scholarly journals The Ecological Impacts of Mining at Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposits on Megafaunal Assemblage Structure and Population Connectivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rachel Boschen
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Reference Site ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Massive Sulfide ◽  
Assemblage Structure ◽  
Population Connectivity ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Video Footage

<p>Deep-sea mining is rapidly becoming a reality, yet there are considerable gaps in our knowledge of the seabed assemblages that could be affected by mining activities. Seafloor Massive Sulfide (SMS) mining is expected to remove nearly all organisms in the immediate area and alter the remaining habitat, so that mitigation strategies for SMS mining will most likely need to include the establishment of protected areas to preserve the biodiversity that is lost at mine sites. Prospecting licences have been issued previously for SMS deposits within the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), however little is known about the seabed assemblages potentially at risk from SMS mining, particularly with respect to their structure (at multiple spatial scales) and the connectivity of assemblages at different sites. Designing studies to provide this information can be aided by turning to terrestrial, freshwater and shallow marine systems, where the fields of ecological theory, environmental management and conservation theory are better developed (Chapter 1).  Prior to detailed investigations into the assemblage structure and population connectivity of New Zealand SMS deposits, it is essential to understand the global context of SMS mining. This was undertaken through an extensive literature review of SMS deposits, including their geology, seafloor communities, impacts from mining, international and national regulation, and environmental management (Chapter 2).  In order to investigate the large-scale spatial distribution and structure of seafloor assemblages at SMS deposits, three New Zealand seamounts previously licenced for the prospecting phase of SMS mining were surveyed. Video footage from a towed camera was analysed to identify and characterise assemblages, and their association with environmental variation was investigated. Analysis of 249 video samples (each 250 m in length) distributed amongst the three seamounts indicated that SMS deposits support unique assemblages and that there were strong links between assemblage structure and environmental variation at a range of spatial scales. There was also a complex distribution of assemblages amongst the seamounts, suggesting a network of protected areas would be the most effective method for spatial management. Such networks should include sites that support the unique assemblages found in association with SMS deposits (Chapter 3).  The fine-scale distribution and structure of assemblages at SMS deposits was investigated by using data from a single SMS deposit, Proteus 1, and comparing it to a Reference Site selected to have similar size and seabed characteristics to the deposit. Video footage from a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was used to identify and characterise assemblages, and their association with environmental conditions. Analysis of 153 video samples (each 15 m in length) confirmed the existence of assemblages unique to SMS deposits, and indicated that environmental characteristics specific to the deposit are responsible for the observed patterns of faunal distribution. Although five assemblages were shared between Proteus 1 and the Reference Site, six assemblages were unique to Proteus 1. This suggested that the proposed Reference Site would be inadequate on its own in terms of protecting the biological diversity present at the mine site but could contribute to a network of protected areas (Chapter 4).  The issue of connectivity was addressed by examining the genetic connectivity of populations of the endemic hydrothermal vent mussel, Gigantidas gladius. Universal markers, archived material and off-the-shelf DNA extraction kits were used to investigate a cost effective approach. The assessment utilised variation in 586 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I subunit (COI) from 150 individuals in seven populations of G. gladius. Small sample sizes limited the recommendations that could be made for environmental management; however interpretation of the available sequences indicated panmixia with limited genetic structure and high connectivity amongst populations. Central Kermadec Volcanic Arc populations had particularly high haplotypic diversity and migrant exchange, suggesting they could be important for maintaining regional genetic connectivity and would merit inclusion in seabed protection measures (Chapter 5).  Establishing protected areas for biodiversity needs to utilise all of the available information. The integrated findings of this thesis highlight the need for a network of protected seabed areas along the Kermadec Volcanic Arc to help mitigate the impacts of any future SMS mining activities. These networks should be highly connected (as determined by genetic connectivity) and include both active and inactive SMS areas to conserve 1) the endemic vent fauna in active areas and 2) the unique assemblages found in both environments (Chapter 6).</p>

scholarly journals The Ecological Impacts of Mining at Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposits on Megafaunal Assemblage Structure and Population Connectivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Rachel Boschen
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Reference Site ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Massive Sulfide ◽  
Assemblage Structure ◽  
Population Connectivity ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Video Footage

<p>Deep-sea mining is rapidly becoming a reality, yet there are considerable gaps in our knowledge of the seabed assemblages that could be affected by mining activities. Seafloor Massive Sulfide (SMS) mining is expected to remove nearly all organisms in the immediate area and alter the remaining habitat, so that mitigation strategies for SMS mining will most likely need to include the establishment of protected areas to preserve the biodiversity that is lost at mine sites. Prospecting licences have been issued previously for SMS deposits within the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), however little is known about the seabed assemblages potentially at risk from SMS mining, particularly with respect to their structure (at multiple spatial scales) and the connectivity of assemblages at different sites. Designing studies to provide this information can be aided by turning to terrestrial, freshwater and shallow marine systems, where the fields of ecological theory, environmental management and conservation theory are better developed (Chapter 1).  Prior to detailed investigations into the assemblage structure and population connectivity of New Zealand SMS deposits, it is essential to understand the global context of SMS mining. This was undertaken through an extensive literature review of SMS deposits, including their geology, seafloor communities, impacts from mining, international and national regulation, and environmental management (Chapter 2).  In order to investigate the large-scale spatial distribution and structure of seafloor assemblages at SMS deposits, three New Zealand seamounts previously licenced for the prospecting phase of SMS mining were surveyed. Video footage from a towed camera was analysed to identify and characterise assemblages, and their association with environmental variation was investigated. Analysis of 249 video samples (each 250 m in length) distributed amongst the three seamounts indicated that SMS deposits support unique assemblages and that there were strong links between assemblage structure and environmental variation at a range of spatial scales. There was also a complex distribution of assemblages amongst the seamounts, suggesting a network of protected areas would be the most effective method for spatial management. Such networks should include sites that support the unique assemblages found in association with SMS deposits (Chapter 3).  The fine-scale distribution and structure of assemblages at SMS deposits was investigated by using data from a single SMS deposit, Proteus 1, and comparing it to a Reference Site selected to have similar size and seabed characteristics to the deposit. Video footage from a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was used to identify and characterise assemblages, and their association with environmental conditions. Analysis of 153 video samples (each 15 m in length) confirmed the existence of assemblages unique to SMS deposits, and indicated that environmental characteristics specific to the deposit are responsible for the observed patterns of faunal distribution. Although five assemblages were shared between Proteus 1 and the Reference Site, six assemblages were unique to Proteus 1. This suggested that the proposed Reference Site would be inadequate on its own in terms of protecting the biological diversity present at the mine site but could contribute to a network of protected areas (Chapter 4).  The issue of connectivity was addressed by examining the genetic connectivity of populations of the endemic hydrothermal vent mussel, Gigantidas gladius. Universal markers, archived material and off-the-shelf DNA extraction kits were used to investigate a cost effective approach. The assessment utilised variation in 586 base pairs of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I subunit (COI) from 150 individuals in seven populations of G. gladius. Small sample sizes limited the recommendations that could be made for environmental management; however interpretation of the available sequences indicated panmixia with limited genetic structure and high connectivity amongst populations. Central Kermadec Volcanic Arc populations had particularly high haplotypic diversity and migrant exchange, suggesting they could be important for maintaining regional genetic connectivity and would merit inclusion in seabed protection measures (Chapter 5).  Establishing protected areas for biodiversity needs to utilise all of the available information. The integrated findings of this thesis highlight the need for a network of protected seabed areas along the Kermadec Volcanic Arc to help mitigate the impacts of any future SMS mining activities. These networks should be highly connected (as determined by genetic connectivity) and include both active and inactive SMS areas to conserve 1) the endemic vent fauna in active areas and 2) the unique assemblages found in both environments (Chapter 6).</p>

scholarly journals Megabenthic assemblage structure on three New Zealand seamounts: implications for seafloor massive sulfide mining

2015 ◽  
Vol 523 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
RE Boschen ◽  
AA Rowden ◽  
MR Clark ◽  
SJ Barton ◽  
A Pallentin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Massive Sulfide ◽  
Assemblage Structure ◽  
Seafloor Massive Sulfide

scholarly journals Contrasting gene flow at different spatial scales revealed by genotyping-by-sequencing in Isocladus armatus, a massively colour polymorphic New Zealand marine isopod

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Wells ◽  
James Dale
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Flow ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Marine Organism ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Genotyping By Sequencing ◽  
Population Connectivity ◽  
Larval Phase ◽  
Island Populations

Understanding how genetic diversity is maintained within populations is central to evolutionary biology. Research on colour polymorphism (CP), which typically has a genetic basis, can shed light on this issue. However, because gene flow can homogenise genetic variation, understanding population connectivity is critical in examining the maintenance of polymorphisms. In this study we assess the utility of genotyping-by-sequencing to resolve gene flow, and provide a preliminary investigation into the genetic basis of CP in Isocladus armatus, an endemic New Zealand marine isopod. Analysis of the genetic variation in 4,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within and among populations and colour morphs revealed large differences in gene flow across two spatial scales. Marine isopods, which lack a pelagic larval phase, are typically assumed to exhibit greater population structuring than marine invertebrates possessing a biphasic life cycle. However, we found high gene flow rates and no genetic subdivision between two North Island populations situated 8 km apart. This suggests that I. armatus is capable of substantial dispersal along coastlines. In contrast, we identified a strong genetic disjunction between North and South Island populations. This result is similar to those reported in other New Zealand marine species, and is congruent with the presence of a geophysical barrier to dispersal down the east coast of New Zealand. We also found some support for a genetic basis to colouration evidenced by positive FST outlier tests, with two SNPs in particular showing strong association to the expression of a striped morph. Our study provides one of the first population genomic studies of a marine organism in New Zealand, and suggests that genotyping-by-sequencing can be a good alternative to more traditional investigations based on traditional markers such as microsatellites. Our study provides a foundation for further development of a highly tractable system for research on the evolutionary maintenance of CP.

scholarly journals Highly restricted dispersal in habitat-forming seaweed may impede natural recovery of disturbed populations

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florentine Riquet ◽  
Christiane-Arnilda De Kuyper ◽  
Cécile Fauvelot ◽  
Laura Airoldi ◽  
Serge Planes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystems ◽  
Dispersal Distance ◽  
Genetic Connectivity ◽  
Restricted Gene Flow ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Natural Recovery ◽  
Limited Dispersal ◽  
Ecological Importance

AbstractCystoseira sensu lato (Class Phaeophyceae, Order Fucales, Family Sargassaceae) forests play a central role in marine Mediterranean ecosystems. Over the last decades, Cystoseira s.l. suffered from a severe loss as a result of multiple anthropogenic stressors. In particular, Gongolaria barbata has faced multiple human-induced threats, and, despite its ecological importance in structuring rocky communities and hosting a large number of species, the natural recovery of G. barbata depleted populations is uncertain. Here, we used nine microsatellite loci specifically developed for G. barbata to assess the genetic diversity of this species and its genetic connectivity among fifteen sites located in the Ionian, the Adriatic and the Black Seas. In line with strong and significant heterozygosity deficiencies across loci, likely explained by Wahlund effect, high genetic structure was observed among the three seas (ENA corrected FST = 0.355, IC = [0.283, 0.440]), with an estimated dispersal distance per generation smaller than 600 m, both in the Adriatic and Black Sea. This strong genetic structure likely results from restricted gene flow driven by geographic distances and limited dispersal abilities, along with genetic drift within isolated populations. The presence of genetically disconnected populations at small spatial scales (< 10 km) has important implications for the identification of relevant conservation and management measures for G. barbata: each population should be considered as separated evolutionary units with dedicated conservation efforts.

scholarly journals Identifying priority core habitats and corridors for effective conservation of brown bears in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Mohammadi ◽  
K. Almasieh ◽  
D. Nayeri ◽  
F. Ataei ◽  
A. Khani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Population Connectivity ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Zagros Mountains ◽  
Range Limit ◽  
Brown Bears ◽  
Core Areas ◽  
Effective Conservation

AbstractIran lies at the southernmost range limit of brown bears globally. Therefore, understanding the habitat associations and patterns of population connectivity for brown bears in Iran is relevant for the species’ conservation. We applied species distribution modeling to predict habitat suitability and connectivity modeling to identify population core areas and corridors. Our results showed that forest density, topographical roughness, NDVI and human footprint were the most influential variables in predicting brown bear distribution. The most crucial core areas and corridor networks for brown bear are concentrated in the Alborz and Zagros Mountains. These two core areas were predicted to be fragmented into a total of fifteen isolated patches if dispersal of brown bear across the landscape is limited to 50,000 cost units, and aggregates into two isolated habitat patches if the species is capable of dispersing 400,000 cost units. We found low overlap between corridors, and core habitats with protected areas, suggesting that the existing protected area network may not be adequate for the conservation of brown bear in Iran. Our results suggest that effective conservation of brown bears in Iran requires protection of both core habitats and the corridors between them, especially outside Iran’s network of protected areas.

scholarly journals Rights of Nature Versus Nature Conservation Rights of Nature Versus Conventional Nature Conservation: International Lessons from Australia’s Tarkine Wilderness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Benjamin Richardson ◽  
Nina Hamaski
Keyword(s):  
Nature Conservation ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Important Research ◽  
Rights Of Nature ◽  
Conceptual Shift ◽  
Important Research Question

The rights-of-nature model is gaining traction as an innovative legal approach for nature conservation. Although adopted in several countries, it remains in its infancy, including in Australia. An important research question is whether rights of nature will offer superior environmental outcomes compared to traditional nature conservation techniques including creation of protected areas. This article investigates that question through a case study of the Tarkine wilderness, in the Australia state of Tasmania. It first identifies key lessons from existing international experience with affirmation of rights of nature, such as in New Zealand and Ecuador. The article then explores how rights of nature could apply in Australia’s Tarkine region and their value compared to existing or potential protected areas and other nature conservation measures under Australian or Tasmanian law. Affirming rights of nature represents a major conceptual shift in how people via the law relate to the natural world, but whether the model offers practical benefits for nature conservation depends on a variety of conditions, in addition to the need to address broader societal drivers of environmentaldegradation.

Protected Areas: offering security to whom, when and where?

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALICE B. KELLY ◽  
A. CLARE GUPTA
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Context ◽  
Term Management ◽  
Over Time

SUMMARYThis study considers the issue of security in the context of protected areas in Cameroon and Botswana. Though the literature on issues of security and well-being in relation to protected areas is extensive, there has been less discussion of how and in what ways these impacts and relationships can change over time, vary with space and differ across spatial scales. Looking at two very different historical trajectories, this study considers the heterogeneity of the security landscapes created by Waza and Chobe protected areas over time and space. This study finds that conservation measures that various subsets of the local population once considered to be ‘bad’ (e.g. violent, exclusionary protected area creation) may be construed as ‘good’ at different historical moments and geographical areas. Similarly, complacency or resignation to the presence of a park can be reversed by changing environmental conditions. Changes in the ways security (material and otherwise) has fluctuated within these two protected areas has implications for the long-term management and funding strategies of newly created and already existing protected areas today. This study suggests that parks must be adaptively managed not only for changing ecological conditions, but also for shifts in a protected area's social, political and economic context.

Traditional knowledge and satellite tracking as complementary approaches to ecological understanding

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
HENRY P. HUNTINGTON ◽  
ROBERT S. SUYDAM ◽  
DANIEL H. ROSENBERG
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Traditional Knowledge ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Satellite Tracking ◽  
Migratory Species ◽  
Ecological Understanding ◽  
Considerable Research ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Management And Conservation

The integration or co-application of traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge has been the subject of considerable research and discussion (see Johannes 1981; Johnson 1992; Stevenson 1996; McDonald et al. 1997; Huntington et al. 1999, 2002), with emphasis on various specific topics including environmental management and conservation (see Freeman & Carbyn 1988; Ferguson & Messier 1997; Ford & Martinez 2000; Usher 2000; Albert 2001). In most cases, examples of successful integration compare traditional and scientific observations at similar spatial scales to increase confidence in understanding or to fill gaps that appear from either perspective. We present a different approach to integration, emphasizing complementarity rather than concordance in spatial perspective, using two migratory species as examples.

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