Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers found that prescribed fire reduced bird species diversity, while mastication led to a 50% decrease in bird species and 60% reduction in total numbers of birds. The study suggests that current fire management practices harm wildlife and increase fire risk.
A study found that economic benefits from considering ecosystem factors in fisheries management are minor, but the approach offers help in avoiding worst-case scenarios and identifying 'safe zones' for managing fisheries. This framework allows managers to identify specific zones with low risks of major economic losses.
A new collection captures the long-neglected human side of science through peer-reviewed stories on conservation. The collection highlights the emotional highs and lows of scientists working to preserve species and ecosystems.
Kurt Ingeman's project aims to coordinate predator-prey management for optimal conservation outcomes and restoration of marine food webs. He will analyze recovery trajectories of species like rockfish and lingcod using strategic modeling and partner with organizations such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy.
The Jena Experiment found that biodiversity influences almost half the processes in an ecosystem, while intensive grassland management does not result in higher yields. High-diversity meadows had higher productivity and better carbon storage than low-diversity meadows.
Scientists from NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Aerial Imaging Solutions have developed a cheaper, faster way to gauge the condition of leopard seals using drone photos.
BGRF scientists introduce a blockchain-enabled framework to decentralize patient data management, incentivizing patients to contribute to clinical databases. This approach could accelerate progress in biomedicine by increasing data quality and comprehensiveness.
Researchers found that small fires create "grazing-lawn ecosystems" with higher food quality and increased safety for animals. The study showed that small burns (<25ha) attract large numbers of wildebeest, keeping grass short and palatable.
A new study found that higher biodiversity in forests leads to faster tree growth, increased carbon storage, and improved pest resistance. Forest managers can simultaneously improve multiple ecosystem functions without negatively affecting each other.
A study suggests that improving California's land use could negate up to 147 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This approach could contribute substantially to the state's climate mitigation goals, with potential benefits for ecosystem management and conservation.
The new immersive visualization allows users to experience changes to an area through a first-person perspective, increasing appreciation for marine environment protection efforts. The tool helped people understand trade-offs between aesthetics and functionality, as well as the importance of preserving natural habitats.
A new study published in Ecology and Society explores a conservation method that empowers indigenous peoples by focusing on their traditional skills and knowledge. By adopting an assets-based approach, researchers found that local communities can manage natural resources sustainably, protecting the rainforest ecosystem.
Researchers used satellite imagery and simulations to explore the role of currents in the Red Sea biosphere, finding significant variability in eddies that facilitate transport and dispersal. The study's findings suggest water circulation patterns play a significant role in determining the distribution of Red Sea clownfish populations.
Researchers analyzed over five decades of precipitation data from North America to find that changes in nonextreme precipitation are more significant than previously realized and larger than those in extreme precipitation. These changes can have a strong effect on ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure design and resource management.
Urban green spaces play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, despite management challenges and limitations in data availability. Recent discussions highlight the need for effective strategies to manage human-affected ecosystems and balance urban development with environmental conservation.
Researchers warn of potential pitfalls in urban green space management, including the risk of creating ecological traps that lack native species support. Urban green spaces will still play a vital role in promoting healthy ecosystems and connecting citizens with nature.
New research by NOAA Fisheries shows that seabird predation, particularly common murres, affects salmon survival in the California Current. Changes in ocean conditions influence bird predation on salmon from San Francisco Bay, highlighting the complex relationships between species and their environment.
The study documents Belize's first integrated coastal management plan, which balances development and conservation objectives. The plan was developed through a community-driven process involving scientists and stakeholders to protect ecosystems that provide long-term benefits to people and their economy.
Researchers developed a modeling framework that quantifies the economic value of nature's ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, food, and paper. The framework helps determine how to protect biodiversity by managing ecosystem services, balancing current costs with future risks of losing critical species.
A team of scientists is using a combination of satellite and ground data to identify monkey populations that have declined through hunting. This approach combines indicators such as human activity zones, mosquito-derived DNA, animal sound recordings, and detections of other species found when monkeys are present.
Researchers found that using holistic ecosystem management increases the value of stored natural capital in the Baltic Sea fishery ecosystem over five decades. The study highlights the critical role of interactions between commercially important species and how these interactions impact the overall system's wealth.
A three-year study found that invasive species like Japanese stiltgrass can leave lasting impacts on local ecosystems, including altered soil nutrient levels and changes to vegetation communities. Early eradication is crucial to prevent these long-term effects.
A new paper from the University of Washington identifies key attributes that contribute to ecological resilience, providing clarity for scientists, resource managers, and planners. The study groups attributes into five categories and lists their relevance to measuring resilience.
A new study suggests reducing pressure on both predators and prey simultaneously is the most effective way to help their populations recover. This approach, known as synchronous recovery, has been shown to produce faster and more direct recovery rates than sequential approaches.
A new study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that synchronously restoring predator and prey species speeds recovery efforts of both. This approach is nearly always more efficient and on average about twice as fast as sequential recovery.
Conservationists should focus on preserving diverse ecosystem structures and functions, rather than just saving species. This approach can help create more resilient environments that can adapt to climate change and habitat loss. By studying the fossil record, experts hope to guide conservation efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Researchers identify 'bright spots' of resilience in marine ecosystems affected by climate change. These ecosystem-forming species are either resistant or able to recover from perturbations, with implications for ecosystem-sparing management.
A survey of 97 coastal ecosystem experts revealed that climate-driven disturbances are having profound impacts on marine ecosystems, but also instances of resilience. Resilience was marked by striking recoveries in some cases, with areas of remnant habitat and high connectivity being key contributors to its persistence.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded $6.7 million to research agroecosystems to improve food security and sustainability. The grants will focus on understanding the interactions between soil, water, plants, animals, and people in agricultural systems.
A precautionary approach to governing emerging technologies can support scientific research and prevent potential harms. According to an article in Science, targeted measures can identify specific concerns and establish conditions for successful gene drive research.
Scientists discovered large areas of 100% coral cover on Hawaiian mesophotic coral ecosystems, which are home to twice as many unique species as shallow-water reefs. The study highlights the importance of these poorly explored environments in understanding coral reef health and management.
Researchers found that planting a multi-species mixture of cover crops increases ecosystem services, including weed suppression, nitrogen retention, and aboveground biomass. The study suggests that designing cover-crop mixes can lead to greater multifunctionality in agroecosystems.
A new paper by UC Santa Barbara researchers recommends several ways to make ecological de-extinction more successful. They suggest resurrecting recently extinct species that fit seamlessly into their ecosystems, choosing animals with irreplaceable ecological jobs, and restoring species to functional abundance levels.
A global analysis reveals one-sixth of Earth's land is vulnerable to invasive species, with most countries having limited capacity to respond. Developed countries will face new invaders due to climate change and globalization.
Several southeastern US ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change, including Caribbean coastal mangrove, Edwards Plateau limestone shrubland, and southern Appalachian balds. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels pose significant threats to these ecosystems.
Rapid evolution enables plants to disperse more efficiently in disrupted environments, spreading up to three times farther than non-evolving counterparts. In patchy landscapes, evolving populations exhibit greater heights, facilitating seed dispersal.
A new study by NOAA Fisheries and the University of California San Diego estimates that the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean provides 'ecosystem services' worth at least $17 billion. The services include commercial fishing ($2.7 billion/year), sport fishing ($1.6 billion/year), and carbon capture ($12.9 billion/year).
Research highlights factors necessary for successful apex predator recovery, including disease regulation and biodiversity maintenance. The study reveals that full recovery is the exception rather than the rule, with many species facing complex challenges in their recovery pathways.
Scientists found that selectively fishing for lingcod in closed areas can help avoid harming other fish species, including rockfish listed as overfished. The approach aims to balance the needs of fishermen with conservation efforts, potentially benefiting both groups.
A survey of 1400 endangered species found 78 vulnerable to nitrogen-induced harms. Nitrogen's impacts on biodiversity are diverse, including direct toxicity, depleted oxygen, and invasive species that outcompete native populations.
A Texas A&M study found that soil texture impacts shrubland resilience to brush removal, allowing landowners to prioritize management practices. Brush removal is more effective on fine-textured clay soils than coarse-textured sandy soils.
Researchers found consistent patterns in species distribution shifts within assemblages, influenced by temperature and depth. Climate change impacts vary between regions, affecting predator-prey interactions and fisheries management.
Shark researchers support most available conservation policies, with a majority favoring sustainable fishing regulations. Many also prioritize environmental non-profit advocacy and believe there is no single policy to solve all shark conservation problems.
A six-year study of over 2,600 species revealed that temporal fluctuations across species are more important than diversity for maintaining ecosystem stability. Asynchronous species development strengthens the interplay between animals and plants.
A new study finds that dynamic closures can reduce bycatch up to three times more efficiently than static measures, while minimizing economic impact on fishermen. By managing at finer scales, managers can zero in on transitory hotspots and reduce the need for large-scale closures.
A Texas A&M University study found that private landowners and managers are more likely to use prescribed fire for brush control in regions with lower legal liability standards. The research highlights the importance of integrated ecological, economic, and socio-political influences on natural resource management.
A new report proposes six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the US Endangered Species Act for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of scientific literature. The strategies include expanded partnerships and innovation in implementing the law to address pervasive threats.
The new report summarizes the latest science on integrated watershed management to meet the needs of billions of people dependent on food, timber, and clean water. It highlights the importance of smart reforestation to mitigate life-threatening natural events like floods and landslides.
A new study by Indiana University law professor Robert L. Fischman and Vanderbilt University's J.B. Ruhl finds that natural resource agencies often apply adaptive management in ways that don't promote learning, leading to a gap between theory and practice. The study cites examples of court decisions where judges overturned resource man...
The number of American alligators in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge decreased following dry years and recovered later, according to a USGS study. The decrease was proportional to the intensity of the dry event, highlighting the impact of hydrology changes on alligator populations.
A new report by the National Science Foundation links rapid warming of ocean waters to the collapse of New England's cod fishery. The study found that increasing water temperatures reduced cod production and increased mortality of young fish, leading to a decline in sustainable stock levels.
A recent study by Carnegie Institution for Science found that elephants are responsible for a high tree-fall rate in Kruger, driven by population density and fire frequency. The research used LiDAR technology to map millions of trees across the reserve, providing insights into ecosystem management and conservation.
A new study suggests that managing resources to minimize variability can lead to unintended consequences, such as fish stocks collapsing and grasslands being replaced by shrubs. By allowing for some degree of natural variability, adaptive management approaches can help sustain ecosystems over time.
Researchers will conduct research to support long-term sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, with a focus on observation networks and ecosystem modeling. The projects aim to enhance effective and sustainable ecosystem management.
Researchers found that Wikipedia entries on acid rain, evolution, and climate change receive near-daily edits, resulting in egregious errors and distortion of consensus science. In contrast, non-controversial topics received fewer edits. The study suggests that users should critically evaluate Wikipedia source material and identify ent...
A study monitors trends on woody encroachment in three Central Texas settings, finding a significant correlation between population changes and woody cover decreases. The researchers used time-series aerial imagery and historical census data to quantify the relationship between human demographics and land use patterns.
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and Florida Atlantic University reveals that past water conditions and availability are crucial factors affecting wading bird populations in the Everglades. The research found a 'lag effect' where wet conditions can take several years to impact bird numbers.
A new approach uses economic value to help achieve a sustainable future by valuing nature's ecosystem services. The world's gross domestic product has increased nearly 60 times since the start of the Industrial Revolution, but this growth comes at the expense of natural stewardship.
A recent study examines the resurgence of major predators on the US West Coast and in Yellowstone, revealing rising conflicts with humans and other species. The researchers suggest multi-species approaches to address these tensions and develop more effective management strategies.
The new TSEA or Agricultural Ecosystem Health Cards provide a practical tool for diagnosing agricultural ecosystem health through analysis of surface-level crop indicators and underground soil level. These handbooks enable users to make basic or advanced diagnoses, with a focus on biological parameters such as microbiological activity.