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‘Green tides’ are overwhelming the coastline of our blue planet: taking the world's largest example
Author(s) -
Ye Naihao,
Zhang Xiaowen,
Mao Yuze,
Liang Chengwei,
Xu Dong,
Zou Jian,
Zhuang Zhimeng,
Wang Qingyin
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
ecological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1440-1703
pISSN - 0912-3814
DOI - 10.1007/s11284-011-0821-8
Subject(s) - ecosystem , ecological succession , environmental science , ecology , biodiversity , marine ecosystem , natural (archaeology) , oceanography , geography , biology , geology , archaeology
A broad spectrum of events that come under the category of green tide are recognized world‐wide as a response to elevated levels of seawater nutrients in coastal areas. Green tides involve a wide diversity of sites, macroalgal species, consequences, and possible causes. Here we review the effect of natural and man‐induced environmental fluctuations on the frequency and apparent spread of green tides. This article highlights the need for interdisciplinary research aimed at shedding light on the basic mechanisms governing the occurrence and succession of green algae in coastal seas. This will result in more effective management and mitigation of the effects of green tides, thus safeguarding the intrinsic and commercial value of coastal marine ecosystems.