Author(s): Bangjie Sun; Zhaoyin Wang; Mengzhen Xu; Sabrina Yanan Jiang; Yi Zhou

Linked Author(s): Zhaoyin Wang, Mengzhen Xu

Keywords: Ecohydraulics; Artificial coastal zone; Mangrove development; Sediment dynamics; Benthic invertebrates; Macau

Abstract: This study investigates the development patterns of mangroves in artificial coastal zones and their impact on invertebrate communities and populations. Samples of mangroves and invertebrates were collected and identified from five typical areas in Macau, while eDNA was used to assess species communities. The study found that mangrove development depends on the formation and growth of a mud layer; only a mud layer exceeding 30 cm in thickness can support the development of dense, lush mangroves reaching several meters in height. The minimum mud layer thickness required for the development of Acanthus ilicifolius stands is 5 cm, while that for Kandelia obovata stands is at least 10 cm. Mangrove forests promote the development of invertebrate communities. The number of invertebrate species, individual density, and biomass all increase with the age of the mangrove forest. In mangrove forests of Avicennia marina, the dominant invertebrate groups are turbellarians and Uca, while under Aegiceras corniculatum forests, the dominant species is the Parasesarma. Compared to natural sandy and rocky shores, the number and density of invertebrate species significantly decreased after artificial land creation and reclamation which altered the coastal zone. Following sedimentation of silt and clay and formation of a mud layers, mangrove forest developed and invertebrate species gradually increased. After more than two decades, the species richness of invertebrates in the artificial mangrove forests has reached pre-human disturbance levels, but the species composition is significantly different.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.346

Year: 2026