Areal Extent, Species Composition, and Spatial Distribution of Coastal Saltmarshes in China

Coastal saltmarshes are key ecosystems with important ecological functions. Yet, they have experienced a widespread decline. Due to their importance, the conservation and restoration of globally shared objectives, including China. Despite multiple local studies, nationwide information about in China is scarce. Thus, we used remote sensing delineate spatial distribution areal extent along coastal resolve species composition. By interpreting 10 m resolution Sentinel-2 images on Google Earth Engine, assisted field survey literature search, total 118 010 ha were delineated 2019. Seven typical saltmarsh identified, Phragmites australis, Spartina alterniflora, Scirpus mariquater as dominant species, accounting for 95.5% extent, while Suaeda salsa, Tamarix chinensis, Cyperus malaccensis, Sesuvium portulacastrum present limited abundance. The P. australis exotic S. alterniflora grow almost all provinces, but dominates north middle part salsa occurs mainly has suffered large losses. chinensis abundant Shandong province, Yangtze River delta, C. malaccensis Guangdong Guangxi Taiwan. expanded extensively coast its expansion rate continues increase. results provided conform much-needed baseline future monitoring efforts assessment progress projects toward recovering