Challenging paradigms in estuarine ecology and management

The role of citizen science in environmental monitoring has received significant interest in the research community over the last decade; with citizen scientists playing a key role in engaging with, and gathering, scientific evidence to support natural resource management. The involvement of citizen science in aquatic research is growing. Recent studies highlight the successful application of citizen science to support plastic pollution research within marine systems. In contrast, our knowledge on how citizen science can support plastic pollution research in limnetic studies is limited, with no known published systematic reviews on this topic. The involvement of citizen science within hydrological monitoring has been widely discussed, however, the majority of reviewed literature focuses on commonly targeted water quality parameters (i.e. nutrients). This review, for the first time, explores the current status of freshwater citizen science focused on plastic pollution based on a synthesis of 12 peer-reviewed publications. In this paper we consider the environmental and geographic extent of the research, scope and methodological approaches taken, involvement of citizen science within the research and the quality of the data collected. Alongside this, emerging issues in freshwater are also discussed with a strong focus on how citizen science can contribute to this growing knowledge pool. The use of citizen science within the field of freshwater plastic pollution remains niche, with the majority of projects following the contributory model of citizen participation. The inclusion of methods and standardized approaches relating to citizen recruitment, engagement and training in the peer-reviewed literature are limited; with greater transparency key to opening up citizen science potential within this evolving research field.

Previous articleNext article No AccessBook ReviewsFreshwater Biomonitoring and Benthic Macroinvertebrates. David M. Rosenberg , Vincent H. Resh David R. LenatDavid R. Lenat Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Volume 12, Number 2Jun., 1993 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.2307/1467358 Views: 7Total views on this site Citations: 10Citations are reported from Crossref Journal History This article was published in the Journal of the North American Benthological Society (1986-2011), which is continued by Freshwater Science (2012-present). Copyright 1993 The North American Benthological SocietyPDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Alperen Ertas, Tugba Boz, Inci Tüney Kızılkaya Comparative analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate-based biotic and diversity indices used to evaluate the water quality of Kozluoluk Stream (West Anatolia of Turkey), Community Ecology 22, no.33 (Oct 2021): 381–390.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42974-021-00061-8R. G. I. Sumudumali, J. M. C. K. Jayawardana A Review of Biological Monitoring of Aquatic Ecosystems Approaches: with Special Reference to Macroinvertebrates and Pesticide Pollution, Environmental Management 67, no.22 (Jan 2021): 263–276.https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-01423-0Alperen ERTAŞ, Merve YAŞARTÜRK, Tuğba BOZ, İnci TÜNEY KIZILKAYA Evaluation the water quailty of an urban stream (Karabal branch of Gediz River Basin) in West Anatolia, Turkey and comperative performance of the used indices, Acta Aquatica Turcica (Jan 2021).https://doi.org/10.22392/actaquatr.819579Alperen Ertaş, Bülent Yorulmaz Assessing water quality in the Kelebek Stream branch (Gediz River Basin, West Anatolia of Turkey) using physicochemical and macroinvertebrate-based indices, Aquatic Research 4, no.33 (Jan 2021): 260–278.https://doi.org/10.3153/AR21020Ozge Basoren, Nilgün Kazancı Distribution of Aquatic Diptera larvae of Yeşilırmak River (Turkey) and ecological characteristics, Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 37, no.44 (Dec 2020): 397–407.https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.37.4.11Xuemei Luo, Jieqin Meng, Xiufen Chen, Liangke Cheng, Shaopeng Yan, Luying Gao, Miao Xue, Yaojun Yang Metabolomics-based study reveals the effect of lead (Pb) in the culture environment on Whitmania pigra, Scientific Reports 10, no.11 (Mar 2020).https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-61745-1André R. Fonseca, João A. Santos, Simone G.P. Varandas, Sandra M. Monteiro, José L. Martinho, Rui M.V. Cortes, Edna Cabecinha Current and Future Ecological Status Assessment: A New Holistic Approach for Watershed Management, Water 12, no.1010 (Oct 2020): 2839.https://doi.org/10.3390/w12102839Ferdije Zhushi Etemi, Pajtim Bytyçi, Murtezan Ismaili, Osman Fetoshi, Prespa Ymeri, Albona Shala–Abazi, Nesade Muja-Bajraktari, Marton Czikkely The use of macroinvertebrate based biotic indices and diversity indices to evaluate the water quality of Lepenci river basin in Kosovo, Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A 55, no.66 (Mar 2020): 748–758.https://doi.org/10.1080/10934529.2020.1738172Małgorzata Gorzel, Ryszard Kornijów, Edyta Buczyńska Quality of Rivers: Comparison of Hydro-Morphological, Physical-Chemical and Biological Methods, Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S 25, no.11 (Apr 2018): 101–122.https://doi.org/10.1515/eces-2018-0007Xu Yan Deng, Liang Ji Deng, Yu Fu Hu The Evaluation of Angu Hydropower Station Habitat and Analysis on its Influencing Factors, Advanced Materials Research 1065-1069 (Dec 2014): 3272–3276.https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1065-1069.3272

Macrozoobenthos monitoring in relation to dredged sediment disposal: The case of the Marano and Grado Lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy)

5 - Estuarine ecological structure and functioning

Luis Alejandro Yáñez‐Arancibia 1944–2016

In the southern United States the country’s top wood-producing region, factors such as intergenerational land transfer and population spillover from urban areas have resulted in forestland conversion and reduced production of critical ecosystem services associated with forest systems (e.g., timber, clean water supply, wildlife habitat). Public attitudes, which drive forestland policy prescriptions, may also be evolving due to the way people experience and perceive forests (e.g., recreation), and think about the role of government in private forest decisions. These changes have significant implications for forestland management and the forest-based economy, both locally and globally. We present the results of a regional survey (n = 1669) of residents in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, which assessed attitudes toward timber harvesting and government involvement on private lands. We found significant public support for timber harvesting with a somewhat stronger focus on ecosystem maintenance compared to timber production, and strong support for policies that empower landowners (e.g., assistance programs) over regulatory strategies. We conclude that existing government policies and programs are failing to help landowners meet public demand for ecosystem service provision on private forest lands in the southeastern US. Public attitudes appear conducive to innovative policy strategies such as market-based solutions and nudges. Perceptions of forest health will likely be the metric the public and landowners will use in assessing the value of policy alternatives, in addition to economic impact. Public ignorance and indifference towards forest management also appear to be growing.

Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) constitute an important vehicle for providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups. The goal of this qualitative case study is to explore perceptions of health and wellbeing among employees working in a WISE located in the Gävleborg region, in east central Sweden. Data were gathered using 16 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the social enterprise employees. Findings were categorized into three main categories: the importance of financial independence and societal benefits; team spirit and a sense of belonging; and improved quality of life and wellbeing. The participants perceived that working in the WISE gave them a feeling of freedom and increased their self-esteem because of the possibility to earn an income. Also, they were satisfied with their job (e.g., with regard to work quality and flexibility) and believed that their work contributed to society. Moreover, through working in a WISE, the participants felt a sense of belonging and togetherness through interaction with co-workers and managers, and an improved quality of life for themselves and their families.

Citizen science can be a viable mechanism to foster productive linkages between community and government for sustainable water resource management. In Australia, this potential has longstanding policy support but research into program extent, characteristics or impact on decision-making processes has been lacking. This article draws on a temporal analysis of data records from two citizen science programs and a nationwide survey of 47 program coordinators representing 43 freshwater and estuarine citizen science programs to examine these knowledge shortfalls. Results indicate that program activity has contracted in Victoria but increased in the ACT, with additional evidence indicating a nationwide contraction. Survey results revealed programs operating nationwide and largely implemented as a community-government partnership, combining data and educative priorities. Despite 70 per cent of programs having goals to inform catchment decision-making, data use was verified for less than half of programs. Program coordinators reported several social, organisational and technical barriers that limit this uptake. In highlighting these issues, we make three recommendations for enhancing linkages between citizen science and catchment decision-making: (1) increasing institutional support; (2) improving coordination and embracing new possibilities for collaboration; and (3) demonstrating and communicating program achievements.

The oceans, taken together, cover over seventy percent of the earth's surface, or approximately one hundred and forty million square miles. The volume of these waters is fourteen times all the land above sea level. In spite of their vastness, in the past there has been little understanding and too little organized study of the oceans. Recently, however, more and more people are becoming interested in the seas. Many persons believe the oceans hold the solution to problems of food, water, and other resources for the world's increasing population. Research scientists are finding stimulating research problems in all areas of marine science, and our nation is developing an increasing awareness of the seas. The National Academy of Sciences Committee on Oceanography has recently urged the Federal Government to double its basic research in oceanography in the next decade and recommends the expenditure during that period of 65 million dollars per year mostly for seventy new research ships. The surprising showing by competitive nations during the International Geophysical Year has given a sense of urgency to the subject, for the oceans are important to our economic and military strength. Young people desiring careers in marine science can look forward to years of challenging and rewarding work in their chosen field. For sources of jobs in the future, marine scientists can look to some 180 aquatic research laboratories and 49 state organizations with -one or more laboratories each. Graduates, adequately prepared in marine science, are much in demand by industrial concerns such as oil companies, fisheries, and chemical companies. Also, there shall continue to be a growing demand for marine scientists to fill university and college teaching positions in the two thousand or so universities and colleges of the country. Good planning and sufficient preparation are the keys to success in those future years. In high school, students should get a solid background of mathematics, science, English, and foreign languages. Math should receive most careful attention, and plane geometry, trigonometry and two years of algebra are recommended. Good English is required for scientific publications, and a knowledge of composition, sentence structure, and other mechanics of construction is as important as a good vocabulary. All courses in science, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, are helpful. Foreign languages are essential, with German and French most often required by graduate schools for science majors. Russian has recently become of importance to scientific workers. College students, who plan to enter marine science should have a strong major in one of the sciences including botany, zoology, bacteriology, chemistry, geology, physics, or meteorology, with a minor in a supporting scientific field. It is highly desirable that the major and minor be supported, at least, by the basic courses of the other sciences. The undergraduate student has a wide choice of fully accredited colleges or universities with good reputations for the sciences. For graduate work, the beginning marine scientist will probably want to get a more specialized advanced training in a college or university with a strong department of limnology or oceanographv, as for example: The University of Texas, Texas A & M College, Duke University, Scripps Institution of California, The University of Wisconsin, The University of Michigan, The University of Washington, The University of Miami, The University of Oklahoma, Cornell University, Harvard University, and Yale University. Students in high school or junior high school should request that their science teachers include units on marine science. Field trips to museums, marine laboratories, aquaria, and the seashore should supplement regular course work. Leisure time activities such as reading, nature study, and observing, can do much to help develop broad concepts and appreciations pertaining to the seas. Some recommended aquaria and museums for the prospective marine scientist to visit are:

Transitional waters are among the most productive ecosystems of the world and their biotic communities show high diversity and complex mechanisms of self-regulation that provide valuable ecosystem services and societal goods and benefits. In this work a comparison of the fish assemblages of three non-tidal Mediterranean coastal lagoons is carried out in order to evaluate the impacts of alternative management strategies. The anthropogenic pressures acting on the lagoons were quantified by means of categorical indicators, while the characteristics of the fish assemblages were summarized in multi-metric indices (MMIs). Two MMIs were developed using data collected with a beach seine net and with fyke nets, following an empirical approach that selects, from a pool of 73 metrics, the combination that maximizes the MMI/pressure relationship. The two MMIs include four metrics each, most of which are based on feeding mode functional guilds and habitat use functional guilds, and they are sensitive to anthropogenic pressures. The human activities directly or indirectly affecting water quality are the ones that most influence the fish assemblage, while the presence of artisanal fisheries, a typical and relevant resource use in these lagoons, seems to play a beneficial role. Lagoon fisheries management relies on the maintenance of infrastructures that guarantee the hydraulic functioning of the lagoon, thus ensuring exchanges with the adjacent coastal sea, and therefore indirectly contributing to the habitat quality.

Chapter 15 - Coastal Lagoons: Environmental Variability, Ecosystem Complexity, and Goods and Services Uniformity

This article reviews the current viewpoints on the definition of an estuary and the state-of-the-art and most important perspectives of the estuarine and coastal studies that were discussed at the 42nd Estuarine and Coastal Science Association Symposium (ECSA) “Estuarine Ecosystems: Structure, Function and Management” (16–22 September 2007, Svetlogorsk-Kaliningrad, Russia). This was the first ECSA symposium held in the Russian Federation. The symposium participants discussed the peculiarities of the hydrological regime, the ecosystem structure, biodiversity, functions, water quality evaluation, and management of estuaries worldwide. Important generalizations were made on the possibility of distinguishing the impact of natural and environmental stress in estuaries, a description of some principal processes within salinity gradients, and the application of basic elements of the theory of ecosystem functioning to estuarine ecology. The 42nd ECSA symposium illustrated the research priorities of estuarine studies and settled recommendations for future investigations aimed at applying the holistic approach to evaluate and forecast estuarine ecosystem alterations and management.

Transitional water systems (TWSs) may be threatened by various metals originating from increased agricultural, industrial activities, or urban effluents. Macroalgae are one of the biological quality elements used to monitor and assess the health status of TWS due to their structural and functional key role in marine ecosystems. Here, metal accumulation from the macroalgae Ulva laetevirens Areschoug (1854) and oxidative stress by lipid peroxidation (LPO) biomarker were investigated during four sampling seasons from three sampling sites (SMM: Santa Maria del Mare; PM: Porto Marghera; SG: San Giuliano) of Venice Lagoon, affected by different anthropogenic stressors. The metal pollution index (MPI) scores for U. laetevirens increased in the order SMM < PM < SG (sea inlet < industrial area < Osellino River estuary), with average values per site of 2.99, 4.37, and 6.33, respectively. The level of LPO was statistically correlated with the concentration of toxic metal(loid)s (As, Pb, Hg) measured in macroalgae, and seasonality affected both levels of LPO and metal bioaccumulation, with peak values during spring and summer. These findings highlighted the efficiency and usefulness of the oxidative stress test (LPO) on the common macroalga U. laetevirens as an early warning signal for health assessment in aquatic ecosystems.

President's Message Summer Musings…Still Uncertain Times for Science

Introduction – Overview