Pattern evolution and impact factor of Jiuduansha Wetland at the Yangtze Estuary during 1989-2020

Abstract

Affected by the changes of drainage basin and marine environment and human activities, estuarine wetland is fragile, sensitive, and complex in evolution. Jiuduansha Wetland is the largest estuarine shoal wetland in the Yangtze Estuary, and is undergoing rapid changes due to the reduction of sediment inputs and the invasion of alien species Spartina alterniflora. In this study, the changes of Jiuduansha Wetland from 1989 to 2020 were analyzed through remote sensing interpretation, field investigation, and topographic data analysis. The impacts of watershed sediment reduction and S. alterniflora invasion on Jiuduansha Wetland were analyzed based on the hydrological data of Datong station and the invasion history of S. alterniflora. The results showed that the total area of Jiuduansha Wetland (above -5 m) first increased and then decreased since 1991, reaching its maximum in 2005 (421.16 km2). The area of tidal flat wetland (above 0 m) and wetland vegetation increased continuously from 1989 to 2020, with 1.5 times and 47.1 times increases, respectively. The decreases of sediment supply led to a decrease in the total area of Jiuduansha Wetland (above -5 m) and a decrease growth rate of tidal flat wetland area above 0 m and vege-tation area. The invasive species S. alterniflora had expanded rapidly, occupied the space of native species, and became the dominant species in Jiuduansha Wetland since it was introduced in 1997. Sediment reduction and S. alterniflora invasion had led to the rapid changes of Jiuduansha Wetland structure. In order to avoid the degradation of ecological service, wetland protection and restoration should be taken to maintain the stability and health of Jiu-duansha Wetland.