Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
A new study reveals that springs in the Edwards Plateau have increased their stream flows by twice as much as prior to 1950, contradicting common assumptions. The recovery of the landscape from intensive livestock grazing has led to an increase in groundwater recharge and spring flow.
A new tool has been developed to analyze and manage a wide range of ecological services in agricultural ecosystems. Ecosystems that maximize agriculture tend to have fewer hidden ecosystem services, such as water purification and climate moderation, compared to more diverse landscapes.
Research by Patrick Christie at the University of Washington found that local people's involvement and leadership are crucial for successful conservation efforts. Participatory planning, collaboration between communities and governance conditions play a vital role in managing conflicts and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
A recent study by an international working group of economists, marine scientists, and seafood experts emphasizes the need for sustainable fisheries to ensure global food security. The researchers highlight the complex environmental, political, and economic factors threatening global seafood supplies and livelihoods.
Dr. Constance Millar has been recognized with the USDA Forest Service Deputy Chief's Distinguished Science award for her groundbreaking research on forest ecosystems' response to climate change. Her work aims to inform land management planning and adaptation strategies for a changing climate.
A Special Issue of Agricultural Water Management highlights the need for investments in agriculture to improve food security and address global hunger. Investments in irrigation and rainfed agriculture are crucial to increase food production and household incomes in developing countries.
Researchers propose reintroducing small, managed populations of wolves into national parks to enhance ecosystem biodiversity, increase plant biomass, and boost tourism. Advances in animal tracking technology and management techniques may mitigate concerns about wolf behavior and human safety.
Researchers have discovered over 30 species of invertebrates and 100 single-celled organisms at the East Stoke Fen nature reserve. The findings highlight the importance of protecting 'cryptic biodiversity', which helps natural ecosystems recover from environmental change.
The MARES project aims to develop comprehensive ecosystem models and reach consensus on feasible management goals for the South Florida coastal ecosystem. Human dimensions science will be incorporated to study societal processes and their impact on ecosystem sustainability.
A new UC Davis study found that ski slope grading is more damaging to ecosystems than clearing, affecting plant abundance and diversity. Graded runs require less snow to open but result in higher summer maintenance costs.
A recent study in Hawaii found that tourists and recreation enthusiasts strongly support protecting coral reef ecosystems due to their exceptional beauty. The research suggests that public attitudes toward management are largely driven by the perceived health of coral reefs, with environmental conditions being more important than human...
The partnership will support 36 projects addressing coral reef health, with a focus on climate change, overfishing, and land-based pollution. The initiative aims to improve the resilience of coral reefs for future generations.
A joint US-Norwegian study, known as MENU, compared marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic and North Pacific to identify factors supporting fisheries production. The researchers found underlying patterns that were not apparent in single-ecosystem studies.
Researchers found that exotic eucalyptus and tropical ash plantations used significantly more water than native ohia trees, with rates of up to 2.5 times higher. The study emphasizes the need for land management plans to consider the water use of different ecosystems.
A new study projects that California's bird communities will undergo significant changes by 2070, with some species shifting distributions and others forming novel assemblages. This could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and biodiversity management strategies.
The report highlights changes in ocean water temperatures due to climate change, pressures from increasing human populations along the coast, and extensive fishing by domestic and foreign fleets. The ecosystem's natural and human-related changes require effective management and mitigation strategies.
A two-year study by an international team of scientists found that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems examined. This has led to improved fish abundance and reduced exploitation rates, providing new hope for rebuilding troubled fisheries.
A new analysis suggests that global fisheries are showing positive signs of recovery, with five out of ten large marine ecosystems studying well. However, 68% of worldwide fisheries still require rebuilding and more stringent regulations are needed to reverse the collapse of vulnerable species.
A two-year study by international researchers shows that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five large marine ecosystems, providing new hope for rebuilding troubled fisheries. However, significant work remains to be done, with sixty-three percent of fish stocks still needing to be rebuilt.
A two-year study by scientists reveals that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems. Management solutions such as catch quotas, community management, and fishing closures offer promise for restoring fisheries and ecosystems.
A Yale analysis of 240 studies found that forest ecosystems recover in 42 years, ocean bottoms in less than 10 years, and those affected by human-induced disturbances recover faster than natural events. The study suggests that restoration can become a key tool for conservation organizations to protect habitats.
Researchers found that connecting habitat patches with corridors increases plant biodiversity in protected areas and surrounding non-target habitats. This spillover effect can elevate biodiversity by up to 160%.
The NOAA report offers a comprehensive look at the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' marine life, revealing relatively pristine ecosystems with dominant top predators. This knowledge will aid in managing resources and researching natural coral reef ecosystems.
Climate change, fishing, and commercial shipping are major threats to the ocean off the US West Coast, with every spot affected by 10-15 human activities annually. A new study provides critical information for evaluating where certain activities can continue with little effect on the oceans.
Recent research on New York's clams indicates a decline in populations due to overfishing and brown tide. Key findings highlight reduced reproductive success and ecosystem changes in Great South Bay and other Long Island bays.
A recent study by researchers from UC Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis has shed light on how to effectively manage the world's endangered coral reef ecosystems. The study reveals that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, a vast area stretching over 1,200 miles, are highly vulnerable to human-induced t...
The final expedition of a four-year collaborative research program will assess the health of coral reefs without being confounded by stressors near populated shorelines. The research will provide baseline data on habitat types, keystone species, and factors promoting coral reef health during global climate change.
Russell Mittermeier, a leading expert on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, will deliver the Roger Tory Peterson Memorial Lecture at Harvard University. He has been recognized for his critical work on biodiversity hotspots and species conservation, offering hope for the future of conservation efforts.
A new study uses airborne technology to analyze the impact of large herbivores on African savannas, finding that their presence leads to less plant growth and more bare ground. The research also reveals structural differences in vegetation between herbivore-free and grazing areas.
A hardy Antarctic worm produces antifreeze to withstand cold temperatures and can survive in a dormant state until water becomes available. The study provides insight into the genetic response of the worm to its environment and its potential implications for understanding climate change's impact on complex ecosystems.
An international team mapped alien plant invasions across Europe, finding highest risks in agricultural and urban ecosystems. The study revealed a consistent pattern of invasion levels across European regions, with low levels in natural grasslands and Mediterranean vegetation.
Three Kosraeans, Maximilian Nithan, Jacob Sanney, and Rickson Johnithan, have been selected as interns in the US Forest Service's Professional Internships program. They will address watershed management issues and implement focus projects to improve forestry practices in their communities.
Researchers from the Coastal Barrier Island Network project gathered on Galveston Island to address complex issues facing barrier islands. They identified critical differences between natural and human-dominated land forms and ecosystems, as well as the need for economic valuation tools and communication strategies.
Researchers explore the application of ecosystem services approaches to conservation, finding that preserving these benefits is more economically and environmentally valuable. Studies reveal tradeoffs among ecosystem services and highlight the importance of considering long-term perspectives in management actions.
The US EPA has funded three interdisciplinary teams to explore the links between biodiversity and human health, focusing on Lyme disease and West Nile encephalitis. Research will investigate how environmental factors and people's behaviors contribute to disease transmission.
The EPA report identifies strategies to protect the environment as climate change occurs, using a unique approach that considers management goals for protected areas. The report finds that existing best practices can be applied to reduce the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
Researchers suggest diversifying local ecosystems to increase resilience against climate change impacts. Local policies focus on adaptation rather than mitigation, according to Charles Perrings' research based on the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.
Scientists are using integrated ecosystem assessments to prioritize strategies for restoring Puget Sound's ecosystem. Increasing salmon production can have negative impacts on wild Chinook salmon populations, highlighting the need for balanced management approaches.
The Gulf of Maine's ecosystem has undergone significant changes due to fishing and climate change, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to fishery management. A new approach prioritizing ecosystem processes and tradeoffs between human activities is necessary to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
A new approach to managing marine resources in Puget Sound uses ecosystem services as a framework, including the value of Dungeness crab and eelgrass. This research aims to inform management decisions that balance economic and environmental concerns.
A new global map tracks human influences on marine ecosystems, revealing that coral reefs are in trouble and few blue spots on the planet are pristine. The study suggests that about 41% of oceans bear a serious human footprint, with areas like the North Sea and Caribbean Sea showing deepest impacts.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that white-tailed jack rabbits were once abundant in Greater Yellowstone but have disappeared since 1991. The disappearance may be causing elevated predation by coyotes on juvenile elk and other ungulates, highlighting the need for reintroduction.
A new study provides a global-scale map of human impact on marine ecosystems, revealing 40% of the world's oceans are heavily affected. The research highlights the cumulative effect of activities such as fishing, climate change, and pollution, with some areas experiencing dramatic degradation.
A global threat map reveals that every square kilometer of the world's oceans is affected by human activities, with rising ocean temperatures being the most pervasive threat. The study found that almost half of all coral reefs have recently experienced medium- to high-level impacts, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Researchers are exploring ways to manage fisheries in Southern California, with a focus on sustainability and community involvement. The collaboration aims to develop lower-cost, effective management strategies that involve all stakeholders.
Dr. Constable will create an ecosystem-based management plan to safeguard baleen whales and other marine life in the Southern Ocean's rapidly-growing krill fisheries. His project aims to promote environmentally sustainable growth of the industry and address concerns over climate change and overfishing.
Scientists propose a new approach to managing ecosystems, focusing on sustaining healthy ecosystems that are resilient to further environmental change. This approach acknowledges the current level of change in an ecosystem and uses innovative strategies to ensure its resilience.
A CU-Boulder study calls for a new approach to conservation, focusing on nurturing novel ecosystems and developing strategies to enhance their health. The researchers argue that current management practices often overlook the interconnectedness of ecosystem components, leading to ineffective solutions.
A study found that elephants' browsing activities create hiding places and twisted crevices in trees, which boost lizard densities. The research suggests that elephants play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem, particularly in African wildlife refuges.
Researchers find that small losses of mangroves can be offset by gains from shrimp farming, allowing for a balance between environmental protection and economic development. The study suggests using ecosystem-based management to conserve entire ecosystems and mitigate the impact of human activities on natural habitats.
Researchers explore how modern concepts from mathematical ecology can benefit economically vital yet ecologically complex areas. The four articles in the special section highlight different aspects of attempts to incorporate these concepts into ecosystem-based management.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology will conduct a one-year pilot study on ecosystem diversity in Kruger National Park using remote sensing and the Carnegie Airborne Observatory. This research aims to improve adaptive management and develop skills for park managers to undertake remote monitoring of ecosystems.
A global analysis of climate change's impact on rivers indicates that many will require significant management interventions to protect ecosystems and people. The study projects changes in river discharge under different climate and water withdrawal scenarios, highlighting basins at risk of water stress or increased flood flows.
Recent advancements in remote sensing technologies, such as lidar and high fidelity imaging spectroscopy, enable researchers to study ecological systems at multiple levels. These tools provide essential information for characterizing landscape dynamics and quantifying ecosystem functions related to biogeochemical cycling.
Studies of coral reefs, rocky intertidal areas, and sea grass beds suggest that depletion of top-level consumers is a key driver of ecosystem changes. The authors' findings have major implications for coastal ecosystem management, as reducing nutrient levels may not restore habitats.
The report outlines practical approaches toward ecosystem-based fishery management, citing the success of Alaska and North Pacific fisheries. The Marine Conservation Alliance recommends 13 best practices to ensure sustainable fishing practices while preserving ecosystem health.
Researchers suggest golf course habitats can be improved by creating diverse pond types that mimic natural wetlands, reducing chemical runoff and insect predators. Drying ponds in the fall also benefits amphibians by eliminating bullfrog tadpoles that outcompete other species.
Researchers from IRD and IMARPE found that fishermen adopt similar movement strategies to natural predators when searching for anchovy fish, highlighting the importance of an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. This study used VMS data to analyze vessel movements and identify areas with high vulnerability of stock exploited.
Researchers found that fishermen's movement patterns are comparable to those of natural predators, such as albatross or seals. This convergence suggests that fishermen are not solely economic agents but part of the ecosystem, influencing fish stock management and requiring an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.
The Institute of Ecosystem Studies has been recognized for its innovative deer management program, which balances forest health with deer populations. The program's success has informed deer management initiatives across the northeastern US and beyond.