Summary
Ports play a central economic, social, and geopolitical role, particularly through international trade. In light of growing environmental concerns, they are emerging as key elements in decarbonisation and pollution control policies. Ports are also home to unique marine ecosystems that are relatively unknown.
This book explores the characteristics of marine habitats in ports, the ecological roles of ships, and the specific ecological and evolutionary dynamics of marine communities in ports. Particular attention is paid to non-native species, introduced by maritime activities, that are characteristic of these environments. The authors examine practical solutions to minimize ports’ impact on natural marine ecosystems, such as developing appropriate observation tools, ecological engineering, and leveraging port governance and user involvement.
This book is aimed at students, marine and environmental science researchers, port management stakeholders, and curious readers. It offers a unique exploration of marine habitats in ports. It contributes to the emerging field of urban marine ecology, a discipline that draws on a broader vision of ecology to study the complex interactions between the dynamics of natural systems and those of human societies.
Table of contents
General introduction. Why a book on port ecosystems?
Frédérique Viard, Hélène Rey-Valette, Marc Bouchoucha
Ports, witnesses to the evolution of human societies
The turning point in the call for sustainable development
Ports, at the heart of urban marine ecology
Purpose and organization of the book
Chapter 1. Specific characteristics of marine habitats in ports
Lucille Sevaux, Elliot Dreujou, Julie Carrière, Marc Bouchoucha
Port diversity
Physico-chemical characteristics of port areas
Non-indigenous species: important contributors to port biodiversity
In conclusion
Chapter 2. Beyond the docks: from globalization to biological invasions
Amélia Curd, Éric Foulquier
How ships connect the world
Maritimization and globalisation
Ships as floating habitats
Hubs
Ballast
Biofouling
The fight against biofouling
In conclusion
Chapter 3. Diversity, structure, and functioning of port ecosystems
Jean Charles Leclerc, Robin Gauff
Influence of the port habitat on ecological flows
Influence of the environment on interactions between species
Stability of port ecosystems: non-indigenous species as disruptive factors
Profile of port biodiversity: limited diversity and marked homogeneity?
In conclusion
Chapter 4. Ports: a melting pot of human-induced change
Frédérique Viard, Céline Reisser
Ports: unique environmentsconducive to the evolution of specific adaptations
Adaptive responses: from plasticity to genetic adaptations
Acclimatizing to port conditions
Ports as witnesses of contemporary adaptive evolution
Ports: a melting pot enabling genetic mixing and hybridization
In conclusion
Chapter 5. Methods and techniques for observing marine port ecosystems
Marie-Pierre Halm-Lemeille, Cécile Massé, Florence Menet, Audrey Bruneau
Environmental monitoring in port areas
Tools for monitoring and observation in port environments
Contribution of participatory and citizen science
In conclusion
Chapter 6. Ecological engineering in port areas
Marc Bouchoucha, Sylvain Pioch
Ports: a major pressure on marine ecosystems
Ecological engineering and restoration: the concepts
What kind of ecological engineering in port areas?
Successes and limitations of ecological engineering in port areas
Ecological engineering in port areas: a tool for compensation in the marine environment?
In conclusion
Chapter 7. Marine biodiversity: regulating uses and raising user awareness
Hélène Rey Valette, Florence Menet, Cécile Massé, Éric Foulquier, Coraline Jabouin
The “impact regulation” dimension
Incentives, awareness-raising, and dissemination of best practices
In conclusion
Chapter 8. Regulating non-indigenous species and conserving port biodiversity through good practices
Hélène Rey-Valette, Éric Foulquier, Lucille Sevaux
Perceptions of ports and awareness of environmental impacts
Impacts on non-indigenous species as a function of port size and type
Environmental impacts associated with user practices
In conclusion
General conclusion
Frédérique Viard, Hélène Rey-Valette, Marc Bouchoucha
Bibliography
Glossary
List of abbreviations
List of authors
Image credits
