Coastal Mangrove Ecosystems Research Articles

Harvesting location influences the physicochemical properties, microbiological quality and sensory attributes of honey produced by an Afrotropical stingless bee, Axestotrigona ferruginea

This study investigated the physicochemical properties, sugar profiles, microbiological quality and sensory attributes of the honey produced by an Afrotropical stingless bee, Axestotrigona ferruginea, collected from two locations in Tanzania; Kibiti, representing the coastal mangrove ecosystem, and Siha, representing the northern highland’s Afromontane region. Honey samples from the two locations showed significant variations in moisture content, pH, free acidity, color, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, total yeast and mold counts, and sensory properties (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the sugar profiles of the studied honey samples (p > 0.05). Overall, all honey samples met the East African quality standards for stingless bee honey, except for reducing sugars content. Additionally, all honey samples had acceptable microbial counts, indicating good quality. These findings provide valuable insights into the quality and sensory diversity of stingless bee honey, which can positively influence its acceptability and marketability.

KAJIAN PERILAKU MASYARAKAT PESISIR YANG MENGAKIBATKAN KERUSAKAN LINGKUNGAN SEKITAR EKOSISTEM MANGROVE DI PANTAI HAMADI KOTA JAYAPURA

Background : Environmental damage around the Hamadi coastal mangrove ecosystem, South Jayapura District, Jayapura City, which is caused by many human behavioral factors on the coast, one of which is due to tourism activities that throw away garbage so that it becomes dirty and the natural beauty is damaged. he waste has not been fully addressed effectively if the management is not carried out properly, which then becomes a serious threat to the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem area near Hamadi Beach which is used as a tourist spot. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study of the behavior of the community living around the area and utilizing the area. Method: The researcher used 30 respondents as samples and conducted in June to August 2024 on Hamadi Beach, South Jayapura District, Jayapura City using the data usage technique in this study is Simple Random Sampling, which is carried out randomly from members of the population without considering the level of the population. The data that has been obtained is analyzed using the Likert Scale. Results: Respondents were dominated by men, productive age 36-45 years old, predominantly high school education, fishermen, who had an income Rp 1.000.000 -Rp2.000.000. Socio-economic characteristics describe respondents who live, sell and travel around the area. The characteristics of the respondents were seen from the community's perception of the knowledge of the function of the mangrove ecosystem (3,39) including the category strongly agree, Public Perception of Environmental Conditions for the Growth of Mangrove Ecosystems (3,5) Including the category of strongly agreeing, public perception of the utilization of mangrove ecosystems (3,14) including the category of agree. Conclusion: The development of science about public perception that results in environmental damage to the mangrove ecosystem on Hamadi beach needs to be known in early countermeasures.

Invasibility framework to predict the early colonization of alien Sonneratia in mangrove: Implications for coastal area management

Invasibility, or an ecosystem's susceptibility to invasion, plays a critical role in managing biological invasions but is challenging to quantify due to its dependence on specific ecosystem variables. This limitation restricts the practical application of this concept in the control of alien species. This study aims to simplify invasibility into measurable components and develop an applicable framework to predict early colonization of alien plants within the coastal mangrove ecosystem. We used the unchanneled path length (UPL), a widely applied hydrological connectivity-related indicator, to assess the accessibility of the mangrove. The enhanced vegetation index (EVI), positively correlated with above-ground biomass, was used to evaluate the potential competitive intensity. Firstly, building on existing studies, we developed a four-quadrant concept model integrating the effects of EVI and UPL on the early colonization of the alien species Sonneratia apetala. Our results revealed significant differences in EVI and UPL values between colonized and uncolonized areas, with colonized regions displaying markedly lower values (P < 0.001). Additionally, logistic regression showed a significant negative association between the probability of successful colonization by S. apetala and both indicators (P < 0.001). These results validate the effectiveness of our conceptual model. Furtherly, we identified four key niche opportunities for exotic species in mangrove: mudflats outside the mangrove forest, tidal creeks, canopy gaps, and unmanaged abandoned aquaculture ponds. Overall, this study provides important insight into the ecological processes of alien S. apetala colonization and practical information for management of coastal areas susceptible to invasion. Additionally, it presents a case study on the practical application of the concept of invasibility in the management of alien species.

First Report of Glauconome chinensis (Gray, 1828) from West Bengal-Odisha Coast, India

The intertidal marine bivalve Glauconome chinensis (Chinese glauconome), Gray 1828 is a burrowing benthic fauna inhabiting in soft muddy to sandy sediments of Western pacific mangrove areas. The specimen is characterised by long siphon (inhalant and exhalent) for feeding and a prominent foot for locomotion. They are mostly gonochoric, few are sometimes protandric hermaphrodites. According to Gray’s description their embryonic development starts through free swimming trochophore larvae and succeeded by the veliger. Glauconome chinensis has been rediscovered for the first time from the intertidal coastal mangrove areas of Talsari, confluence of Subarnarekha estuary of West Bengal-Odisha coast, India. Quadrates having areas of 1m² were placed randomly on study sites and the studied specimens were unearthed, counted their size, biomas, population density and distribution pattern. Physico-chemical parameters were also evaluated. For anatomical study tissues were fixed in 4% formalin solution and processed through alcoholic grades. Body length, siphon, gill, mantle, foot, adductor muscles, digestive gland and gonads were examined. The studied specimens were stayed in 10-40cm depth from sediment surface and showed clumped distribution pattern. The mean length, width and biomass of the specimen were 39.2(mm) ±0.393, 14.5(mm) ±0.351and 3.89(gm) ±0.382 respectively. The report on the occurrence of such intertidal bivalve adds relevant data for the good assessment of food chain and food web of marine coastal mangrove ecosystem. The present study also aims to gather knowledge of valuable ecological services of Glauconome chinensis and to maintain the biological integrity of West Bengal-Odisha coastal region with Bay of Bengal.

Fish Community Structure in The Coastal Mangrove Ecosystem of Cemara Kulon Village Indramayu Regency, Indonesia

Fish Community Structure in The Coastal Mangrove Ecosystem of Cemara Kulon Village Indramayu Regency, Indonesia

Identification of the pest outbreak in the coastal mangrove ecosystem of Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Harmonis, Haqiqi MT, Fahroni MFA, Jefry, Gunawan S, Sekedang MA, Rahmat D, Azhar NF, Putra MOPS, Kusuma FD, Hapsari MT, Muhammad FA, Diana R, Sudarmadji T, Amirta R, Ariyanto, Saud OR, Sofyan FPM, Fajriansyah, Asngari AMS, Bulo YS, Salman I, Rizaldi R, Lubis KM. 2024. Identification of the pest outbreak in the coastal mangrove ecosystem of Mahakam Delta, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 829-835. Mangrove ecosystems are considered the most essential areas in the wetland since they sequester carbon more efficiently than terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, they have received significant attention as a nature-based solution to achieve the Naturally Determined Contributions in the commitment to global climate change mitigation. Currently, the degradation of mangroves has been linked to serious threats, including pest outbreaks. Our primary objective was to assess the pest outbreaks that occurred in the coastal mangroves of the Mahakam Delta, Indonesia. This study was conducted in two areas in Tanjung (R1 and R2) and one area in Pulau (R3). A total of 19 observation plots with a size of 10 × 10 m2 were made. The water quality was further measured to identify the natural conditions affecting the outbreaks. In the present study, it was found that significant disturbance of the mangrove plants occurred due to invasions by Amphibalanus amphitrite Darwin, 1854 and Sphaeroma terebrans Spence Bate, 1866. The dangerous attack from S. terebrans has only been found at the R1 site, where we found environmental conditions such as high dissolved oxygen (DO), high total dissolved solids (TDS), and high salinity. In this area, it could affect the death of adult Avicennia alba Blume and Sonneratia alba Sm. The results obtained from this study are expected to provide preliminary data to design the best management practices in order to enhance the effectiveness of the mangrove rehabilitation strategy in the Mahakam Delta.

Identification of gelodok fish (Perciformes, Gobiidae) in a coastal mangrove ecosystem, based on morphological and molecular characteristics

Gelodok fish (mudskippers) are a subfamily of amphibian fish commonly found living in mangrove ecosystems, one of which is in Tabongo Village, Dulupi District, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo Province. It is difficult to distinguish between species of this fish because they have very similar characteristics. This study aims to (1) determine the detailed morphological characteristics that distinguish gelodok fish species; and (2) determine the molecular characteristics of gelodok fish species found in coastal mangrove ecosystem of Tomini Bay, Tabongo Village, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo. This research was conducted from 2022 to 2023 using purposive sampling method. Morphological characteristics were performed for 39 characters. Geometric-morphometric analysis was performed using ImageJ software with 10 land marks. Amplification of COI sequences was carried out with F1R1 and F2R2 primers. Based on morphological characteristics, it is known that two species of gelodok fish are found in the area, namely Periophthalmus argentilineatus and P. malaccensis. COI sequencing results of the samples confirmed one species of gelodok fish found in the area, namely P. argentilineatus. The other species cannot be definitively identified as P. malaccensis due to the absence of COI sequences for that species in GeneBank.

Macrofungal Diversity in Selected Coastal Mangrove Ecosystems in Guyana, South America

Macrofungi in mangrove ecosystems remain understudied, especially in Guyana. An investigation of the macrofungal diversity in selected coastal mangrove ecosystems in Guyana was carried out, which yielded 19 species belonging to 18 genera, 14 families, nine (9) orders, five (5) classes and two (2) phyla. Majority of the species identified (89%) belong to the phylum Basidiomycota. Consequently, 78% of the species identified were found thriving on the stems, barks and wood above the high tide line, which accounts for the high diversity for the class Agaricomycetes (80%) and orders Polyporales (40%) and Agaricales (25%) since the majority of species are wood-based fungi.&#x0D; Sampling was done during the dry season from the overwash ecosystem of old-growth mangrove ecosystems and rehabilitated mangrove ecosystems, revealing that most of the species identified (17) belong to the old-growth mangrove ecosystems. Four (4) species (Fomes fomentarius, Gloeophyllum sepiarium, Phaeolus schweinitzii, and Schizophyllum commune) were found in the old and rehabilitated mangrove ecosystems. &#x0D; Additionally, it was noted that environmental parameters positively and negatively affect macrofungal growth. That is, there is a specific range for each parameter in which macrofungi thrive, and if an increase or decrease beyond those ranges occurs, species diversity decreases.

Association between Mangrove Types and Some Mangrove Crab Species in West Lombok Sheet Mangrove Ecosystem

One of the ecosystems found in coastal areas is the mangrove ecosystem. Mangroves have many functions including as a shelter, a place to find food, a breeding ground for aquatic biota. Damage to mangrove areas can cause a decrease in the quality of mangrove ecosystems, especially for the life of mangrove crabs. Mud crab is one of the aquatic biota associated with mangroves and its life is influenced by the presence of mangrove forests. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of mud crabs that live in mangrove ecosystems and the association of mangrove species with several species of mud crabs in the coastal mangrove ecosystem of Lembar, West Lombok. Mud crab samples were taken using purposive sampling by looking at the density of mangroves in each observation plot. The collected data were analyzed by diversity index, ecological index, association and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Then a simple linear regression analysis was performed with the variable (x) density of mangroves and (y) density of mangrove crabs. The results of this study were found to be 10 species of mud crabs consisting of 2 families of Ovalipidae and 8 families of Portunidae which belong to the moderate diversity index. There were 2 species of mud crabs that were positively associated with 2 species of mangroves out of 10 species of mud crabs found. Linear regression equation y = 0.2482x + 0.0004 with a pearson correlation coefficient (r²) (0.58). The conclusion of this study is that there is a relationship between mangrove density and mangrove crab densityOne of the ecosystems found in coastal areas is the mangrove ecosystem. Mangroves have many functions including as a shelter, a place to find food, a breeding ground for aquatic biota. Damage to mangrove areas can cause a decrease in the quality of mangrove ecosystems, especially for the life of mangrove crabs. Mud crab is one of the aquatic biota associated with mangroves and its life is influenced by the presence of mangrove forests. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of mud crabs that live in mangrove ecosystems and the association of mangrove species with several species of mud crabs in the coastal mangrove ecosystem of Lembar, West Lombok. Mud crab samples were taken using purposive sampling by looking at the density of mangroves in each observation plot. The collected data were analyzed by diversity index, ecological index, association and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Then a simple linear regression analysis was performed with the variable (x) density of mangroves and (y) density of mangrove crabs. The results of this study were found to be 10 species of mud crabs consisting of 2 families of Ovalipidae and 8 families of Portunidae which belong to the moderate diversity index. There were 2 species of mud crabs that were positively associated with 2 species of mangroves out of 10 species of mud crabs found. Linear regression equation y = 0.2482x + 0.0004 with a pearson correlation coefficient (r²) (0.58). The conclusion of this study is that there is a relationship between mangrove density and mangrove crab density

Integrated effects of bioturbation, warming and sea-level rise on mobility of sulfide and metalloids in sediment porewater of mangrove wetlands

Global warming and sea-level rise exert profound impacts on coastal mangrove ecosystems, where widespread benthic crabs change sediment properties and regulate material cycles. How crab bioturbation perturbs the mobilities of bioavailable arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) and sulfide in sediment-water systems and their variability in response to temperature and sea-level rise is still unknown. By combining field monitoring and laboratory experiments, we found that As was mobilized under sulfidic conditions while Sb was mobilized under oxic conditions in mangrove sediments. Crab burrowing greatly enhanced oxidizing conditions, resulting in enhanced Sb mobilization and release but As sequestration by iron/manganese oxides. In control experiments with non-bioturbation, the more sulfidic conditions triggered the contrasting situation of As remobilization and release but Sb precipitation and burial. Moreover, the bioturbated sediments were highly heterogeneous for spatial distributions of labile sulfide, As and Sb as presented by 2-D high-resolution imaging and Moran's Index (patchy at the <1 cm scale). Warming stimulated stronger burrowing activities, which led to more oxic conditions and further Sb mobilization and As sequestration, whilst sea-level rise did the opposite via suppressing crab burrowing activity. This work highlights that global climate changes have the potential to significantly alter element cycles in coastal mangrove wetlands by regulating benthic bioturbation and redox chemistry.

An Annotated Checklist of the Vascular Flora of Coastal Mangrove Ecosystems of Barguna District, Bangladesh

This study provides the basic taxonomic data on the vascular flora of the coastal mangrove ecosystems in Barguna district of Bangladesh. Plant samples and field data have been collected following walk through method. The present study reveals the occurrence of 532 species under 378 genera and 112 families in the study area, of which 24 are true mangroves, 46 mangrove associates and 461 non-mangroves. The pteridophytes are composed of 22 species under 20 genera of 12 families and gymnosperms of two species under two genera and two families. Magnoliopsida are composed of 375 species under 279 genera and 77 families, and Liliopsida of 133 species belonging to 77 genera under 21 families. Fabaceae with 28 species is recorded as the largest dicot family, followed by Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Malvaceae. Poaceae with 45 species is the largest monocot family, followed by Cyperaceae, Araceae and Arecaceae. About 60.15% of these species are herbs, 21.80% trees, 15.79% shrubs, 1.88% palms and 0.38% bamboos. The study area composed with 74.06% native and 25.94% exotic species, 79.70% species are wild, 16.35% planted and 3.95% cultivated species. Majority of the species are found to grow in forest margin, roadside, woodland, wetland and river bank. Most of the species are economically useful as medicine, ornamental and vegetable. This study concludes that the floristic composition of coastal mangrove ecosystems of Barguna district is still rich though the area facing some severe threats. This study strongly recommends adopting effective master plan and implementing adequate measures for sustainable conservation and monitoring of the biodiversity of this disaster-prone area. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 29(2): 403-429, 2022 (December)

Mangrove sediment erosion in the Sunda Shelf during meltwater pulses: Insights from biomarker records

Mangroves have received increasing attention in recent years for their high carbon storage capacity. The effects of sea-level change during the last glacial period on terrestrial deposition and coastal mangrove ecosystems were investigated using various organic lipid proxies in marine sediment cores from the Sunda Shelf in the southern South China Sea (SCS). The gradual reduction in the content of long-chain n-alkanes and n-alkanols, BIT index, and increasing δ13Corg trend from the last glacial to the Holocene indicated that the depocenter moved landward from the studied location during the deglacial sea-level rise. Remarkable peaks in the mangrove proxy (Taraxerol/n-C28 alcohol ratio) occurred during meltwater pulse (MWP) events in the Sunda Shelf area, associated with the drowning and destruction of mangroves that could not withstand the rapid sea-level rise. The decomposition of carbon-rich mangrove deposits may have contributed to atmospheric CO2 concentration during two strong MWP events in Sunda Shelf. Our results suggest the vulnerability of mangrove systems upon rapid sea level change with positive feedback for global warming.

Effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion and subsequent mangrove restoration on soil nitrogen mineralization in Quangang, China

The Spartina alterniflora has severely invaded the coastal mangrove ecosystems in China. Here, we attempt to evaluate the invasion effect of S. alterniflora and the restoration effect of mangrove wetlands from the perspective of the nitrogen cycle characteristics. The inorganic nitrogen content, soil nitrogen mineralization, ammonification, and nitrification rate of uninvaded mudflats with those of invaded S. alterniflora site and native Kandelia obovata site at different restoration stages were compared. The results showed that the NH4+–N was the dominant form of soil inorganic nitrogen at all sites. Owing to its higher ammonification rates, the nitrogen mineralization rates at S. alterniflora site were highest in spring and summer among all sites except for mudflat. The young mangrove (1 year and 8 years) had significantly higher soil inorganic nitrogen content but lower nitrogen mineralization than the mature mangrove, indicated the short‐term response to restoration. The S. alterniflora invasion did not enhance soil nitrogen mineralization comparing with preinvaded mudflat, but it used more NH4+–N relative to K. obovata due to its higher soil nitrogen mineralization than mangrove communities in germination and growing seasons.

Catatan Biodiversitas Gastropoda pada Ekosistem Mangrove Desa Kramat Kecamatan Mananggu Kabupaten Boalemo, Provinsi Gorontalo

Anthropogenic actions that degrade mangroves in coastal areas are suspected to reduce the biodiversity of gastropod fauna in this region. The purpose of this research, conducted from July to October 2021, was to evaluate the number of species, dominance, and diversity of gastropods and the richness and similarity of gastropod communities in the coastal mangrove ecosystem in Kramat Village, Mananggu-Boalemo District. The survey method carried out by purposive sampling was on a 3-line transect as an observation station based on differences in the width of the mangrove belt. The study results recorded 14 species of gastropod members from 8 families at all stations. The highest presence was recorded in the family Potamidae, with members of Terebralia sulcata being the most abundant species at all stations. The unique environmental conditions in all stations are land conversion in the area behind the mangrove formation, and the substrate tends to be acidic (pH 6). This study indicates the complexity between stations as a habitat for live gastropods as epi and tree fauna in the mangrove community of Kramat Village .

Economic valuation of ecosystem services for application of circular economy approach in conservation of Kundapura mangroves of Karnataka, India

AbstractCoastal areas are overwhelmingly rich in resources and support the livelihoods of the local communities. Coastal mangrove ecosystem provides a wide range of goods and services for human needs and wellbeing. To value conservation benefits of 252.29 ha extent of Kundapura mangrove ecosystem's goods and services, an economic valuation study was conducted using Systems of Environmental Economics Accounting (SEEA) framework. In total, seven ecosystem benefits were identified under provisioning, regulating and cultural services categories of SEEA. Identified baskets of benefits are fisheries, timber, fuelwood, protection against storms and floods, water quality maintenance, carbon sequestration, recreation and tourism. Out of seven benefits, the present study has found that the disturbance regulation benefit's contribution, which is about 92.65% of overall benefits with its economic value, US$1.786 million per year (17.86 lakh). Disturbance regulation benefit has significant role in reducing the impact of vulnerability from coastal hazards and sheltering 4354 individuals of population occupying 1088 houses. Despite that fact, Kundapura mangrove's assets are being degraded by various negative externalities. Particularly reclamation for aquaculture purpose and consequent discharging of the effluents, and dumping of sludge and municipal solid wastes (MSWs). These externalities would exacerbate the environmental problems and impacts on the flow of benefits. Hence, circular economic approach as pioneering to renovate the current linear system into circular one through 3R's strategy (reduce, reuse, and recycle) in the process of production, distribution, and consumption of ecosystem goods and services. This research paper explains about the application of circular economic approach in conservation management by assessing economic valuation of Kundapura mangrove's specific services. This approach is expected to finally result in aiding decision‐making process to limit the quantity of polluting residuals and control the degradation activities thereby sustain the mangroves in good health. Further the regeneration and expansion of mangrove extent would improve the mangrove‐dependent fishery, promote sustainable tourism, and maximize the coastal protection and economic benefits in this region. This will go a long way in sustaining the health of the otherwise fragile mangrove ecosystem of Kundapura coastal stretch, which is under the category of Critically Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CCVAs), identified under CRZ of India.

Potential Carbon Content in The Coastal Mangrove Forests Area Of West Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara Province

Mangrove forests have very important ecological functions for coastal areas as carbon stores so this study aims to determine the potential carbon content of mangrove forests. The implementation of this research is in the coastal area of ​​West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Two locations were found, namely Sekotong Beach and Cemara Beach. This research method uses a survey method. Data were analyzed by IPCC analysis method. The results showed that at Cemara Beach the highest carbon content was produced in the mangrove species Avecennia lanata, with the total carbon content and carbon absorption being 7,456 tons C/ha and 27,364 tons CO2/ha. while at Sekotong Beach the carbon content is found in the Avecennia lanata species, with a total carbon content of 2,847.6 tons C/ha and carbon sequestration of 10,067.54 tons CO2/ha. The difference in potential carbon content on the two beaches in West Lombok district is due to because the soil conditions are different but the carbon content is still good enough for the potential carbon content in the coastal mangrove ecosystem area of ​​West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.

Vulnerability assessment of mangrove areas in coastal West Bengal, India

In the era of climate change, coastal areas are more susceptible to global warming-related problems like increasing atmospheric and sea surface temperature, increasing frequencies of cyclones, sea-level rise, etc. In these circumstances, vulnerability analysis in coastal regions is of utmost importance to mitigate the impact of multiple hazards and protect coastal resources. Mangroves act effectively as a bio-shield to protect the coast and its hinterland. However, mangroves are themselves under threat due to natural and anthropogenic causes. The study is an attempt to analyze vulnerability along the coastal region of West Bengal, where eight dynamic parameters, viz., geomorphology, rate of shoreline change, sea level rise, regional elevation, coastal slope, bathymetry, mean tidal range, and mangrove density were classified and ranked to calculate grid-wise coastal vulnerability index (CVI) and mangrove vulnerability index (MVI) using geospatial techniques. Based on the index scores, the entire coastal area was divided into five vulnerable zones. The result shows 32.94% of coastal grids and 41.33% of mangrove grids along the coast are under high to very highly vulnerable zone. The result also highlights that mangrove-dominated islands, viz. Thakuran Reserve Forest (RF), Bulchery Island, Dulibhasani RF, Dalhousie Island, Bhangaduni, and Gosaba RF are under severe threat. The vulnerability maps created in this study would be a valuable guide to coastal planners for the sustainable management of the coastal mangrove ecosystem.

Fungal diversity in selected coastal mangrove ecosystems in East Berbice Corentyne, Guyana, South America

There is limited data on the fungal diversity in mangrove ecosystems in Guyana. This study investigated fungal diversity during the dry season in three selected coastal mangrove ecosystems along the Corentyne Coast of East Berbice, Guyana. Sampling was conducted within randomly established 50 m x 50 m plots containing 20 mini transects of length 12.5 m x 10 m in the overwash mangrove ecosystem at each of six study sites within the three study locations. Samples retrieved from the study plots included leaf, bark, soil and fruiting bodies. These were placed into separate bags and labelled appropriately. Environmental parameters were recorded at each study plot. Fruiting bodies were used to identify macrofungal species, and the leaf, bark and soil were used to prepare cultures from which microfungal samples were identified. The species that were identified were used to compile a checklist of fungal species, and diversity indices were calculated. A total of thirty (30) species were recorded, nine (9) of which were microfungi identified from the cultured samples and twenty-one (21) species were identified from macrofungal fruiting bodies retrieved at the study sites. The results further revealed that an increase in pH and salinity and a decrease in temperature resulted in an increase in species richness. Tidal activity also appeared to reduce species richness. Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Trichoderma were the dominant species at the three study sites with high relative species abundance. There also appeared to be some instances of substrate specificity.

Fungal diversity in selected coastal mangrove ecosystems in East Berbice Corentyne, Guyana, South America

Fungal diversity in selected coastal mangrove ecosystems in East Berbice Corentyne, Guyana, South America

A proposed framework for economic valuation and assessment of damages cost to national wetlands ecosystem services using the benefit-transfer approach

Wetland valuation is a policy tool available to environmental planners and policy-makers to justify the general costs of wetland preservation activities. Because there is no integrated procedure for valuing goods and services in the country, this article is the first attempt in Iran to provide a comprehensive yet simple and practical framework on how to value ecosystem goods and services. Estimating the cost of damage to ecosystem services can be effective in preventing further damage to wetland ecosystems. The study aims to propose a framework for estimating the environmental costs of development activities and estimating the damage to the values of the wetland ecosystem services within the direct and indirect effects of development activities. The benefit transfer method was used to estimate the values of ecosystem services of each land use/land cover (LULC) class and damage costs to ecosystem goods and services provided by wetlands. Using the Ecosystem Services Valuation Database (ESVD), the coefficients of the average values of ecosystem services for the country over a period of one year were estimated using the equation for adjusting the overall price levels. The mean values of ecosystem services per hectare of coastal and inland wetlands were updated based on the price levels in 2021. Then the corresponding values were adjusted for Iran. The sum of the “means” of the adjusted ecosystem service values per hectare for the Iranian coastal mangrove wetland ecosystems and inland wetland ecosystems are estimated to be 67,665 USD and 42,171 USD, respectively.