Analysis of the socio-ecological system of the Bahia Blanca estuary (Argentina) and its impact on ecosystem services and human well-being

Coastal wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and provide diverse environmental services such as water, climate regulation, food, and recreation and spiritual enjoyment. Nevertheless, the rapid processes of degradation and destruction that wetlands face have managed to dramatically alter their biocapacity and resilience. Complete and updated information is vital for coastal planning and strategic management. A comprehensive study of the socio-ecological system of the Bahia Blanca estuary is presented. The method used is based on the conceptual framework of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment designed by the United Nations. The results obtained affirmed that the most important pressures on the estuary are due to infrastructure concentration on the coastal edge, dredging and artificial filling of wetlands, environmental contamination, and the invasion of exotic species. The direct consequences on the welfare of the local population are a decrease in fish supply, loss of tourism resources (habitat and landscape degradation, as well as biodiversity loss), health problems derived from air pollution, and conflicts between resource users (as is the case of artisanal fishermen and industrial companies). It is expected that the operational diagnosis made will facilitate an understanding of the current problems of the study area and encourage the search for integral solutions.