Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
Researchers found that installing nest boxes in California vineyards increased avian species richness by over 50% and nearly quadrupled insectivorous bird density. The results suggest an effective method for vineyards to protect their crop while promoting avian conservation.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society identified 8 changes that occur on coral reefs before they collapse due to overfishing. Researchers found a 'window' of maximum sustainable yield between 300-600 kilograms per hectare, but when fish stocks drop below this threshold, reef degradation accelerates.
China's existing protected areas are failing to conserve wild plants, which could be valuable sources of future crops and medicine. The country should develop accurate data on threats to its plant species and create well-enforced reserves in appropriate areas.
Fire response teams use Landsat satellite data to protect houses, wildlife, and bodies of water. The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) uses Landsat data to create maps depicting ecologic changes due to high temperatures after a fire.
The study creates a worldwide map of coral reefs, highlighting areas with high biodiversity and low stress, to inform conservation efforts. The researchers used fuzzy logic and publicly available data to group reef systems into clusters based on their stress exposure grades.
Researchers from CSIRO and universities have developed a pragmatic decision framework for determining when to relocate species due to climate change. The framework considers factors such as population size and expected losses through relocation to determine the best timing for moving species.
A new mathematical model shows that species pairs can reemerge after collapse if the disturbance is removed. Hybridization between closely-related species can lead to population decline and biodiversity loss. The study suggests that ecosystem managers may be able to refill ecological niches, but not resurrect lost species.
A new study finds that human responses to a changing environment determine environmental tipping points in ecosystems. Regulatory choices can influence behavior and alter ecosystem outcomes. Strong institutional support is crucial for effective management.
Studies by CSIRO and the University of Sydney found that ants and termites can increase wheat crop yields by up to 36% under low tillage conditions. The insects improve soil nitrogen and water infiltration, reducing runoff and evaporation. This breakthrough has significant implications for dryland agriculture in hot and dry climates.
Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society have developed a 'stress test' for coral reefs to prioritize areas most likely to survive climate change factors. The model considers environmental stressors like rising sea temperatures and their impact on coral and fish diversity.
Two Brown University scientists, Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen, will discuss the importance of marine spatial planning, ecosystem-based management, and social science inclusion in managing the nation's oceans. Leslie will focus on understanding ocean ecosystems' resilience to variability and climate change, while Sievanen will high...
A team of scientists found that invasive fruiting plants, such as honeysuckle, can form mutually beneficial relationships with native birds and other species. In the Happy Valley region of Pennsylvania, honeysuckle increased the abundance of fruit-eating birds and facilitated seed dispersal for nearby native plants.
Researchers analyzed a major forest commons management program in Ethiopia, finding that groups with higher shares of conditional cooperators were more successful in managing their forests. These groups also spent more time monitoring their forest to deter free riding.
A new USDA study shows that less than 25% of non-federal rangelands have significant land degradation, while nearly 50% are affected by invasive non-native grasses and shrubs. The research provides valuable information for conservation efforts and sets a baseline for monitoring western rangeland health.
Research reveals that farm management choices significantly influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi distribution, with organic farming showing higher AMF richness. This understanding can improve crop production and promote sustainable agricultural practices to address food security and climate change challenges.
A group of experts from UBC and Scripps Institution criticizes the MSC for failing to promote sustainable fishing practices, citing concerns over declining fish populations and high-impact methods like bottom trawling.
The new book 'Urban Ecosystem Ecology' aims to understand the complexities of urban ecosystems and provide solutions for managing their environmental impacts. The book covers topics such as wildlife, water quality, air quality, and climate change, and offers practical guidance on green infrastructure planning and urban forestry.
The Ecological Society of America honors seven distinguished ecologists for their outstanding contributions to the field. The awards recognize achievements in ecological research, education, and sustainability, including Simon A. Levin's Eminent Ecologist Award and Martin Lindegren's Sustainability Science Award.
A new study in Nature highlights the importance of population diversity within species for maintaining stable fisheries. Without sufficient diversity, fisheries would close more frequently, leading to economic instability. The study emphasizes the need to preserve habitat networks to maintain population diversity.
A study of biodiversity changes over space and time reveals unexpected trends, contradicting previous assumptions that species mix turns over more in the tropics than closer to the poles. The data suggest that changes in climate over large distances and multi-year periods explain these paradoxical trends.
A new approach calculates the change in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from changes in land use, taking into account factors such as plant density and ecosystem vulnerability. This comprehensive method provides a more accurate assessment of land-use projects' impact on climate change.
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.
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.
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.
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.