Long-Term Changes in Biotic Integrity

Long-Term Changes in Biotic Integrity PDF Author: Samuel Astrachan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Benthic animals
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Evaluation of the biotic integrity of dynamic lotic environments is crucial to maintaining the successful functioning of watershed ecosystems. Routine biological monitoring is necessary to identify the influence of environmental degradation on aquatic life and measure the effects of both short and long-term environmental variation. Though New York State has a rich history of statutory biological monitoring along Hudson River tributaries, longitudinal analyses of benthic macroinvertebrate data using multidimensional scaling (MDS) and multimetric indices (MMI) are limited. Here, I use six family-level metric indices, multidimensional scaling (MDS) and indicator species analysis to evaluate biotic integrity along the Saw Kill River (Annandale, NY). Invertebrate collection took place between August 1st and September 2nd, 2017 at 3 distinct locations along the Saw Kill. Historical data from Budd and Strayer (1998) were incorporated into compositional analysis to assess the influence of global change, changing land-use, and land-use intensity on invertebrate communities. The results indicate a significant change in benthic macroinvertebrate communities of the Saw Kill over time as well as legacies of historical land-use in reported species composition and richness scores. Increasing evenness and richness of invertebrate communities at each site suggest an increase in biological integrity throughout the stream reach sampled despite evidence of global change. Although I do not demonstrate causal links between changing land-use (reforestation of catchment area, decreasing agricultural/mixed uses, etc.) and in-stream invertebrate composition, these data suggest linked changes. This study demonstrates the value of long-term longitudinal data sets and supports the conclusion that longitudinal biological assessment of lotic ecosystems can provide valuable insight into existing anthropogenic influences on riverine environments and the application of future watershed development plans.

Long-Term Changes in Biotic Integrity

Long-Term Changes in Biotic Integrity PDF Author: Samuel Astrachan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Benthic animals
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Evaluation of the biotic integrity of dynamic lotic environments is crucial to maintaining the successful functioning of watershed ecosystems. Routine biological monitoring is necessary to identify the influence of environmental degradation on aquatic life and measure the effects of both short and long-term environmental variation. Though New York State has a rich history of statutory biological monitoring along Hudson River tributaries, longitudinal analyses of benthic macroinvertebrate data using multidimensional scaling (MDS) and multimetric indices (MMI) are limited. Here, I use six family-level metric indices, multidimensional scaling (MDS) and indicator species analysis to evaluate biotic integrity along the Saw Kill River (Annandale, NY). Invertebrate collection took place between August 1st and September 2nd, 2017 at 3 distinct locations along the Saw Kill. Historical data from Budd and Strayer (1998) were incorporated into compositional analysis to assess the influence of global change, changing land-use, and land-use intensity on invertebrate communities. The results indicate a significant change in benthic macroinvertebrate communities of the Saw Kill over time as well as legacies of historical land-use in reported species composition and richness scores. Increasing evenness and richness of invertebrate communities at each site suggest an increase in biological integrity throughout the stream reach sampled despite evidence of global change. Although I do not demonstrate causal links between changing land-use (reforestation of catchment area, decreasing agricultural/mixed uses, etc.) and in-stream invertebrate composition, these data suggest linked changes. This study demonstrates the value of long-term longitudinal data sets and supports the conclusion that longitudinal biological assessment of lotic ecosystems can provide valuable insight into existing anthropogenic influences on riverine environments and the application of future watershed development plans.

A Framework for Long-term Ecological Monitoring in Olympic National Park

A Framework for Long-term Ecological Monitoring in Olympic National Park PDF Author: Kurt Jeffrey Jenkins
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Ecology
Languages : en
Pages : 178

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Book Description


Ecological Integrity

Ecological Integrity PDF Author: David Pimentel
Publisher: Island Press
ISBN: 161091063X
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 449

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Book Description
Global Integrity Project has brought together leading scientists and thinkers from around the world to examine the combined problems of threatened and unequal human well-being, degradation of the ecosphere, and unsustainable economies. Based on the proposition that healthy, functioning ecosystems are a necessary prerequisite for both economic security and social justice, the project is built around the concept of ecological integrity and its practical implications for policy and management. Ecological Integrity presents a synthesis and findings of the project. Contributors -- including Robert Goodland, James Karr, Orie Loucks, Jack Manno, William Rees, Mark Sagoff, Robert Ulanowicz, Philippe Crabbe, Laura Westra, David Pimentel, Reed Noss, and others -- examine the key elements of ecological integrity and consider what happens when integrity is lost or compromised. The book: examines historical and philosophical foundations of the concept of ecological integrity explores how integrity can be measured examines the relationships among ecological integrity, human health, and food production looks at economic and ethical issues that need to be considered in protecting ecological integrity offers concrete recommendations for reversing ecological degradation while promoting social and economic justice and welfare . Contributors argue that there is an urgent need for rapid and fundamental change in the ecologically destructive patterns of collective human behavior if society is to survive and thrive in coming decades. Ecological Integrity is a groundbreaking book that integrates environmental science, economics, law, and ethics in problem analysis, synthesis, and solution, and is a vital contribution for anyone concerned with interactions between human and planetary health.

Methods in Stream Ecology

Methods in Stream Ecology PDF Author: F. Richard Hauer
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080547435
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 894

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Book Description
Methods in Stream Ecology, Second Edition, provides a complete series of field and laboratory protocols in stream ecology that are ideal for teaching or conducting research. This updated edition reflects recent advances in the technology associated with ecological assessment of streams, including remote sensing. In addition, the relationship between stream flow and alluviation has been added, and a new chapter on riparian zones is also included. The book features exercises in each chapter; detailed instructions, illustrations, formulae, and data sheets for in-field research for students; and taxanomic keys to common stream invertebrates and algae. With a student-friendly price, this book is key for all students and researchers in stream and freshwater ecology, freshwater biology, marine ecology, and river ecology. This text is also supportive as a supplementary text for courses in watershed ecology/science, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and landscape ecology. Exercises in each chapter Detailed instructions, illustrations, formulae, and data sheets for in-field research for students Taxanomic keys to common stream invertebrates and algae Link from Chapter 22: FISH COMMUNITY COMPOSITION to an interactive program for assessing and modeling fish numbers

Stream Ecosystems in a Changing Environment

Stream Ecosystems in a Changing Environment PDF Author: Jeremy B. Jones
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0124059198
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 566

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Book Description
Stream Ecosystems in a Changing Environment synthesizes the current understanding of stream ecosystem ecology, emphasizing nutrient cycling and carbon dynamics, and providing a forward-looking perspective regarding the response of stream ecosystems to environmental change. Each chapter includes a section focusing on anticipated and ongoing dynamics in stream ecosystems in a changing environment, along with hypotheses regarding controls on stream ecosystem functioning. The book, with its innovative sections, provides a bridge between papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and the findings of researchers in new areas of study. Presents a forward-looking perspective regarding the response of stream ecosystems to environmental change Provides a synthesis of the latest findings on stream ecosystems ecology in one concise volume Includes thought exercises and discussion activities throughout, providing valuable tools for learning Offers conceptual models and hypotheses to stimulate conversation and advance research

Biotic Regulation of the Environment

Biotic Regulation of the Environment PDF Author: Victor Gorshkov
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9781852331818
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 388

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Book Description
It is not possible to understand the apparent stability of the Earth's climate and environment unless we can fully understand how the best possible environmental conditions may be maintained for life to exist. Human colonization of areas with natural biota, for industrial or agricultural activities, will lead to degradation of those natural communities and violation of the BRE (biotic regulation of the environment) principle. Thus to maintain an environment on Earth that is suitable for life it is necessary to preserve and allow the natural recovery of natural biotic communities, both in the oceans and on land. This book is devoted to a quantitative version of the BRE concept, and is built on a foundation of modern scientific knowledge accumulated in the fields of physics and biology.

Freshwater Algae of North America

Freshwater Algae of North America PDF Author: John D. Wehr
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0123858771
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1067

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Book Description
Freshwater Algae of North America: Ecology and Classification, Second Edition is an authoritative and practical treatise on the classification, biodiversity, and ecology of all known genera of freshwater algae from North America. The book provides essential taxonomic and ecological information about one of the most diverse and ubiquitous groups of organisms on earth. This single volume brings together experts on all the groups of algae that occur in fresh waters (also soils, snow, and extreme inland environments). In the decade since the first edition, there has been an explosion of new information on the classification, ecology, and biogeography of many groups of algae, with the use of molecular techniques and renewed interest in biological diversity. Accordingly, this new edition covers updated classification information of most algal groups and the reassignment of many genera and species, as well as new research on harmful algal blooms. Extensive and complete Describes every genus of freshwater algae known from North America, with an analytical dichotomous key, descriptions of diagnostic features, and at least one image of every genus. Full-color images throughout provide superb visual examples of freshwater algae Updated Environmental Issues and Classifications, including new information on harmful algal blooms (HAB) Fully revised introductory chapters, including new topics on biodiversity, and taste and odor problems Updated to reflect the rapid advances in algal classification and taxonomy due to the widespread use of DNA technologies

Wetland and Riparian Restoration

Wetland and Riparian Restoration PDF Author: Society for Ecological Restoration. Conference
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Restoration ecology
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description


Riverine Ecosystem Management

Riverine Ecosystem Management PDF Author: Stefan Schmutz
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319732501
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 562

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Book Description
This open access book surveys the frontier of scientific river research and provides examples to guide management towards a sustainable future of riverine ecosystems. Principal structures and functions of the biogeosphere of rivers are explained; key threats are identified, and effective solutions for restoration and mitigation are provided. Rivers are among the most threatened ecosystems of the world. They increasingly suffer from pollution, water abstraction, river channelisation and damming. Fundamental knowledge of ecosystem structure and function is necessary to understand how human acitivities interfere with natural processes and which interventions are feasible to rectify this. Modern water legislation strives for sustainable water resource management and protection of important habitats and species. However, decision makers would benefit from more profound understanding of ecosystem degradation processes and of innovative methodologies and tools for efficient mitigation and restoration. The book provides best-practice examples of sustainable river management from on-site studies, European-wide analyses and case studies from other parts of the world. This book will be of interest to researchers in the field of aquatic ecology, river system functioning, conservation and restoration, to postgraduate students, to institutions involved in water management, and to water related industries.

Assessing the Sustainability and Biological Integrity of Water Resources Using Fish Communities

Assessing the Sustainability and Biological Integrity of Water Resources Using Fish Communities PDF Author: Thomas P. Simon
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000102882
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 692

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Book Description
This book examines the application of fish community characteristics to evaluate the sustainability and biological integrity of freshwaters. Topics include perspectives on use of fish communities as environmental indicators in program development, collaboration, and partnership forming; influence of specific taxa on assessment of the IBI; regional applications for areas where the IBI had not previously been developed; and specific applications of the IBI developed for coldwater streams, inland lakes, Great Lakes, reservoirs, and tailwaters.