ReviewManagement for estuarine ecosystem services: A review

- Integrated management of ecosystems requires a thorough insight in the consequences of management measures.
- Management measures generate diverse (un) targeted effects on a variety of ecosystem functions and services.
- A matrix links 39 estuarine management measures with 20 ecosystem functions and services.
- The review of available knowledge reveals that still many effects are understudied.
- The information from this review can feed into further steps to develop integrated ecosystem management strategies.

The challenge of estuarine management is to maintain existing estuarine natural structure and functioning, to rectify historical damage and negative impacts of human actions which produced socio-economic problems, and at the same time to guarantee present and future economic development. Applying a multidisciplinary and functional, holistic approach is essential to maintain a healthy natural system. Scientists and managers are searching for measures to adapt the ecosystem in such a way that flood risk is decreased, harbour activities can further develop and nature is conserved. This literature review (including 286 publications) gives an overview of a broad range of management measures that are, or can be, applied for estuarine management, including measures to change hydrology, morphology, habitat, and water and sediment quality. Furthermore, the differences between the different management measures regarding its impact on ecosystem services and biodiversity are identified to detect which management measures can contribute to specific estuarine targets. By looking for trade-offs and synergies, opportunities to reduce management costs and increase benefits to society are revealed. This can help to develop an integrated management strategy among the many management departments and with respect to both ecological and socio-economic needs.

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