Changes of community structure and functional feeding groups of benthic macrofauna after mangrove afforestation in a subtropical intertidal zone, China

Afforestation is a primary response to the loss and degradation of mangroves worldwide. The successful restoration of mangrove ecosystems is in part indicated by the rebuilding of macrobenthic community. However, the community dynamic of benthic macrofauna after mangrove afforestation was poorly known. Here, three quarterly surveys (2006–2007, 2014–2015, 2019–2020) of the benthic macrofauna and sediment grain size were conducted in a mix-planted mangrove stand (Kandelia obovata + Sonneratia apetala) in Xiamen Tong'an Bay, China. Our results showed that the community structure of benthic macrofauna differed significantly after mangrove afforestation. These differences were accompanied by the declines in the species number, abundance, biomass, and diversity (H'), as well as the fining of sediments. We also found that the epifauna and infauna exhibited different adaptabilities to mangrove vegetation. Additionally, shifts in the composition of the functional feeding groups were observed, indicating the modification of trophic structure after mangrove afforestation. We recommend that future mangrove afforestation programs call for a guide to coordinate habitats for different taxa.

The Epidemiological Implications of Incarceration Dynamics in Jails for Community, Corrections Officer, and Incarcerated Population Risks from COVID-19

COVID-19 is challenging many societal institutions, including our criminal justice systems. Some have proposed or enacted (e.g. the State of New Jersey) reductions in the jail and/or prison populations. We present a mathematical model to explore the epidemiological impact of such interventions in jails and contrast them with the consequences of maintaining unaltered practices. We consider infection risk and likely in-custody deaths, and estimate how within jail dynamics lead to spill-over risks, not only affecting incarcerated people, but increasing exposure, infection, and death rates for both corrections officers, and the broader community beyond the justice system. We show that, given a typical jail-community dynamic, operating in a business-as-usual way will result in significant and rapid loss of life. Large scale reductions in arrest and speeding of releases are likely to save the lives of incarcerated people, jail staff, and the community at large.