Ecology and Conservation of Estuarine Ecosystems
Lake St Lucia as a Global Model

An integrated synthesis of scientific knowledge and management information concerning the world's first protected, and Africa's largest, estuarine system.

Renzo Perissinotto (Edited by), Derek D. Stretch (Edited by), Ricky H. Taylor (Edited by)

9781107019751, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 May 2013

511 pages, 80 b/w illus. 80 colour illus.
25.3 x 19.3 x 2.7 cm, 1.27 kg

'Ecology and Conservation of Estuarine Systems provides an excellent over-view of this particular estuary and of the biodiversity conservation issues facing many other estuaries in diverse parts of the world.' Ellen Wohl, Biological Conservation

St Lucia is the world's oldest protected estuary and Africa's largest estuarine system. It is also the centerpiece of South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and has been a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 1986. Knowledge of its biodiversity, geological origins, hydrology, hydrodynamics and the long history of management is unique in the world. However, the impact of global change has culminated in unprecedented challenges for the conservation and management of the St Lucia system, leading to the recent initiation of a project in support of its rehabilitation and long-term sustainability. This timely volume provides a unique source of information on the functioning and management of the estuary for researchers, students and environmental managers. The insights and experiences described build on over 60 years of study and management at the site and will serve as a valuable model for similar estuaries around the world.

List of contributors
Foreword Alan Whitfield
Preface
1. South Africa's first World Heritage Site Roger N. Porter
2. Management history Ricky H. Taylor
3. Geological history Greg A. Botha, Sylvi Haldorsen and Naomi Porat
4. The marine environment Allan D. Connell and Sean N. Porter
5. Catchment hydrology Derek D. Stretch and Andrew Z. Maro
6. The Wetlands William N. Ellery, Suzanne E. Grenfell, Michael C. Grenfell, Marc S. Humphries and Kirsten B. Barnes
7. Estuary and lake hydrodynamics Derek D. Stretch, Clint P. Chrystal, Robynne A. Chrystal, Christopher Maine and Justin J. Pringle
8. Groundwater hydrology Bruce E. Kelbe, Ricky H. Taylor and Sylvi Haldorsen
9. Physico-chemical environment Renzo Perissinotto, Nicola K. Carrasco and Ricky H. Taylor
10. Microalgae Renzo Perissinotto, Guy C. Bate and David G. Muir
11. Macrophytes Janine B. Adams, Sibulele Nondoda and Ricky H. Taylor
12. Benthic invertebrates Deena Pillay, Sarah J. Bownes and Holly A. Nel
13. Zooplankton Nicola K. Carrasco, Renzo Perissinotto and Hendrik L. Jerling
14. Penaeid prawns Anthony T. Forbes and Nicolette T. Forbes
15. Fish and fisheries Digby Cyrus
16. Birds Jane Turpie, Ricky H. Taylor, Meyrick Bowker and Caroline Fox
17. Crocodiles Xander Combrink, Jonathan Warner and Colleen T. Downs
18. Hippopotamuses Ricky H. Taylor
19. Alien and invasive species Nelson A. F. Miranda and Janine B. Adams
20. Food webs and ecosystem functioning Ursula M. Scharler and Fiona C. MacKay
21. Climate change impacts Andrew A. Mather, Derek D. Stretch and Andrew Z. Maro
References
Appendix: web page database, 1900–2010 Nuette Gordon
Index.

Subject Areas: Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH], Conservation of the environment [RNK], Environmental management [RNF], Applied ecology [RNC]