abstract

Ecosystem Design (ED) is an approach for constructing habitats that places human needs for ecosystem services at the center of intervention, with the overarching goal of establishing self-sustaining habitats which require limited management. This concept was originally developed for use in mangrove ecosystems, and is understandably controversial, as it markedly diverges from other protection approaches that assign human use a minor priority or exclude it. However, the advantage of ED lies within the considered implementation of these designed ecosystems, thus preserving human benefits from potential later disturbances. Here, we outline the concept of ED in tropical carbonate depositional systems and discuss potential applications to aid ecosystem services such as beach nourishment and protection of coastlines and reef islands at risk from environmental and climate change, CO2 sequestration, food production, and tourism. Biological carbonate sediment production is a crucial source of stability of reef islands and reef-rimmed coastlines. Careful implementation of designed carbonate depositional ecosystems could help counterbalance sea-level rise and manage documented erosion effects of coastal constructions. Importantly, adhering to the core ethos of ED, careful dynamic assessments which provide a balanced approach to maximizing ecosystem services (e.g., carbonate production), should identify and avoid any potential damages to existing functioning ecosystems.

Highlights

Humans have altered or ‘designed’ ecosystems for millennia to benefit from their services (Vitousek et al, 1997; Zimmer, 2018)
Ecosystem Design (ED) differs from restoration and conservation efforts in that it is intentionally centered around the needs of society, i.e., on the services provided by ecosystems
We propose that the approach of ED can form a valuable part of the sustainable development of tropical coastlines

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Humans have altered or ‘designed’ ecosystems for millennia to benefit from their services (Vitousek et al, 1997; Zimmer, 2018). We recognize that any modern approach of ecosystem intervention will have to be negotiated among governments, local users and stakeholders, opposing and competing interest groups, etc., in the light of the ecosystem services required locally, regionally and globally In this conceptual perspective, we outline the possibilities of ED within tropical carbonate depositional systems. We highlight how these ecosystem services may be combined with ED techniques to better—and sustainably—use the services provided by these systems This is especially relevant in light of rapid climate change degrading modern carbonate depositional systems, where, e.g., increased sea surface temperatures may lead to bleaching and mortality (Schmidt et al, 2011; Stuhr et al, 2017; Sully et al, 2019). We highlight the current gaps in knowledge that need to be targeted for a successful implementation of ED in carbonate producing habitats, as well as practical approaches and considerations prior to embarking on this endeavor

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Findings

CONCLUSIONS