Metabolisme ecosistèmic i l’estat ecològic en llacunes costaneres

Abstract

Coastal lagoons are biodiversity cores and play an important ecological role. Many of these are found in areas with high anthropic pressure and are consequently highly threatened. Thus, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of these ecosystems, as well as to have ecological quality indicators to be able to track and apply a suitable management. We study three coastal lagoons of the Baix Ter (NE Iberian Peninsula): Basses d'en Coll, Rec del Molí and Ter Vell with the main objective to understand their dynamics. In addition, determine whether the use of metabolism is suitable as an indicator of ecological quality. The results show an unlike behaviour of the three lagoons due to differences in aspects such as water flow or disturbances that require separate analysis of each pond. Accordingly, it is observed that Basses d'en Coll, dynamics are determined by the water inputs that generate a "flushing effect" improving the ecological quality. Rec de Molí, on the other hand, operates as a channel rather than a lagoon, and the ecological quality is determined by the nutrient inputs. Finally, Ter Vell dynamics responds to the floodingconfinement pattern, therefore, the weather conditions are what determine its ecological status. It is considered that the use of metabolic rates as an ecological quality indicator is not suitable if other factors that condition the lagoon dynamics are not taken into account