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Hyytiäinen K, Huttunen I, Kotamäki N, Kuosa H, Ropponen J. Good eutrophication status is a challenging goal for coastal waters. AMBIO 2024; 53:579-591. [PMID: 38142243 PMCID: PMC10920530 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01965-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Our objective is to understand the effectiveness of local and international nutrient pollution mitigation efforts when targeting better water quality in the region's coastal waters. To this end, we developed an integrated modeling framework for the Archipelago Sea located in the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe, conducted what-if analyses for various ambition levels of nutrient abatement, and studied the long-term consequences at the sea basin scale. We demonstrate that in outer parts of the Archipelago Sea, a good eutrophication status can be achieved if the current internationally agreed policy goals for nutrient abatement are successfully met. In inner coastal areas, current goals for phytoplankton biomass could be reached only through extreme mitigation efforts in all polluting sectors and large-scale application of yet poorly tested ecological engineering methods. This result calls for carefully considering the relevance of current threshold values for phytoplankton and its role as a dominant indicator of good ecological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Hyytiäinen
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Inese Huttunen
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niina Kotamäki
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions, Finnish Environment Institute, Survontie 9 A, 40500, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Harri Kuosa
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Ropponen
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions, Finnish Environment Institute, Survontie 9 A, 40500, Jyväskylä, Finland
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2
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Schaub I, Friedland R, Zettler ML. Good-Moderate boundary setting for the environmental status assessment of the macrozoobenthos communities with the Benthic Quality Index (BQI) in the south-western Baltic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116150. [PMID: 38367315 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The status assessment of the macrofauna community under the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires threshold values that mark the transition from good to moderate conditions (G-M boundaries). Using the example of the Benthic Quality Index (BQI) in the south-western Baltic Sea, we demonstrate the possibilities and restrictions of i) defining G-M boundaries using reference areas, historical data and a statistical method and ii) the subsequent evaluation of the resulting G-M boundaries using disturbance data. The historical data from the period 1911 to 1929 proved to be unsuitable for defining G-M boundaries due to their data quality. The G-M boundaries calculated using the statistical method delineated high disturbance values more reliably than those based on reference areas. We conclude that disturbance data are very useful to evaluate G-M boundaries for their suitability, but data on all state conditions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Schaub
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Seestrasse 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany.
| | - René Friedland
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Seestrasse 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Michael L Zettler
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Seestrasse 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany.
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3
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Maximov AA. Population dynamics of the glacial relict amphipods in a subarctic lake: role of density-dependent and density-independent factors. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15905-15915. [PMID: 34824799 PMCID: PMC8601904 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Relative role of intrinsic density-dependent factors (such as inter- and intraspecific competition, predation) and extrinsic density-independent factors (environmental changes) in population dynamics is a key issue in ecology. Density-dependent mechanisms are considered as important drivers of population dynamics in many vertebrate and insect species; however, their influence on the population dynamics of freshwater invertebrates is not clearly understood. In this study, I examined interannual variations in the abundance of the glacial relict amphipod Monoporeia affinis in a small subarctic lake based on long-term (2002-2019) monitoring data. The results suggest that the population dynamics of amphipods in the lake is influenced by the combined effects of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The reproductive success of amphipod cohorts was inversely related to its initial abundance, indicating it is influenced by density-dependent factors. M. affinis recruitment was negatively correlated with population density and near-bottom temperature but positively correlated with food availability, which is defined as the concentration of chlorophyll a. Multiple regression with chlorophyll, temperature, and abundance of parent cohort as independent factors explained about 80% of the variation in the reproductive success of amphipods. The negative correlation between amphipod recruitment and water temperature indicates that the current climate conditions adversely affect the populations of glacial relict amphipods even in cold-water lakes of the subarctic zone. Results of this study can be useful in environmental assessments to separate population oscillations connected with density-dependent mechanisms from human-mediated changes.
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Salinity as a Key Factor on the Benthic Fauna Diversity in the Coastal Lakes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113039. [PMID: 34827772 PMCID: PMC8614431 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Benthic communities were studied in nine Polish coastal lakes of the Baltic Sea; representing three levels of hydrological connection with the sea (isolated, periodically connected, and permanently connected), with resultant differences in salinity (freshwater, transitional, and brackish). The lakes classified in this way allowed us to investigate biodiversity in relation to the degree of environmental pressure. Stress intensity in coastal water bodies, resulting from contrasting marine and terrestrial influences, varied from mild to severe. Spatial variation in environmental predictors affected species richness more strongly than seasonal fluctuations. The broader the spatial salinity gradient, the smaller the species number recorded. Differences in the intensity of natural instability only slightly affected species number and α-diversity. In Baltic coastal lakes, characterized by low salinity (max. 7.5 PSU), benthic faunal communities were dominated by large populations of opportunistic species. This applied primarily to closed systems and those periodically influenced by seawater intrusion. The marine component of fauna played a more important role in increasing the diversity of benthos in permanently open water bodies (brackish). The highest density of benthic fauna was recorded in them, whereas low values were associated with the strongest instability, observed in lakes periodically linked with the sea (transitional).
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Villnäs A, Hewitt J, Snickars M, Westerbom M, Norkko A. Template for using biological trait groupings when exploring large-scale variation in seafloor multifunctionality. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 28:78-94. [PMID: 28940452 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding large-scale spatial variation in ecosystem properties and associated functionality is key for successful conservation of ecosystems. This study provides a template for how to estimate differences in ecosystem functionality over large spatial scales by using groupings of biological traits. We focus on trait groupings that describe three important benthic ecosystem properties, namely bioturbation, community stability, and juvenile dispersal. Recognizing that groups of traits interact and are constrained within an organism, we statistically define important functional trait subgroups that describe each ecosystem property. The sub-groups are scored according to their weighted ecological impact to gain an overall estimation of the cumulative expression of each ecosystem property at individual sites. Furthermore, by assigning each property a value relative to its observed maximum, and by summing up the individual property values, we offer an estimate of benthic ecosystem multifunctionality. Based on a spatially extensive benthic data set, we were able to identify coastal areas with high and low potential for the considered benthic ecosystem properties and the measure of ecosystem multifunctionality. Importantly, we show that a large part of the spatial variation in functional trait sub-groups and in benthic ecosystem multifunctionality was explained by environmental change. Our results indicate that through this simplification it is possible to estimate the functionality of the seafloor. Such information is vital in marine spatial planning efforts striving to balance the utilization with the preservation of natural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Villnäs
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, J.A. Palménin tie 260, FI-10900, Hanko, Finland
| | - Judi Hewitt
- Marine Ecology Department Hamilton, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Hamilton, 3251, New Zealand
| | - Martin Snickars
- Department of Biosciences, Environmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Mats Westerbom
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, J.A. Palménin tie 260, FI-10900, Hanko, Finland
- Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland, PO Box 94, FI-01301, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Alf Norkko
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, J.A. Palménin tie 260, FI-10900, Hanko, Finland
- Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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Andersen JH, Aroviita J, Carstensen J, Friberg N, Johnson RK, Kauppila P, Lindegarth M, Murray C, Norling K. Approaches for integrated assessment of ecological and eutrophication status of surface waters in Nordic Countries. AMBIO 2016; 45:681-91. [PMID: 26913863 PMCID: PMC5012994 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We review approaches and tools currently used in Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) for integrated assessment of 'ecological status' sensu the EU Water Framework Directive as well as assessment of 'eutrophication status' in coastal and marine waters. Integration principles for combining indicators within biological quality elements (BQEs) and combining BQEs into a final-integrated assessment are discussed. Specific focus has been put on combining different types of information into indices, since several methods are currently employed. As a consequence of the variety of methods used, comparisons across both BQEs and water categories (river, lakes and coastal waters) can be difficult. Based on our analyses, we conclude that some principles and methods for integration can be critical and that a harmonised approach should be developed. Further, we conclude that the integration principles applied within BQEs are critical and in need of harmonisation if we want a better understanding of potential transition in ecological status between surface water types, e.g. when riverine water enters a downstream lake or coastal water body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper H. Andersen
- NIVA Denmark Water Research, Ørestads Boulevard 73, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Jukka Aroviita
- Freshwater Centre, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Oulu, Finland
| | - Jacob Carstensen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Friberg
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadsalleen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Richard K. Johnson
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7050, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pirkko Kauppila
- Marine Research Center, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mats Lindegarth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science - Tjärnö, University of Gothenburg, 452 96 Strömstad, Sweden
| | - Ciarán Murray
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Karl Norling
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 41319 Göteborg, Sweden
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Sivadas SK, Nagesh R, Gupta GVM, Gaonkar U, Mukherjee I, Ramteke D, Ingole BS. Testing the efficiency of temperate benthic biotic indices in assessing the ecological status of a tropical ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 106:62-76. [PMID: 27016331 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the ecological status of tropical coastal waters using the temperate benthic indices and examine the effect of seasonal variability on the performance of benthic indices. Macrobenthic samples were collected from northwest to southeast coast of India during 2003-2012 and we tested different univariate indices, ecological strategies, indicator species and multimetric indices. AMBI and multimetric indices performed satisfactorily in evaluating the ecological status. Seasonal variability on the biotic indices was observed during the southwest monsoon and fall intermonsoon period due to recruitment. Therefore, we recommended the non-monsoon period (January-May) as a suitable time of the year to use the indices for effective assessment of the Indian coastal waters. Results show that, the temperate benthic indices are efficient in assessing the tropical environmental status. However, complementary use of different indices is suggested for accurate assessment of the environmental status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanitha K Sivadas
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India.
| | - Rahul Nagesh
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
| | - G V M Gupta
- Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi, India
| | - Udaykumar Gaonkar
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
| | - Indranil Mukherjee
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano 2-509-3, Otsu 520-2113, Shiga, Japan
| | - Darwin Ramteke
- Geological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
| | - Baban S Ingole
- Biological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India
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8
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Leonardsson K, Blomqvist M, Rosenberg R. Reducing spatial variation in environmental assessment of marine benthic fauna. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 104:129-138. [PMID: 26856645 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Benthic Quality Index, BQI, is widely used for benthic quality assessment. Here, we investigated if spatial variation in the BQI can be reduced by accounting for the environmental factors instead of having different boundaries for different salinity regimes between status classes in the EU Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. For this purpose we tested salinity, sediment structure, and depth in a regression model to test their contribution to variations in BQI. The spatial variation in BQI was better explained by depth than by salinity or sediment structure. The proposed assessment method uses the residuals from the regression model between BQI and depth. With this method the variance in BQI between samples was reduced by 50% to 75% in the majority of situations. A method to establish the boundary between good and moderate status and how to derive EQR-values according to the WFD is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Leonardsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 901 83, Umeå, Sweden.
| | | | - Rutger Rosenberg
- Marine Monitoring AB, Strandvägen 9, SE 453 30, Lysekil, Sweden; Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences - Kristineberg, University of Gothenburg, SE 451 78, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
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9
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Weigel B, Blenckner T, Bonsdorff E. Maintained functional diversity in benthic communities in spite of diverging functional identities. OIKOS 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.02894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Weigel
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi University; FI-20520 Turku Finland
| | - Thorsten Blenckner
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University; SE-10691 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Erik Bonsdorff
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi University; FI-20520 Turku Finland
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10
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Wallin J, Karjalainen AK, Schultz E, Järvistö J, Leppänen M, Vuori KM. Weight-of-evidence approach in assessment of ecotoxicological risks of acid sulphate soils in the Baltic Sea river estuaries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 508:452-461. [PMID: 25506908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Acidity and leaching of metals from acid sulphate soils (ASSs) impair the water quality of receiving surface waters. The largest ASS areas in Europe are found in the coasts of the northern Baltic Sea. We used weight-of-evidence (WoE) approach to assess potential risks in 14 estuary sites affected by ASS in the Gulf of Finland, northern Baltic Sea. The assessment was based on exposure and effect profiles utilizing sediment and water metal concentrations and concurrent pH variation, sediment toxicity tests using the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the midge Chironomus riparius, and the ecological status of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Sediment metal concentrations were compared to national sediment quality criteria/guidelines, and water metal concentrations to environmental quality standards (EQSs). Hazard quotients (HQs) were established for maximum aluminium, cadmium and zinc concentrations at low pH based on applicable US EPA toxicity database. Sediment metal concentrations were clearly elevated in most of the studied estuaries. The EQS of cadmium (0.1 μg/l) was exceeded in 3 estuaries out of 14. The pH-minima were below the national threshold value (5.5) between good and satisfactory water quality in 10 estuaries. V. fischeri bioluminescence indicated toxicity of the sediments but toxic response was not observed in the C. riparius emergence test. Benthic invertebrate communities were deteriorated in 6 out of 14 sites based on the benthic invertebrate quality index. The overall ecotoxicological risk was assessed as low in five, moderate in three and high in five of the estuary sites. The risk assessment utilizing the WoE approach indicated that harmful effects of ASSs are likely to occur in the Baltic Sea river estuaries located at the ASS hotspot area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaana Wallin
- Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Anna K Karjalainen
- Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Eija Schultz
- Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Hakuninmaantie 6, FI-00430 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Järvistö
- Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Matti Leppänen
- Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kari-Matti Vuori
- Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Survontie 9 A, FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
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Saikku R, Alhosalo M, Repka S, Erkkilä A. Reviewing the history of natural sciences research on the Bothnian Sea, 1975-2008. AMBIO 2010; 39:524-527. [PMID: 21090007 PMCID: PMC3357671 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-010-0056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Reetta Saikku
- Centre for Maritime Studies, Pori Unit, University of Turku, P.O. Box 101, 28101 Pori, Finland
| | - Minna Alhosalo
- Centre for Maritime Studies, Pori Unit, University of Turku, P.O. Box 101, 28101 Pori, Finland
| | - Sari Repka
- Centre for Maritime Studies, Pori Unit, University of Turku, P.O. Box 101, 28101 Pori, Finland
| | - Anne Erkkilä
- Centre for Maritime Studies, Pori Unit, University of Turku, P.O. Box 101, 28101 Pori, Finland
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12
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Kröncke I, Reiss H. Influence of macrofauna long-term natural variability on benthic indices used in ecological quality assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:58-68. [PMID: 19796775 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An essential prerequisite for the assessment of the ecological quality of marine ecosystems is the understanding of the natural variability and its effect on the performance of quality indices. This study is focused on the long-term natural variability of diversity, biotic and multimetric indices by using long-term macrofauna data of a coastal area in the southern North Sea (1978-2005). The univariate and most biotic and multimetric indices respond significantly on specific natural disturbance events such as cold winters, but the strength of response varied between indices as well as between events. As a result, the ecological quality status can decrease over a range of 3 (out of 5) classification units. The overall ecological quality was good to high, but an increase of indices occurred from the mid 1980s onwards due to changes in the climate regime. This long-term variability has to be considered within ecological quality assessment schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Kröncke
- Senckenberg Institute, Department for Marine Research, Südstrand 40, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
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13
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Leonardsson K, Blomqvist M, Rosenberg R. Theoretical and practical aspects on benthic quality assessment according to the EU-Water Framework Directive--examples from Swedish waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2009; 58:1286-1296. [PMID: 19520391 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A previously presented objective method to calculate each species sensitivity to disturbance is here slightly modified and implemented in the Benthic Quality Index (BQI) for marine benthic invertebrates. A framework for assessment of water bodies based on multi-site BQI-values is also presented, where a certain variation of BQI-values is allowed to cover the heterogeneity within each water body. The 20th percentile, using bootstrapping, from the available sites' BQI-values is compared with the status boundaries for quality assessment. The reliability of the assessment depends on the background information available for the boundary setting as well as the number of sampling sites included in the assessment. Agreement between time series of quality assessments in areas with known changes in anthropogenic disturbances is encouraging. Problems associated with water body assessment based on few or no samples, as well as multiple sampling occasions during the 6-yr WFD cycle are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Leonardsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden.
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14
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Puente A, Diaz RJ. Is it possible to assess the ecological status of highly stressed natural estuarine environments using macroinvertebrates indices? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2008; 56:1880-1889. [PMID: 18790507 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2008] [Revised: 07/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Several biotic indices have been proposed for the assessment of the ecological status of benthic macroinvertebrates in marine waters, although none have been generally accepted. When it comes to assessing highly stressed natural environments, such as estuaries, the controversy and uncertainty is much higher than for any given normal index. In this article, we test the behavior and suitability of different biotic indices proposed under the perspective of the Water Framework Directive (S, H, AMBI, M-AMBI, BQI, W-statistic, Taxonomic distinctness) for the assessment of estuaries in northern Spain. The low species richness and dominance of a few tolerant species in the characteristic community of these estuaries presented a challenge to the application of the biotic indices tested. Combined approaches that integrate different aspects of water quality and ecosystem functionality could increase the reliability of the ecological assessment of these transitional waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Puente
- Environmental Hydraulic Institute, University of Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros s/n, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
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