Journal
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
Volume 248, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2020.107158
Keywords
Climate change; Intermittently closed estuaries; Range expansion; Avicennia marina; DPSIR
Categories
Funding
- National Research Foundation of South Africa through the DST/NRF Research Chair in Shallow Water Ecosystems [UID 84375]
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Mangroves in South Africa are located at one of the most southerly locations in the world, mainly confined to 32 sheltered estuaries, of which 18 are predominantly open to the sea. Research shows that mangroves are impacted by climate change, human activities, and natural disturbances, highlighting the need for stronger management measures to protect and conserve this unique ecosystem.
Mangroves in South Africa occur at one of the most southerly locations in the world, which provides a unique opportunity to study their dynamic responses to anthropogenic and natural perturbations. The exposed high-energy South African coastline restricts mangroves to 32 sheltered estuaries of which 18 (56%) are predominantly open to the sea. A large area of mangrove (47% of the country total) occurs in the uMhlathuze Estuary - a novel ecosystem formed by the creation of an artificial mouth. A Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Response (DPSIR) framework was applied to understand factors of change and highlight governance and management responses. The largest mangrove area (440 ha) was lost during the construction of Durban Bay harbour. Mangroves (similar to 7 ha) no longer occur in 10 small KwaZulu-Natal estuaries as a result of catchment and mouth disturbance. In the Eastern Cape, pressures are escalating in the form of harvesting for wood, cattle browsing and changes in mouth condition. Climate related warming and an increase in CO2 are positive conditions for mangroves to expand their distribution to higher latitudes but this will depend on propagule dispersal between estuaries and the availability of suitable habitats. Many of the small estuaries are temporarily closed to the sea for different periods thus limiting recruitment. An increase in the intensity of freshwater floods will scour banks and completely remove mangroves. It is important that these dynamic responses are understood and incorporated into management plans so that mangrove forests can be better protected and conserved.
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