Ecological vulnerability assessment of tropical seagrass beds and coral reefs: A case study of Sibu-Tinggi Archipelago, Malaysia; 热带海草床与珊瑚礁生态脆弱性评价———以马来西亚诗巫-丁宜群岛为例
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Abstract
We developed the assessment index system for the ecological vulnerability of seagrass beds and coral reefs in Sibu-Tinggi Archipelago, Malaysia, based on the Exposure-Sensitivity-Adaptive (ESA) model. The ecological vulnerability and spatial distribution of seagrass beds and coral reefs were assessed in combination with spatial analysis technology. The results showed that the spatial distribution of exposure of seagrass beds and coral reefs in Sibu-Tinggi Archipelago displayed an increasing trend from the north part to the south part. Generally, the sensitivity of seagrass beds was higher than that of coral reefs, and the ecological vulnerability of most stations were at a medium level. The vulnerability of seagrass beds was generally higher than that of coral reefs. The effects of exposure and sensitivity on the ecological vulnerability of seagrass beds and coral reefs were not relatively independent. Improving seawater quality and zoning management of marine parks have positive implications for reducing the vulnerability of marine ecosystem in Sibu-Tinggi Archipelago. Meanwhile, it is necessary to strengthen the integrated conservation of seagrass bed and coral reef ecosystems. © 2022 editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Ecology. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Johor, Malaysia, West Malaysia, Connectivity, Conservation management, Coral reef, Environmental assessment, Marine ecosystem, Marine park, Seagrass, Spatial distribution, Vulnerability
Divisions
ocean,Geography
Publication Title
Chinese Journal of Ecology
Volume
41
Issue
12
Publisher
Chinese Society of Ecology