Changing intra‐ and interspecific interactions across sedimentary and environmental stress gradients

Intensifying land use and accelerated erosion has resulted in increased delivery deposition of fine terrestrially derived sediment to coastal ecosystems, increasing mud content estuarine ecosystems. This change the sedimentary environment is known have negative consequences for ecosystem functioning. Yet indirect cyclical relationships between species are rarely investigated, despite being crucial understanding resilience. We investigate changes intra- inter-specific interactions two key intertidal (Austrovenus stutchburyi Macomona liliana) with different but overlapping environmental preferences. a large dataset spanning 29 estuaries 0%–87% predict effects increases mud. observed important feedback loops Austrovenus recent recruits, older individuals, shell content, chlorophyll stress (mud). These show characteristics high low ecosystems not apparent moderate Increases number paths weaker/more variable also occurred. Thus, our (12%–25%) model may be encompassing transition point dynamics where interaction networks break down shift an alternate state.