Importance of estuary morphology for ecological connectivity with their adjacent coast: A case study in Brazilian tropical estuaries

Coastal habitats are interlinked by ecological connectivity, defined as the exchange of organic matter or organisms between habitats. The degree this connectivity will depend in particular on geometric properties landscape. increasing anthropogenic alterations estuaries therefore raises need to understand how their morphological characteristics influence fluxes We used stable isotopes investigate variability three and adjacent coastal areas tracking origin (estuarine vs coastal) underlying diet migrant species Eucinostomus argenteus. chosen were geomorphologically distinct, exhibiting, particular, differences connection sea, corresponding features (shape, mouth width) controlling key physico-chemical variables habitat (e.g. salinity). sampling basal food sources contributing web was performed coasts. isotope ratios examined for both fish matter. In estuaries, Bayesian models applied each season (dry rainy) quantify relative contribution from estuarine environments supporting silver mojarra. share increased with sea connection, indicating that seascape can regulate intensity interactions ecosystems. Variations likely affect functioning ecosystems they trophic pathways energy flows Morphological modifications could thus significantly disturb altering structure web, thereby affecting certain ecosystem services such availability living marine resources.