The Second Workshop on Sediment Dynamics of Muddy Coasts and Estuaries held in Zhoushan, China, October 2015, provided a forum in which an international group of researchers presented the latest research addressing the physics, sedimentary processes, biology, chemistry and ecological processes associated with rapidly changing estuarine and coastal environments. 

A discussion following the formal presentations explored the challenges and opportunities for future research in China’s estuaries and coastal waters. The group identified several major anthropogenic forcing agents that are significantly affecting the coastal environment, including:

• land reclamation and hardening of the coastlines of the Yellow and East China Sea;
• dramatic reduction in sediment discharge from the Huanghe and Changjiang River;
• navigation channel construction and deepening of ports; and
• increased nutrient and contaminant loading to the estuarine and coastal environment.

An Editorial (just accepted for publication in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science (ECSS)) titled 'International scientists discuss impact on China’s estuarine and coastal environment by intensive anthropogenic activities' proposes a special issue (SI) in ECSS devoted to Sediment Dynamics of Muddy Coasts and Estuaries: Physics, Biology and their Interactions.