Articles tagged with Environmental Management
A University of Washington study found that Pacific salmon in larger groups have lower predation risk, but may trade safety for food. The researchers analyzed historical data on fish catches and predator wounds to estimate group size and predation risk, revealing the benefits and costs of schooling in marine fish.
Two Rutgers studies project that offshore wind farms will reduce Atlantic surfclam catches by 3-15%, with losses reaching 25% in New Jersey. A spatially-explicit model, SEFES, predicts impacts on fishing behavior and revenue.
Researchers from Japan developed a new model to assess mangrove forest productivity, which is influenced by environmental factors such as sea surface temperature and salinity. The model uses satellite data to estimate productivity and performed better than traditional terrestrial models.
Researchers studying Mexico City's 700-year history highlight the need for democratic adaptation decisions and prioritizing climate justice over technological innovation. The city's complex water management system, built on an island in a saline lake, demonstrates trade-offs between flood control and urban development.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave caused widespread death among shellfish due to a combination of low tides, high air temperatures, and location. The research team analyzed hundreds of field observations and found that some species fared better than others in terms of survival.
Scientists have discovered a way to harness animals' olfactory ability to protect endangered plants and animals by masking their scent, disguising it, or spreading similar scents. This method is more effective, sustainable, and animal-friendly than traditional deterrents like fences and lethal control methods.
Inhaled anaesthetic gases are potent greenhouse gases with effects up to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide. The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care recommends reducing their use through alternatives like TIVA and regional anaesthesia.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that the ecological impact of invasive species alone is comparable to its combined effect with warming temperatures, drought, or nitrogen deposition. This suggests that managing invasive species at a local level can make ecosystems more climate resilient.
Researchers use AI software to identify invasive species and native trees threatened by disease from photos taken by on-train cameras. This technology enables railway workers to take action to better manage lineside vegetation and achieve biodiversity net gain by 2035.
A new study reveals that tidal flats in the southeastern US are under pressure from urbanization, leading to erosion and loss of these critical ecosystem guardians. The research highlights the need for sustainable management plans to mitigate the impacts of urban expansion on coastal environments.
A University of Michigan study predicts that expanding roads and a planned railway will dramatically increase tiger mortality, reducing populations from 130 to 50 animals over 20 years. Researchers urge Smart Green Infrastructure planning to minimize impacts on tiger biodiversity and prey.
Researchers at MBARI use eDNA and autonomous underwater robots to survey marine biodiversity, providing clues about changes in sensitive areas and the presence of rare species. The technology enables persistent monitoring of ocean ecosystems, supporting food webs and regulating climate.
A major new study is investigating the effects of beavers on the Arctic landscape, other animals, and local Indigenous communities. The project aims to understand the complex interlinkages between ecological and sociological changes as beaver numbers increase.
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
A new online tool, HazardAware, provides disaster readiness reports for 13.3 million addresses in 196 counties along the Gulf of Mexico, including all of Florida. The tool assesses a property's resilience to hazards such as hurricanes and flooding, and offers customized mitigation information to reduce future hazard loss.
The study found that fires in 2020 followed an accelerating trend of increased burn area, severity, size, and costs to society and the economy. Human-caused fires accounted for nearly 60% of fires, but lightning-sparked fires burned more than five times the area burned by human-caused fires.
Researchers used weather radar data to identify areas where large numbers of migrating birds fly through the rotor-swept zone and stopover in high densities. This information can guide the placement of new wind energy development and turbine operation to minimize collisions and habitat loss.
A study of ancient shell remains found at El Mazo cave site reveals that prehistoric humans in Europe adapted to a 1,500-year cold period by exploiting different mollusc species and avoiding overfishing. This research provides insights into human responses to climate change and its impacts on marine environments.
A new study found that native species in southwestern Washington floodplains adapt to bullfrogs and sunfish by changing their feeding strategies. The researchers analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in predators and prey to understand food webs, finding that some species shifted towards more abundant food sources.
New research reveals that private protected areas (PPAs) are twice as likely to be in areas with human disturbance and three times more likely to protect key biodiversity areas. PPAs account for 1.2% of these areas, increasing connectivity by over 7%. This study highlights the importance of recognizing their role in conservation efforts.
A new study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management found that perennial grassland cover affects duck nest survival differently depending on its dominance as a landcover type. In the Prairie Pothole Region, intermediate levels of perennial cover (30–60%) showed no additional benefits for nest survival.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new method using pyrolysis to convert challenging plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The converted energy could power up to 1,000 five-room apartments for a year.
Researchers quantified five critical ecological processes on over 500 coral reefs worldwide, finding no reef can maximize each process simultaneously. They also identified local super heroes among species that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
A University of Colorado Boulder study shows that win-wins in environmental management are rare due to real-world complexity. The research highlights the importance of compromise and effective communication between scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers.
A recent study using mercury stable isotopes reveals that industrial discharge is the primary source of mercury pollution in Korea's west coast. This finding highlights the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate industrial mercury releases and protect marine environments.
A surge in travel activity beyond pre-pandemic levels, known as 'anthropulse', is imminent, posing risks to the environment. Researchers are eager to study and document these impacts to inform sustainable future planning.
A study of 2,272 streams in North America found that human-altered streams are at greater risk of severe flooding due to increased paved surfaces. Human activities also lead to water shortages and biodiversity loss in these streams.
Researchers found that pelicans primarily eat native fish species like Utah sucker and chub, with only a small percentage of cutthroat trout consumed. This discovery provides managers with more insight into the ecological dynamics of the reservoir, allowing them to focus on other factors impacting trout populations.
Researchers analyzed mollusk shells at 4,000-year-old shell ring villages in Georgia and found environmental changes drove the formation and abandonment of these coastal communities. Smaller oyster shells and lower salinity conditions suggested depletion in oyster stocks and unsustainable fishing practices.
Researchers propose a disaggregation strategy to estimate power consumption of individual electrical facilities, improving accuracy over traditional methods. The new approach uses linear regression residuals and clustered daily routines to provide more accurate estimations for workdays and holidays.
Researchers developed a new model to predict storm damage, allowing for effective resource allocation and reduction in societal consequences. The framework can be applied to various infrastructure systems and weather events, promoting better preparedness and response.
A review by Nathan et al. showcases big-data revolution in movement ecology, revealing new insights into animal behavior and habitat use. Reverse-GPS systems, such as ATLAS, track animals with high accuracy, while acoustic telemetry tracks aquatic life, providing crucial data for conservation.
Assistant Professor Emily Cohen at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science received a $750,000 NSF CAREER Award to study migrating birds as communities. This research aims to fill critical gaps in understanding animal migration by considering migratory animals as networks of ecological interactions.
Climate change is threatening African cultural and natural heritage sites, with 56 of 284 sites identified as highly exposed to extreme sea levels and erosion. The number of affected sites is projected to triple by 2050 under high emissions scenarios, highlighting the need for urgent climate change adaptation measures.
A study published in AGU Advances found that water depletion from rivers and lakes accelerates near urban centers due to factors like increased evaporation and groundwater exploitation. Researchers analyzed satellite imagery of the US from 1984 to 2018 and developed a model predicting surface water loss proximity to cities.
A Cornell University-led analysis recommends improving contracting improvements in Texas' energy-only markets to mitigate rare events. Decentralized energy markets rely on investors anticipating demand, but they often fail to manage risk as designed.
Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that over 90% of people who use online delivery services would likely revert back to their original way of shopping. Delivery service users access products in four categories: groceries, food, home goods, and other items, with grocery deliveries having the highest proportion of new ado...
A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...
A diverse pollen diet and varied landscape contribute to better colony growth and more offspring for young queens. This diversity also reduces the negative effects of infestation with parasitic wax moth larvae.
A study of 118 conservation units in Brazil found that 60% use unsuitable methods to detect deer presence. Visual analysis of droppings, fur, and footprints is a reliable method for most species, but others require DNA testing or camera traps.
Researchers have found an unprecedented increase in winter stream flow rates over the last 25 years, with nearly 80% above average, driven by permafrost melt and forest fires. The combined effects of these factors are accelerating Arctic ice melt and exacerbating global warming.
Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
A new study found that manufacturing facilities that use large amounts of water during periods of drought often streamline their processes to lower toxic emissions into water, lakes, and rivers. On average, these changes resulted in reduced toxic emissions by over 2.5%.
The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a new approach to guide decision-making in managing ecosystems under global change. It offers three pathways: resisting, accepting, or directing change to produce desirable outcomes.
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of risk management to deal with complex environmental risks. Experts from academia and government have identified key sources of data and interventions to reduce multiple types of risk, including air pollution, food insecurity, and zoonotic diseases.
Despite over 200 restored wetlands in Denmark, botanical diversity remains low, with only 9.5 species per four square meters found in the studied areas. High nutrient input from agriculture continues to affect plant species dispersal and immigration, making it a significant barrier to increased biodiversity.
The project aims to create a community of researchers, local managers, and community champions to share knowledge and perspectives on flooding and climate change. Funding will support the implementation of equitable solutions to address environmental injustices in flood-prone areas of Northern Virginia.
The excessive use of road salts in winter is contaminating drinking water sources and mobilizing harmful chemicals, according to a new UToledo study. The research suggests that reducing salt application can help mitigate negative environmental impacts, while also protecting human health.
Researchers found that tides play a crucial role in modulating groundwater discharge and coastal salinity, especially during low rainfall periods. Heavy rains and tropical cyclones also impact submarine groundwater discharge, with significant effects on coastal ecosystems and aquaculture.
A $19 million research project will investigate the connection between grazing management decisions and soil health, aiming to improve soil resilience and productivity. The project, led by Noble Research Institute, will provide farmers and ranchers with tools to measure outcomes of soil health in grazing land environments.
Researchers developed a tool to monitor and predict water losses in waterfalls based on their soundscapes, allowing environmental managers to balance water diversion and preservation. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a minimum threshold of water flow for waterfall appearance and sound.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.
A team of scientists from GIST developed an AI-based approach to analyze and extract user behavior data, estimating the optimal demand response management for each household. The study showcases how AI can improve electricity consumption, leading to lower prices and a smaller carbon footprint.
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (SuMMeR CDT) will train 50 interdisciplinary PhD students to sustainably manage the UK's coasts and seas. The program focuses on subjects ranging from marine sciences to law, health, education, and economics.
The Resist-Accept-Direct framework offers three pathways for managers to respond to ecological transformation: resisting, accepting, or directing change. The framework has been developed by natural resource managers and ecologists to guide decision-making in the face of intensifying global change.
A new Illinois study compares performance of static and dynamic nitrogen recommendation tools, finding that complex dynamic tools do not consistently increase profits but offer a 15% reduction in nitrogen leaching. The researchers highlight the need to refine these tools and prioritize environmental outcomes over economic gains.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a first-ever global river database tracking movement of the world's largest rivers over 40 years. The data reveals average migration rates for each river delta, helping identify stable areas and those experiencing major shifts.
Scientists call for scientifically-informed reforms to manage overabundant kangaroo populations, addressing animal welfare, conservation and environmental concerns. The special edition of the journal features research papers on sustainable monitoring and management practices to reduce harm to wildlife species.
A study has identified 20 consistent indicators to support sustainability on U.S. ranches, focusing on ecological, social, and economic aspects. The indicators aim to help ranchers track progress toward sustainability goals and communicate improvements to their operations.