Monitoring of Coastal Dunes and Lagoons: Important Ecosystems to Safeguard
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Area
2.2. Floristic and Vegetation Analysis
2.3. Evaluation of Water Quality
2.4. Fragmentation Assessment
3. Results
3.1. Flora and Vegetation of the Dunes
3.2. Water Quality
3.3. Fragmentation Assessment
4. Discussion
- Environmental monitoring over time: implementing a regular environmental monitoring system is essential to collect data on water quality, biodiversity, nutrient levels and other critical indicators, such as the presence of invasive species. This data will make it possible to promptly identify any negative changes in the ecosystem and to take preventive or corrective measures.
- Management of pollution sources: identifying and reducing sources of pollution that can negatively affect the lagoon is an important step. This could include promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce nutrient inputs and proper waste management, as well as controlling industrial and domestic discharges.
- Recovery of the coastal area: restoring the coastal area through the planting of typical species by removing human-made paths and prohibiting access to these areas by humans. This would also help stabilise the banks, improve natural water filtration and provide vital habitats for many species.
- Creation of additional protected areas: defining areas where human activity is forbidden, restricted or controlled can help conserve the ecosystem. These areas can serve as reserves for local fauna and flora and help maintain a healthier natural environment.
- Environmental education and community involvement: increasingly involving the local community through environmental education programs to raise awareness of the importance of the lagoon ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism practices.
5. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Arens, S.M.; Mulder, J.P.M.; Slings, Q.L.; Geelen, L.H.W.T.; Damsma, P. Dynamic Dune Management, Integrating Objectives of Nature Development and Coastal Safety: Examples from the Netherlands. Geomorphology 2013, 199, 205–213. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Grootjans, A.P.; Ernst, W.H.O.; Stuyfzand, P.J. European Dune Slacks: Strong Interactions of Biology, Pedogenesis and Hydrology. Trends Ecol. Evol. 1998, 13, 96–100. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Fagherazzi, S.; Mariotti, G.; Wiberg, P.L. Marsh Collapse Does Not Require Sea Level Rise. Oceanography 2013, 26, 70–77. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Saye, S.E.; van der Wal, D.; Pye, K.; Blott, S.J. Beach–Dune Morphological Relationships and Erosion/Accretion: An Investigation at Five Sites in England and Wales Using LIDAR Data. Geomorphology 2005, 72, 128–155. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kooijman, A.M. Environmental Problems and Restoration Measures in Coastal Dunes in the Netherlands. In Coastal Dunes; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 2008; pp. 243–258. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Curreli, A.; Wallace, H.; Freeman, C.; Hollingham, M.; Stratford, C.; Johnson, H.; Jones, L. Eco-Hydrological Requirements of Dune Slack Vegetation and the Implications of Climate Change. Sci. Total Environ. 2013, 443, 910–919. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Everard, M.; Jones, L.; Watts, B. Have We Neglected the Societal Importance of Sand Dunes? An Ecosystem Services Perspective. Aquat. Conserv. Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst. 2010, 20, 476–487. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kindeberg, T.; Almström, B.; Skoog, M.; Olsson, P.A.; Hollander, J. Toward a Multifunctional Nature-Based Coastal Defense: A Review of the Interaction between Beach Nourishment and Ecological Restoration. Nord. J. Bot. 2023, 2023, e03751. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wit, R.D.; Boutin, N. European LIFE Projects Dedicated to Ecological Restoration in Mediterranean and Black Sea Coastal Lagoons. Environments 2023, 10, 101. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zelnik, I.; Simpson, M.; Pagnotta, M.A.; Hanačížková, H.H.; Kučera, T.; Poulin, B.; Květ, J. Ecological Basis of Ecosystem Services and Management of Wetlands Dominated by Common Reed (Phragmites australis): European Perspective. Diversity 2023, 15, 629. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Robins, N.S.; Pye, K.; Wallace, H. Dynamic Coastal Dune Spit: The Impact of Morphological Change on Dune Slacks at Whiteford Burrows, South Wales, UK. J. Coast. Conserv. 2013, 17, 473–482. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ferreira, C.S.S.; Kašanin-Grubin, M.; Solomun, M.K.; Sushkova, S.; Minkina, T.; Zhao, W.; Kalantari, Z. Wetlands as Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Different Environments. Curr. Opin. Environ. Sci. Heal. 2023, 33, 100476. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Richardson, R.B.; Nicholls, S. Characterizing the Cultural Ecosystem Services of Coastal Sand Dunes. J. Great Lakes Res. 2021, 47, 546–551. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lagarias, A.; Stratigea, A. Coastalization Patterns in the Mediterranean: A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Coastal Urban Sprawl in Tourism Destination Areas. GeoJournal 2023, 88, 2529–2552. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- De Wit, R. Biodiversity of Coastal Lagoon Ecosystems and Their Vulnerability to Global Change. In Ecosystems Biodiversity; IntechOpen: London, UK, 2011. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Directive, H. European Parliament Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. Off. J. Eur. Union 1992, 206, 7–50. [Google Scholar]
- Massarelli, C.; Matarrese, R.; Uricchio, V.F.; Muolo, M.R.; Laterza, M.; Ernesto, L. Detection of Asbestos-Containing Materials in Agro-Ecosystem by the Use of Airborne Hyperspectral CASI-1500 Sensor Including the Limited Use of Two UAVs Equipped with RGB Cameras. Int. J. Remote Sens. 2017, 38, 2135–2149. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Massarelli, C.; Losacco, D.; Tumolo, M.; Campanale, C.; Uricchio, V.F. Protection of Water Resources from Agriculture Pollution: An Integrated Methodological Approach for the Nitrates Directive 91–676-Eec Implementation. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 13323. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Massarelli, C.; Ancona, V.; Galeone, C.; Uricchio, V.F. Methodology for the Implementation of Monitoring Plans with Different Spatial and Temporal Scales of Plant Protection Products Residues in Water Bodies Based on Site-Specific Environmental Pressures Assessments. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess. Int. J. 2019, 26, 1341–1358. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dang, K.B.; Pham, H.H.; Nguyen, T.N.; Giang, T.L.; Pham, T.P.N.; Nghiem, V.S.; Nguyen, D.H.; Vu, K.C.; Bui, Q.D.; Pham, H.N.; et al. Monitoring the Effects of Urbanization and Flood Hazards on Sandy Ecosystem Services. Sci. Total Environ. 2023, 880, 163271. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- ISPRA. The Nature Map of the Puglia Region; ISPRA: Rome, Italy, 2014. Available online: https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/rapporti/il-sistema-carta-della-natura-della-regione-puglia (accessed on 2 October 2023).
- Guidelines for the Analysis of Pressure Pursuant to Directive 2000/60/EC. 2018. Available online: https://www.snpambiente.it/2018/02/24/linee-guida-per-lanalisi-delle-pressioni-ai-sensi-della-direttiva-2000-60-ce/ (accessed on 2 October 2023).
- Manuals for Monitoring of Species and Habitats of Community Interest (Directive 92/43/EEC) in Italy; Habitat: Rome, Italy, 2016. Available online: https://development.isprambiente.gov.it/it/pubblicazioni/manuali-e-linee-guida/manuali-per-il-monitoraggio-di-specie-e-habitat-di-interesse-comunitario-direttiva-92-43-cee-in-italia-habitat (accessed on 2 October 2023).
- Legg, C.J.; Nagy, L. Why Most Conservation Monitoring Is, but Need Not Be, a Waste of Time. J. Environ. Manag. 2006, 78, 194–199. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- McDonald-Madden, E.; Baxter, P.W.J.; Fuller, R.A.; Martin, T.G.; Game, E.T.; Montambault, J.; Possingham, H.P. Monitoring Does Not Always Count. Trends Ecol. Evol. 2010, 25, 547–550. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Massarelli, C.; Campanale, C. Climatic, Bioclimatic, and Pedological Influences on the Vegetation Classification of “Bosco Dell’Incoronata” in Southern Italy. Rend. Lincei 2023, 34, 537–552. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mastronuzzi, G.; Sansò, P. Holocene Coastal Dune Development and Environmental Changes in Apulia (Southern Italy). Sediment. Geol. 2002, 150, 139–152. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Soldani, D.; Simone, O.; Sansò, P.; Mastronuzzi, G. Geositi Nel Territorio Di Ostuni (Brindisi). Risorsa Scientifica e Socio-Economica. Geol. Dell’ambiente 2002, 10, 37–40. [Google Scholar]
- Pignatti, S.; Guarino, R.; La Rosa, M. Flora of Italy; Edagricole: Bologna, Italy, 2017; ISBN 8850652437. [Google Scholar]
- Fiori, A. Nuova Analytic Flora of Italy, Vol. 1: Containing the Description of Indigenous Vascular Plants Growing Wild and Widely Cultivated in Italy (Classic Reprint); Fiori, A., Ed.; Forgotten Books: London, UK, 2022; Volume 1, ISBN 0364663553. [Google Scholar]
- Bartolucci, F.; Peruzzi, L.; Galasso, G.; Albano, A.; Alessandrini, A.; Ardenghi, N.M.G.; Astuti, G.; Bacchetta, G.; Ballelli, S.; Banfi, E.; et al. An Updated Checklist of the Vascular Flora Native to Italy. Plant Biosyst. 2018, 152, 179–303. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bartolucci, F.; Galasso, G.; Peruzzi, L.; Conti, F. Report 2020 on Plant Biodiversity in Italy: Native and Alien Vascular Flora. Nat. Hist. Sci. 2021, 8, 41–54. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Galasso, G.; Conti, F.; Peruzzi, L.; Ardenghi, N.M.G.; Banfi, E.; Celesti-Grapow, L.; Albano, A.; Alessandrini, A.; Bacchetta, G.; Ballelli, S.; et al. An Updated Checklist of the Vascular Flora Alien to Italy. Plant Biosyst. 2018, 152, 556–592. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Peruzzi, L. Using Scientific Names Guarantees Universality of Communication in Science … but Are Plant Biologists Aware of It? Plant Biosyst. 2020, 154, 1000–1002. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Acta Plantarum 2023. Available online: https://www.actaplantarum.org/ (accessed on 12 August 2023).
- Raunkiaer, C.C. The Life Forms of Plants and Statistical Plant Geography; Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK, 1934. [Google Scholar]
- Ellenberg, H.; Muelle-Dombois, D. A Key to Raunkiaer Plant Life Forms with Revised Subdivision. Berichte Geobot. Inst. Eidg. Techn. Hochsch. Stift. Rübel 1967, 37, 56–87. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ubaldi, D. 1943-Flora, Fitocenosi e Ambiente: Elementi Di Geobotanica e Fitosociologia; CLUEB: Bologna, Italy, 2003. [Google Scholar]
- Braun-Blanquet, J. Pflanzensoziologie. In Pflanzensoziologie; Springer: Vienna, Austria, 1964. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Debinski, D.M.; Holt, R.D. A Survey and Overview of Habitat Fragmentation Experiments. Conserv. Biol. 2000, 14, 342–355. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Binetti, M.S.; Campanale, C.; Uricchio, V.F.; Massarelli, C. In-Depth Monitoring of Anthropic Activities in the Puglia Region: What Is the Acceptable Compromise between Economic Activities and Environmental Protection? Sustainability 2023, 15, 8875. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research—ISPRA. Nature Map Project at Scale 1:50,000—Guidelines for Cartography and Habitat Assessment; ISPRA: Rome, Italy, 2009; ISBN 978-88-448-0381-0.
- Bellotto-Trigo, F.C.; Uezu, A.; Hatfield, J.H.; Morante-Filho, J.C.; dos Anjos, L.; Develey, P.F.; Clegg, T.; Orme, C.D.L.; Banks-Leite, C. Intraspecific Variation in Sensitivity to Habitat Fragmentation Is Influenced by Forest Cover and Distance to the Range Edge. Biol. Conserv. 2023, 284, 110167. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fletcher, R.J.; Betts, M.G.; Damschen, E.I.; Hefley, T.J.; Hightower, J.; Smith, T.A.H.; Fortin, M.J.; Haddad, N.M. Addressing the Problem of Scale That Emerges with Habitat Fragmentation. Glob. Ecol. Biogeogr. 2023, 32, 828–841. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Acosta, A.T.R.; Carboni, M.; Del Vecchio, S.; Ercole, S.; Jucker, T.; Malavasi, M.; Poeta, G.; Prisco, I.; Santoro, R. The Habitats of the Italian Sandy Coasts: Ecology and Conservation Issues; Acosta, A.T.R., Ercole, S., Eds.; Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research: Rome, Italy, 2015; ISBN 978-88-448-0698-9.
- Veronico, G.; Sciandrello, S.; Medagli, P.; Tomaselli, V. Vegetation Survey and Plant Landscape Mapping of the SCI IT9140002 “Litorale Brindisino” (Puglia, Southern Italy). Plant Sociol. 2017, 54, 89–106. [Google Scholar]
- Spina, F.; Volponi, S. Atlas of Bird Migration in Italy; ISPRA: Rome, Italy, 2008.
- de Franco, R.; Biella, G.; Tosi, L.; Teatini, P.; Lozej, A.; Chiozzotto, B.; Giada, M.; Rizzetto, F.; Claude, C.; Mayer, A.; et al. Monitoring the Saltwater Intrusion by Time Lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography: The Chioggia Test Site (Venice Lagoon, Italy). J. Appl. Geophys. 2009, 69, 117–130. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kroon, F.J.; Kuhnert, P.M.; Henderson, B.L.; Wilkinson, S.N.; Kinsey-Henderson, A.; Abbott, B.; Brodie, J.E.; Turner, R.D.R. River Loads of Suspended Solids, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Herbicides Delivered to the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2012, 65, 167–181. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Schaffelke, B.; Carleton, J.; Skuza, M.; Zagorskis, I.; Furnas, M.J. Water Quality in the Inshore Great Barrier Reef Lagoon: Implications for Long-Term Monitoring and Management. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2012, 65, 249–260. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Parameters | Mean | Dev Std |
---|---|---|
pH | 7.9 | 0.7 |
Conductivity (ms/cm) | 20.9 | 1.8 |
Total Dissolved Solids (PPT) | 10.7 | 0.8 |
Salinity (PSU) | 12.5 | 1.2 |
Temperature (°C) | 20.8 | 3.2 |
Phosphates (mg/L) | 0.2 | 0.1 |
Nitrates (mg/L) | <1 | - |
Ammonium (mg/L) | <0.02 | - |
DO (%) | 120.5 | 69.4 |
DO (mg/L) | 7.6 | 3.4 |
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Massarelli, C.; Campanale, C.; Uricchio, V.F. Monitoring of Coastal Dunes and Lagoons: Important Ecosystems to Safeguard. Environments 2023, 10, 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120211
Massarelli C, Campanale C, Uricchio VF. Monitoring of Coastal Dunes and Lagoons: Important Ecosystems to Safeguard. Environments. 2023; 10(12):211. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120211
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassarelli, Carmine, Claudia Campanale, and Vito Felice Uricchio. 2023. "Monitoring of Coastal Dunes and Lagoons: Important Ecosystems to Safeguard" Environments 10, no. 12: 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120211
APA StyleMassarelli, C., Campanale, C., & Uricchio, V. F. (2023). Monitoring of Coastal Dunes and Lagoons: Important Ecosystems to Safeguard. Environments, 10(12), 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120211