Functional and structural indicators to evaluate the conservation state of coastland wetlands in the south of Tamaulipas

Abstract

Sound management of coastal zones depends on assessment tools capable to detect degradation processes in wetlands and other strategic ecosystems. Several functional (decomposition process) and structural (fish community) indicators were evaluated simultaneously on eight coastal wetlands of contrasting characteristics and different origin and intensity of disturbances affecting them. Those indicators that best discriminated between sites were selected for continued evaluation of the same wetlands. Ecological correspondence between structural and functional indicators was not confirmed in all sites owing to the use of both kinds of indicators for a better assessment. This contribution shows the importance of the simultaneous use of structural and functional indicators to detect both degradation and recuperation of these aquatic ecosystems.