Population Biology

Information on the population biology of sandy beach species is a critical tool in ecosystem conservation programs. Knowledge of population parameters such as abundance, growth rate, secondary production, and the reproductive cycle is essential to managing the stocks of exploited species and understanding the effects of anthropic activities and climate change on sandy beach ecosystems. In this chapter, we discuss the main population parameters of sandy beach macrobenthic species and the methods used to estimate them. We also provide a review of the population biology studies performed on Brazilian sandy shores, including general patterns found for the main investigated species, such as the ghost crab Ocypode quadrata, the mole crab Emerita brasiliensis, and the clam Anomalocardia brasiliana. Finally, we discuss research gaps precluding a better understanding of the dynamics of Brazilian sandy beach species and provide recommendations for future studies.