Golden opportunities: a horizon scan to expand sandy beach ecology

Thomas Schlacher; Michael A Weston; David S Schoeman; Andrew D Olds; Chantal M Huijbers; R M Connolly

doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2015.02.002

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Golden opportunities: a horizon scan to expand sandy beach ecology

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Golden opportunities: a horizon scan to expand sandy beach ecology

Thomas Schlacher, Michael A Weston, David S Schoeman, Andrew D Olds, Chantal M Huijbers and R M Connolly

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, Vol.157, pp.1-6

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2015.02.002

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Abstract

horizon scan

ecological concepts

cross-system transfer

ecological theories

sandy shorelines

paradigms

Robust ecological paradigms and theories should, ideally, hold across several ecosystems. Yet, limited testing of generalities has occurred in some habitats despite these habitats offering unique features to make them good model systems for experiments. We contend this is the case for the ocean-exposed sandy beaches. Beaches have several distinctive traits, including extreme malleability of habitats, strong environmental control of biota, intense cross-boundary exchanges, and food webs highly reliant on imported subsidies. Here we sketch broad topical themes and theoretical concepts of general ecology that are particularly well-suited for ecological studies on sandy shores. These span a broad range: the historical legacies and species traits that determine community assemblages; food-web architectures; novel ecosystems; landscape and spatial ecology and animal movements; invasive species dynamics; ecology of disturbances; ecological thresholds and ecosystem resilience; and habitat restoration and recovery. Collectively, these concepts have the potential to shape the outlook for beach ecology and they should also encourage marine ecologists to embrace, via cross-disciplinary ecological research, exposed sandy beach systems that link the oceans with the land.

Details

Title: Golden opportunities: a horizon scan to expand sandy beach ecology
Authors: Thomas Schlacher (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Michael A Weston (Author) - Deakin University
David S Schoeman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Andrew D Olds (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Chantal M Huijbers (Author) - Griffith University
R M Connolly (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, Vol.157, pp.1-6
Publisher: Academic Press
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2015.02.002
ISSN: 0272-7714
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449190602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Marine & Freshwater Biology; Oceanography

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