Changes in ecosystem services values in the south and north Yellow Sea between 2000 and 2010

Oceans provide unique ecosystem services due to their unique ecological, environmental, and biological resources. In recent years, the dramatic impact of humans on the oceans, especially in coastal waters, has led to changes in ecosystem services that are vital to human well-being. In this study, we focused on China's Yellow Sea ecosystem services and compared the composition and value of ecosystem services in the South and North Yellow Sea between 2000 and 2010. Our results showed that the total service values of the South and North Yellow Sea in 2000 were 199-322 billion Chinese Yuan (CNY) and 111-177 billion CNY, respectively. In 2010, the respective total service values were 386-555 billion CNY and 218-292 billion CNY. The ecosystems of the South and North Yellow Sea are mainly supported by food production. However, compared to 2000, percentage of food production contributing to total service value in 2010 was reduced by 21-23% and 22-27% in the South and North Yellow Sea, respectively. Meanwhile, the coastal tourism service values increased significantly by 15-20% and 25-30%. Changes in the structural composition of ecosystem services in the Yellow Sea are possibly related to the reduction of biodiversity and the decrease of wetland area. The rapid urbanization has created the necessary conditions for tourism cultural services and is a reasonable explanation for the rapid rise of cultural service values in the South and North Yellow Sea. The significance of ecosystem service evaluation to marine fisheries management in China was also discussed, pointing that long-term evaluation of marine ecosystem service is needed for coastal management decisions.

Automated summary

The unique ecosystem services provided by oceans have been impacted by human activities, especially in coastal waters, affecting human well-being. The study focused on China's Yellow Sea and found a significant increase in ecosystem service values between 2000 and 2010, with a decrease in the proportion of food production and an increase in coastal tourism services. Changes in the ecosystem service composition in the Yellow Sea may be related to the reduction of biodiversity and wetland area.