The influence of landscape ecological pattern changes of tidal flat on fish community in the coastal area

Tidal flats, a vital coastal wetland habitat in the land-sea transition zone, serve as breeding grounds, nurseries, and habitats for numerous estuarine and offshore fish species. Moreover, they play an indispensable role in maintaining fish biodiversity. Regrettably, the cumulative impacts of intensive human activities and climate change have significantly disrupted the landscape structure and functionality of tidal flats. This has led to the degradation of fish habitats and an even more severe loss of suitable living environments for fish populations. Despite the importance of understanding these dynamics, in-depth research into the changing ecological patterns within the coastal zone and their implications for fish communities remains limited. Jiangsu Province, a pivotal development hub within China's Yangtze River Delta region, is endowed with rich tidal flat resources and a densely populated area. To address the knowledge gap, this study aimed to leverage remote sensing imagery of Jiangsu’s coastal zone to extract landscape distribution data. By constructing an ecological security evaluation framework, we comprehensively analyzed the landscape ecological patterns of tidal flats. Additionally, we employed advanced techniques such as ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and high-throughput sequencing to explore fish diversity characteristics. Integrating these with multi-source data analysis and model simulations, we sought to uncover the intricate relationships between landscape ecological patterns and fish biodiversity characteristics in the coastal zone. The findings were consistent with previous research on the thermophilic ratio of fish communities in the southern Yellow Sea and the offshore areas of Jiangsu. In different landscape ecological pattern groups, spatial heterogeneity was evident in the composition and relative abundance of fish species. When it comes to the protection of tidal flats, it is essential to consider not only the area changes in a specific region but also the structure and function of these areas. Integrating the results of the analysis on tidal flat ecological patterns and fish diversity, preventive, proactive restoration, and rehabilitative measures should be implemented to safeguard and manage coastal areas. Ultimately, this research endeavors to deepen our scientific understanding of the role of fishery resources in the sustainable development of the coastal zone. Based on our findings, we proposed targeted recommendations for the conservation and management of the coastal zone's spatial pattern, thereby contributing to the long-term health and resilience of this critical ecosystem.