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Neglected supralittoral habitats on coastal artificial structures
Fabio Bulleri1, Moisés A Aguilera2, Martin Thiel3
1Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, CoNISMa, Pisa, Italy.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|February 16, 2025
Summary
Artificial structures in coastal areas offer unique habitats in the supralittoral zone. These zones present opportunities for native species conservation and managing invasive species spread.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Coastal ecology
- Urban ecology
Background:
- Artificial structures are common in urban coastal zones.
- Research and management often overlook the supralittoral (terrestrial-marine transitional) zone.
- This neglect limits understanding of ecological roles in these unique habitats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ecological significance of supralittoral habitats on artificial structures.
- To explore opportunities for native species conservation within these zones.
- To investigate the potential for managing non-native species spread in the supralittoral zone.
Main Methods:
- Ecological surveys of supralittoral habitats on artificial coastal structures.
- Comparative analysis of biodiversity between natural and artificial supralittoral zones.
- Assessment of factors influencing native and non-native species distribution.
Main Results:
- Supralittoral habitats on artificial structures support distinct ecological communities.
- These habitats can provide refuge for certain native coastal species.
- The unique conditions may facilitate or inhibit the spread of non-native species.
Conclusions:
- The supralittoral zone on artificial structures is a critical, understudied habitat.
- Conservation strategies should incorporate these zones for effective coastal management.
- Understanding species interactions in this transitional zone is key to ecological resilience.
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