An Approach to Conservation and Sustainable Use in Coastal Ecosystems: Confronting the Real Issues and the Solutions

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  • KAMIMURA Satomi
    National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency
  • HORI Masakazu
    National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency
  • NAKAOKA Masahiro
    Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University

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Other Title
  • 内海性浅海域の生物とその生態的機能を探る　　浅海域の保全・持続的利用における諸問題と解決策の提案
  • センカイイキ ノ ホゼン ジゾクテキ リヨウ ニ オケル ショモンダイ ト カイケツサク ノ テイアン

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Abstract

As a synthesis of the discussions presented in this special issue, we propose possible solutions to the current problems of conservation and sustainable use of coastal ecosystems. We especially focus on three pressing issues: (1) design of monitoring programs, (2) conflict between conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and (3) conflict between different types of restoration project. Monitoring of coastal ecosystems can be planned following either of two strategies: an hypothesis-oriented approach to test the effects of specific conservation and restoration projects, and more general approach designed for wider use by citizens or researchers. Not only the establishment of monitoring networks based on reliable sources that are opened to public, but a well-designed hypothesis-testing method is also necessary to utilize the acquired data fully for predictingfuture changes in coastal ecosystems. Conservation and restoration projects to maximize ecosystem functioning such as fisheries yield are not always consistent with those aimed at minimizing biodiversity loss. Recent studies, however, have revealed evidence for a tight link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. We suggest that effective management must consider the spatial structure of coastal areas and make use multiple zoning as a management strategy. Most restoration projects in coastal areas rely largely on artificial materials and structures to accelerate the recovery of only certain targeted species. However, such projects will lead to lowered biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the long run. Restoration of nature should be carried out to maximize the resilience capacity of natural ecosystems. More scientific research is needed for deeper understanding of the spatial and temporal scales of ecosystem variation, and actions based on such scientific findings are necessary for more effective and comprehensive management of coastal ecosystems.

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