Biodiversity impacts by multiple anthropogenic stressors in Mediterranean coastal wetlands

Mediterranean coastal wetlands are considered biodiversity hot-spots and contain a high number of endemic species. The biodiversity of these ecosystems is endangered by several pressures resulting from agricultural and urban expansion, climate change, and the alteration of their hydrological cycle. In this study we assess the state-of-the-art regarding the impact of several stressor groups on the biodiversity of Mediterranean coastal wetlands (i.e., lagoons, marshes, estuaries). Particularly, we describe the impacts of eutrophication, chemical pollution, invasive species, salinization, and temperature rise, and analyze the existing literature regarding the impact of multiple stressors on these ecosystems. Our study denotes a clear asymmetry both in terms of study areas and stressors evaluated. The majority of studies focus on lagoons and estuaries of the north-west parts of the Mediterranean basin, while the African and the Asian coast have been less represented. Eutrophication and chemical pollution were the most studied stressors compared to others like temperature rise or species invasions. Most studies evaluating these stressors individually show direct or indirect effects on the biodiversity of primary producers and invertebrate communities, and changes in species dominance patterns that contribute to a decline of endemic populations. The few available studies addressing stressor interactions have shown non-additive responses, which are important to define appropriate ecosystem management and restoration measures. Finally, we propose research needs to advance our understanding on the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on Mediterranean coastal wetlands and to guide future interventions to protect biodiversity.

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Martínez-Megías C. y Rico A. Biodiversity impacts by multiple anthropogenic stressors in Mediterranean coastal wetlands. University of Alcalá, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151712

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Retrieved: 12 Nov 2025 02:59:50
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Resource type Article
Date of creation 2024-11-05
Date of last revision 2024-11-05
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Metadata identifier 6e2cb675-0517-5a13-ace2-aafe5eeecda2
Metadata language Spanish
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High-value dataset category Earth observation and environment
ISO 19115 topic category biota
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Name of the dataset creator Martínez-Megías, C. y Rico, A.
Name of the dataset editor University of Alcalá
Other identifier DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151712
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