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Secrets of Shallow Waters: Why Lagoons Are Biodiversity Hotspots?
Landscapes, also known as intertidal zones, are shallow areas close to the coast where the waters are regularly influenced by tides, winds and rivers, creating one of the richest environments for biological diversity. This article will delve into why lagoon areas are hotspots of biodiversity and examine the interactions of various organisms in these ecosystems.
Riparian areas include areas of shore from high water mark to permanently submerged and are important habitats for a wide variety of organisms.
The geographic extent of the riparian zone is influenced by many factors, including hydrological dynamics and ecological environment, which makes its definition inconsistent. In lakes and rivers, the riparian zone is the area where enough light penetrates to the lake bottom to support photosynthesis. Indeed, the importance of these areas cannot be ignored, for both aquatic and terrestrial life, whose survival depends on the resources of the lagoons.
Coastal biodiversity
In shallow water areas, various fish, invertebrates and aquatic plants live. The food chain structure in these areas is complex, providing a good breeding and habitat environment. For example, many fish species live in deeper waters but return to these shallow waters during the breeding season to find safe spawning grounds.
The oxygen-rich and structurally complex riparian zone is a hotbed for an ever-increasing diversity of insects.
The characteristics of coastal areas make them ideal places for many species to thrive. Globally, more than 93% of freshwater fish species and more than 70% of freshwater invertebrate species live in these shallow waters, the study showed. Coastal areas, with their complex habitats and the biodiversity they contain, are undoubtedly an important part of the global ecosystem.
The impact of human activities on coastal ecology
While these coastal ecosystems are breathtakingly rich and diverse, they are also threatened by human activities. Excessive development, agricultural fertilizers and pollutants have damaged the ecological environment of the lake and its coastal areas. This leads to eutrophication of water bodies, accelerates the growth of algae, reduces the oxygen content in the water, and endangers the survival of organisms in it.
Due to human intervention, many lagoon ecosystems are under threat, and effective measures to protect biodiversity are urgently needed.
In addition, land reclamation and shoreline development have caused irreversible damage to biological habitats. The collapse of terrestrial habitats has resulted in many species losing the opportunity to reproduce and access food sources. In response to these impacts, the scientific community has called for meaningful conservation efforts to ensure that a variety of organisms can continue to thrive in these precious ecosystems.
Future protection measures
Continued strengthening of coastal protection measures is key to protecting biodiversity. However, this requires the joint efforts of professionals and communities from different fields, including environmental scholars, ecologists and policymakers. Establishing protected areas and restoring coastal vegetation are believed to provide the necessary breathing space for the coastal ecosystem.
Through effective management and conservation strategies, we can preserve these precious natural resources for future generations.
In summary, lagoons and coastal areas host a wide range of biodiversity and ecological functions, however, they are continually threatened by human activities. We can't help but wonder, as we continue to exploit and use these natural resources, how can we reflect on ourselves and correct our behavior to protect these unique ecosystems?
