Results of investigations of the Neva Bay technosphere at RSHU

Abstract

The article summarizes the results of the long-term complex observations of formation and development of the technosphere in the coastal zone of the Neva Bay and its impact on coastal hydro-biological communities by RSHU scientists. Natural and administrative borders of the Neva Bay are described and discussed. Evolution of the Neva Bay from «natural geosystem» to the «natural-and technical system» is monitored and analyzed. Peculiarities of coastal biological communities are presented. Anthropogenic stress-factors connected with hydrotechnical construction and dredging with high level of negative influence on coastal ecosystems are revealed. The program of original complex research of the functioning of the coastal «natural-and technical system» is proposed. Areas of hydrotechnical and dredging projects and parallel environmental monitoring in the Neva Bay are mapped. Artificially reclaimed coastal territories are recognized as core elements (knots) of the coastal technosphere of the Neva Bay. Anthropogenic macro-objects constructed on these areas, such as ports, business centers, elements of logistic structure, and recreational areas are observed from the «sustainable development» point of view. The effects of technosphere on abiotic and biotic components of coastal ecosystems are shown. To study the spatial and temporal variability of the state of the Neva Bay and its coastal zone under the influence of sedimentation processes and man-made impacts, high- and medium-resolution satellite data have been used. Some results from satellite observations are compared and discussed. Based on the research results, a map of the integral ecological vulnerability of the Neva Bay in relation to hydrotechnical works and dredging has been constructed. Information about the established levels of environmental vulnerability of various sections of the Neva Bay water area can be used for the benefit of marine spatial planning. Methods and technologies of compensatory measurements are compared and discussed in order to find optimal actions. Organizing of nature protection areas is recommended as a complex method for the support of the coastal zone sustainable development