Articles tagged with Ecosystem Management
Researchers identify factors that enable or inhibit marketing agility at different hierarchical levels, including technology, organization structure, and employee traits. Marketing agility can be beneficial for some firms and marketing actions, but its impact is nuanced and context-dependent.
Researchers propose a holistic approach to conservation, aiming for no net biodiversity loss between 2020 and 2030 and a 20% gain by 2050. The new targets need to prioritize ecosystems, species, genetic diversity, and nature's contributions to people.
The NOAA report evaluates the condition of Papahānaumokuākea's ecosystem, revealing relatively pristine marine resources but affected terrestrial habitats. Active conservation management is necessary to address threats from climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
A new global review finds that protected areas need better funding, climate smart measures, and equitable management to be effective. The study identifies crucial steps to take, including reducing the funding shortfall for area-based conservation measures and recognizing indigenous community groups' role in nature conservation.
A massive pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the Creek Fire in California's Sierra National Forest, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its rapid spread. The fire has grown to over 135,000 acres, with hot and dry conditions fueling its expansion.
A new framework helps protect over 300 invasive alien species threatening UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including rats, cats, and Argentine ants. The framework provides a systematic method for reporting on invasive species management, threat levels, and knowledge gaps.
A world-first study examining the Great Barrier Reef's management found that people are managed at broader scales than ecological variation, suggesting a general principle for permitting and management. This approach may be more effective in sustainably managing ecosystems, especially small protected areas.
Researchers identified three strategic priorities for marketing excellence: marketing ecosystem, end-user, and marketing agility. The study found that investors value marketing excellence more highly than market orientation and marketing capabilities strategies, with average annual returns of 16.82%.
Grassroots knowledge from Indigenous people can help map and monitor ecological changes, improving scientific studies and managing ecosystems. The study reveals negative trends, such as increased invasive species and changes in wild animal health, highlighting the importance of Indigenous and local knowledge for global-scale monitoring.
Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish that switch to coral diets early exhibit enhanced growth rates and larger size, leading to increased reproductive capacity. This variation in early development can have significant consequences for crown-of-thorns population dynamics and coral reef ecosystem health.
A new study highlights the need for further assessment of ecological impacts from deep-sea mining, which could harm vast midwater ecosystems and affect fisheries, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The International Seabed Authority must consider midwater research efforts to minimize environmental harm.
A new study finds that environmental destruction may make pandemics more likely and less manageable. Ecosystems naturally restrain disease transfer, but degradation compromises water security and increases disease transmission.
The Bighorn Fire, which started in the Catalina Mountains on June 5th, has grown to 65,536 acres and is 33 percent contained. The Suomi NPP satellite captured a massive smoke trail extending 63 miles southeast and 41 miles northeast, providing critical information for fire management and ecosystem monitoring.
An international team is developing sustainable strategies for managing marine ecosystems, addressing global environmental change and ecosystem functions. The project combines data analysis and modelling to develop effective management approaches for coastal and oceanic environments.
A recent UBC study measured the biochemical properties of zooplankton in the Strait of Georgia, finding that seasonal changes in plankton food web pathways drive variability in plankton fatty acid composition. This shift confers a higher nutritional value to zooplankton in the summer, benefiting juvenile salmon and herring.
The report found many coral reefs to be in surprisingly good health, with abundant and diverse coral and fish communities. Reefs far from shore or protected in Marine Protected Areas were in particularly good condition, but nearshore reefs showed signs of fishing pressure.
Recent Australian wildfires highlight the need for new fire, resource, and conservation policies to reduce megafires and alter timber production. Researchers suggest protecting unburnt areas and expanding conservation zones to restore repeatedly damaged ecosystems.
Researchers found that flooding and invasive species alter mercury pathways through food webs, affecting top predators like fish and birds. Algae and blackfly larvae are key sources of mercury, which can be transported to land by flying adults.
Researchers found that protected areas in Colombia experienced 40% less deforestation than similar non-protected sites. However, regional differences showed that Pacific protected areas were less effective due to high biodiversity and endemic species.
A recent study found that whole-lake experiments can reveal the causes of hyperstability in recreational fisheries. Habitat aggregation and effort sorting are identified as drivers of hyperstability collapse. Limiting angler effort through policy changes is proposed to protect vulnerable fish stocks.
A new study analyzed 1,800 tropical reef sites worldwide to understand conditions for maximizing reef health and biodiversity. The findings suggest that high conservation levels can support all three key ecological metrics when human use is low, but become increasingly challenging with increased pressure.
Research at Mount Rainier National Park finds a growing mismatch between the blooming of iconic wildflowers and visitor peak times due to climate change. The study, led by the University of Washington, used crowd-sourced photos and analysis to model the timing of wildflower blooms and visitor visits from 2009-2015.
A new study of North American birds found that regional ecosystem stability over time depends on both the total number of species present in a locality and on the variation in species identities among localities. The researchers used 20 years of observational data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test this hypothesis.
A comprehensive global biodiversity map documents life's distribution on land and in the ocean, providing a unified picture of where species occur and how environmental factors influence their presence. The study enables more effective species preservation and informs adaptive management practices in the face of climate change.
Researchers find wooden pallets have a slightly lower carbon footprint than plastic pallets on both one-trip and 100,000-trip basis. Heat-treated wooden pallets incur a 20-30% lower carbon footprint than methyl bromide-fumigated ones.
A study by TUM found that higher biodiversity increases economic value, but only up to a certain point. Adding more species beyond this threshold doesn't produce significant benefits. Instead, a medium level of biodiversity is often most beneficial for ecosystem functionality and risk diversification.
The research uses detailed ecosystem population data to build models that aid environmental managers in selecting interventions, determining their impact on species populations. The models can be right more than 70% of the time, providing a better outcome than gut feeling or decisions that can't capture ecosystem complexity.
Researchers found that geomorphic reclamation, a novel approach mimicking nearby undisturbed lands, outperforms traditional practices in restoring plant diversity and wildlife habitat. The study suggests that this method may be a practical solution for landscape-level restoration in post-mining sites.
The study found that herbicide leaf treatment was the most effective method to control invasive Oregon grape, with manual removal and salt application showing medium effectiveness. The researchers recommend prompt eradication as the best management strategy due to the high level of infestation in Belgian dune ecosystems.
A literature review of 229 studies found that multiple techniques and follow-up treatments are most effective in controlling buffelgrass. The invasive weed can outcompete native species by accessing deeper water and nutrients, highlighting the need for restoration of drought-tolerant native species.
Scientists warn of excessive pesticide use in Australian waterways and the Great Barrier Reef, threatening aquatic plants and animals. Pesticide regulation has been deemed ineffective, but local efforts to reduce pollution show promise.
A recent national-scale analysis found that invasive grasses can significantly increase wildfire risk, with some doubling fire frequency in affected areas. Eight non-native grass species, including cheatgrass and buffelgrass, were identified as major contributors to increased fire occurrence.
A long-term study found significant declines in live, hard corals on Great Barrier Reef island groups, with temperature stress and wave exposure identified as key drivers. The research highlights the importance of addressing water quality and climate change to prevent ecosystem collapse.
A study examines the relationship between humans and butter clams in the Salish Sea over 11,500 years. Traditional management practices led to thriving clam populations despite heavy harvesting pressure.
Researchers analyzed FEMA's property buyout program, finding it concentrates in lower-income neighborhoods with greater social vulnerability. The study aims to inform revised buyout practices and climate adaptation policies to support managed retreat in response to climate change.
Researchers suggest a bolder approach to safeguarding coral reefs by focusing on land as well as the ocean. Implementing strategies like renewable energy, aquaculture, and restoring vegetation can reduce global emissions and enhance people's livelihoods. Current approaches to coral reef conservation are failing, and addressing the root...
Researchers at the University of Seville studied the pine forests in the Iberian Peninsula to understand factors that make conservation successful. They found that climate, radiation, and temperature influenced the success of translocation, and recommended planting in winter or spring with proper watering.
A new study has developed statistical tools to help manage seagrass habitats, which provide shelter, food, and oxygen for at-risk species. The research provides key monitoring and management designs to maximize seagrass resilience to human activities.
Analysis finds whole US ecosystems shifting dramatically north over nearly 50 years, with significant implications for land management. The study uses bird distribution data to quantify ecosystem shifts and identifies three distinct ecosystem boundaries.
A new approach to managing fisheries focuses on whole ecosystems rather than individual populations. The proposed indices use widely available data to determine when ecosystem overfishing is occurring, helping avoid damaging impacts on fishing economies.
Researchers propose a new method to identify the key relationships between people and nature that underpin environmental problems. This approach can help find new solutions to complex social-ecological interdependencies.
Researchers are calling for a shift in river management to prioritize long-term risk assessment and adaptive management. The current tools are no longer effective due to increasing climatic uncertainty, and new models must be able to anticipate future shocks and manage biodiversity.
A new study led by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that elk primarily rely on environmental cues, such as a retreating snowline and greening grasses, to decide when to migrate. The study used GPS tracking data from over 400 animals and satellite imagery to create a comprehensive model of the migrations.
Coral reefs, unchanged for 24 million years, are experiencing profound changes due to rapid climate change. Experts urge a rethink on conservation priorities in the face of these shifts, which exceed predictions. Carbon emissions reduction is key to sustaining coral ecosystems.
Tiny cryptobenthic reef fishes play a vital role in maintaining coral reef diversity and productivity by producing a steady stream of larvae to replace adults devoured by predators. These small fish contribute nearly 40% of reef-fish biodiversity and nearly two-thirds of near-reef larval fish pools.
A study examines how local communities interact with and view peatlands, highlighting their cultural and spiritual importance. The research reveals that communities have existing conservation strategies, emphasizing the need for further support from NGOs and institutions.
Scientists argue that rewilding measures can restore damaged ecosystems by examining functions, analyzing disturbances, and deriving targeted measures. Successful rewilding projects like the Oder river delta demonstrate environmental and social benefits.
A University of Oklahoma study found that climate warming significantly impacts microbial biodiversity in tallgrass prairies, with warmer temperatures increasing phylogenetic diversity over time. This could have significant implications for ecosystem management and conservation strategies.
A study from Florida State University found that coral reefs change can trigger significant ecosystem shifts, but ecologists and local fishing populations perceive those shifts in fundamentally different ways. The findings suggest that local perceptions of change and ecosystem health differ from those of scientists and resource managers.
A new study published in Ecological Applications found that human disturbance can have varying effects on different species of carnivores in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. While some species, such as lions, decline in population due to increased human activity, others, like hyenas and black-backed jackals, thrive in areas with hi...
The eight largest countries account for 50 percent of Earth's land area but barely three percent of nations. Larger countries accumulate more ecosystem values, concentrating power in a few hands, and their domestic policies can have global environmental repercussions.
Conserving Alaska's large carnivores demands an overhaul of state policies that prioritize human harvests over predator populations. Science-based management is necessary for effective conservation, involving monitoring trends and impacts on ecosystems.
Salinization affects biodiversity and water ecosystem functioning directly, but more baseline information is needed to predict its effects. The main causes of salinization in Spain include mining, agriculture, and regime changes in precipitations.
Researchers found that areas with higher rat complaints had increased trap rates and more garbage, suggesting a correlation between waste and rodent abundance. The study also revealed neighborhoods with high rental units tended to have more rats, possibly due to increased trash and access points.
A Montana State University study examines 35 ecological vital signs in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, finding increased human population and density, as well as a changing climate, are affecting its overall health. The research also highlights opportunities for citizen scientists to gather data and contribute to ecosystem assessments.
Researchers found that martens on Isle Royale were genetically linked to populations in Ontario, suggesting they arrived in the 1990s. The population's low genetic diversity indicated a severe bottleneck, with estimates suggesting two individuals repopulated the island just before their reappearance in 1993.
The EcoProMIS project aims to provide commercially viable solutions for sustainable agriculture in Colombia by combining space data with smart sensors and real-time information. Farmers will benefit from increased productivity and reduced environmental footprints, thanks to a public-private partnership supported by the UK Space Agency.
A new study led by Southern Methodist University archaeologist Christopher I. Roos reveals that Native American communities actively managed North American prairies for centuries, using fire to manipulate bison herds and amplify the effects of climate on prairie fire patterns.
The article examines 12 leporid species introduced by humans, highlighting their effects on ecosystems, including providing food resources for predators and competing with native herbivores. Conservation biologists must carefully consider these impacts when planning management strategies.
The study found that wildfire had a strong effect on the density of many bird species, with some reaching maximum densities after high-severity fires. The researchers also discovered complex patterns in species' responses to fire severity and time since burning, highlighting the dynamic nature of avian communities after fires.