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How human infrastructure threatens biodiversity by squeezing sandy coasts.

Eva M Lansu1, Hallie S Fischman2, Christine Angelini2

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Current Biology : CB
|October 4, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Coastal dune ecosystems require significant width to support diverse habitats and species. Many coastlines lack sufficient width, threatening biodiversity, though management can help.

Keywords:
coastal developmentcoastal infrastructurecoastal squeezecoastal widthdune biodiversitydune conservationnature managementnature protectionplant species richness

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Coastal Science
  • Conservation Biology

Background:

  • Coastal dunes are vital ecosystems providing flood protection, drinking water, and biodiversity.
  • Habitat zonation along sea-to-land gradients is crucial for dune ecosystem functioning.
  • Infrastructure development is reducing the available width of natural dune ecosystems globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the required undisturbed coastal width for supporting diverse dune habitats and species assemblages.
  • To quantify the relationship between coastal width and plant/habitat diversity.
  • To assess the effectiveness of management interventions in mitigating biodiversity loss.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated plant and habitat diversity across 614 plots along 47 sea-to-land transects.
  • Conducted study in the southeastern USA and the Netherlands.
  • Analyzed management measures implemented along transects.

Main Results:

  • A linear relationship exists between habitat diversity and species richness in dune systems.
  • Plant and habitat diversity nonlinearly depend on coastal width, with 75% diversity reached at 800m (USA) and 1800m (Netherlands).
  • Significant portions of coastlines in the USA (79%) and Netherlands (66%) have dune areas narrower than required, compromising biodiversity.

Conclusions:

  • Lack of coastal width, or 'coastal squeeze,' is a major threat to dune biodiversity worldwide.
  • Establishing or expanding nature reserves is crucial for conserving wide dune systems.
  • Targeted management strategies can partially mitigate biodiversity losses caused by coastal squeeze.