Waterbirds' coastal habitat in danger
Wu Yi, Wenwen Zhang, Fan Yong, Daqing Zhou, Peng Cui
Abstract
Migratory waterbirds, especially shorebirds, depend on China's coastal wetlands (1). China's plans to reclaim the coastal region for industry, aquaculture, and other infrastructure could destroy the last remaining habitat of many vulnerable species (2, 3). From 2000 to 2010, the local governments of China's coastal areas, motivated by rapid urbanization and economic development, have reclaimed more than 320,000 ha of coastal wetlands (4). In 2012, China approved plans to reclaim 246,900 ha of coastal wetlands for construction by 2020 (4). The largest reclamation project—the Oufei Project in Wenzhou Bay—spans an area of 8854 ha (5) and threatens a crucial waterbird habitat. China should halt reclamation plans until environmental needs are addressed.