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The Scheldt estuary: a description of a changing ecosystem
Meire, P.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Van Damme, S.; Van den Bergh, E.; Maris, T.; Struyf, E. (2005). The Scheldt estuary: a description of a changing ecosystem. Hydrobiologia 540(1-3): 1-11. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-0896-8
In: Hydrobiologia. Springer: The Hague. ISSN 0018-8158; e-ISSN 1573-5117
Also appears in:
Meire, P.; Van Damme, S. (Ed.) (2005). Ecological structures and functions in the Scheldt Estuary: from past to future. Hydrobiologia, 540(1-3). Springer: Dordrecht. 1-278 pp., more
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 155704 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Ecosystems
    Hydrographic features > Physiographic features > Estuaries
    Management
    Management > Ecosystem management
    Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
    Belgium, Zeeschelde [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Scheldt estuary; ecosystem management; estuary; ecosystem functions
Authors  Top 
  • Meire, P.
  • Ysebaert, T.J.
  • Van Damme, S.
  • Van den Bergh, E.
  • Maris, T.
  • Struyf, E.
Abstract
    Estuaries are naturally highly dynamic and rapidly changing systems, forming a complex mixture of many different habitat types. They are very productive biomes and support many important ecosystem functions: biogeochemical cycling and movement of nutrients, mitigation of floods, maintenance of biodiversity and biological production. Human pressure on estuaries is very high. On the other hand, it is recognized that estuaries have a unique functional and structural biodiversity. Therefore, these ecosystems are particularly important for integrating sound ecological management with sustainable economics. These opportunities are explored for the Scheldt estuary, a well-documented system with an exceptional tidal freshwater area. In this article a description of the Scheldt estuary is presented, illustrating that human influence is intertwined with natural dynamics. Hydrology, geomorphology, trophic status and diversity are discussed, and possible future trends in both natural evolution and management are argued.
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