scholarly journals Protection alone may not promote natural recovery of biogenic habitats of high biodiversity damaged by mobile fishing gears

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose M. Fariñas-Franco ◽  
A. Louise Allcock ◽  
Dai Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Marine Bivalve ◽  
Natural Recovery ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Fishing Gears ◽  
Horse Mussel

The horse mussel Modiolus modiolus (L.) is a large marine bivalve that aggregates to create complex habitats of high biodiversity. As a keystone species, M. modiolus is of great importance for the functioning of marine benthic ecosystems, forming biogenic habitats used to designate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The present study investigates the condition of M. modiolus beds historically subjected to intense scallop fishing using mobile fishing gears. The study, conducted seven years after the introduction of legislation banning all forms of fishing, aimed to establish whether natural habitat recovery occurs after protection measures are put in place. Lower biodiversity and up to 80% decline in densities of M. modiolus were recorded across the current dis- tributional range of the species in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. The decline in biodiversity in most areas surveyed was consistent with that observed in biogenic reefs impacted by mobile fishing gears elsewhere. Epifauna, including sponges, hydroids and tunicates, experienced the most substantial decline in biodiversity, with up to 64% fewer taxa recorded in 2010 compared with 2003. Higher variability in community composition and a shift towards faunal assemblages dominated by opportunistic infaunal species typical of softer substrata were also detected. Based on these observations we suggest that, for biogenic habitats, the designation of MPAs and the introduction of fishing bans alone may not be sufficient to reverse or halt the negative effects caused by past anthropogenic impacts. Direct intervention, including habitat restoration based on translocation of native keystone species, should be considered as part of management strategies for MPAs which host similar biogenic reef habitats where condition and natural recovery have been compromised.

Sequential risk mitigation and the role of natural recovery in contaminated sediment projects

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 331-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Garbaciak ◽  
Philip Spadaro ◽  
Todd Thornburg ◽  
Richard Fox
Keyword(s):  
Lower Cost ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Source Control ◽  
Contaminated Sediment ◽  
Practical Observation ◽  
Ecosystem Recovery ◽  
Natural Recovery ◽  
Natural Processes

Sequential risk mitigation approaches the remediation of contaminated sediments in three phases designed to: (1) immediately reduce the ecological and human health risks associated with high levels of contamination, using methods such as the confinement or capping of high-risk materials; (2) reduce the risks associated with moderate levels of pollution to a minimum, on a less urgent schedule and at a lower cost; and (3) address areas of limited contamination through a combination of natural recovery and enhanced natural recovery (to aid or speed those natural processes). Natural recovery, the reduction of contaminant concentrations through natural processes, is based on the practical observation that overall ecosystem recovery appears to be largely a function of time. Sediment decomposition and the mixing of new and old sediments by bottom-dwelling organisms can both contribute to reduced contaminant concentrations. Knowledge of these processes--sediment decomposition, sediment mixing by bottom-dwelling organisms, and chemical residence time is critical in the development of appropriate ecosystem recovery and waste management strategies. Evaluations to support natural recovery predictions are designed to collect and evaluate information necessary to determine whether surface sediment chemical concentrations, with adequate source control, will reach the cleanup standards within a ten-year period.

Secondary Succession and Natural Habitat Restoration in Abandoned Rice Fields of Central Korea

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang-Seok Lee ◽  
Young-Han You ◽  
George R. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Succession ◽  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Rice Fields

Dispersal and gene flow in the habitat-forming kelp, Ecklonia radiata: relative degrees of isolation across an east - west coastline

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 802 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Coleman ◽  
B. M. Gillanders ◽  
S. D. Connell
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Rocky Reef ◽  
Ecklonia Radiata ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Oceanic Currents ◽  
East West

Characterising patterns of dispersal and gene flow in habitat-forming organisms is becoming a focal concern for conservation and management strategies as anthropogenic impacts drive change in coastal ecosystems. Here, we use six microsatellite markers to characterise dispersal and gene flow across the South Australian distribution of the habitat-forming kelp Ecklonia radiata. Populations of E. radiata on subtidal reefs in South Australia were highly genetically structured on large (100s of km, FST = 0.211) and small (10s of km, FST = 0.042) spatial scales with the extent of differentiation positively correlated with geographic distances among populations. Neither the presence of oceanic currents nor intervening rocky reef habitats appeared to facilitate widespread gene flow. There was a trend for island populations to be more genetically differentiated from those on the mainland and to have slightly greater levels of heterozygosity than mainland populations. Our results show relatively low dispersal and gene flow suggesting that recovery following kelp loss may be slow. Such information not only provides insights into relative rates of recovery, but may also identify which populations may be best used for propagation and restoration efforts.

scholarly journals Density and distribution patterns of the endangered species Pinna nobilis within the harbour bay of Favignana (Egadi Islands MPA)

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo D'agostaro ◽  
Stefano Donati ◽  
Renato Chemello
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Ecosystem Engineer ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Shell Height ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Marine Bivalve ◽  
Western Coast ◽  
Maximum Width ◽  
Minimum Width ◽  
Harbour Area

The fan shell P. nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) is the largest marine bivalve in the Mediterranean Sea which acts as ecosystem engineer, offering an adequate substratum to several associated benthic species. P. nobilis is threatened by the reduction and loss of its natural habitat and by increased anthropogenic inputs into coastal waters. The knowledge on the population of this species are scarce, especially as concerns Sicily and its coasts. This study focused on the density of population, spatial distribution, level of burial and orientation of the population of P. nobilis in the harbour area of Favignana island (western coast of Sicily, Italy). The fan shell surveys were carried out by SCUBA diving using a 50m-transect line perpendicular to the coastline. For each P. nobilis censused, maximum (W) width, minimum width (w) and unburied length (UL) were measured; shell orientation (Or) was determined using an underwater compass and considering the magnitude of the angle formed by the vector and the magnetic north. The specimen status (dead or alive), the depth (by using the electronic depth meter of a diving computer) were recorded. In addition, the geographical coordinates were marked for each individual along the transect by means of a Global Positioning System (GPS). Total shell height (HT) was estimated using a formula considered suitable for the populations of this studied area. The density of P. nobilis was ±11 ind. 100m2, the total height (HT) and the maximum width (W) of the shells was 33 cm and 13,6 cm respectively. In the aim of the "MPA of Egadi Islands" to confirm the need of a new management to protect the biodiversity of the harbour area, more conservation measures are necessary in order to improve the preservation of this endangered species.

scholarly journals A Geographical Approach to Water Resource Mapping for Atlases

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-103
Author(s):  
Leonid M. Korytny ◽  
Olga V. Gagarinova ◽  
Elena A. Ilyicheva ◽  
Natalya V. Kichigina
Keyword(s):  
Water Resource ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Atmospheric Precipitation ◽  
Subsurface Water ◽  
Water Runoff ◽  
Water Protection ◽  
Flood Hazards ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Resource Mapping

We examine water resource mapping as an important component of the geographical approach in land hydrology and in the water sector which serves to assist considerably in dealing with water problems and water resource management. We suggest that seven groups of water resource maps be distinguished: introductory maps, maps of formation of surface and subsurface water regimes, maps of assessments of water resource potential, maps of water management, maps of anthropogenic impacts on water, maps of hazardous hydrological phenomena and maps of water protection measures. Characteristic properties water resource mapping for atlas products are identified using a case study of territory surrounding Lake Baikal as a site of global significance. We compiled an inventory of water resource themes covered by various atlases of the Baikal region and determined gaps relating to economic aspects of water and to maps on water protection. Limitations of the traditional isoline method in geographical water resource mapping are shown. At hillslope level where atmospheric precipitation transforms to surface runoff further to stream flow, it is recommended that the indication localization method be used, which is based on interdependencies of components of the geosystem. Water runoff mapping at the regional level in the hydrographic network uses the technique of long-channel (epure) mapping based on tools of structural hydrographic and Horton-Strahler classification. A technique of regionalization is described for flood hazards, water protection and recreation zoning of Baikal’s shores as well as cartographic modeling of processes in the Selenga river delta.

scholarly journals Theoretical Models as a Tool to Derive Management Strategies for Sustainable Natural Resource Management

2021 ◽  
pp. 169-179
Author(s):  
Joung-Hun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resource Management ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Illegal Logging ◽  
Sustainable Natural Resource Management ◽  
Resource Dynamics

AbstractBiodiversity hot spots cannot be preserved successfully unless human activities such as illegal logging and grazing are properly controlled and cooperation is achieved among resource users to reduce anthropogenic impacts. We explore strategies for sustainable use of common resources by studying resource users’ behaviors together with resource dynamics, because ecological and social factors are known to interact strongly. By showing three systems dealing with the risk of illegal logging, grazing pressure, and increasing catching effort respectively, we show the advantages of a mathematical model as a management tool.

scholarly journals Assessing Restoration Potential of Fragmented and Degraded Fagaceae Forests in Meghalaya, North-East India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prem Prakash Singh ◽  
Tamalika Chakraborty ◽  
Anna Dermann ◽  
Florian Dermann ◽  
Dibyendu Adhikari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
Anthropogenic Disturbances ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
North East ◽  
Adult Trees ◽  
Quercus Species ◽  
Restoration Potential

The montane subtropical broadleaved humid forests of Meghalaya (Northeast India) are highly diverse and situated at the transition zone between the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. Fagaceae family are the keystone species forms an important component of these forests. These forests in Meghalaya are highly degraded and fragmented due to anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., mining, unsustainable forest utilization, shifting cultivation, browsing, etc.). In this study, we assessed for the first time, the restoration potential (i.e. capacity to naturally regenerate and sustain desired forest structure) of Fagaceae species (2 Lithocarpus, 4 Castanopsis, and 4 Quercus species) in Meghalaya and how the biotic and abiotic factors, as well as anthropogenic disturbances, influence the restoration potential of these species. We selected fragmented forest patches in six locations on an elevational gradient on south-facing slopes in the Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Fagaceae was the most dominant family in all sites except one site (Laitkynsew) where Fagaceae was co-dominant with Lauraceae. The family also had high natural regeneration (i.e., a high number of seedlings and saplings) but low recruitment to adult trees (DBH ≥ 10cm) at all sites. This study provides a means for assessing regeneration and a basis for forest management strategies in degraded and fragmented forests of Meghalaya.

scholarly journals A review of the freshwater crabs of Turkey (Brachyura, Potamidae)

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-158
Author(s):  
Muzaffer Mustafa Harlıoğlu ◽  
Ardavan Farhadi ◽  
Ayşe Gül Harlıoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Present Status ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Freshwater Crab ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Crab Species ◽  
Freshwater Crabs

Abstract The present status of freshwater crabs (Decapoda, Brachyura) in Turkey is reviewed in this study, with the purpose of identifying the exact number of species, their conservation status, and their distribution. In previous records, it was reported that Turkey has nine freshwater crab species belonging to the genus Potamon: Potamon bileki Pretzmann, 1971, P. ibericum (Bieberstein, 1809), P. hueceste Pretzmann, 1962, P. persicum Pretzmann, 1962, P. magnum Pretzmann, 1962, P. potamios (Olivier, 1804), P. setiger Rathbun, 1904, P. rhodium Parisi, 1913, and P. mesopotamicum Brandis, Storch & Türkay, 1998. However, there was no detailed information on species distribution in Turkey. This review is intended to update the distribution of species in the country, and it revealed that populations of three more freshwater crab species (P. karpathos, P. fluviatile and P. hippocrate) also occur; thus, there are currently 12 freshwater crab species in Turkey. In addition, this review provides a distribution map and identifies possible threats to each species. This review can serve decision makers in the development of management strategies to better protect the environments of these species that are facing growing anthropogenic impacts.

scholarly journals The demise of a wonder: Evolutionary history and conservation assessments of the Wonder Gecko Teratoscincus keyserlingii (Gekkota, Sphaerodactylidae) in Arabia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0244150
Author(s):  
Karin Tamar ◽  
Johannes Els ◽  
Panagiotis Kornilios ◽  
Pritpal Soorae ◽  
Pedro Tarroso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Habitat Restoration ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Intraspecific Variability ◽  
Anthropogenic Activity ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Abu Dhabi Emirate ◽  
Conservation Assessments

Effective biodiversity conservation planning starts with genetic characterization within and among focal populations, in order to understand the likely impact of threats for ensuring the long-term viability of a species. The Wonder Gecko, Teratoscincus keyserlingii, is one of nine members of the genus. This species is distributed in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, with a small isolated population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it is classified nationally as Critically Endangered. Within its Arabian range, anthropogenic activity is directly linked to the species’ decline, with highly localised and severely fragmented populations. Here we describe the evolutionary history of Teratoscincus, by reconstructing its phylogenetic relationships and estimating its divergence times and ancestral biogeography. For conservation implications of T. keyserlingii we evaluate the genetic structure of the Arabian population using genomic data. This study supports the monophyly of most species and reveals considerable intraspecific variability in T. microlepis and T. keyserlingii, which necessitate broad systematic revisions. The UAE population of T. keyserlingii likely arrived from southern Iran during the Pleistocene and no internal structure was recovered within, implying a single population status. Regional conservation of T. keyserlingii requires improved land management and natural habitat restoration in the species’ present distribution, and expansion of current protected areas, or establishment of new areas with suitable habitat for the species, mostly in northern Abu Dhabi Emirate.

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