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Conservation Goals (conservation + goal)
Selected AbstractsConservation goals and fisheries management units for Atlantic salmon in the Baltic Sea areaJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 2001M-L. Koljonen The effective application of genetic information in fisheries management strategies implies political goal setting taking both conservation and fisheries management into account. The concept of sustainable use as set out by the Convention on Biological Diversity offers a valuable starting point in this respect, since the criterion for it is defined as the maintenance of genetic diversity within each species. However, strategic decisions are also needed on the practical level, where the actual genetic information can be taken into account. Genetic factors, such as glacial differentiation, the postglacial genetic structure of populations, gene flow levels and the probability of the existence of adaptive differences, have an effect on the formation of conservation and management units and on the long-term strategy for the sustainable use of aspecies. The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the Baltic Sea area is treated here as an example of a complicated management problem with a highly hierarchical genetic structure associated with marked loss of naturally reproductive stocks, extensive hatchery production and an effective international offshore fishery. The implications of genetic factors for the conservation and management strategy of the Baltic salmon is discussed in the light of the goals set by the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks Agreement, the Habitats Directive of the European Union and the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission. [source] Priorities and paradigms: directions in threatened species recoveryCONSERVATION LETTERS, Issue 3 2009Sue V. Briggs Abstract Recovering threatened species is a key challenge for conservation managers, policy makers, and researchers. This article describes a practical framework for assigning priorities for recovery of threatened species according to cost-effectiveness of recovery strategies for species groups. The framework has the following steps: (1) determine the conservation goal,persistence in the wild of the largest number of threatened species with the funds available; (2) assign threatened species to species recovery groups according to their characteristics and threats,small-population species that require actions at sites and declining-population species that require actions across landscapes; (3) identify the recovery strategies and their component actions for the species groups; (4) cost the recovery strategies for the species groups; (5) determine the cost-effectiveness of the recovery strategies for the species groups,the number of species recovered divided by the cost of the strategies; (6) assign priorities to the recovery strategies according to their cost-effectiveness; (7) allocate funds to the recovery strategies that maximize the number of threatened species recovered for the funds available; and (8) undertake the funded recovery strategies and actions. The framework is illustrated with an example. [source] Forks in the Road: Choices in Procedures for Designing Wildland LinkagesCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008PAUL BEIER análisis de sensibilidad; conectividad; corredor de vida silvestre; enlace; diseño de reservas Abstract:,Models are commonly used to identify lands that will best maintain the ability of wildlife to move between wildland blocks through matrix lands after the remaining matrix has become incompatible with wildlife movement. We offer a roadmap of 16 choices and assumptions that arise in designing linkages to facilitate movement or gene flow of focal species between 2 or more predefined wildland blocks. We recommend designing linkages to serve multiple (rather than one) focal species likely to serve as a collective umbrella for all native species and ecological processes, explicitly acknowledging untested assumptions, and using uncertainty analysis to illustrate potential effects of model uncertainty. Such uncertainty is best displayed to stakeholders as maps of modeled linkages under different assumptions. We also recommend modeling corridor dwellers (species that require more than one generation to move their genes between wildland blocks) differently from passage species (for which an individual can move between wildland blocks within a few weeks). We identify a problem, which we call the subjective translation problem, that arises because the analyst must subjectively decide how to translate measurements of resource selection into resistance. This problem can be overcome by estimating resistance from observations of animal movement, genetic distances, or interpatch movements. There is room for substantial improvement in the procedures used to design linkages robust to climate change and in tools that allow stakeholders to compare an optimal linkage design to alternative designs that minimize costs or achieve other conservation goals. Resumen:,Los modelos son utilizados comúnmente para identificar tierras que mantengan la habilidad de la vida silvestre para moverse entre bloques de tierras silvestres a través de una matriz de tierras que habían sido incompatibles con el movimiento de vida silvestre. Ofrecemos 16 opciones y supuestos que se originan en el diseño de enlaces para facilitar el movimiento o el flujo de genes de especies focales entre 2 o más bloques de tierras silvestres predefinidos. Recomendamos el diseño de enlaces que sirvan a múltiples (y solo a una) especies focales que funjan como una sombrilla colectiva para todas las especies nativas y los procesos ecológicos, que explícitamente admitan supuestos no comprobados y que utilicen análisis de incertidumbre para ilustrar efectos potenciales de la incertidumbre del modelo. La mejor forma de mostrar tal incertidumbre a los interesados es mediante mapas de los enlaces modelados bajo diferentes suposiciones. También recomendamos modelar a habitantes de corredores (especies que requieren más de una generación para mover sus genes entre bloques de tierra silvestre) de manera diferente que las especies pasajeras (un individuo se puede mover entre bloques de tierras silvestres en unas cuantas semanas). Identificamos un problema, que denominamos el problema de traducción subjetiva, que surge porque un analista debe decidir subjetivamente cómo traducir medidas de selección de recursos a resistencia. Este problema puede ser sobrepuesto mediante la estimación de la resistencia a partir de observaciones de movimientos de animales, distancias genéticas o movimientos entre fragmentos. Hay espacio para la mejora sustancial de los procedimientos utilizados para diseñar enlaces robustos ante el cambio climático y en herramientas que permiten que los interesados comparen un diseño óptimo con diseños alternativos que minimicen costos o alcancen otras metas de conservación. [source] Refining Biodiversity Conservation PrioritiesCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2005GRANT M. HARRIS Bosque del Atlántico; percepción remota; priorización; SIG; sitios prioritarios para la conservación Abstract:,Although there is widespread agreement about conservation priorities at large scales (i.e., biodiversity hotspots), their boundaries remain too coarse for setting practical conservation goals. Refining hotspot conservation means identifying specific locations (individual habitat patches) of realistic size and scale for managers to protect and politicians to support. Because hotspots have lost most of their original habitat, species endemic to them rely on what remains. The issue now becomes identifying where this habitat is and these species are. We accomplished this by using straightforward remote sensing and GIS techniques, identifying specific locations in Brazil's Atlantic Forest hotspot important for bird conservation. Our method requires a regional map of current forest cover, so we explored six popular products for mapping and quantifying forest: MODIS continuous fields and a MODIS land cover (preclassified products), AVHRR, SPOT VGT, MODIS (satellite images), and a GeoCover Landsat thematic mapper mosaic (jpg). We compared subsets of these forest covers against a forest map based on a Landsat enhanced thematic mapper. The SPOT VGT forest cover predicted forest area and location well, so we combined it with elevation data to refine coarse distribution maps for forest endemic birds. Stacking these species distribution maps enabled identification of the subregion richest in threatened birds,the lowland forests of Rio de Janeiro State. We highlighted eight priority fragments, focusing on one with finer resolved imagery for detailed study. This method allows prioritization of areas for conservation from a region >1 million km2 to forest fragments of tens of square kilometers. To set priorities for biodiversity conservation, coarse biological information is sufficient. Hence, our method is attractive for tropical and biologically rich locations, where species location information is sparse. Resumen:,Aunque hay acuerdo generalizado sobre las prioridades de conservación a escalas mayores (i. e., sitios prioritarios para la conservación de la biodiversidad), los límites son muy gruesos como para definir metas de conservación prácticas. La refinación de la conservación de sitios prioritarios significa la identificación de localidades específicas (parches de hábitat individuales) de tamaño y escala realistas para ser protegidos por gestores y apoyados por políticos. Debido a que los sitios prioritarios han perdido la mayor parte de su hábitat original, las especies endémicas dependen del que permanece. Ahora el asunto es identificar donde están el hábitat y las especies. Logramos lo anterior mediante técnicas directas de percepción remota y de SIG para identificar localidades específicas importantes para la conservación de aves en el sitio prioritario Bosque del Atlántico en Brasil. Nuestro método requiere de un mapa regional de la cobertura forestal actual, así que exploramos seis productos populares para el mapeo y cuantificación de bosques: campos continuos MODIS y una cobertura de suelo MODIS (productos preclasificados), AVHRR, SPOT VGT, MODIS (imágenes de satélite) y un mosaico GeoCover Landsat thematic mapper (jpg). Comparamos subconjuntos de estas coberturas forestales con las de un mapa basado en un Landsat enhanced thematic mapper. La cobertura forestal SPOT VGT predijo bien la superficie y localización del bosque, así que lo combinamos con datos de altitud para refinar los mapas generales de distribución de aves endémicas de bosques. La sobreposición de estos mapas de distribución permitió la identificación de la subregión más rica en aves amenazadas,los bosques en bajíos del Estado de Río de Janeiro. Dimos relevancia a ocho fragmentos prioritarios, con atención en uno con imágenes de resolución fina para estudio en detalle. Este método permite la priorización de áreas para conservación de fragmentos de decenas de kilómetros cuadrados en una región >1 millón km2. La información biológica general es suficiente para definir prioridades de conservación de la biodiversidad. Por lo tanto, nuestro método es atractivo para localidades tropicales y biológicamente ricas, para las que la información sobre la ocalización de las especies es escasa. [source] Beyond Biogeography: a Framework for Involving the Public in Planning of U.S. Marine Protected AreasCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005TRACEY MORIN DALTON control de áreas marinas protegidas; intervención de usufructuarios; manejo basado en ecosistemas; participación del público Abstract:,Planning of marine protected areas (MPAs) is highlighted in the conservation literature but is not explored in much detail. Many researchers acknowledge the importance of involving the public in MPA planning, but there is limited guidance on how to do this in an effective manner. I present a framework for involving the public in planning of U.S. MPAs. Derived from empirically and theoretically based research on public participation in U.S. natural resource management, this framework is composed of factors that influence the success of participatory processes: active participant involvement, complete information exchange, fair decision making, efficient administration, and positive participant interactions. Processes incorporating these factors will produce decisions that are more likely to be supported by stakeholders, meet management objectives, and fulfill conservation goals. This framework contributes to the MPA social science literature and responds to calls in the conservation literature to increase the use of social science research to inform conservation decision making. Resumen:,La planificación de áreas marinas protegidas (AMP) resalta en la literatura de conservación pero no es explorada en mucho detalle. Muchos investigadores reconocen la importancia de involucrar al público en la planificación de AMP, pero las directrices para hacerlo de manera efectiva es limitada. Presento un marco para involucrar al público en la planificación de AMP en E.U.A. Este marco, derivado de investigación empírica y teórica de la participación del público en el manejo de recursos naturales en E.U.A., esta compuesto por factores que influyen en el éxito de procesos participativos: intervención activa de usufructuarios; intercambio completo de información; toma de decisiones justas; administración eficiente e interacciones positivas de participantes. Los procesos que incorporan estos factores producirán decisiones que tendrán más posibilidades de ser apoyadas por los usufructuarios, de alcanzar objetivos de manejo y cumplir metas de conservación. Este marco contribuye a la literatura de ciencias sociales de AMP y responde a llamados en la literatura de conservación para incrementar el uso de investigación de ciencias sociales para proporcionar información a la toma de decisiones de conservación. [source] Biodiversity in tropical agroforests and the ecological role of ants and ant diversity in predatory functionECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2006STACY M. PHILPOTT Abstract 1.,Intensive agricultural practices drive biodiversity loss with potentially drastic consequences for ecosystem services. To advance conservation and production goals, agricultural practices should be compatible with biodiversity. Traditional or less intensive systems (i.e. with fewer agrochemicals, less mechanisation, more crop species) such as shaded coffee and cacao agroforests are highlighted for their ability to provide a refuge for biodiversity and may also enhance certain ecosystem functions (i.e. predation). 2.,Ants are an important predator group in tropical agroforestry systems. Generally, ant biodiversity declines with coffee and cacao intensification yet the literature lacks a summary of the known mechanisms for ant declines and how this diversity loss may affect the role of ants as predators. 3.,Here, how shaded coffee and cacao agroforestry systems protect biodiversity and may preserve related ecosystem functions is discussed in the context of ants as predators. Specifically, the relationships between biodiversity and predation, links between agriculture and conservation, patterns and mechanisms for ant diversity loss with agricultural intensification, importance of ants as control agents of pests and fungal diseases, and whether ant diversity may influence the functional role of ants as predators are addressed. Furthermore, because of the importance of homopteran-tending by ants in the ecological and agricultural literature, as well as to the success of ants as predators, the costs and benefits of promoting ants in agroforests are discussed. 4.,Especially where the diversity of ants and other predators is high, as in traditional agroforestry systems, both agroecosystem function and conservation goals will be advanced by biodiversity protection. [source] BioPrEP , a regional, process-based approach for assessment of land with high conservation value for Bush Heritage AustraliaECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION, Issue 1 2010Brendan Mackey Summary, A framework is presented for terrestrial conservation assessment that has been developed for Bush Heritage, an Australian non-profit organisation that manages land of outstanding conservation value through acquisition or working in partnership with other landowners. The framework is called Biodiversity Prediction using Ecological Processes and comprises seven conservation goals, with a set of candidate criteria and indicators for each goal. Particular emphasis is given to criteria that relate to habitat quality in addition to the more conventional focus on land quantity. The MCAS-S graphic user interface is used to help analyse the indicators and visualise the results in a transparent way that assists the decision-making process. The interface also allows indicators to be weighted differently, which among other things, allows analyses to reflect inter-regional differences in what represents high quality land. The framework was tested in a case study region (the Woodland region of south-eastern Australia), and the results reveal land that is potentially a priority for conservation investments. While the framework and case study results are indicative, and further analyses are required before they can be considered operational, the approach has potential application to other organisations in the private conservation sector. [source] Designing for conservation of insects in the built environmentINSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY, Issue 4 2008MARYCAROL R. HUNTER Abstract., 1The conservation of insects is not a priority for most urban dwellers, yet can be accomplished in urban settings by the careful design of urban nature. Our goal is to foster cross-talk between practitioners of insect conservation biology who develop the knowledge base and professional design practitioners who are poised to apply this knowledge in designs and management plans for urban green space. The collaborative product promises a built environment that promotes human well-being and urban beauty while maximizing the potential for the conservation of insects. 2There is precedence for collaboration between science and design communities to achieve conservation, and existing professional and civic organizations offer a structure to formalize and expand collaboration. Design professionals, particularly landscape architects, are trained to support insect conservation in the urban landscape through land planning and ecological site design. 3Ecological site design is based in principles of sustainability and so must address the well being of humans and nature simultaneously. This powerful approach for insect conservation is illustrated in examples from around the world focusing on roadway-easement corridors, stormwater management areas, and greenroofs. 4To improve insect conservation and its public support we offer recommendations, organized in response to cultural aspects of sustainability. Considerations include: a) social drivers for support of conservation practices, b) public perception of urban space, c) applying conservation biology principles in urban areas, and d) merging insect conservation goals with human cultural demands. [source] Implementing the Amphibian Conservation Action PlanINTERNATIONAL ZOO YEARBOOK, Issue 1 2008R. D. MOORE The Global Amphibian Assessment, completed in 2004, revealed that over 32% of the c. 6000 amphibian species known worldwide are threatened with extinction. This staggering figure exceeds rates of imperilment for both birds (12%) and mammals (23%). Amphibians face threats from traditional factors, such as habitat loss, unsustainable use, invasive species and pollution. These stresses are compounded by more novel threats, such as emerging infectious diseases and climate change, which are unimpeded by protected-area boundaries. A Summit was convened in September 2005 to devise a unified strategy for amphibian conservation in the form of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP; available at http://www.amphibians.org/). The ACAP outlines a 5 year plan to curtail the decline and extinction of amphibians, and focuses on 11 themes, each with an associated budget. The total estimated cost of abating the current trend comes to US $400 million over the next 5 years. While this may appear daunting, it serves to highlight the urgency of the situation and draws attention to the need to steer limited resources towards the conservation of this vulnerable group. The ACAP is a call for help to governments, zoos and aquariums, civilians and researchers alike. We need to work together if we are going to succeed in stemming a mass extinction spasm affecting an entire class of vertebrates. The IUCN/SSC (The World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission) Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG; http://www.amphibians.org/), formed after the Summit, is working to implement the ACAP by stimulating, developing and executing practical programmes to conserve amphibians and their habitats around the world. In addition, the ASG is supporting a global web of partners to develop funding, capacity and technology transfer to achieve shared, strategic amphibian conservation goals. [source] Welfare, husbandry and veterinary care of wild animals in captivity: changes in attitudes, progress in knowledge and techniquesINTERNATIONAL ZOO YEARBOOK, Issue 1 2003J. K. KIRKWOOD Since the first zoos were founded, attitudes to keeping wild animals in captivity have changed considerably. A much firmer conviction that animals have the capacity for consciousness and thus suffering, has been one factor in the growth in concern for welfare in recent decades. The pursuit of conservation goals and higher welfare standards has driven remarkable advances in the husbandry, veterinary science and care of wild animals. [source] Distribution of genetic variation in farmed and natural stocks of european eelJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 2004J. M. Pujolar European eel (Anguilla anguilla; Teleostei) is a valuable commercial species. However, over the past 25 years, the population of European eel has been declining to such a degree that major concerns have been raised for its long-term conservation. Since little information is available on the life-cycle and genetic structure of European eel, it has been difficult to evaluate the existence of any population substructuring. Molecular genetic methods contribute to a better knowledge of the demography and population structure in marine fish. In addition, management strategies and conservation goals must consider information on genetic substructuring as well as on life history patterns. The aim of the study is to provide more detailed knowledge on the genetic variability, demography and population substructuring of European eel by analysing and comparing natural and farmed individuals. Natural eel samples have been obtained in two geographical sites (Netherlands, France) including temporal samples in a short-scale (within years) and a long-scale (between years). Simultaneously, farmed glass eels have been grown in two separate batches during one year. Batches have been monitored and genetic samples have been obtained during the year. A combination of selection-sensitive (allozymes) and selection-neutral markers (microsatellites) has been used in the study since selection seems to play an important role in the determination of the quality of future eel spawners. Results suggest a positive correlation between growth and genetic variability since individuals attaining a large length and mass present significant higher heterozygosities. [source] Development policies and tropical deforestation in the southern Yucatán peninsula: centralized and decentralized approachesLAND DEGRADATION AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 6 2003P. Klepeis Abstract It is well established that for multiple biophysical contexts there are legacies of past government policies in present land conditions. Despite this recognition, however, investigation of ongoing tropical deforestation dynamics often de-emphasizes the past. The case of the southern Yucatán peninsula demonstrates the need for historical analysis in identifying key drivers of deforestation. The most important land-use changes in the region over the past 100 years are connected to shifts in national development policies. These shifts represent tensions between centralized and decentralized approaches to land management,as represented by the policies of Presidents Díaz (1876,1910) and Cárdenas (1934,40),that persisted throughout the 20th century. The legacies of these reoccurring development strategies include depleted hardwood reserves, large areas of permanently cleared forest, a complicated system of land allocation, and long-standing tensions between economic, social welfare, and environmental conservation goals. These findings suggest that while centralized and decentralized approaches to development both focus on natural resource exploitation, the rates of deforestation tend to be faster, the patterns of forest clearing more pronounced, and land-use decision making less democratic under systems of centralized control. These conclusions hold implications for land-use decision making today. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Evolutionary, behavioural and molecular ecology must meet to achieve long-term conservation goalsMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 18 2009J. SCOTT KEOGH Founder populations in reintroduction programmes can experience a genetic bottleneck simply because of their small size. The influence of reproductive skew brought on by polygynous or polyandrous mating systems in these populations can exacerbate already difficult conservation genetic problems, such as inbreeding depression and loss of adaptive potential. Without an understanding of reproductive skew in a target species, and the effect it can have on genetic diversity retained over generations, long-term conservation goals will be compromised. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Miller et al. (2009a) test how founder group size and variance in male reproductive success influence the maintenance of genetic diversity following reintroduction on a long-term scale. They evaluated genetic diversity in two wild populations of the iconic New Zealand tuatara (Fig. 1), which differ greatly in population size and genetic diversity, and compared this to genetic diversity in multiple founder populations sourced from both populations. Population viability analysis on the maintenance of genetic diversity over 400 years (10 generations) demonstrated that while the loss of heterozygosity was low when compared with both source populations (1,14%), the greater the male reproductive skew, the greater the predicted losses of genetic diversity. Importantly however, the loss of genetic diversity was ameliorated after population size exceeded 250 animals, regardless of the level of reproductive skew. This study demonstrates that highly informed conservation decisions could be made when you build on a solid foundation of demographic, natural history and behavioural ecology data. These data, when informed by modern population and genetic analysis, mean that fundamental applied conservation questions (how many animals should make up a founder population?) can be answered accurately and with an eye to the long-term consequences of management decisions. Figure 1. ,Large adult male tuatara attacking a smaller male. Photo by Jeanine Refsnider. [source] How predictable are reptile responses to wildfire?OIKOS, Issue 7 2008David B. Lindenmayer Natural disturbances are key processes in the vast majority of ecosystems and a range of ecological theories have been developed in an attempt to predict biotic responses to them. However, empirical support for these theories has been inconsistent and considerable additional work remains to be done to better understand the response of biodiversity to natural disturbance. We tested predictions from the intermediate disturbance hypothesis and the habitat accommodation model of succession for reptile responses to fire history and a single major fire event. We focused our work on a broad range of vegetation types spanning sedgeland to temperate rainforest located within a national park in south-eastern Australia. We found no significant relationships between reptile species richness and the number of fires over the past 35 years, the time since the last fire, or the severity of a major fire in 2003. Thus, we found no strong evidence to support the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. A correspondence analysis of reptile assemblages revealed a gradient in species responses to fire history. However, we found limited evidence for an ordered succession of reptiles. Nor could the responses of individual species be readily predicted from life history attributes. Thus, our findings were generally not consistent with predictions from the habitat accommodation model of succession. A possible explanation for the absence of a predictable sequence of recovery following disturbance might be the rapidity of post-fire recovery of many components of native vegetation cover that were found to be important for reptiles (e.g. the extent of grass cover). This would have limited the time for early successional conditions to prevail and limited opportunities for species associated with such conditions. We found that most reptile species responses were much more strongly linked to vegetation type than fire variables, emphasizing a need to understand relationships with vegetation before being able to understand possible fire effects (if and where they exist). We found the disturbance concepts we examined were limited in their ability to accurately predict reptile responses to past fire history or the impacts of a single major fire in 2003. Practical management might be best guided not by disturbance theory, but by carefully setting objectives to meet conservation goals for particular individual species of reptiles. [source] Edge effects and the impact of non-protected areas in carnivore conservation: leopards in the Phinda,Mkhuze Complex, South AfricaANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 3 2010G. A. Balme Abstract Although high rates of anthropogenic mortality are often reported for carnivores near reserve borders, the resulting edge effects are rarely quantified, and the consequences on conservation goals are usually unknown. Here, we assess the extent and impact of edge effects on a protected leopard Panthera pardus population in the Phinda-Mkhuze Complex (PMC), South Africa. We compared the spatial and demographic characteristics of leopards in two areas of the PMC, one closer to the border than the other. Leopard density declined from the core of the reserve (11.11 ± 1.31 leopards 100 km,2) to the border (7.17 ± 1.12 leopards 100 km,2), and was the lowest in non-protected areas adjoining the PMC (2.49 ± 0.87 leopards 100 km,2), but was not related to prey abundance or interspecific competition. Radiotelemetry showed that leopards near the border spent a greater proportion of their time outside the reserve and suffered higher annual mortality rates (0.358 ± 0.075) than those closer to the core (0.122 ± 0.065). A Cox proportional hazards model further demonstrated the negative effect of time spent outside the reserve on the survival probability of leopards. Despite an increased risk of mortality, leopards did not avoid non-protected areas, which may have functioned as an ecological trap for predators. Although the overall conservation outcome of the reserve was positive, edge effects clearly weakened the potential of the PMC to protect leopards. Our findings show that high mortality rates of carnivores in areas bordering reserves can extend to protected populations. Management approaches that control human activities on both sides of administrative borders are therefore essential if reserves are to conserve large carnivores effectively. [source] Cashing in on Cetourism: A Critical Ecological Engagement with Dominant E-NGO Discourses on Whaling, Cetacean Conservation, and Whale Watching1ANTIPODE, Issue 3 2010Katja Neves Abstract:, This paper engages critically with the monolithic presentation of whale watching as the antithesis of whale hunting. It begins by tackling the reductive and homogenized portrayal of whale watching in mainstream environmental discourse as diametrically opposite to whale hunting and argues that such discourse likely obscures the existence of bad whale watching conduct. Next it reveals significant continuities between whale hunting and whale watching, especially the fetishized commoditization of cetaceans and the creation of a metabolic rift in human,cetacean relations. In both contexts nature is produced first and foremost according to capitalist principles, which problematizes the pervasive assumption that whale watching correlates primarily and directly with conservation. Finally, the paper examines two different business models and the production of distinct ecological and community development effects. The results of the comparison justify the need for more critical and effective environmental non-governmental organization approaches to cetourism vis-à-vis nature conservation goals. [source] Biotic affinities of rocky reef fishes, invertebrates and macroalgae in different zones of the Port Davey marine protected area, south-western TasmaniaAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 3 2010Graham J. Edgar Abstract 1.Assemblages of fishes, invertebrates, and macroalgae showed strong and predictable distributional patterns within the newly declared Port Davey marine protected area (MPA) in south-western Tasmania. Biotic assemblages in the eastern estuarine section of the MPA within Bathurst Channel were extremely anomalous, both in relation to biota elsewhere in the Port Davey region and also to those present along the wider Tasmanian and Australian coasts. Much of this variation was due to the phenomenon of deepwater emergence, with species in 5,m water depth in eastern Bathurst Channel possessing a mean maximum recorded depth of 200,m, compared with<80,m for the same metric when calculated for sites studied elsewhere around Australia. Deepwater emergence in Bathurst Channel was particularly notable for sessile organisms, although also evident among fishes and mobile macro-invertebrates. 2.Quantitative baseline surveys of reef-associated species were undertaken at sites interspersed among MPA management zone types and biotic community types, thereby providing an appropriate benchmark for assessing ecological changes in different management zones within the Port Davey region through the long term. Distinctive biota present in eastern and western Bathurst Channel, and eastern Port Davey, are well protected within ,no-take' sanctuary zones; however, a bias in location of sanctuary zones towards areas with little fishery resources resulted in less protection for the western Port Davey biota, which also extends along the open coast. Although the lack of high level protection for sites with fishery resources detracts from conservation goals, the Port Davey MPA nevertheless represents a major advance in environmental protection because the ecologically unique, fully protected locations are a necessary inclusion within any comprehensive Australian MPA network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Ecoregional planning in marine environments: identifying priority sites for conservation in the northern Gulf of MexicoAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 4 2001Michael W. Beck Abstract 1.,The overall aim of this work was to identify sites within the northern Gulf of Mexico that, if protected, would fully represent the biological diversity of the nearshore waters of this ecoregion. In this paper, we focus on the eastern subregion, northwest Florida, to illustrate the process of ecoregional planning in marine environments. 2.,The basic steps in ecoregional planning include: identification of conservation targets, i.e. species and habitats; collection of data on their ecology and distribution; determination of conservation goals for the amount of targets that must be protected; and identification of a set of sites that meets these goals for all targets. 3.,As a preliminary goal, it was determined that the set of priority sites should contain at least 20% of the current distribution of each target habitat and species. 4.,Two primary tools were used to choose a set of priority sites: a reserve selection program, SITES, and interviews and a workshop with scientists and managers. The final set of priority sites integrated information from these various sources. 5.,The goals were exceeded for all conservation targets in the priority sites. On average, 75 and 58% of the distributions of the habitat targets were contained within the priority and high priority sites, respectively. These priority and high priority sites only occupied 29 and 17% of the study area, respectively. 6.,One of the first steps in the conservation of the bays identified as priority sites is the recognition that they are integrally linked by important processes to the surrounding terrestrial and aquatic environments. Conservation in a part of these estuarine landscapes will benefit biodiversity across environments. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Encumbering harvest rights to protect marine environments: a model of marine conservation easements,AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & RESOURCE ECONOMICS, Issue 1 2009Robert T. Deacon We adapt the concept of a conservation easement to a marine environment and explore its use to achieve conservation goals. Although marine environments generally are not owned, those who use them for commercial fishing often are regulated. These regulations grant harvesters rights to use marine environments in specified ways, and the possibility of encumbering these rights to achieve conservation goals creates a potential role for marine easements. We examine this potential under alternative fishery management regimes and find, generally, that marine easements tend to be most effective when harvest rights are delineated most fully. Our analysis suggests ways that marine easements can have flexibility and transactions cost advantages over other approaches to achieve marine conservation goals. We also propose ways in which the design of laws allowing marine easements should follow, or depart from, the design of laws authorising conservation easements on land. [source] Conserving What and for Whom?BIOTROPICA, Issue 5 2007Why Conservation Should Help Meet Basic Human Needs in the Tropics ABSTRACT For hundreds of millions of people, biodiversity is about eating, staying healthy, and finding shelter. Meeting these people's basic needs should receive greater priority in the conservation agenda. Wild and semi-wild plants and animals contribute significantly to nutrition, health care, income, and culture in developing countries, and the poorest and most vulnerable people often rely on those resources most. Depleting those resources or making them inaccessible can impoverish these people even further. ,Pro-poor conservation',that is, conservation that aims to support poor people,explicitly seeks to address basic human needs. Such an emphasis has many potential synergies with more conventional conservation goals. Nonetheless, pro-poor conservation requires a distinct attitude to gauging conservation outcomes and a different approach to conservation science. Biologists can make a vital contribution. RESUMEN Para cientos de millones de personas biodiversidad significa comer, cuidar su salud y alojarse. Satisfacer las necesidades básicas de esa agenda debería de recibir mayor prioridad en la agenda de conservación. Plantas y animales silvestres y semi-domesticadas contribuyen de forma significativa a la alimentación, salud, ingresos y cultura en los países en desarrollo, y suele ser la gente más pobre y vulnerable quienes dependen más de esos recursos. La degradación de esos recursos o la pérdida de acceso a los mismos pueden empobrecer a esta gente aún más. La "conservación pro-pobre," o sea la conservación que tiene como fin apoyar a la gente pobre, buscar de forma explícita satisfacer a las necesidades humanas básicas. Este enfoque tiene mucho potencial para generar sinergias con las metas más convencionales de conservación. Sin embargo, la conservación pro-pobre requiere de formas distintas de medir los resultados de la conservación y de un acercamiento distinto a lo que es la ciencia de la conservación. Los biológicos pueden hacer una contribución fundamental en ese sentido. RÉSUMÉ Pour des millions de pauvres, la biodiversité est avant tout une affaire d'alimentation, de santé et de sécurité. Satisfaire les besoins primordiaux de ces populations devrait devenir la priorité des programmes de conservation. Les plantes et animaux sauvages -ou semi domestiqués- contribuent de manière déterminante à l'alimentation, à la santé, aux revenus et à la culture dans les pays en développement. Les populations les plus pauvres et vulnérables sont également celles qui dépendent le plus de ces ressources. En réduire la disponibilité ou l'accès ne peut que les appauvrir davantage. Une conservation favorable aux pauvres se doit de répondre aux besoins humains fondamentaux. Une telle conception de la conservation présente de multiples synergies avec ses objectifs plus conventionnels. Mais avant tout, une conservation favorable aux pauvres réclame un état d'esprit particulier pour en mesurer les résultats, et suppose une approche scientifique spécifique. En cela, les biologistes ont un rôle déterminant à jouer. ABSTRAK, Bagi ratusan dari jutaan manusia, keanekaragaman hayati merupakan sumber makanan, kesehatan dan tempat berlindung. Pemenuhan kebutuhan dasar mereka ini seharusnya mendapatkan prioritas lebih besar dalam agenda konservasi. Di negara-negara yang sedang berkembang, hewan dan tumbuhan liar memiliki kontribusi nyata terhadap nutrisi, kesehatan, penghasilan serta kebudayaan masyarakatnya. Masyarakat miskin dan lemah seringkali sangat menggantungkan hidupnya pada sumber daya tersebut sehingga degradasi atau hambatan akses terhadap sumber daya tersebut akan memperburuk keadaan mereka. Konservasi "pro-miskin" - yakni konservasi yang bertujuan mendukung masyarakat miskin - secara eksplisit berupaya memusatkan perhatian pada kebutuhan manusia yang paling mendasar. Penekanan semacam itu mempunyai banyak keselarasan dengan tujuan-tujuan konservasi yang lebih konvensional. Namun demikian, konservasi pro-miskin memerlukan sikap yang berbeda dalam mengukur hasil-hasil konservasi, dan pendekatan yang berbeda terhadap pengetahuan konservasi. Dalam hal ini, para ahli biologi dapat memberikan kontribusi yang sangat penting. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||