An approach based on M-AMBI for assessing benthic ecological status of a broad intertidal zone: A case study in the Jiangsu intertidal zone, China

Intensive anthropogenic activities have a serious negative effect on the Jiangsu coastal area of China, especially on the distinctive intertidal zone. Humans are trying to eliminate this effect by taking protection and eco-compensation measures. However, when trying to determine the ecological status and quantify the anthropogenic impact for this area, the complex relationship between ecosystems and environmental stress leads to difficulties in reflecting general environmental quality. This study assessed the benthic ecological status of 10 transects (three stations/transect) across six different typologies over six years (2007, 2009-2013) in the Jiangsu intertidal zone. A unitary assessment of each transect was conducted using the multivariate AZTI Marine Biotic Index (M-AMBI), along with a radar chart (and its parameters). In the Jiangsu intertidal zone, the ecological status was noted as good or moderate at most sampling stations. Among the six assessed years, 2010 had the highest ecological status, while 2007 had the lowest. As for transects, transect 1 had the highest ratings, and transect 3 had the lowest ratings. Various stresses and advantageous human intervention and contributed to the ecological status for the different areas. The M-AMBI could be used in the future as a suitable index to assess the benthic ecological status of the Jiangsu intertidal zone. In addition, the new unitary method validated in this study could be used to assess ecosystems with several small biotopes, while accurately reflecting environmental quality.