Crustaceans from temperate sandy beaches: A possible route for management and conservation strategies

Gonçalves, Sílvia

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/13281

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Gonçalves, Sílvia

Abstract(s)

Crustaceans are important components of the macrofaunal communities of sandy beaches worldwide and may present a key role in the structure and function of these ecosystems in certain conditions. These animals represent the dominant faunal group in exposed beaches, where some crustacean species form abundant populations, especially in the supralittoral zone. In temperate latitudes, Talitrid amphipods, commonly known as sand hoppers, and Tylid isopods are often abundant elements in exposed sandy beaches although, due to their nature, Talitrids are the most conspicuous ones. Despite their clear ecological relevance as interface systems between the sea and land, sandy beaches also constitute unique and irreplaceable habitats for most of these Crustacean species. However, the intensification of human activities in coastal areas observed in the last decades, as well as the global climatic changes and coastal erosion occurring nowadays, have introduced several detrimental impacts threatening these ecosystems and their biota. In this commentary, the relevance of using Talitrid and Tylid crustaceans as ecological tools in management and conservation strategies for temperate sandy beaches is discussed. Also, the benefits of these strategies for the conservation of the unique habitats that beaches represent for these animals are highlighted. I start by explaining the ecological importance of Crustaceans in sandy beach ecosystems worldwide. The most abundant groups in temperate beaches and their main environmental stressors are afterwards presented. Finally, specific management and conservation strategies, employing Talitrids and Tylids as ecological indicators of environmental quality condition in beaches from temperate latitudes, are identified. © 2016 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.