Effects of diesel oil spill on macrobenthic assemblages at the intertidal zone: A mesocosm experiment in situ

This presentation discusses a downstream application from Copernicus Services, developed in the framework of the IMPRESSIVE project, for the monitoring of &#160;the oil spill produced after the crash of the ferry &#8220;Volcan de Tamasite&#8221; in waters of the Canary Islands on the 21st of April 2017. The presentation summarizes the findings of [1] that describe a complete monitoring of the diesel fuel spill, well-documented by port authorities. Complementary information supplied by different sources enhances the description of the event. We discuss the performance of very high resolution hydrodynamic models in the area of the Port of Gran Canaria and their ability for describing the evolution of this event. Dynamical systems ideas support the comparison of different models performance. Very high resolution remote sensing products and in situ observation validate the description.Authors acknowledge support from IMPRESSIVE a project funded by the European Union&#8217;s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 821922. SW acknowledges the support of ONR Grant No. N00014-01-1-0769References[1] G.Garc&#237;a-S&#225;nchez, A. M. Mancho, A. G. Ramos, J. Coca, B. P&#233;rez-G&#243;mez, E. &#193;lvarez-Fanjul, M. G. Sotillo, M. Garc&#237;a-Le&#243;n, V. J. Garc&#237;a-Garrido, S. Wiggins. Very High Resolution Tools for the Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Hazards in Coastal Areas. &#160;Front. Mar. Sci. (2021) doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.605804.

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Oil spill modeling: computational tools, analytical frameworks, and emerging technologies

Progress in Physical Geography Earth and Environment ◽

10.1177/0309133318804977 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 129-143 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jake R. Nelson ◽

Tony H. Grubesic

Keyword(s):

Oil Spill ◽

Emerging Technologies ◽

Computational Tools ◽

Gis And Remote Sensing ◽

Response Strategies ◽

Wide Range ◽

Oil Spill Modeling ◽

In Situ Sensing ◽

Analytical Frameworks

Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010, a substantial body of research has focused on the development of computational tools and analytical frameworks for modeling oil spill events. Much of this work is dedicated to deepening our understanding of the interactions between oil, fragile ecosystems, and the environment, as well as the impacts of oil on human settlements which are vulnerable to spill events. These advances in oil spill modeling and associated analytics have not only increased the efficiency of spill interdiction and mitigation efforts, they have also helped to nurture proactive, versus reactive, response strategies and plans for local and regional stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to provide a progress report on the wide range of computational tools, analytical frameworks, and emerging technologies which are necessary inputs for a complete oil spill modeling package. Specifically, we explore the use of relatively mature tools, such as dedicated spill modeling packages, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, as well emerging technologies such as aerial and aquatic drones and other in-situ sensing technologies. The integration of these technologies and the advantages associated with using a geographic lens for oil spill modeling are discussed.

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Unravelling the impact of harvesting pressure on canopy-forming macroalgae

Marine and Freshwater Research ◽

10.1071/mf14198 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 67 (1) ◽

pp. 153 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Doriane Stagnol ◽

Renaud Michel ◽

Dominique Davoult

Keyword(s):

Habitat Characteristics ◽

Spatiotemporal Variability ◽

Macrobenthic Assemblages ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Matrix ◽

Commercial Species ◽

Canopy Removal ◽

The Impact ◽

Relevant Finding

Canopy-forming macroalgae create a specific surrounding habitat (the matrix) with their own ecological properties. Previous studies have shown a wide range of responses to canopy removal. Magnitude and strength of the effects of harvesting are thought to be context-dependent, with the macroalgal matrix that can either soften or exacerbate the impact of harvesting. We experimentally examined in situ the effect of harvesting on targeted commercial species, and how these potential impacts might vary in relation to its associated matrix. We found that patterns of recovery following the harvesting disturbance were variable and matrix specific, suggesting that local factors and surrounding habitat characteristics mediated the influence of harvesting. The greatest and longest effects of harvesting were observed for the targeted species that created a dominant and monospecific canopy on their site prior to the disturbance. Another relevant finding was the important natural spatiotemporal variability of macrobenthic assemblages associated with canopy-forming species, which raises concern about the ability to discriminate the natural variability from the disturbance impact. Finally, our results support the need to implement ecosystem-based management, assessing both the habitat conditions and ecological roles of targeted commercial species, in order to insure the sustainability of the resource.

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