On October 8, the Biodiversity Research Institute of Taiwan’s agricultural department shared some troubling findings regarding the coastal mudflats of Taiwan. They revealed that over the past century, these vital areas have suffered a staggering 58% loss due to rampant human development, a rate significantly higher than the global average. This ongoing decline poses serious threats to marine ecosystems and overall biodiversity.
In a recent study published in the prestigious journal “Wetlands,” the research team meticulously analyzed historical maps and satellite imagery to track the changes affecting Taiwan’s western coastal mudflats over nearly a century. They identified three distinct phases in this transformation: from 1920 to 1950, the mudflats experienced natural growth; during the period from 1950 onward, artificial development began to take a toll on these lands; and by 2010, nearly 58% of the mudflats had disappeared.
The researchers pointed out that the construction of reservoirs and dams has blocked upstream rivers, preventing them from naturally replenishing sediments and stifling natural growth. Furthermore, existing mudflats have been filled to make way for fisheries, agriculture, and even industrial or port developments, resulting in habitats increasingly dominated by artificial structures.
Today, the remaining relatively intact mudflats can be found in areas such as the Changhua Hanbao Wetland, Fangyuan Wetland, and Dachen Wetland near the Zoushui River mouth. These locations play a crucial role as energy supply stations for migratory birds, hosting a rich diversity of invertebrate species and providing essential foraging grounds for various waterfowl.
According to reports from the Central News Agency and United News Network, the institute referenced research from Australia that found a 16% global loss of mudflats from 1984 to 2016. By the close of the 20th century, rapid economic and industrial growth in Asia contributed to significantly higher rates of coastal mudflat loss, severely threatening the survival of migratory waterbirds.
In light of these findings, the research team is urging all sectors in Taiwan to reconsider land use planning in coastal regions, with the aim of minimizing the loss of natural habitats like mudflats and contributing to broader global biodiversity conservation efforts.
