The Treasure Trove of Ecosystems: All About Tidal Flats

Tidal Flats

Tidal flats refer to coastal areas that are periodically submerged and exposed by the tides. They are typically composed of various sediments such as sand, mud, and rocks, and serve as a treasure trove of ecosystems and a buffer zone that protects against natural disasters.

Importance of Tidal Flats

First, tidal flats are a crucial component of the marine ecosystem. Numerous species inhabit these areas, and their interactions maintain a balanced ecosystem. Representative organisms include crustaceans such as clams, crabs, and shrimps, as well as fish and birds. These creatures serve as a food source for humans, significantly contributing to our diets, and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem.

Next, tidal flats act as a buffer zone against natural disasters. When natural disasters like floods or typhoons occur, tidal flats mitigate damage by reducing the flow of water. They also prevent coastal erosion and mitigate the effects of sea-level rise.

Finally, tidal flats possess significant value as a tourist attraction. Their beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife attract numerous tourists, and they serve as a platform for ecological education and research.

Diverse Members of the Tidal Flat Ecosystem

The tidal flat ecosystem is composed of a variety of members.

Among them, the most important members arebenthos.

Benthos refers toanimals that live on the seabed, primarily including crustaceans such as clams, crabs, and shrimps, as well as mollusks and annelids. They form the foundation of the tidal flat ecosystem's food chain and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the tidal flats by decomposing organic matter.

Another major component ishalophytes.

Halophytesare plants that thrive in saline soils, with representative species including Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Suaeda japonica. They stabilize the soil of tidal flats and absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation. They also produce oxygen through photosynthesis, supporting the respiration of surrounding organisms.

Fish and Birds

Fish feed on benthos or halophytes, while birds prey on benthos or fish. They circulate energy through the tidal flat ecosystem's food chain and contribute to maintaining ecological stability through population control.

Humans

Engage in various activities on tidal flats, such as harvesting seafood and enjoying recreational activities. However, if these activities become excessive, they can disrupt the balance of the tidal flat ecosystem, so caution is necessary.

Impact of Tidal Flats on the Global Environment

Tidal flats play a very important rolein the global environment.

• Tidal flats are carbon sinks:They absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide. The microorganisms, plants, and sediments residing in tidal flats absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into organic matter, which is then stored in the sediments. Through this process, tidal flats are estimated to absorb about 260,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. This is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted annually by approximately 200,000 cars, playing a significant role in mitigating global warming.
• Secondly, tidal flats contribute to water quality improvement:The microorganisms and benthos inhabiting tidal flats decompose and remove pollutants from the water, leading to improved water quality in coastal areas and maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. They also filter out sediments from rivers, protecting coastlines and minimizing damage from natural disasters such as storms and tsunamis.
• Tidal flats are habitats for diverse species:They play a vital role in conserving biodiversity. A variety of species, including seabirds, fish, crabs, and clams, inhabit these areas, interacting with each other to maintain the ecological balance. However, due to recent development and pollution of tidal flats, biodiversity has been declining, requiring countermeasures.

Economic Value and Utilization of Tidal Flats

Tidal flats hold various economic values.

• Source of fisheries resources:The diverse species inhabiting tidal flats serve as a source of fisheries resources, generating economic benefits through fishing activities. According to the Korea Maritime Institute, the value of fisheries products from domestic tidal flats reached 1.2926 trillion won in 2010.
• Value as a tourist industry:They are popular ecotourism destinations, attracting many tourists, which not only generates economic revenue but also contributes to the revitalization of local communities.The salt marshes along the coast of Georgia, USAare a well-known ecotourism destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and contributing significantly to the local economy.
• Various Uses:Tidal flats can be utilized in various ways, including salt production, aquaculture, and construction materials. High-quality sand or clay can be extracted and used as construction materials, salt can be produced in salt pans, and reclamation projects can convert tidal flats into agricultural or industrial land.

International Efforts for Tidal Flat Conservation

International cooperation and efforts are crucial for the preservation and sustainable use of tidal flats.

As part of this effort, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has been selecting and listing the ‘Top 100 Tidal Flats’ since 1998, striving to raise awareness about the importance and conservation value of tidal flats. The Ramsar Convention is also an international treaty for the protection of wetlands, adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and entered into force in 1975. Currently, 170 countries worldwide are parties to the Convention, and South Korea joined as the 101st member in 1997.

The South Korean government has also made efforts, including enacting the Wetland Conservation Act (1999), joining the Ramsar Convention (1997), and deciding to halt the Saemangeum Reclamation Project (2010). In July 2021, the Seocheon, Gochang, Shinan, and Boseong-Suncheon tidal flats were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sitesgaining international recognition for the value of tidal flats.