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Predicting changes in molluscan spatial distributions in mangrove forests in response to sea-level rise
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  • Wei Ma,
  • Mao Wang,
  • Haifeng Fu,
  • Chaoyi Tang,
  • Wenqing Wang
Wei Ma
Xiamen University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Mao Wang
Xiamen University
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Haifeng Fu
Xiamen University
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Chaoyi Tang
Xiamen University
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Wenqing Wang
Xiamen University
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Abstract

Molluscs are an important component of the mangrove ecosystem, and the vertical distributions of molluscan species in this ecosystem are primarily dictated by tidal inundation. Thus, sea-level rise (SLR) may have profound effects on mangrove mollusc communities. Here, we used two dynamic empirical models based on measurements of surface elevation change, sediment accretion and zonation patterns of molluscs to predict changes in molluscan spatial distributions in response to different sea-level rise rates in the mangrove forests of Zhenzhu Bay (Guangxi, China). The change in surface elevation was 4.76–9.61 mm a−1 during the study period (2016–2020), and the magnitude of surface-elevation change decreased exponentially as original surface elevation increased. Based on our model results, we predicted that mangrove molluscs might successfully adapt to a low rate of SLR (marker-horizon model: 2–4.57 mm a−1; plate model: 2–5.20 mm a−1) by 2100, with molluscs moving seaward and those in the lower intertidal zones expanding into newly available zones. However, as SLR rate increased (marker-horizon model: 4.57–8.14 mm a−1; plate model: 5.20–6.88 mm a−1), our models predicted that surface elevations would decrease beginning in the high intertidal zones and gradually spreading to the low intertidal zones. Finally, at high rates of SLR (marker-horizon model: 8.14–16.00 mm a−1; plate model: 6.88–16.00 mm a−1), surface elevations were predicted to decrease across the elevation gradient, with molluscs moving landward and species in higher intertidal zones would be blocked by landward barriers. Tidal inundation and the consequent increase in interspecific competition and predation pressure were predicted to threaten the survival of many molluscan groups in higher intertidal zones, especially species at the landward edge of the mangroves. Thus, future efforts to conserve mangrove floral and faunal diversity should prioritize species restricted to landward mangrove areas.
04 Jan 2022Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
05 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
05 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
12 Jan 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 Feb 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Feb 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
27 Apr 20221st Revision Received
28 Apr 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
28 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
28 Apr 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
23 May 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 May 20222nd Revision Received
26 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
26 May 2022Assigned to Editor
27 May 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
Jul 2022Published in Ecology and Evolution volume 12 issue 7. 10.1002/ece3.9033