Functions and roles of tidal flats
Tidal flats, richer in nutrients than other natural areas due to the endless influx of organism from rivers, land and the sea, provide a good environment for a variety of species, including plankton, lugworms, crabs, shrimp and fish, as well as serve as an ideal habitat for birds to breed and grow.
First, tidal flats are habitats for living organisms.
Tidal flats have been proven to have a higher productivity than tropical rain forests or coral reef waters, which are generally known to be among the most productive environments on earth. Tidal flats also contribute to the stability of the entire ecosystem by providing various habitats and rich nutrients, whereby young organisms can become new members of the marine ecosystem. In particular, they are important stopping points for migratory birds to rest and feed.
Second, tidal flats have a purifying function.
Absorption and decomposition carried out by plants, microalgae and microorganisms living in tidal flats contribute to the primary purification of external contaminants. The ability of microorganisms living in a 1㎢ mud flat to absorb and decompose is known to be equal to the organism treatment capacity of an urban sewage treatment plant. Moreover, 500 lugworms can purify about 2㎏ of human excrement per day.
Third, tidal flats play a natural disaster prevention and climate regulation role.
Tidal flats, as an intermediary connecting sea and land, reduce damage to inland areas by controlling floods and reducing the impact of typhoons. Salt-tolerant plants like reeds fasten the soil with their roots to prevent erosion of coastal landforms and soil loss, with their stems and leaves serving to block wind. Seaside wet lands prevent coastal erosion and reduce storm damage to inland areas.
Fourth, tidal flats have a cultural and aesthetic function
Tidal flats provide a great educational environment for experiencing nature through studying and observing salt-tolerant plants, benthos and migratory birds. They can also serve as a space for resting, tourism or leisure activities. The wide expanse of tidal flats and reed fields helps to provide mental health benefits by giving comfort to people suffering amid the complexities of urban life.