scholarly journals A global dataset of inland fisheries expert knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen L. Stokes ◽  
Abigail J. Lynch ◽  
Simon Funge-Smith ◽  
John Valbo‐Jørgensen ◽  
T. Douglas Beard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Inland Fisheries ◽  
Vulnerability Assessments ◽  
Freshwater Habitats ◽  
Fish Harvest ◽  
Distribution Intensity

AbstractInland fisheries and their freshwater habitats face intensifying effects from multiple natural and anthropogenic pressures. Fish harvest and biodiversity data remain largely disparate and severely deficient in many areas, which makes assessing and managing inland fisheries difficult. Expert knowledge is increasingly used to improve and inform biological or vulnerability assessments, especially in data-poor areas. Integrating expert knowledge on the distribution, intensity, and relative influence of human activities can guide natural resource management strategies and institutional resource allocation and prioritization. This paper introduces a dataset summarizing the expert-perceived state of inland fisheries at the basin (fishery) level. An electronic survey distributed to professional networks (June-September 2020) captured expert perceptions (n = 536) of threats, successes, and adaptive capacity to fisheries across 93 hydrological basins, 79 countries, and all major freshwater habitat types. This dataset can be used to address research questions with conservation relevance, including: demographic influences on perceptions of threat, adaptive capacities for climate change, external factors driving multi-stressor interactions, and geospatial threat assessments.

scholarly journals Qualitative Modelling for Bridging Expert-Knowledge and the Social-Ecological Dynamics of an East African Savanna

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilien Cosme ◽  
Christelle Hély ◽  
Franck Pommereau ◽  
Paolo Pasquariello ◽  
Christel Tiberi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dynamic Modelling ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
East African ◽  
African Savanna ◽  
Qualitative Modelling ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
Economic Transitions

Sub-Saharan social-ecological systems are undergoing changes in environmental conditions, including modifications in rainfall pattern and biodiversity loss. Consequences of such changes depend on complex causal chains which call for integrated management strategies whose efficiency could benefit from ecosystem dynamic modelling. However, ecosystem models often require lots of quantitative information for estimating parameters, which is often unavailable. Alternatively, qualitative modelling frameworks have proved useful for explaining ecosystem response to perturbations, while requiring fewer information and providing more general predictions. However, current qualitative methods have some shortcomings which may limit their utility for specific issues. In this paper, we propose the Ecological Discrete-Event Network (EDEN), an innovative qualitative dynamic modelling framework based on "if-then" rules which generates many alternative event sequences (trajectories). Based on expert knowledge, observations and literature, we use this framework to assess the effect of permanent changes in surface water and herbivores diversity on vegetation and socio-economic transitions in an East African savanna. Results show that water availability drives changes in vegetation and socio-economic transitions, while herbivore functional groups had highly contrasted effects depending on the group. This first use of EDEN in a savanna context is promising for bridging expert knowledge and ecosystem modelling.

Student Stories: Microaggressions in Communication Sciences and Disorders

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Abdelaziz ◽  
Jairus-Joaquin Matthews ◽  
Ivan Campos ◽  
Danai Fannin ◽  
Jean F. Rivera Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Identity Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Academic Programs ◽  
Symbolic Violence ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Multicultural Issues ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Inclusive Learning ◽  
Post Baccalaureate

Purpose Microaggressions and how they affect underrepresented college students have been frequently documented. However, there is a lack of literature on the experiences of underrepresented communication sciences and disorders (CSD) students. The purpose of this study is to understand how underrepresented post baccalaureate, undergraduate, and graduate students in CSD experience microaggressions in their academic programs. Method A 19-item electronic survey was developed by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Multicultural Issues Board and distributed via multiple online platforms. A diverse group of 155 underrepresented CSD students completed the survey. A multistage qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze students' experiences. Results Students (64.51%) who completed the survey have experienced microaggressions in their academic programs. Prominent themes of students' descriptions of microaggressions included feelings of otherness, damaging generalization, maltreatment from faculty, and maltreatment from peers. Students reported various responses to microaggressions including identity management strategies, disengaging, and working hard to exceed expectations and to prove themselves. Conclusions This study illustrates the ways that underrepresented CSD students experience symbolic violence from clients, peers, and faculty. It has implications for the need to cultivate more inclusive learning and social environments in CSD programs. Further research is needed to explore the ramifications of microaggressions and ways to effectively reduce and eventually eradicate them. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15240723

Negotiating stakeholder participation in the Ghana national climate change policy

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Tweneboah Lawson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Policy Process ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
Change Policy ◽  
Vulnerability Assessments

Purpose Stakeholder consultation and participation are central to the climate change policymaking process. The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of stakeholder participation in the Ghana National Climate Change Policy. It examines the actors in the policy space and the negotiations and tradeoffs made during the policymaking process. Finally, it outlines the steps undertaken to make the process participatory and consultative. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative method has been used for this paper. The research design involves a review of relevant literature on Ghana’s climate change regime, meeting reports and key informant interviews. Findings The findings indicate that the processes the policy underwent had extensive stakeholder participation. An uptake of evidence was from existing impact and vulnerability assessments, the first and second communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scientific and research documents and expert knowledge. Key actors were identified and involved right from the beginning of the policymaking process. Although stakeholder participation was time-consuming, expensive and elongated, the policy process was vital for buy-in and ownership. The results also identified the need to include more stakeholders at the sub-regional levels in policymaking. Originality/value The study is the first of its kind detailing stakeholder participation in the climate change policy process in Ghana. It forms a good basis for comparative studies with similar policies in other countries. Thus, this paper fills an identified gap of the need to document climate change policymaking processes.

scholarly journals Long-term monitoring of crab Cardisoma guanhumi (Decapoda: Gecarcinidae) captures in Jobos Bay Estuary, Puerto Rico

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogani Govender
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Carapace Width ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Blue Color ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
The West ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cardisoma Guanhumi ◽  
The Impact

Abstract: The densities of the land crab Cardisoma guanhumi has been dropping for the past decades, as a result numerous management strategies, laws and regulations throughout the tropics have been developed to reduce population declines. The reasons for declines include: overfishing, habitat degradation and loss, and continued capture in Natural Protected Areas (NPA). In Puerto Rico, an admistrative order of 1999, regulates a closed season, prohibits the captures of crabs through the year from NPA and has a legal size for capture (64 mm). The goal of this research was to monitor spatial-temporal dynamics of captures for C. guanhumi after the implementation of the admistrative order. Crabs captured from thirty-one hunters in six communities surrounding the Jobos Bay Estuary (JBE) in south east Puerto Rico was studied over a period of 15 years, 2004 through 2018. The size (carapace width and length), sex and color were documented for 1531 crabs. There was significant difference in crab size through time and space. The smallest crabs with captured in the west of JBE and in the year 2004, while the largest crabs were captured in the west and in 2013. As expected smaller hunting areas had smaller crabs due to higher hunting pressure. Further, there was significant difference in crab color by size, smaller crabs were orange, intermediate size was brown and larger crabs were blue. Color of crab can therefore be used to determine legal limit. From 2009 to 2018 three percent of hunters captured crabs smaller than the legal-size limit. Although there was no significant relationship between climate (temperature, rainfall) and crab size, smaller crabs were captured in 2013-2016 during years of lower rainfall. Also, crab size increase from 2004 until 2013 coincided with mangrove recovery in the JBE. The laws and management strategies in Puerto Rico for the protection of crabs by size and prohibition in NPA, is not enough. Therefore, the impact of climate variability, sea level rise and anthropogenic pressures on crab habitat, therefore, warrants further investigation.

Methods to accompany and evaluate planning of combined sewer overflow treatment concepts for complex sewer systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Klepiszewski ◽  
S. Seiffert ◽  
M. Regneri ◽  
E. Henry
Keyword(s):  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Combined Sewer Overflow ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Sewer Systems ◽  
Combined Sewer ◽  
Treatment Concepts ◽  
Sewer Overflow ◽  
Local Emissions

Simulation tools are in common use to evaluate combined sewer overflow (CSO) treatment concepts in complex sewer systems. However, the planning of CSO structures in a sewer system is a matter of local constraints, expert knowledge and trial and error. Common standards only provide general recommendations to plan CSO structures and work out management strategies. Additionally, modelling the emissions of complex sewer systems tends to result in comprehensive findings. Although, it is essential to understand local behaviour and interaction of CSO structures in a system to improve local and overall performance there is a lack of tools to illustrate comprehensive simulation results in a simple way. In this context the methods presented here are developed. These include clear illustrations of the as-is state in the catchment using Sankey diagrams to show relevant volume and pollutant flows. Furthermore, loading and treatment indicators are suggested to illustrate local loading conditions and treatment capabilities of CSO structures in relation to the overall system. Additional emission indicators provide information on local emissions and show interactions of CSO structures. The results indicate that the suggested methods contribute to an efficient evaluation of interactions and performances to improve treatment strategies in the planning phase.

Conservation, Ecology, and Management of Catfish: The Second International Symposium

2011 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Ictalurus Punctatus ◽  
Channel Catfish ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Missouri River ◽  
The United States ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Main Stem ◽  
Commercial Fishing ◽  
Commercial Species ◽  
Fish Harvest

Abstract.—Channel catfish <em>Ictalurus punctatus</em> are an important recreational and commercial species in much of the United States. Catfish species accounted for a large portion of angler harvest in the years prior to, and immediately after, main-stem reservoir construction on the Missouri River. Since impoundment, fish communities and angler preferences have shifted. Although channel catfish have remained abundant and are among the most common species in population surveys, they are no longer heavily targeted by anglers. We compared channel catfish population metrics, management, and angler creel surveys among the six main-stem Missouri River reservoirs in order to better understand and promote these fisheries. Proportional size distributions ranged from 35 to 79, and relative weights ranged from 84 to 93 among reservoirs in 2009. Channel catfish mean lengths at age were highest in Gavins Point, the lowermost reservoir, and tended to decrease upstream. Estimates of total annual mortality from catch-curve analysis ranged from 12% to 25%. Several reservoirs had a channel catfish population consisting of fish with all year-classes present through age 20, suggesting low exploitation, and one channel catfish from Garrison Reservoir was estimated to be age 28. Gavins Point and Fort Peck are the only reservoirs regulated with harvest limits and bans on commercial fishing. Percentage of interviewed anglers specifically targeting channel catfish ranged from less than 1.0% to 9.5% among reservoirs, and catfish accounted for less than 3.0% of overall estimated fish harvest for all reservoirs combined. These reservoirs could support significant increases in channel catfish harvest. Additional research and creative management strategies are needed to better promote these underutilized fisheries.

scholarly journals Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Practices in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 577-583
Author(s):  
Eva M. Byerley ◽  
Mohamed W. Mohamed ◽  
Carlina J. Grindeland ◽  
Julia D. Muzzy Williamson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Abstinence Syndrome ◽  
First Line ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Pharmacologic Management ◽  
National Practice

OBJECTIVE To survey current practices for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) among institutions in the United States to identify changes in national practice over time. METHODS Previous NAS management reports were referenced in the development of our 26-question electronic survey, which was distributed in the fall of 2019 to pediatric practitioners of 2 national clinical pharmacy organizations via email list servers. Not all questions required a response and responses from incomplete surveys were included. Institution demographics and NAS management strategies, including location of care, observation period, and inpatient and outpatient pharmacotherapy, were queried. RESULTS Seventy respondents representing institutions from all US geographic regions participated in the survey The most commonly reported inpatient observation durations were 3 (18 of 61, 29%) and 5 (22 of 61, 36%) days. Respondents indicated that neonates were typically transferred to the NICU if pharmacologic management was required (38 of 56, 68%). According to participants, first-line agents used for NAS management were morphine (45 of 56, 80%), methadone (5 of 56, 9%), clonidine (2 of 56, 4%), and buprenorphine (2 of 56, 4%). Among respondents, only 20% (11 of 56) reported that infants may be discharged home on pharmacotherapy, including morphine (n = 6), phenobarbital (n = 3), clonidine (n = 1), and methadone (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS Opioids are the most commonly used first-line agents for NAS management in the United States. The primary site of NAS management is the inpatient setting, as only 20% of institutions report discharging patients on pharmacotherapy.

scholarly journals Functionality and Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas in Southeastern Brazilian Waters for Demersal Elasmobranchs

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thamíris C. Karlovic ◽  
Renata R. Gomes ◽  
Paulo C. Paiva ◽  
Elizabeth A. Babcock ◽  
June F. Dias
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Marine Protected Areas ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Northern Coast ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures

Ensuring the efficacy of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) requires that adequate management strategies be implemented according to the MPA’s objectives. Within the scope of species conservation, achieving MPA objectives demands understanding of the role played by MPAs for the target species. In 2014, Brazilian stakeholders and experts set the action plan for elasmobranchs’ conservation, which intended to create new protected areas and expand the existing ones. Nevertheless, more than 65% of Brazilian elasmobranch species are threatened by anthropogenic pressures such as fisheries and habitat loss. In addition, their ecological aspects are not well studied, which might jeopardize the success of the proposed actions. To assess the functionality and effectiveness of two no-take MPAs for sixteen demersal species, the Wildlife Refuge of Alcatrazes (WRA) and the Tupinambás Ecological Station (TES), we evaluated the community structure, space-time variations in functional diversity and changes in fishery indicators. Community dynamics were driven by inshore intrusion and time persistent effects of a cold and nutrient-rich water mass, the South Atlantic Central Water, which increased the relative abundance of species, functional groups, and overall diversity. Spatially, the heterogeneity of benthic habitats, due to the action of stronger waves in specific parts of the MPAs, reflects a diverse community of benthic invertebrates, explaining differences in relative abundance and similarities in space use by the functional groups. Regarding effectiveness, the MPAs make up a key network with the surrounding protection areas to support the ecosystem maintenance on the central and northern coast of the São Paulo state. The establishment of the TES has positively influenced the community throughout the years while the recent creation of the WRA may have promoted some improvements in fisheries indicators for a threatened guitarfish. We propose different functions of the Alcatrazes archipelago for each species and suggest some measures to enhance not only elasmobranch conservation but also the MPAs’ effectiveness.

Light pollution: A landscape-scale issue requiring cross-realm consideration

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Mayer-Pinto ◽  
Theresa M. Jones ◽  
Stephen E. Swearer ◽  
Kylie A. Robert ◽  
Damon Bolton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Terrestrial Insects

Terrestrial, marine, and freshwater realms are inherently linked through ecological, biogeochemical and/or physical processes. An understanding of these connections is critical to optimise management strategies and ensure the ongoing resilience of ecosystems. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a global stressor that can profoundly affect a wide range of organisms and habitats and impact multiple realms. Despite this, current management practices for light pollution rarely consider connectivity between realms. Here we discuss the ways in which ALAN can have cross-realm impacts and provide case studies for each example discussed. We identified three main ways in which ALAN can affect two or more realms: 1) impacts on species that have life cycles and/or stages on two or more realms, such as diadromous fish that cross realms during ontogenetic migrations and many terrestrial insects that have juvenile phases of the lifecycle in aquatic realms; 2) impacts on species interactions that occur across realm boundaries, and 3) impacts on transition zones or ecosystems such as mangroves and estuaries. We then propose a framework for cross-realm management of light pollution and discuss current challenges and potential solutions to increase the uptake of a cross-realm approach for ALAN management. We argue that the strengthening and formalisation of professional networks that involve academics, lighting practitioners, environmental managers and regulators that work in multiple realms is essential to provide an integrated approach to light pollution. Networks that have a strong multi-realm and multi-disciplinary focus are important as they enable a holistic understanding of issues related to ALAN.

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