Understanding the Dynamics of a Coastal Lagoon: Drivers, Exchanges, State of the Environment, Consequences and Responses

Samantha Chacón Abarca,Rodolfo Silva,Giorgio Anfuso,Valeria Chávez,M Luisa Martínez

doi:10.3390/geosciences11080301

Samantha Chacón Abarca, Rodolfo Silva + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11080301

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Abstract

At present, many coastal ecosystems worldwide are highly affected by anthropic activities. La Mancha lagoon, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, is an important ecosystem due to the wide array of ecosystem services that it provides. In this paper, an analysis of the environmental balances of the lagoon is outlined, using the Drivers, Exchanges, State of the Environment, Consequences and Responses (DESCR) tool. The methodological framework considers the interrelationships between the natural systems and the forces of change that alter the performance of the natural environment, in order to provide an overview of actions that may reduce negative consequences. The study area has been impacted by anthropic development, such as changes in land use for agricultural and livestock activities, loss of mangroves due to logging and modifications, carried out by local fishermen, to the natural hydrodynamics of the lagoon that alter the salinity and affect the ecosystem dynamics. Following analysis of the area, using the DESCR tool, the responses proposed include long-term environmental impact evaluation, with the aim of preserving the local coastal ecosystems.

Highlights

Coastal zones are amongst the most dynamic areas of the planet, where processes occurring in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere are endlessly interacting in a continually changing balance
Coastal ecosystems are affected by long- and short-term fluctuations in sea states and spatial changes on the coast [21], induced by the action of currents, winds and waves produced by natural phenomena such as hurricanes and storms [22]
The DESCR framework is a useful tool to evaluate processes in this study area, taking into account the causes that trigger variations in the state of the environment, the physical environment with its natural dynamism and the social actors who will be responsible for formulating solutions to mitigate the problems detected

Summary

Introduction

Coastal zones are amongst the most dynamic areas of the planet, where processes occurring in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere are endlessly interacting in a continually changing balance. For human beings, these balances are highly relevant, as the coasts are home to socio-cultural and economic processes vitally important to humankind [1]. These balances are highly relevant, as the coasts are home to socio-cultural and economic processes vitally important to humankind [1] Benefits provided by these systems drive their exploitation, often leading to severe degradation [2]. Human actions are one of the most important pressures faced by ecosystems [1]

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