STARDUST II - Spatial and Temporal Assessment
of high Resolution Depth profiles Using novel Sampling Technologies The fate of pollutants in fluvial and marine sediments in cross-border zones
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
Ook verschenen 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., meer
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.
STARDUST II is a project funded by the INTERREG III A programme (France/Walloon Region/Flanders
French-Flemish subprogramme) of the European Community's Regional Development Fund.
Hosted by the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
