Ragworms Anecdotes
In: Journal of Trial and Error. De Nieuwe Utrechtse School: Utrecht. ISSN 2667-1204, more
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| Author keywords |
ragworms, Hediste diversicolor, saltmarsh, seedling establishment, waves, ecological interactions, serendipity |
| Abstract |
When appointed as PhD-candidate to work on coastal ecosystems as nature-based coastal protection I started working on the processes that could limit saltmarsh ecosystems from establishing on tidal flats. Saltmarshes seaward of the sea defence attenuate waves and offer flood protection in case of a dike breach and therefore these vegetated wetlands improve coastal resilience (Temmerman et al., 2013; van den Hoven et al., 2023). Previous research within our department (Spatial Ecology Department, Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, the Netherlands Institute for Ecology (NIOO-CEME), which is referred to today as Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, The Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ-EDS)) pointed to wave action as a key factor hindering the establishment of pioneer saltmarsh vegetation on bare tidal flats seaward of the saltmarsh. However, the method used by my predecessors was problematic. |
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