Ecosystem design as an avenue for improving services provided by carbonate producing marine ecosystems

Abstract

Ecosystem Design (ED) is an approach for constructing habitats that places human needs for ecosystem services at the center of intervention, with the overarching goal of establishing self-sustaining habitats which require limited management. This concept was originally developed for use in mangrove ecosystems, and is understandably controversial, as it markedly diverges from other protection approaches that assign human use a minor priority or exclude it. However, the advantage of ED lies within the considered implementation of these designed ecosystems, thus preserving human benefits from potential later disturbances. Here, we outline the concept of ED in tropical carbonate depositional systems and discuss potential applications to aid ecosystem services such as beach nourishment and protection of coastlines and reef islands at risk from environmental and climate change, CO2 sequestration, food production, and tourism. Biological carbonate sediment production is a crucial source of stability of reef islands and reef-rimmed coastlines. Careful implementation of designed carbonate depositional ecosystems could help counterbalance sea-level rise and manage documented erosion effects of coastal constructions. Importantly, adhering to the core ethos of ED, careful dynamic assessments which provide a balanced approach to maximizing ecosystem services (e.g., carbonate production), should identify and avoid any potential damages to existing functioning ecosystems.

Environmental Galenics: large-scale fortification of extant microbiomes with engineered bioremediation agents

“…Available technology also permits miniaturization (and therefore multiplexing) of habitats where testing such parameters could be done in a highthroughput fashion. Taken together, these approaches can produce the tools necessary for large-scale rational ecosystem design, a challenge not devoid of precedents [167,168].…”

“…Available technology also permits miniaturization (and therefore multiplexing) of habitats where testing such parameters could be done in a high-throughput fashion. Taken together, these approaches can produce the tools necessary for large-scale rational ecosystem design, a challenge not devoid of precedents [ 167 , 168 ].

Figure 5 Comparison of standardized phases of clinical trials that precede approval of a new drug or treatment versus possible stages of testing efficacy and safety of biologicals for environmental release.

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A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Shoreline Changes in the Ilaje Coastal Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

“…However, the implementation of adaptation measures is fraught with difficulties due to technical, economic, financial, and social factors [19]. Hence, understanding shoreline dynamics, which includes natural processes such as coastal erosion and periodic flooding [20], is crucial for shaping coastal landscapes and preserving ecosystem functions, as emphasized in Cooper et al [21]. Consequently, conducting a comprehensive assessment of shoreline change rates is essential for achieving sustainable coastlines and reducing erosion.…”