Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Esther Leyva Ollivier, Alice Newton, Heath Kelsey
Summary: This study presents a social-ecological analysis of eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay, USA, using the DPSIR framework. It identifies the drivers, pressures, state, impacts, and responses of the issue, as well as the stakeholders involved. The study also highlights the main management measures, such as the Chesapeake Bay Program and accountability tools like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Report Cards.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ryan Nel, Kevin F. Mearns, Maarten Jordaan, Peter Goethals
Summary: Small Island Developing States are significantly threatened by global change and unsustainable local practices, with their unique "islandness" characteristics shaping their socio-ecological systems and forming socioecological islandscapes. The study provides insights into how each unique characteristic of "islandness" impacts the system, highlighting the influence that "islandness" has on both the social and ecological components of a socio-ecological system.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tatiana Begun, Adrian Teaca, Mihaela Muresan, Pedro A. Quijon, Selma Menabit, Victor Surugiu
Summary: This study describes the characteristics and diversity of benthic habitats and their associated communities in two marine protected areas in the southern Romanian Black Sea. The ecological status of these habitats was evaluated using various indicators. The majority of the sampling stations showed good ecological status, while a minority showed concerns for the coastal system. Further research and conservation efforts are needed.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Ryan Nel, Kevin F. Mearns, Maarten Jordaan, Peter Goethals
Summary: This paper uses a socio-ecological systems perspective and Bayesian Belief Networks to study the interdependencies within the livelihood-conservation nexus, using informal Sand Forest harvesting in South Africa as a case study. The results demonstrate the potential of Bayesian Belief Networks in studying the livelihood-conservation nexus.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Chen Song, Runxuan Yan, Maowang Jiang, Ruibing Peng, Qingxi Han
Summary: Based on data from 2019 and 2020, various indices were used to evaluate the benthic ecological quality in the northern East China Sea. The study found that H & PRIME; and M-AMBI were suitable indices for assessing the ecological quality, and overall the benthic ecological quality was moderate to good. Additionally, the ecological quality was positively correlated with the distance to the mainland, but a slow decline was observed in nearshore areas.
JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tal Hocherman, Tamar Trop, Andrea Ghermandi
Summary: Environmental governance is sensitive to temporal dynamics, but the current frameworks often overlook the importance of time, leading to potential negative impacts on environmental goals. This study proposes a modified DPSIR framework that explicitly incorporates temporal aspects and demonstrates its potential through an analysis of the European Union's response to plastic bottle waste pollution in the marine environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vasilis Gerakaris, Ioanna Varkitzi, Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Katerina Kikaki, Patricija Mozetic, Polytimi-Ioli Lardi, Konstantinos Tsiamis, Janja France
Summary: This study explores the coupled responses of benthic and pelagic primary producers to eutrophication pressures on a large scale, based on a large dataset from three Mediterranean sub-basins. The results show that increased nutrient concentrations in both seawater and the water column have negative effects on macroalgal communities. The study also highlights the regulating effect of light availability on the ecological status of seagrass meadows.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Gallo-Velez, Juan Camilo Restrepo, Alice Newton
Summary: River mouth systems play an important role in transferring anthropogenic contaminants from land to the coastal marine environment. The Magdalena River-mouth at Bocas de Ceniza faces significant land-based contamination and pollution issues. Agriculture and livestock are identified as the main contributors of nitrogen and phosphorus, while domestic and industrial wastewaters contribute significantly to biochemical oxygen demand. Untreated wastewater contains a high level of fecal coliforms. Inadequately managed waste and plastic pose serious challenges to the Caribbean Basin. In terms of impact on human well-being, the areas of Bocas de Ceniza and DtC+ bear the highest pressures, leading to increased cost and effort for beach maintenance and cleaning, reduced tourism revenue, adverse health effects, decreased protection against natural hazards, increased living costs, and loss of cultural values.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Jilan Jin, Yongbo Quan
Summary: The depletion of fishery resources and degradation of marine ecology have become global concerns. This study develops a DPSIR model-based MRED index system and proposes an MRED assessment method. The findings from the investigation of Zhoushan national marine ranching show a steady improvement in MRED level, with some fluctuations. Impediments to MRED in Zhoushan include seawater pollution, natural disasters, and inadequate scientific research support. Policy support and resource investment play important roles in providing strong support.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria da Luz Fernandes, Francisco Javier Sanz Larruga, Fatima L. Alves
Summary: This study explores the spatial differences in socioeconomic and marine environmental characteristics of coastal-marine areas in Portuguese Mainland Subdivision using a combined spatial analytical approach. The results show contrasting ecological and societal conditions across the coastal municipalities, with some regions experiencing higher socioeconomic development and resource demands, leading to increased pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems. The study suggests that integrating social and ecological systems analysis is crucial for sustainable economic development and calls for reflecting the interactions between land and sea in policy frameworks.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Nathan R. Hatch, D. Daniel, Saket Pande
Summary: Psychological frameworks are rarely used to understand irrigation adoption behavior in developing countries. This study developed a Bayesian belief network model that integrated socio-economic characteristics and psychological factors to understand farmer behaviors with respect to irrigation practices in four districts of Maharashtra, India.
HYDROLOGICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL-JOURNAL DES SCIENCES HYDROLOGIQUES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Andres Ospina-Alvarez, Sebastian I. Vasquez, Ignacio A. Catalan, Susan Lowerre-Barbieri, Marcos Arteaga, Silvia de Juan
Summary: Efforts to manage small and medium-sized pelagic fishes (SMPF) using traditional stock assessment methods are hindered by the unclear relationship between spawning stock biomass and recruitment. This study proposes a reproductive resilience index (RRI) and applies a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) model to explore the environmental effects on species' RRI. By demonstrating the variability in species' resilience through RRI in local time series, the importance of RRI for improving SMPF management is highlighted.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Milan Cankovic, Mathieu Dutour-Sikiric, Iris Dupcic Radic, Irena Ciglenecki
Summary: The study revealed significant seasonal variations in bacterial assemblages in the marine surface microlayer (SML) and underlying water layer (ULW), with differences in nutrient enrichment and bacterial abundance impacted by local conditions, eutrophication, and global climate change.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ibrahim Tan, Hakan Atabay, Alper Evcen, Guley Kurt, Ergun Taskin, Colpan Polat Beken
Summary: This research assesses the eutrophication impacts on the southern Black Sea coast (Turkey) using the NEAT approach. It highlights the need to improve the sensitivity of the assessment tool and suggests adding indicators to represent the water column. Additionally, it identifies problematic environmental areas that require attention and action from managers and policymakers.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Max L. E. Grafnings, Laura L. Govers, Jannes H. T. Heusinkveld, Brian R. Silliman, Quirin Smeele, Stephanie R. Valdez, Tjisse van der Heide
Summary: The study found that macrozoobenthos can be used as an indicator for seagrass habitat suitability, and can explain the differing seagrass recovery rates between the Northern and Southern regions of the Wadden Sea. Seagrass presence or absence could be reliably predicted with only four variables: chlorophyll a, bivalve, ragworm, and mudsnail biomass. Higher chlorophyll concentrations and ragworm biomass were found in the South compared to the Northern Wadden Sea, suggesting that eutrophication and associated community shifts might still inhibit seagrass recovery in the South.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Claudia F. Benham, Sara G. Beavis, Emma L. Jackson
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2019)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, Angus Atkinson, Anais Aubert, Jacob Bedford, Mike Best, Eileen Bresnan, Kathryn Cook, Michelle Devlin, Richard Gowen, David G. Johns, Margarita Machairopoulou, April McKinney, Adam Mellor, Clare Ostle, Cordula Scherer, Paul Tett
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Emma L. Jackson, Nathan B. English, Andrew D. Irving, Andrew M. Symonds, Gordon Dwane, Owen T. Nevin, Damien T. Maher
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2019)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Julie-Ann C. Malan, Nicole Flint, Emma L. Jackson, Andrew D. Irving, Dave L. Swain
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jacob Bedford, Clare Ostle, David G. Johns, Alexandre Budria, Abigail McQuatters-Gollop
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Emma L. Jackson, Timothy M. Smith, Paul H. York, Jesper Nielsen, Andrew D. Irving, Craig D. H. Sherman
Summary: Genetic factors play a crucial role in the success of seagrass restoration efforts, with limited gene flow between regions suggesting that locally sourced donor material should be prioritized for restoration activities. The study identified high genotypic diversity within certain locations and genetic structuring among sites, indicating the importance of considering genetic factors in restoration planning.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Christopher M. Aiken, Sergio A. Navarrete, Emma L. Jackson
Summary: Assessing the conditions for persistence of spatially structured populations is important for management and conservation efforts. Metapopulation theory is often used to interpret demographic trajectories and inform management decisions. This study demonstrates the relevance of short-term reactive persistence and how it can be used to guide restoration efforts, using the seagrass Zostera muelleri as a case study in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Australia.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Oliver Dalby, Nicolas Pucino, Yi Mei Tan, Emma L. Jackson, Peter Macreadie, Rhys A. Coleman, Mary A. Young, Daniel Ierodiaconou, Craig D. H. Sherman
Summary: This article discusses the information required for seagrass restoration and how to identify target areas for restoration efforts through analysis of spatio-temporal trends. Remote sensing techniques can accurately monitor seagrass ecosystems and guide the allocation of restoration resources.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Diogo Fleury Azevedo Costa, Joaquin Miguel Castro-Montoya, Karen Harper, Leigh Trevaskis, Emma L. Jackson, Simon Quigley
Summary: There is a wide range of algae species in freshwater and saltwater habitats that can be utilized by ruminants for their nutritional value. Algae have the potential to reduce methane emissions and sequester carbon dioxide, but large-scale algae-livestock feedstuff value chains are not yet established due to various challenges. However, if practical systems for production, processing, transport, and feeding are developed, algae can be a valuable ingredient in ruminant nutrition.
Article
Ecology
Yi Mei Tan, Rhys A. Coleman, Peter A. Biro, Oliver Dalby, Emma L. Jackson, Laura L. Govers, Jannes H. T. Heusinkveld, Peter I. Macreadie, Mogens R. Flindt, Jack Dewhurst, Craig D. H. Sherman
Summary: The use of seed- and shoot-based restoration approaches for Z. muelleri in Victoria, Australia was explored through field trials. Seed collections and germination achieved good results, with seed collection rates improving from 489 to 1,939 seeds/hour over 2 years and in situ seedling germination rates increasing from a maximum of 10.80% to 25.25% over 2 years. In contrast, shoot-based restoration approaches were more variable, with plants transplanted with their sediment-intact outperforming all bare-rooted approaches. Seed-based approaches have the potential to be viable and scalable for Z. muelleri, but further studies are needed to improve seedling survival and in situ germination rates.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Oliver Dalby, Rhys A. Coleman, Yi Mei Tan, Geordie Jennings, Perran L. M. Cook, Emma L. Jackson, Peter I. Macreadie, Craig D. H. Sherman
Summary: The restoration of seagrass ecosystems requires consideration of the relationship between environmental conditions and seagrass structural complexity to guide planting methods and restoration goals. Through studying the interaction between sediment-light conditions and seagrass structural complexity, we found significant relationships between shoot density and leaf length of Z. muelleri and light availability, as well as sediment sorting and meadow structural complexity. These findings highlight the importance of understanding environmental drivers and ecological feedbacks before commencing large-scale planting, and suggest that restoration targets should align with the most likely meadow form under current environmental conditions.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Nicole Flint, Amie Anastasi, Jeremy De Valck, Evan M. Chua, Adam K. Rose, Emma L. Jackson
Summary: Report cards have become popular tools for communicating the state of coastal and riverine environments, with a focus on synthesizing complex data into easily understandable information. Mud crabs were selected as indicators for environmental monitoring in Gladstone Harbour, Australia, due to their economic and ecological importance. The monitoring program for mud crabs included measures of abundance, prevalence of rust lesions, and sex ratio, with a standardized methodology for scoring and reporting their health status over time.
AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Paterno, Levent Bat, Jamila Ben Souissi, Elisa Boscari, Aurore Chassanite, Leonardo Congiu, Giuseppe Guarnieri, Claudia Kruschel, Vesna Macic, Ilaria Anna Maria Marino, Dragos Micu, Nataliya Milchakova, Marina Panayotova, Chiara Papetti, Serge Planes, Stefan Strungaru, Valentina Ruseva Todorova, Emanuela Voutsinas, Lorenzo Zane
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tim Stevens, Laurence Mee, Jana Friedrich, Dmitry Aleynik, Galina Minicheva
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2019)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Simonetta Fraschetti, Carlo Pipitone, Antonios D. Mazaris, Gil Rilov, Fabio Badalamenti, Stanislao Bevilacqua, Joachim Claudet, Hrvoje Caric, Karsten Dahl, Giovanni D'Anna, Darius Daunys, Matthew Frost, Elena Gissi, Cordula Goke, Paul Goriup, Giuseppe Guarnieri, Drasko Holcer, Bojan Lazar, Peter Mackelworth, Sonia Manzo, Georg Martin, Andreas Palialexis, Marina Panayotova, Dimitra Petza, Bob Rumes, Valentina Todorova, Stelios Katsanevakis
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2018)
Article
Ecology
Florian Lecorvaisier, Dominique Pontier, Benoit Soubeyrand, David Fouchet
Summary: Research has found that the use of vaccines that do not entirely block pathogen transmission may lead to the evolution of more virulent strains. High vaccine coverage favors the emergence and prevalence of avirulent strains, and competition between strains is crucial for the eradication of toxigenic strains when these vaccines are used.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Monica E. Barros, Ana Arriagada, Hugo Arancibia, Sergio Neira
Summary: The stock biomass of carrot prawn in the south-central area of Chile has decreased in the past 12 years, mainly due to fishing mortality. Predation mortality has been less studied and quantified, so it is important to estimate and compare predation and fishing mortality to understand their effects on fishing stocks. A food web model was built to analyze the biomass changes and evaluate the relative contribution of different mortality factors. The results showed that predation mortality was the main component of total mortality for carrot prawns and yellow prawns.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shubham Krishna, Victoria Peterson, Luisa Listmann, Jana Hinners
Summary: This study incorporated viral dynamics into an ecosystem model to investigate the effects of viruses on ecosystem dynamics under current and future climatic conditions. The results showed that the presence of viruses increased nutrient retention in the upper water column, leading to a reduction in phytoplankton biomass and transfer of biomass to higher trophic levels.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zahra Dehghan Manshadi, Parastoo Parivar, Ahad Sotoudeh, Ali Morovati Sharifabadi
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of strategies such as limiting built-up areas, preserving green spaces, and protecting water resources on the urban carrying capacity in arid and semi-arid regions. Implementing a combination of policies aimed at enhancing urban green spaces and regulating water demand is found to be the most effective in terms of health and urban carrying capacity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shay S. Keretz, Daelyn A. Woolnough, Todd J. Morris, Edward F. Roseman, David T. Zanatta
Summary: This study surveyed native freshwater mussels in the St. Clair-Detroit River system and found 14 live unionids representing 9 species. However, the model used to predict their presence in the main channels was not successful. The study also revealed characteristic differences between the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Zhengrong Zhang, Xuemei Li, Xinyu Liu, Kaixin Zhao
Summary: This study examines land use change in the Chinese Tianshan mountainous region using system dynamics and patch-generating land use simulation models. The results show an expansion in forest and construction land, a decline in grassland area, and an increase in cultivated land area from 2005 to 2020. By 2040, unused land, grassland, and water are expected to decrease while other land types increase, with construction land showing the most significant increase. The study provides insights for future ecological and environmental management in the region.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Amira Khelifa, Nadjia El Saadi
Summary: This paper develops an agent-based model to study malaria disease transmission, taking into account the interactions between hosts, vectors, and aquatic habitats, as well as their geographical locations. The simulation results highlight the significant role of aquatic habitats in infection transmission and disease persistence, and demonstrate the effectiveness of eliminating these habitats in limiting disease transmission.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Guillaume Peron
Summary: The theory for movement-based coexistence between species often overlooks small-scale, station-keeping movements. However, at this scale, there are many instances where positive correlations exist between species traits that are expected to be negatively correlated based on current theory. Through simulations, the researcher presents a counter-example to demonstrate that functional tradeoffs are not a necessary condition for movement-based coexistence. This study highlights the significance of species-specific space use patterns under the time allocation tradeoff hypothesis.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sandra Y. Mendiola, Nicole M. Gerardo, David J. Civitello
Summary: Research on the use of insect microbial symbionts as a means of controlling the spread of insect vectors and the pathogens they carry has made significant progress in the last decade. This study focused on the relative importance of simultaneous effects caused by a symbiont called Caballeronia spp. on the ability of squash bugs to transmit phytopathogenic Serratia marcescens. The researchers found that infection with Caballeronia significantly reduced pathogen titers and cleared S. marcescens in bugs, thus reducing the vectoring potential of these pests. The study also showed that maximizing symbiont prevalence in the vector population is crucial for effectively mitigating plant infections.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Shirui Hao, Dongryeol Ryu, Andrew W. Western, Eileen Perry, Heye Bogena, Harrie Jan Hendricks Franssen
Summary: This study investigates the sensitivity of model yield prediction to uncertainties in model parameters and inputs using the Sobol' method. The results show that yield is more sensitive to changes in water availability and nitrogen availability, depending on soil, management, and weather conditions.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Nitika Mundetia, Devesh Sharma, Aditya Sharma
Summary: This study focused on assessing groundwater sustainability using different modeling approaches in a river basin in Rajasthan, India. The results showed a decrease in future groundwater recharge and emphasized the need for better management and conservation practices to achieve sustainable development goals.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sukdev Biswas, Sk Golam Mortoja, Ritesh Kumar Bera, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya
Summary: Bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the nutrient cycle of ecosystems, and maintaining a thriving bacterial population is essential for the sustainability of these environments. This study introduces the concept of cooperation as a group defense mechanism employed by bacteria and incorporates it into the functional response, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the complex tritrophic food chain dynamics. The results highlight the importance of a balance between strong group defense and moderate cooperation for bacteria sustainability and overall system stability.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
D. Z. M. Le Gouvello, S. Heye, L. R. Harris, J. Temple-Boyer, P. Gaspar, M. G. Hart-Davis, C. Louro, R. Nel
Summary: This study modeled the dispersal pathways and compared potential dispersal corridors of different sea turtle species in the Western Indian Ocean. The results showed that ocean currents play a major role in driving dispersal, with species and years exhibiting differences in dispersal patterns. Active swimming had little influence on dispersal during the first year.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Review
Ecology
Yingying Duan, Haina Rong, Gexiang Zhang, Sergey Gorbachev, Dunwu Qi, Luis Valencia-Cabrera, Mario J. Perez-Jimenez
Summary: Computing models are an effective way to study population dynamics of endangered species like giant pandas. This paper proposes a unified framework and conducts a comprehensive survey of computing models for giant panda ecosystems. Multi-factor computing models are more suitable for studying giant panda ecosystems.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Samantha Lai, Theophilus Zhi En Teo, Arief Rullyanto, Jeffery Low, Karenne Tun, Peter A. Todd, Siti Maryam Yaakub
Summary: Understanding the exchange of genetic material among populations in the marine environment is crucial for conservation efforts. Agent-based models are increasingly used to predict dispersal pathways, including for seagrasses. This study highlights the importance of considering both sexual propagules and asexual vegetative fragments when evaluating seagrass connectivity.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2024)