Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Emu Emu Society
Journal of BirdLife Australia
REVIEW

Shorebirds along the Yellow Sea coast of China face an uncertain future – a review of threats

David S. Melville A C , Ying Chen B and Zhijun Ma B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A 1261 Dovedale Road, RD2 Wakefield, Nelson 7096, New Zealand.

B Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.

C Corresponding author. Email: david.melville@xtra.co.nz

Emu 116(2) 100-110 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU15045
Submitted: 27 April 2015  Accepted: 29 September 2015   Published: 17 February 2016

Abstract

Wetlands along the Yellow Sea coast of China, which are a major staging area for shorebirds in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, are in a state of crisis that threatens the future of this migration system. Populations of many shorebirds in the Flyway have declined in recent decades at a time when there has been widespread loss of habitat and degradation of coastal wetlands around the Yellow Sea. Here we examine current threats to coastal wetlands along China’s Yellow Sea coast based on field surveys in 2013 and 2014 and a review of the literature. Intertidal habitats have been lost to land claim or degraded through aquaculture and harvesting, as well as gross pollution and invasion of exotic Spartina, all of which have negatively affected shorebird foraging, roosting and breeding sites. Planned further development, if unchecked, will result in the loss of most of the remaining intertidal area, which is likely to result in calamitous declines in populations of many shorebirds. There is a need for immediate action to curb future land claim and to develop an integrated coastal management strategy. Further research on applied aspects of shorebird ecology is urgently needed to inform future policy development and decision making.

Additional keywords: aquaculture, conservation, land claim, migration, waders, wetlands.


References

Amano, T., Székely, T., Koyama, K., Amano, H., and Sutherland, W. J. (2010). A framework for monitoring the status of populations: an example from wader populations in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Biological Conservation 143, 2238–2247.
A framework for monitoring the status of populations: an example from wader populations in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Anon. (2007). ‘The People’s Republic of China. National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.’ Available at http://www.pops.int/documents/implementation/nips/submissions/China_NIP_En.pdf [Verified 26 April 2015].

Anon. (2009). State firms, govt behind illegal sea reclamation. China Daily 23 June 2009. Available at http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-06/23/content_8311114.htm [Verified 26 April 2015].

Anon. (2010). North Korea completes biggest ever tideland reclamation project. North Korea Newsletter 114 (8 July 2010). Available at http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2010/07/07/32/0401000000AEN20100707006400325F.HTML [Verified 26 April 2015].

Anon. (2013). ‘Economic Overview of Jiangsu Province.’ (Netherlands Business Support Office: Nanjing, China.)

Anon. (2014). China aquaculture industry report, 2014–2017. Available at http://www.reportstack.com/product/161687/china-aquaculture-industry-report-2014-2017.html?src=whatech [Verified 26 April 2015].

Anon. (2015a). International energy data and analysis – China. US Energy Information Administration. Available at http://www.eia.gov/beta/international/analysis_includes/countries_long/China/china.pdf [Verified 20 July 2015].

Anon. (2015b). Jiangsu Rudong offshore (intertidal) wind farm, China. Available at http://www.power-technology.com/projects/jiangsu-rudong-offshore-intertidal-wind-farm/ [Verified 26 April 2015].

Anon. (2015c). Tianjin attracts 2.27 million tourists during Labour Day holiday. Available at http://www.exploringtianjin.com/2015-05/04/content_20628636.htm [Verified 12 July 2015].

Anon. (2015d). China and New Zealand further strengthen cooperative efforts to protect migratory birds. Available at http://www.chinaembassy.org.nz/eng/zxgxs/t1274221.htm [Verified 22 July 2015]

Anon. (2015e). Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on further promoting the development of ecological civilization. Available at http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2015-05/06/nw.D110000renmrb_20150506_3-01.htm [Verified 18 July 2015]. [In Chinese]

Anon. (2015f). Integrated reform plan for promoting ecological progress. Available at http://english.gov.cn/policies/latest_releases/2015/09/22/content_281475195492066.htm [Verified 9 December 2015]

Australian Government (2015a). Conservation Advice Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper. Available at http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/856-conservation-advice.pdf [Verified 17 July 2015].

Australian Government (2015b). Conservation Advice Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew. Available at http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/847-conservation-advice.pdf [Verified 17 July 2015].

Bai, Q. Q., Chen, J. Z., Chen, Z. H., Dong, G. T., Dong, J. T., Dong, W. X., Fu, Y. Q., Han, Y. X., Lu, G., Li, J., Liu, Y., Lin, Z., Meng, D. R., Martinez, J., Ni, G. H., Shan, K., Sun, R. J., Tian, S. X., Wang, F. Q., Xu, Z. W., Yu, R. D., Yang, J., Yang, Z. D., Zhang, L., Zhang, M., and Zeng, X. W. (2015). Identification of coastal wetlands of international importance for waterbirds: a review of China Coastal Waterbird Surveys 2005–2013. Avian Research 6, 12.
Identification of coastal wetlands of international importance for waterbirds: a review of China Coastal Waterbird Surveys 2005–2013.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barter, M. (2002). ‘Shorebirds of the Yellow Sea: Importance, Threats and Conservation Status.’ Wetlands International Global Series 9, International Wader Studies 12. (Wetlands International – Oceania: Canberra, ACT.)

Battley, P. F., Warnock, N., Tibbitts, T. L., Gill, R. E., Piersma, T., Hassell, C. J., Douglas, D. C., Mulcahy, D. M., Gartrell, B. D., Schuckard, R., Melville, D. S., and Riegen, A. C. (2012). Contrasting extreme long-distance migration patterns in Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica. Journal of Avian Biology 43, 21–32.
Contrasting extreme long-distance migration patterns in Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

CCICED (2010). Ecosystem issues and policy options addressing sustainable development of China’s ocean and coast. CCICED Task Force report. China Council for International Cooperation on the Environment and Development: Beijing. Available at http://content.lib.sfu.ca/cdm/ref/collection/cciced/id/1292 [Verified 26 April 2015].

CCICED (2014). Institutional innovation of eco-environmental redlining. CCICED special policy study report. China Council for International Cooperation on the Environment and Development: Beijing. Available at http://www.cciced.net/encciced/policyresearch/report/201504/P020150413498396634058.pdf [Verified 23 April 2015].

Cha, M. C. (2015). Production picks up in economic sectors. Pyongyang Times 18, 3.

Chen, L. F., and Zhang, Y. (2011). Analysis of the evolution on tidal flat and their reasons in Dongsha based on remote sensing. In ‘2011 IEEE International Conference on Spatial Data Mining and Geographical Knowledge Services’, 29 June–1 July 2011, Fuzhou, China. pp. 557–561. Available at http://toc.proceedings.com/12259webtoc.pdf [Verified 10 December 2015].

Cheng, T. H. (1976). ‘Distributional List of Chinese birds.’ (Science Press: Beijing.) [In Chinese]

Cheng, T. H. (1987). ‘A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China.’ (Science Press: Beijing.)

Choi, C. Y., Gan, X. J., Hua, N., Wang, Y., and Ma, Z. J. (2014a). The habitat use and home range analysis of Dunlin (Calidris alpina) in Chongming Dongtan, China and their conservation implications. Wetlands 34, 255–266.
The habitat use and home range analysis of Dunlin (Calidris alpina) in Chongming Dongtan, China and their conservation implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Choi, C. Y., Battley, P. F., Potter, M. A., Ma, Z. J., and Liu, W. L. (2014b). Factors affecting the distribution patterns of benthic invertebrates at a major shorebird staging site in the Yellow Sea, China. Wetlands 34, 1085–1096.
Factors affecting the distribution patterns of benthic invertebrates at a major shorebird staging site in the Yellow Sea, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Choi, C. Y., Battley, P. F., Potter, M. A., Rogers, K. G., and Ma, Z. J. (2015). The importance of Yalu Jiang coastal wetland in the north Yellow Sea to Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica and Great Knots Calidris tenuirostris during northward migration. Bird Conservation International 25, 53–70.
The importance of Yalu Jiang coastal wetland in the north Yellow Sea to Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica and Great Knots Calidris tenuirostris during northward migration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clark, N., Pain, D., and Green, R. (2015). Back from the brink? An update on the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Calidris pygmaea conservation programme. BirdingASIA 22, 22–29.

Conklin, J. R., Verkuil, Y. I., and Smith, B. R. (2014). ‘Prioritizing Migratory Shorebirds for Conservation Action on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.’ (WWF Hong Kong: Hong Kong.)

Conklin, J. R., Lok, T., Melville, D. S., Riegen, A. C., Schuckard, R., Piersma, T., and Battley, P. F. (2016). Declining adult survival of New Zealand Bar-tailed Godwits during 2005–2012 despite apparent population stability. Emu 116, 147–157.
Declining adult survival of New Zealand Bar-tailed Godwits during 2005–2012 despite apparent population stability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dai, Z. J., Liu, J. T., Wei, W., and Chen, J. Y. (2014). Detection of the Three Gorges Dam influence on the Changjiang (Yangtze River) submerged delta. Scientific Reports 4, 6600.
Detection of the Three Gorges Dam influence on the Changjiang (Yangtze River) submerged delta.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

David, A., and Oustalet, E. (1877). ‘Les Oiseaux de la Chine.’ (G. Masson: Paris.)

Ding, Z. W., Zhang, S. P., Bai, H., Xue, D. Q., and Zhou, X. S. (2011). Identification of the beginning of the sea-fog season over Yellow Sea and its annual variation. Periodical of Ocean University China 41, 11–18.

Dirksen, S., van der Winden, J., and Spaans, A. L. (1998). Nocturnal collision risks of birds with wind turbines in tidal and semi-offshore areas. In ‘Wind Energy and Landscape’. (Eds C. F. Ratto and G. Solari.) pp. 99–108. (Balkema: Rotterdam.)

Du, K., Wei, M., Xu, X. Z., and Xiang, Y. (2011). Feature analysis of fog concentration and climatic tendency of Jiangsu Province. Journal of Meteorological Sciences 31, 632–638.

Esteves, L. S. (2013). Is managed realignment a sustainable long-term coastal management approach? Journal of Coastal Research Special Issue 65, 933–938.

Feng, L., He, J., Ai, J.Y., Sun, X., Bian, F.Y., and Zhu, X.D. (2015). Evaluation for coastal reclamation feasibility using a comprehensive hydrodynamic framework: a case study of Haizhou Bay. Marine Pollution Bulletin 100, 182–190.
Evaluation for coastal reclamation feasibility using a comprehensive hydrodynamic framework: a case study of Haizhou Bay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26364204PubMed |

Flegel, T. W., Lightener, D. V., Lo, C. F., and Owens, L. (2008). Shrimp disease control: past present and future. In ‘Diseases in Asian Aquaculture VI’. (Eds M. G. Bondad-Reantaso, C. V. Mohan, M. Crumlish and R. P. Subasinghe.) pp. 355–378. (Fish Health Section, Asian Fisheries Society: Manila, Philippines.)

Gan, X. J., Cai, Y. T., Choi, C. Y., Ma, Z. J., Chen, J. K., and Li, B. (2009). Potential impacts of invasive Smooth Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora spread on bird communities at Chongming Dongtan, a Chinese wetland of international importance. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 83, 211–218.
Potential impacts of invasive Smooth Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora spread on bird communities at Chongming Dongtan, a Chinese wetland of international importance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gao, J. H., Gao, S., Cheng, Y., Dong, L. Z., and Zhang, J. (2003). Sediment transport in Yalu River estuary. Chinese Geographical Science 13, 157–163.
Sediment transport in Yalu River estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gao, X. L., Zhou, F. X., and Chen, C. T. A. (2014). Pollution status of the Bohai Sea: an overview of the environmental quality assessment related trace metals. Environment International 62, 12–30.
Pollution status of the Bohai Sea: an overview of the environmental quality assessment related trace metals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ge, Z. M., Zhou, X., Wang, T. H., Wang, K. Y., Pei, E. L., and Yuan, X. (2009). Effects of vegetative cover changes on the carrying capacity of migratory shorebirds in a newly formed wetland, Yangtze River estuary, China. Zoological Studies 48, 769–779.

Gill, R. E., Douglas, D. C., Handell, C. M., Tibbitts, T. L., Hufford, G., and Piersma, T. (2014). Hemispheric-scale wind selection facilitates Bar-tailed Godwit circum-migration of the Pacific. Animal Behaviour 90, 117–130.
Hemispheric-scale wind selection facilitates Bar-tailed Godwit circum-migration of the Pacific.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Guo, K., Zhao, W., Wang, S., and Dong, S. L. (2014). Study of food web structure and trophic level in the sea ponds of an optimized culture model (jellyfish–shellfish–fish–prawn). Aquaculture International 22, 1783–1791.
Study of food web structure and trophic level in the sea ponds of an optimized culture model (jellyfish–shellfish–fish–prawn).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hansen, B. D., Menkhorst, P., Moloney, P., and Loyn, R. H. (2015). Long-term declines in multiple waterbird species in a tidal embayment, south-east Australia. Austral Ecology 40, 515–527.
Long-term declines in multiple waterbird species in a tidal embayment, south-east Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

He, Q., Bertness, M. D., Bruno, J. F., Li, B., Chen, G. Q., Coverdale, T. C., Altieri, A. H., Bai, J. H., Sun, T., Pennings, S. C., Liu, J. G., Ehrlich, P. R., and C‘ui, B. S. (2014). Economic development and coastal ecosystem change in China. Scientific Reports 4, 5995.
Economic development and coastal ecosystem change in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25104138PubMed |

Honkavuori, K. S., Briese, T., Krauss, S., Sanchez, M. D., Jain, K., Hutchison, S. K., Webster, R. G., and Lipkin, W. I. (2014). Novel coronavirus and astrovirus in Delaware Bay shorebirds. PLoS ONE 9, e93395.
Novel coronavirus and astrovirus in Delaware Bay shorebirds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24699424PubMed |

Hu, W. Y., Eang, T. Y., Khim, J. S., Luo, W., Jiao, W. T., Lu, Y. L., Naile, J. E., Chen, C. L., Zhang, X., and Giesy, J. P. (2010). HCH and DDT in sediments from marine and adjacent riverine areas of North Bohai Sea, China. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 59, 71–79.
HCH and DDT in sediments from marine and adjacent riverine areas of North Bohai Sea, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hu, M. Y., Li, J., Zhang, B. B., Cui, Q. L., Wei, S., and Yu, H. X. (2014). Regional distribution of halogenated organophosphate flame retardants in seawater samples from three coastal cities in China. Marine Pollution Bulletin 86, 569–574.
Regional distribution of halogenated organophosphate flame retardants in seawater samples from three coastal cities in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hua, N., Piersma, T., and Ma, Z. J. (2013). Three-phase fuel deposition in a long-distance migrant, the Red Knot (Calidris canutus piersmai), before the flight to the high Arctic. PLoS ONE 8, e62551.
Three-phase fuel deposition in a long-distance migrant, the Red Knot (Calidris canutus piersmai), before the flight to the high Arctic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23638114PubMed |

Hua, N., Tan, K., Chen, Y., and Ma, Z. J. (2015). Key research issues concerning the conservation of migratory shorebirds in the Yellow Sea region. Bird Conservation International 25, 38–52.
Key research issues concerning the conservation of migratory shorebirds in the Yellow Sea region.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Krauss, S., Stallknecht, D. E., Negovetich, N. J., Niles, L. J., Webby, R. J., and Webster, R. G. (2010). Coincident Ruddy Turnstone migration and horseshoe crab spawning creates an ecological ‘hot spot’ for influenza viruses. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London – B. Biological Sciences 277, 3373–3379.
Coincident Ruddy Turnstone migration and horseshoe crab spawning creates an ecological ‘hot spot’ for influenza viruses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kuenzer, C., Ottinger, M., Liu, G. H., Sun, B., Baumhauer, R., and Desch, S. (2014). Earth observation-based coastal zone monitoring of the Yellow River delta: dynamics in China’s second largest oil producing region over four decades. Applied Geography 55, 92–107.
Earth observation-based coastal zone monitoring of the Yellow River delta: dynamics in China’s second largest oil producing region over four decades.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kuwae, T., Miyoshi, E., Hosokawa, S., Ichimi, K., Hosoya, J., Amano, T., Moriya, T., Kondoh, M., Ydenberg, R. C., and Elner, R. W. (2012). Variable and complex food web structures revealed missing trophic links between birds and biofilm. Ecology Letters 15, 347–356.
Variable and complex food web structures revealed missing trophic links between birds and biofilm.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22304245PubMed |

La Touche, J. D. D. (1931–34). ‘A Handbook of the Birds of Eastern China. Vol. II.’ (Taylor and Francis: London.)

Li, G. (2014). Drawing a red line for ecological protection. Qiushi Journal 6, .

Li, D. L., Chen, S. H., Guan, L., Lloyd, H., Liu, Y. L., Lv, J. Z., and Zhang, Z. W. (2011). Patterns of waterbird community composition across a natural and restored wetland landscape mosaic, Yellow River Delta, China. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 91, 325–332.
Patterns of waterbird community composition across a natural and restored wetland landscape mosaic, Yellow River Delta, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li, W. H., Shi, Y. L., Gao, J. M., and Cai, Y. Q. (2012). Investigation of antibiotics in molluscs from coastal waters in the Bohai Sea of China. Environmental Pollution 162, 56–62.
Investigation of antibiotics in molluscs from coastal waters in the Bohai Sea of China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu, X., Meng, R. L., Xing, Q. G., Lou, M. J., Chao, H., and Bing, L. (2015a). Assessing oil spill risk in the Chinese Bohai Sea: a case study for both ship and platform related oil spills. Ocean and Coastal Management 108, 140–146.
Assessing oil spill risk in the Chinese Bohai Sea: a case study for both ship and platform related oil spills.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu, G. B., Sun, J. C., and Liu, S. L. (2015b). From fisheries toward aquaculture. In ‘The Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. History, Biology and Aquaculture’. (Eds H. S. Yang, J. F. Hemel and A. Mercier.) pp. 25–36. (Academic Press: London.)

Lu, X., McElroy, M. B., Chen, X. Y., and Kang, C. Q. (2014). Opportunity for offshore wind to reduce future demand for coal-fired power plants in China with consequent savings in emissions of CO2. Environmental Science & Technology 48, 14764–14771.
Opportunity for offshore wind to reduce future demand for coal-fired power plants in China with consequent savings in emissions of CO2.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Luo, W., Lu, Y. L., Wag, T. Y., Hu, W. Y., Jiao, W. T., Naile, J. E., Khim, J. S., and Giesy, J. P. (2010). Ecological risk assessment of arsenic and metals in sediments of coastal areas of northern Bohai and Yellow Seas, China. Ambio 39, 367–375.
Ecological risk assessment of arsenic and metals in sediments of coastal areas of northern Bohai and Yellow Seas, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21053720PubMed |

Ma, M. R., Zhang, T., Blank, D., Ding, P., and Zhao, X. M. (2012). Geese and ducks killed by poison and analysis of poaching cases in China. Goose Bulletin 15, 2–11.

Ma, Z. J., Melville, D. S., Liu, J. G., Chen, Y., Yang, H. Y., Ren, W. W., Zhang, Z. W., Piersma, T., and Li, B. (2014). Rethinking China’s new great wall. Science 346, 912–914.
Rethinking China’s new great wall.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

MacKinnon, J. R., Verkuil, Y. I., and Murray, N. (2012). IUCN situation analysis on East and Southeast Asian coastal habitats, with particular reference to the Yellow Sea (including the Bohai Sea). Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 47. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, UK.

Martinez, J., and Lewthwaite, R. (2013). Rampant shorebird trapping threatens Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus in south-west Guangdong, China. BirdingASIA 19, 26–30.

Melville, D. S. (1997). Threats to waders along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. In ‘Shorebird Conservation in the Asia–Pacific Region’. (Ed. P. Straw.) pp. 15–34. (Australasian Wader Studies Group: Melbourne.)

Melville, D. S. (2015). Tianjin’s tragic explosions highlight risks to the coastal environment from China’s expanding chemical industries. Wader Study 122, 85–86.

Milliman, J. D., and Meade, R. H. (1983). World-wide delivery of river sediment to the ocean. Journal of Geology 91, 1–21.
World-wide delivery of river sediment to the ocean.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Murray, N. J., and Fuller, R. A. (2015). Protecting stopover habitat for migratory shorebirds in East Asia. Journal of Ornithology 156, 217–225.
Protecting stopover habitat for migratory shorebirds in East Asia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Murray, N. J., Clemens, R. S., Rhinn, S. R., Possingham, H. P., and Fuller, R. A. (2014). Tracking the rapid loss of tidal wetlands in the Yellow Sea. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 12, 267–272.
Tracking the rapid loss of tidal wetlands in the Yellow Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Murray, N. J., Ma, Z. J., and Fuller, R. A. (2015). Tidal flats of the Yellow Sea: a review of ecosystem status and anthropogenic threats. Austral Ecology 40, 472–481.
Tidal flats of the Yellow Sea: a review of ecosystem status and anthropogenic threats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Peng, H. B., Choi, C. Y., Jia, N., Melville, D. S., Tan, K., He, P., Chen, Y., and Ma, Z. J. (2014). A perfect storm? The decrease of Great Knot food at Yalu Jiang coastal wetland in the Yellow Sea, China. Presentation at the Australasian Shorebird Conference, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, 20–21 September 2014.

Piersma, T., Lok, T., Chen, Y., Hassell, C., Yang, H. Y., Boyle, A., Slaymaker, M., Chan, Y. C., Melville, D. S., Zhang, Z. W., and Ma, Z. J. (2016). Simultaneous declines in summer survival of three shorebird species signals a flyway at risk. Journal of Applied Ecology , .
Simultaneous declines in summer survival of three shorebird species signals a flyway at risk.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Qi, Z. H., Zhang, X. H., Boon, N., and Bossier, P. (2009). Probiotics in aquaculture in China – current state, problems and prospect. Aquaculture 290, 15–21.
Probiotics in aquaculture in China – current state, problems and prospect.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Riegen, A. C., Vaughan, G. R., and Rogers, K. G. (2014). Yalu Jiang estuary shorebird survey report 1999–2010. Yalu Jiang Estuary National Nature Reserve, China, and Miranda Naturalists’ Trust, NZ.

Riegen, A., Melville, D. S., Woodley, K., Ju, S. I., Kim, S. H., Pak, S. I., and Pak, U. (). Shorebird survey of the Onchon County coast of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea May 2015. Stilt , .

Roberts, D. A., Johnston, E. L., and Knott, N. A. (2010). Impacts of desalination plant discharges on the marine environment: a critical review of published studies. Water Research 44, 5117–5128.
Impacts of desalination plant discharges on the marine environment: a critical review of published studies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20633919PubMed |

Rogers, D. I., Yang, H. Y., Hassell, C. J., Boyle, A. N., Rogers, K. G., Chen, B., Zhang, Z. W., and Piersma, T. (2010). Red Knots (Calidris canutus piersmai and C.c. rogersi) depend on a small threatened staging area in Bohai Bay, China. Emu 110, 307–313.
Red Knots (Calidris canutus piersmai and C.c. rogersi) depend on a small threatened staging area in Bohai Bay, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rogers, D. I., Hassell, C. J., Boyle, A., Gosbell, K., Minton, C., Rogers, K. G., and Clarke, R. H. (2011). Shorebirds of the Kimberley coast – populations, key sites, trends and threats. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 94, 377–391.

Seto, K. C., Güneralp, B., and Hutyra, L. R. (2012). Global forecasts of urban expansion to 2030 and direct impacts on biodiversity and carbon pools. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 109, 16083–16088.
Global forecasts of urban expansion to 2030 and direct impacts on biodiversity and carbon pools.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22988086PubMed |

Shaw, T.H. (1936). The birds of Hopei Province. Zoologica Sinica Series B 15, 1–974.

Styan, F. W. (1891). On the birds of the Lower Yangtse basin. Ibis 6, 481–510.

Sun, Z. G., Sun, W. G., Tong, C., Zeng, C. S., Yu, X., and Mou, X. J. (2015). China’s coastal wetlands: conservation history, implementation efforts, existing issues and strategies for future improvement. Environment International 79, 25–41.
China’s coastal wetlands: conservation history, implementation efforts, existing issues and strategies for future improvement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Swinhoe, R. (1871). A revised catalogue of the birds of China and its islands, with descriptions of new species, references to former notes, and occasional remarks. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 22, 337–423.

Tian, X. W. (2001). Deng Xiaoping’s Nanxun: impact on China’s regional development. In ‘The Nanxun Legacy and China’s Development in the Post-Deng era’. (Eds J. Wong and Y. N. Zheng.) pp. 75–92. (Singapore University Press: Singapore.)

Tomkovich, P. S., Porter, R. R., Loktionov, E. Y., and Niles, L. J. (2013). Pathways and staging areas of Red Knots Calidris canutus rogersi breeding in southern Chukotka, far eastern Russia. Wader Study Group Bulletin 120, 181–193.

Tong, S. Q., Song, N. Q., Yan, H. K., and Fu, Q. (2014). Management measures and recommendations in improving the Bohai Sea environment over the last quarter century. Ocean and Coastal Management 91, 80–87.
Management measures and recommendations in improving the Bohai Sea environment over the last quarter century.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vézina, F., Williams, T. D., Piersma, T., and Morrison, R. I. G. (2012). Phenotypic compromises in a long-distance migrant along the transition from migration to reproduction in the High Arctic. Functional Ecology 26, 500–512.
Phenotypic compromises in a long-distance migrant along the transition from migration to reproduction in the High Arctic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, Y., and Aubrey, D. G. (1987). The characteristics of the Chinese coastline. Continental Shelf Research 7, 329–349.
The characteristics of the Chinese coastline.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, F., and Wall, G. (2010). Mudflat development in Jiangsu Province, China: practices and experiences. Ocean and Coastal Management 53, 691–699.
Mudflat development in Jiangsu Province, China: practices and experiences.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, W., Liu, H., Li, L. Q., and Su, J. L. (2014). Development and management of land reclamation in China. Ocean and Coastal Management 102, 415–425.
Development and management of land reclamation in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Watts, J. (2011). Can the sea save China’s water crisis? The Guardian 17 February 2011. Available at http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/jan/24/china-water-crisis [Verified 21 April 2015].

Wilson, H. B., Kendall, B. E., Fuller, R. A., Milton, D. A., and Possingham, H. P. (2011). Analyzing variability and rate of decline of migratory shorebirds in Moreton Bay, Australia. Conservation Biology 25, 758–766.
Analyzing variability and rate of decline of migratory shorebirds in Moreton Bay, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21480993PubMed |

World Bank (1992). ‘China Environmental Strategy Paper.’ Report No. 9669-CHA. (World Bank: Washington.)

Xie, B., and Yu, K. J. (2007). Shrimp farming in China: operating characteristics, environmental impact and perspectives. Ocean and Coastal Management 50, 538–550.
Shrimp farming in China: operating characteristics, environmental impact and perspectives.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Xie, L. X., Ma, J., Cheng, F., Li, P. L., Liu, J., Chen, W. B., and Wang, S. C. (2009). Study on sea ice desalination technology. Desalination 245, 146–154.
Study on sea ice desalination technology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yan, T., and Zhou, M. J. (2004). Environmental and health effects associated with harmful algal bloom and marine algal toxins in China. Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 17, 165–176.
| 15386942PubMed |

Yang, S. L., and Chen, J. Y. (1995). Coastal salt marshes and mangrove swamps in China. Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology 13, 318–324.
Coastal salt marshes and mangrove swamps in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yang, S. L., Zhang, J., Zhu, J., Smith, J. P., Dai, S. B., Gao, A., and Li, P. (2005). Impacts of dams on Yangtze River sediment supply to the sea and delta intertidal response. Journal of Geophysical Research 110, F03006.
Impacts of dams on Yangtze River sediment supply to the sea and delta intertidal response.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yang, H. Y., Chen, B., Barter, M., Piersma, T., Zhou, C. F., Li, F. S., and Zhang, Z. W. (2011). Impacts of tidal land reclamation in Bohai Bay, China: ongoing losses of critical Yellow Sea waterbird staging and wintering sites. Bird Conservation International 21, 241–259.
Impacts of tidal land reclamation in Bohai Bay, China: ongoing losses of critical Yellow Sea waterbird staging and wintering sites.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

You, K., Ma, C. H., Gao, H. W., Li, F. Q., Zhang, M. Z., Qiu, Y. T., and Wang, B. (2007). Research on jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye) and associated culture techniques in China: current status. Aquaculture International 15, 479–488.
Research on jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye) and associated culture techniques in China: current status.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yu, Y. G., Wang, H. J., Shi, X. F., Ran, X. B., Cui, T. W., Qiao, S. Q., and Liu, Y. G. (2013). New discharge regime of the Huanghe (Yellow River): causes and implications. Continental Shelf Research 69, 62–72.
New discharge regime of the Huanghe (Yellow River): causes and implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, R. S., Shen, Y. M., Lu, L. Y., Yan, S. G., Wang, Y. H., Li, J. L., and Zhang, Z. L. (2004). Formation of Spartina alterniflora salt marshes on the coast of Jiangsu Province, China. Ecological Engineering 23, 95–105.
Formation of Spartina alterniflora salt marshes on the coast of Jiangsu Province, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, P., Song, J. M., and Yuan, H. M. (2009a). Persistent organic pollutant residues in the sediments and molluscs from the Bohai Sea coastal areas, North China: a review. Environment International 35, 632–646.
Persistent organic pollutant residues in the sediments and molluscs from the Bohai Sea coastal areas, North China: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19095305PubMed |

Zhang, S. P., Xie, S. P., Liu, Q. Y., Yang, Y. Q., Wang, X. G., and Ren, Z. P. (2009b). Seasonal variations of Yellow Sea fog: observations and mechanisms. Journal of Climate 22, 6758–6772.
Seasonal variations of Yellow Sea fog: observations and mechanisms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, D., Zhang, X. L., He, J. K., and Chai, Q. M. (2011). Offshore wind energy development in China: current status and future perspective. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 15, 2457–2460.
Offshore wind energy development in China: current status and future perspective.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, L. B., Song, X. Y., Hamel, J. F., and Mercier, A. (2015). Aquaculture, stock enhancement, and restocking. In ‘The Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. History, Biology and Aquaculture’. (Eds H. S. Yang, J. F. Hemel and A. Mercier.) pp. 289–322. (Academic Press: London.)

Zhao, Z., Tang, J. H., Xie, Z. Y., Chau, Y. J., Pan, X. H., Zhong, G., and Ebinghaus, R. (2013). Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in riverine and coastal sediments of Laizhou Bay, North China. Science of the Total Environment 447, 415–423.
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in riverine and coastal sediments of Laizhou Bay, North China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23410863PubMed |

Zheng, T., and You, X. Y. (2014). Key foodweb technique and evaluation of nearshore marine ecological restoration of Bohai Bay. Ocean and Coastal Management 95, 1–10.
Key foodweb technique and evaluation of nearshore marine ecological restoration of Bohai Bay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhong, N. (2015). China to import more iron ore from Vale. China Daily 14 February 2015, 6.

Zhou, Y., and Tol, R. S. J. (2004). Implications of desalination for water resources in China – an economic perspective. Desalination 164, 225–240.
Implications of desalination for water resources in China – an economic perspective.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zong, Y., Chen, Z., Innes, J. B., Chen, C., Wang, Z., and Wang, H. (2007). Fire and flood management of coastal swamp enabled first rice paddy cultivation in east China. Nature 449, 459–462.
Fire and flood management of coastal swamp enabled first rice paddy cultivation in east China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17898767PubMed |

Zou, D. F. (2009). Important base of reserve land resources in China: interpretation of ‘Development plan of coastal regions in Jiangsu Province’. Xinhua Daily 28 August 2009, pp. A1–A5. Available at http://xh.xhby.net/mp2/html/2009-08/28/content_47907.htm [Verified 16 November 2015] [In Chinese]

Zuo, J. C., Yang, Y. Q., Zhang, J. L., Chen, M. X., and Xu, Q. (2013). Prediction of China’s submerged coastal areas by sea level rise due to climate change. Journal of Ocean University of China 12, 327–334.
Prediction of China’s submerged coastal areas by sea level rise due to climate change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |