Ecological analysis and multi-scenario simulation of Yellow River Delta wetland under clearing of Spartina alterniflora

Abstract

In 2022, China released the Special Action Plan for the Control of Spartina alterniflora (2022–2025) with the goal of completely clearing S. alterniflora from China's coastal wetlands. It is crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of wetlands under artificial intervention and obtain reliable future wetland simulation results. The Yellow River Delta wetland is one of China's important wetland reserves, has faced severe impacts from S. alterniflora invasion over the past decade. This study focuses on the Yellow River Delta wetland, utilizing Landsat imagery and a combined object-oriented and pixel-based approach to achieve wetland mapping from 2013 to 2023. Through wetland analysis, we designed scenarios for natural development, ecological priority, farmland protection, and combined development. The patch generating land use simulation model was used to simulate wetland scenarios for 2030 and analyze factors influencing wetland use cover change and future conversion patterns. The results indicate that between 2013 and 2022, native vegetation was impacted by the invasion of S. alterniflora, with Suaeda glauca being the most affected. In 2023, the removal of S. alterniflora was effective, reducing its area by 42.37 km² compared to pre-removal conditions. In all three scenarios, the area of Phragmites australis increased and is expected to dominate the wetlands, while the live space of other native salt marsh vegetation has also been restored. However, the predictions indicate that S. alterniflora still poses a potential threat of expansion in the future, necessitating continuous monitoring of its dynamics. We recommend implementing zoned management of the wetland, balancing ecological restoration in coastal areas with agricultural development in the western regions.