Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2018, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (2): 47-54.doi: 10.11978/2017055CSTR: 32234.14.2017055

• Orginal Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Preliminary assessment of Tieshangang Bay mangrove ecosystem vulnerability based on VSD model

Xiaowei LI1,2(), Zimei HUANG2, Jianfeng CHEN2, Xin WANG1, Jiangling WEI3   

  1. 1. Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Beihai 536000, China
    2. Beihai Marine Environmental Monitoring Center Station, State Oceanic Administration, Beihai 536000, China
    3. Shankou National Mangrove Ecosystem Reserve Administration of Guangxi, Beihai 536000, China
  • Received:2017-05-14 Revised:2017-09-13 Online:2018-04-10 Published:2018-04-11
  • Supported by:
    Open Research Fund of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization (GKLMC-201701)

Abstract:

According to the three elements of “exposure-sensitivity-adaptive capacity,” an index system framework of mangrove ecosystem vulnerability assessment was established based on a VSD (vulnerability scoping diagram) evaluation model. Redefining the vulnerability classification criteria, improved comprehensive index method and fuzzy evaluation method were applied to quantitatively evaluate the mangrove ecosystem vulnerability of Tieshangang Bay in 1989, 2003 and 2014, respectively. The results showed that the mangrove ecosystem vulnerability comprehensive evaluation index values in these three years were 0.145, 0.255 and 0.334, respectively; the scores increased over the years, indicating the Tieshangang Bay ecosystem vulnerability tended to be increasingly vulnerable. First, the mangrove ecosystem exposure index of Tieshangang Bay was increasing, and the major artificial stress factors were reclamation areas and the discharge of wastewater. Second, the sensitivity of Tieshangang Bay mangrove ecosystem was obviously intense, the main sensitive factors were comprehensive index of marine life quality, biological diversity indexes of benthos and intertidal organisms. Last but not least, the adaptive capacity of the ecosystem increased slightly, but is generally weaker.

Key words: vulnerability, mangrove, ecosystem, assessment, Tieshangang