Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
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.
A radio-tracking study by Jennifer Fill and colleagues shows that eastern diamondback rattlesnakes depend on pine savanna habitats with frequent fires. The study found that every studied snake had pine savanna as part of its home range, highlighting the importance of preserving this ecosystem for the species' survival.
A recent study found that over 50% of National Forest land in the northern Sierra Nevada is designated to promote mature, closed-canopy forest, while many bird species prefer undergrowth and habitat outside reserves. The study suggests a need to balance old-growth forest management with diverse forest habitats for all species.
Researchers warn that localized issues like nutrient pollution and deforestation can exacerbate climate change impacts on ecosystems. Strengthening local management is crucial to expand the 'safe operating space' for these ecosystems, which are critical to global biodiversity. Local actions can be well understood and not too expensive.
MSU researchers are using big data analytics to help farmers adapt to climate variability, reducing nitrous oxide emissions and algal blooms. The project aims to integrate crop models with satellite imagery and UAVs to promote water-, nutrient- and climate-smart technologies.
Researchers warn that localised issues such as water pollution and deforestation can exacerbate the effects of climatic extremes, reducing an ecosystem's capacity to cope with climate change. The authors call for enhanced local action to protect globally important ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef and Amazon rainforest.
The new journal, Ecosystem Health and Sustainability, aims to publish research applying ecological science to sustainable development at local, national, and international scales. It encourages integration of natural, social, and behavioral studies and seeks research with implications for strategic planning and governance.
A NOAA study found that natural climate cycles and human activities triggered widespread ecosystem changes in the Gulf of Mexico, impacting fish populations and communities. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) played a significant role in these changes.
A team of experts has published six natural science principles to ensure the success of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiatives. The principles, designed to be scientifically robust yet practical, focus on understanding system dynamics, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring ecological sustainability.
Researchers develop 'dynamic ocean management' to integrate real-time data and crowd-sourced reports into ocean industry applications. This approach aims to protect vulnerable ecosystems while promoting sustainable resource use, in line with industries' profitability.
Researchers at the University of Washington argue that environmental conservation requires adapting to an uncertain future. They suggest creating flexible policies with legs, supporting ecosystem diversity, investing in monitoring, expecting unexpected changes, and designing adaptive management strategies.
A USGS study reveals how plants' vulnerability to drought varies across landscapes, with factors like plant structure and soil type influencing their response. The model helps forecast the future state of drylands by understanding how climate change affects water availability and use.
A study by MIT researchers projects the growth potential of high-tech firms with new precision, identifying key characteristics and locations with higher growth prospects. The study found that firms with certain features, such as formal registration and capital investment, are more likely to grow.
The Federal Resource Management and Ecosystem Services Guidebook provides a consistent approach to accounting for ecosystem services. It enables resource managers to balance human health, wealth, and well-being with natural resource management decisions.
Three studies published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Biological Science hold promise for resource managers to predict and avoid ecosystem collapse. Successful management depends on consistent monitoring, incorporation of tipping points data into actions, and local-scale management.
A new integrated coastal zone management plan has been developed for Belize using novel tools to calculate risk of habitat degradation. The plan reduces high-risk areas by 20% and triples space for coastal development, while allowing for sustainable aquaculture and oil exploration limits.
A new international research review argues that government-sponsored firefighting and land-use policies encourage development on hazardous landscapes, amplifying human losses. The authors recommend adopting location-specific approaches to improve development and safety in fire-prone areas through effective land-use planning, regulation...
A new study suggests that aggressively fighting wildfires may actually increase societal vulnerability, highlighting the importance of learning to coexist and adapt with natural hazards. The research recommends integrating fire management strategies into land-use planning, zoning regulations, and building codes to mitigate human losses.
A new study suggests that assigning a price to nature's services can lead to trade-offs between conservation and economic benefits. While some ecosystems benefit from pricing, others suffer as traditional conservation strategies may not effectively protect the economic value of biodiversity.
A Yale-led study found that removing earthworms, beetles, and other small animals from the soil of a replicated Scottish sheep meadow altered plant species, reduced productivity, and changed the quality of yields. The results highlight the importance of these tiny creatures in maintaining ecosystem balance and services.
A series of studies published in Biogeochemistry found that US cityscapes exhibit consistent patterns of urban evolution, shaped by human activities and ecosystem changes. These patterns can result in rapid losses or gains of ecosystem functions, depending on how cities are managed.
A new analysis recalculates the theoretical limit of terrestrial plant productivity, finding it is much higher than current estimates allow. This could lead to increased food production and biomass conversion, but also raises concerns about invasive species and environmental consequences.
The report presents regional findings from ten regions, highlighting major impacts of climate change on ecosystems, including shifts in biodiversity and location of species. The assessment provides guidelines for how to respond and adapt to climate change, emphasizing the importance of protecting biodiversity and natural resources.