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Diversity
Special Issues
Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration
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Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Biodiversity Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 3619

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sikai Wang

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Guest Editor
East China Sea Fishery Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
Interests: aquatic biodiversity; ecological restoration; food web; estuarine fishery resources
Dr. Binsong Jin

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Guest Editor
College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: community ecology; aquatic biodiversity; ecological restoration
Dr. Yanming Sui

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Guest Editor
College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, China
Interests: aquatic biodiversity; eDNA; wetland restoration; oyster reef restoration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paolo Pastorino

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Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Turin, Italy
Interests: biomonitoringecotoxicology; emerging contaminants; environmental chemistry; freshwater ecology; high-mountain lakes; micro(nano)plastics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic ecosystems are fundamental to life on Earth, providing essential services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and food resources. However, these ecosystems are under severe threat globally due to various human activities, including pollution, habitat destruction, and overexploitation. The resulting decline in aquatic biodiversity not only undermines the ecological integrity of these systems, but also has far-reaching implications for human well-being. The degradation of aquatic habitats (e.g., coral reefs, saltmarshes, mangroves, and riverine networks) has not only threatened species survival, but also compromised fisheries’ productivity, impacting the livelihoods of the millions that are dependent on aquatic resources.

This Special Issue focuses on Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration. It aims to bring together the latest research on understanding the current status of aquatic biodiversity, identifying the major drivers of its decline and developing innovative strategies for habitat restoration. Papers may cover a wide range of aquatic ecosystems, from freshwater rivers and lakes to marine coastal areas. We encourage submissions that combine field studies, experimental research, and theoretical modeling to provide comprehensive insights.

Dr. Sikai Wang
Dr. Binsong Jin
Dr. Yanming Sui
Dr. Paolo Pastorino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • aquatic biodiversity
  • habitat restoration
  • fishery sustainability
  • wetland ecosystems
  • conservation strategies

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1555 KB  
Article
Epifaunal Communities Associated with Macroalgae: The Case of the Cap-Vert Peninsula (Senegal, Northwest Africa)
by Ibrahima Ndiaye, Mamie Souadou Diop, Ismaïla Ndour, Youssouph Diatta, Waly Ndianco Ndiaye and Patrice Brehmer
Diversity 2026, 18(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18030133 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 367
Abstract
This study, conducted on the Cap-Vert peninsula (Dakar, Senegal), examines the epifaunal communities associated with macroalgae, revealing significant variations depending on the species of algae. In 2023 (in situ samples), amphipods dominated most macroalgae, particularly Coralina officinalis (29.40%) (Rhodophyceae), Chlorophyceae (30.38%), and Codium [...] Read more.
This study, conducted on the Cap-Vert peninsula (Dakar, Senegal), examines the epifaunal communities associated with macroalgae, revealing significant variations depending on the species of algae. In 2023 (in situ samples), amphipods dominated most macroalgae, particularly Coralina officinalis (29.40%) (Rhodophyceae), Chlorophyceae (30.38%), and Codium sp. (29.38%) (Chlorophyceae). In 2022, copepods (76–92%) were most abundant on Sargassum spp. and Ulva spp., which had washed up on the beach. A significant link between epifaunal abundance and macroalgae species highlighted their ecological interdependence. These findings are of relevant interest for West Africa’s blue economy, where the growing exploitation of wild macroalgae could disrupt these ecosystems. Sustainable management must take into account epifaunal species, particularly those found on structurally important macroalgae (e.g., Corallina sp., Codium sp.). The study recommends including macroalgae-epifauna associations in biodiversity inventories, particularly in marine protected areas, and continuing research on influencing factors (e.g., algal morphology, environmental conditions). Mass strandings of Sargassum spp. and Ulva spp. can cause mortality in marine larvae and eggs, leading to a local reduction in recruitment. Future research integrating these conclusions could allow a more detailed analysis of the epifauna on macroalgae. Ecosystem approach is essential to strike a balance between economic development and biodiversity conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration)
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30 pages, 5826 KB  
Article
Diversity of Upstream-Migrating Fish Passing Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant in Northern Laos
by Wayne Robinson, Rohit Pothula, Rattee Tanatitivarapong, Thanasak Poomchaivej, Suthathip Khongthon, Lee J. Baumgartner, Michael Raeder and Nattavit Thanakunvoraset
Diversity 2026, 18(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18020097 - 5 Feb 2026
Viewed by 767
Abstract
The Mekong River is one of the most fish-species-rich rivers on Earth, yet most of our knowledge on fish diversity and migrations comes from fishery catch data, and fishery-independent, standard effort surveys are needed. Specifically, migratory fish data sets are heavily biased by [...] Read more.
The Mekong River is one of the most fish-species-rich rivers on Earth, yet most of our knowledge on fish diversity and migrations comes from fishery catch data, and fishery-independent, standard effort surveys are needed. Specifically, migratory fish data sets are heavily biased by the influence of fisher gear types and by fisher location, with most major Mekong fisheries, and consequently fishing effort, being in southern Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Fish using the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant (XHPP) fish pass have been monitored since commencing operations in 2019. This programme offers a unique, eventual long-term data set, with standard effort, aimed at migrating fish species, and capable of providing data on the scarcely studied fish migration patterns of northern Laos. Species that migrate from floodplain feeding and spawning habitats to the main channel were dominant in the dry season, but used the fish pass throughout the year. On the other hand, known long-distance migratory species were infrequently collected in the fish pass, but showed very strong affiliations with the flood season from May to July. We demonstrate that fish passage mitigation in tropical southeast Asia can, and should be, designed for use by a multitude of species, including resident species that are not classified as migratory. If changes in connectivity from future downstream barriers (i.e., scheduled hydropower dams) occur, then the monitoring program at XHPP will be able to detect the impact on migratory fish populations. We identify several species whose presence and relative abundance have potential to serve as indicators for future downstream connectivity issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration)
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17 pages, 4039 KB  
Article
Characteristics of Microbial Communities in Sediments from Culture Areas of Meretrix meretrix
by Fengbiao Wang, Yue Zhu, Chaozhong Xin, Shuai Han, Haopeng Hu, Longyu Liu, Jinmeng Bao, Xuan Zhang, Lei Li and Mei Jiang
Diversity 2025, 17(12), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120848 - 10 Dec 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
This study examined the sediment microbial communities at 12 stations within the Meretrix meretrix farming area in Rudong, Jiangsu Province, utilising high-throughput sequencing. It elucidates the ecological relationships between the sediment microbial communities and the primary physical and chemical factors influencing the farming [...] Read more.
This study examined the sediment microbial communities at 12 stations within the Meretrix meretrix farming area in Rudong, Jiangsu Province, utilising high-throughput sequencing. It elucidates the ecological relationships between the sediment microbial communities and the primary physical and chemical factors influencing the farming water and sediment. The results indicated that the microbial communities comprised 55 phyla. The Shannon index ranged from a minimum of 8.97 to a maximum of 9.96, while the Simpson index varied from 0.996 to 0.997, indicating a uniform species distribution. β diversity analysis revealed significant spatial diversity among the communities. Dominant bacterial groups included Proteobacteria (25.2–38%) and Desulfobacterota (10.4–14.4%), with Desulfobacterota reaching a peak of 14.4% at tidal creek station S2, reflecting the sulphate reduction process associated with organic pollution input. At the genus level, Woesia (9.15–17.16%), Desulfobacterota, and Subgroup_22 were identified as core functional bacteria. Redundancy analysis indicated that phosphate and nitrate were the primary drivers of community variation, accounting for a cumulative interpretation rate of 43.2%. Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that fine-grained sediments were more likely to store organic matter, significantly promoting the colonisation of AQS1 (p < 0.05) and Cohaesibacter (p < 0.05), while inhibiting Puniceispirillales (p < 0.01). An alkaline environment positively selects for sulphur-cycling bacteria, such as Desulfatiglans (p < 0.05). This study provides technical support for the regulation of sediment environments and the promotion of healthy clam culture practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration)
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12 pages, 937 KB  
Article
Substrate Selection in Early Developmental Stages of Swimming Crab (Portunus trituberculatus)
by Zhiwen Geng, Sikai Wang, Haofeng Li, Zetao Li and Feng Zhao
Diversity 2025, 17(12), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17120831 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 605
Abstract
Substratum preference is shown to be the most important factor influencing crab distribution. Characterizing habitat selection of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus provides crucial information for the successful management of this commercially important fishery in China. To clarify the preference for substrate at [...] Read more.
Substratum preference is shown to be the most important factor influencing crab distribution. Characterizing habitat selection of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus provides crucial information for the successful management of this commercially important fishery in China. To clarify the preference for substrate at early development stages of P. trituberculatus, this study compared four different substrates (mud, muddy sand, medium sand (0.5–1.0 mm), and fine sand (0.2–0.5 mm)) by analyzing behavior of juvenile and subadult crabs under controlled laboratory conditions. Group experiments revealed that juvenile crabs exhibited the strongest preference for muddy-sand substrates, followed by fine sand, whereas subadult crabs preferred fine sand, followed by medium sand. Results from individual experiments demonstrated that subadult crabs spent significantly more time on fine-sand and medium-sand substrates compared to muddy-sand and mud substrates. Diurnal and nocturnal observations showed significant differences in substrate selection for both subadult crabs and juvenile crabs between day and night. Specifically, subadult crabs displayed significant differences in selecting medium-sand and fine-sand substrates across the two periods (p< 0.05), while juveniles showed a significant day–night difference in preference for fine sand (p < 0.05). In terms of resting behavior, subadult crabs predominantly buried themselves in muddy-sand and fine-sand substrates, whereas juveniles exhibited a markedly lower resting rate. These results indicate pronounced ontogenetic variation in substrate selection during the early developmental stages of P. trituberculatus, providing important insights for habitat restoration and resource conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration)
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28 pages, 11489 KB  
Article
Long-Term Responses of Crustacean Zooplankton to Hydrological Alterations in the Danube Inland Delta: Patterns of Biotic Homogenization and Differentiation
by Pavel Beracko, Igor Kokavec and Igor Matečný
Diversity 2025, 17(10), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17100670 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 791
Abstract
Our study addresses how large-scale hydrological alterations shape zooplankton biodiversity in floodplain ecosystems, which are highly sensitive to changes in river connectivity. Following the operation of the Gabčíkovo hydroelectric power plant in the Danube inland delta, we examined the long-term responses of crustacean [...] Read more.
Our study addresses how large-scale hydrological alterations shape zooplankton biodiversity in floodplain ecosystems, which are highly sensitive to changes in river connectivity. Following the operation of the Gabčíkovo hydroelectric power plant in the Danube inland delta, we examined the long-term responses of crustacean zooplankton communities, as these organisms are key indicators of hydromorphological disturbance. Based on previous evidence that river regulation often reduces habitat heterogeneity, we hypothesized that hydrological alterations in the Danube riverscape would promote increasing taxonomic and functional homogenization within sites, while simultaneously enhancing differentiation between sites over the past three decades. A total of 121 planktonic crustacean species were recorded across six monitored sites between 1991 and 2020, comprising 49 copepods and 72 cladocerans. Communities showed rising species richness, especially during the first decade of the hydropower plant’s operation. While overall richness increased, dam-induced hydromorphological changes triggered habitat-specific community shifts. In the main channel and adjacent parapotamal arm, taxonomic and functional homogenization occurred, dominated by resilient tychoplanktonic species with a gathering or secondary filter-feeding strategy. In contrast, isolated side arms experienced gradual eutrophication, favoring euplanktonic and primary filter-feeding taxa. The observed taxonomic and functional convergence within both habitat groups reflects the loss of connectivity and the cessation of artificial flooding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration)
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