Wetland Ecosystem Service Dynamics in the Yellow River Estuary under Natural and Anthropogenic Stress in the Past 35 Years

Abstract

Assessing long-term dynamics of ecosystem service is critical for sustainable restoration and management of estuarine wetlands. We analyzed ecosystem services dynamics from 1980 to 2015 and their natural and anthropogenic drivers in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, which consists of the old and current Yellow River estuaries. Our results showed that biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and water purification services in the old Yellow River estuary were improved gradually, but water yield decreased during the study period. Ecosystem services in the current Yellow River estuary changed sharply during 1980–1990, but fluctuated since 1990. The warming climate in the past 35 years negatively affected water yield and enhanced carbon storage in the old Yellow River estuary. Marshland was critical for improving ecosystem services in the old Yellow River estuary, and medium cover grassland provided suitable habitats for water birds in the current Yellow River estuary. Furthermore, the release of freshwater from the Yellow River into estuarine wetlands enhanced the provision of ecosystem services. In comparison with biodiversity conservation, water purification, and carbon storage services, water supply service responded differently to ecological restoration. Better tradeoffs should be identified to ensure effective provision of desired ecosystem services during ecological restoration.