Conservation Objectives Research Articles

Adaptive spatiotemporal management to reduce shark bycatch in tuna fisheries.

Purse-seine tropical tuna fishing in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (EPO) results in the bycatch of several sensitive species groups, including elasmobranchs. Effective ecosystem management balances conservation and resource use and requires considering trade-offs and synergies. Seasonal and adaptive spatial measures can reduce fisheries impacts on nontarget species while maintaining or increasing target catches. Identifying persistently high-risk areas in the open ocean, where dynamic environmental conditions drive changes in species' distributions, is essential for exploring the impact of fisheries closures. We used fisheries observer data collected from 1995 to 2021 to explore the spatiotemporal persistence of areas of high bycatch risk for 2 species of oceanic sharks, silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) and oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus), and of low tuna catch rates. We analyzed data collected by fisheries scientific observers onboard approximately 200 large purse-seine vessels operating in the EPO under 10 different flags. Fishing effort, catch, and bycatch data were aggregated spatially and temporally at 1°×1° cells and monthly, respectively. When areas of high fishing inefficiency were closed the entire study period and effort was reallocated proportionally to reflect historical effort patterns, yearly tuna catch appeared to increase by 1-11%, whereas bycatch of silky and oceanic whitetip sharks decreased by 10-19% and 9%, respectively. Prior to fishing effort redistribution, bycatch reductions accrued to 21-41% and 14% for silky and oceanic whitetip sharks, respectively. Our results are consistent with previous findings and demonstrate the high potential for reducing elasmobranch bycatch in the EPO without compromising catch rates of target tuna species. They also highlight the need to consider new dynamic and adaptive management measures to more efficiently fulfill conservation and sustainability objectives for exploited resources in the EPO.

Sites of Modern Industrial Heritage in Egypt and Iran

The countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have only recently discovered their modern industrial heritage as an object of conservation and future development. Through an in-depth analysis of four industrial sites in Egypt and Iran, testifying to a designated modern era, this article documents the complex historical process of industrialization and its political and economic background. Building on fieldwork, archive studies, workshops, and interviews, the article explores how built structures of modern industrial sites signify the multi-facetted, symbiotic, and exploitative international exchange behind the modernization of economies in the region. In the face of many obstacles to the conservation of this heritage, ranging from incomplete listings and ineffectual policies to high development pressures on urban land, this article aims to transcend the current Eurocentrism in industrial heritage research and practice, and encourage regional claims on this significant heritage.

Applying landscape ecological principles in comprehensive landscape protection: Šumava National Park as a case study

In the face of ongoing anthropogenic pressure and biodiversity loss, there is a need to protect nature more effectively. Therefore, we propose a comprehensive and consecutive approach utilising landscape ecological principles and methods for effective landscape protection and spatial nature conservation. Methods applicable in various conditions are exemplified through case studies from the Šumava National Park, the largest NP in Czechia. Using a set of spatial environmental, landscape ecological and geographical data we can: Characterise the area of interest from the physical-geographical, socioeconomic, and management point of view to create the concept´s framework and review important background information for analysis of the area. Therefore, the key factors for landscape protection and biodiversity conservation are defined. Analyse trends and processes of landscape dynamics in terms of land cover, landscape structure and habitat fragmentation and connectivity, which helps us to set main objectives of landscape protection and nature conservation. Use data about environment conditions and key species and habitat occurrence to model habitat suitability, identify their suitable areas, and thus improve their protection. As a result, areas of high conservation value are distinguished. Synthetize outputs of the above-mentioned steps and prioritise the target goals of landscape protection and biodiversity conservation in the area of interest. This leads to the effective zonation, which is a necessary condition for the application of appropriate management measures.

Enhanced H2S gas sensing utilizing UV-assisted In2O3@ZnO nanosheets

In the realm of environmental protection, there is a growing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly gas sensors. In this study, we employed a simple hydrothermal method to synthesize nanosheets composed of zinc oxide (ZnO)-doped indium oxide (In2O3), utilizing zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as a precursor. These nanosheets demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in detecting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. A comprehensive analysis of crystal structure, chemical states, elemental composition, surface area, and morphology was conducted. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurements to assess the materials' textural properties revealed that the nanosheets labeled In2O3/0.1ZnO possessed a high specific surface area of 49.02 m2/g, greater than the 45.65 m2/g of pure In2O3 nanosheets, a crucial factor contributing to the observed exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in detecting H2S gas. Particularly noteworthy is the substantial improvement in gas detection response from 109.9 to 146.2 (approximately 24.7 %) observed in the In2O3/0.1ZnO material under UV irradiation at the optimal temperature of 250 °C. This enhancement emphasizes the material's potential for superior gas detection. The incorporation of ZIF-8-derived ZnO nanostructures played a crucial role in creating additional active sites, further enhancing the gas-sensing capabilities. Importantly, this innovative synthesis technique ensures the production of clean, non-toxic materials, aligning with environmental conservation objectives, and holds promise for achieving heightened sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of environmentally harmful gases.

Designing Cell-Type-Specific Promoter Sequences Using Conservative Model-Based Optimization.

Gene therapies have the potential to treat disease by delivering therapeutic genetic cargo to disease-associated cells. One limitation to their widespread use is the lack of short regulatory sequences, or promoters, that differentially induce the expression of delivered genetic cargo in target cells, minimizing side effects in other cell types. Such cell-type-specific promoters are difficult to discover using existing methods, requiring either manual curation or access to large datasets of promoter-driven expression from both targeted and untargeted cells. Model-based optimization (MBO) has emerged as an effective method to design biological sequences in an automated manner, and has recently been used in promoter design methods. However, these methods have only been tested using large training datasets that are expensive to collect, and focus on designing promoters for markedly different cell types, overlooking the complexities associated with designing promoters for closely related cell types that share similar regulatory features. Therefore, we introduce a comprehensive framework for utilizing MBO to design promoters in a data-efficient manner, with an emphasis on discovering promoters for similar cell types. We use conservative objective models (COMs) for MBO and highlight practical considerations such as best practices for improving sequence diversity, getting estimates of model uncertainty, and choosing the optimal set of sequences for experimental validation. Using three relatively similar blood cancer cell lines (Jurkat, K562, and THP1), we show that our approach discovers many novel cell-type-specific promoters after experimentally validating the designed sequences. For K562 cells, in particular, we discover a promoter that has 75.85% higher cell-type-specificity than the best promoter from the initial dataset used to train our models.

Sea turtle conservation in São Tomé and Príncipe: Policies, practices, and insights from a community‐based initiative

AbstractUnifying research and conservation objectives with the needs of local populations demands a profound understanding of the field. This perspective provides a brief policy and social‐cultural context for the conservation of endangered sea turtles in São Tomé and Príncipe, Central Africa. It is illustrated by initiatives implemented from the 90s to the 2000s and complemented by a community‐based intervention on Príncipe Island (2010–2014). The intervention focused on awareness‐raising, economic‐alternatives, capacity‐building, and surveillances to deter poaching, collect scientific data, and increase outreach. It contributed to reduce sea turtle exploitation, train local conservationists, and increase awareness to economic alternatives. Securing stakeholders' support is vital for success, and endeavors like this provide a cost‐effective approach, aligning biodiversity conservation strategies with local values and aspirations. Overall, this perspective underscores that failure to collaborate with those involved in wildlife subsistence livelihoods often results in delays and setbacks in reducing exploitation, while modest investments in local stewardship can efficiently improve ecosystems and human well‐being.

Between Maroon Tradition and State Law in Jamaica: A Case Study of Challenges to Environmental Governance in a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the quest for effective environmental governance, the integration of legal and cultural pluralism within conservation strategies emerges as a critical factor, especially in regions marked by rich ethnic diversity and complex historical legacies. This paper explores the symbiotic relationship between state conservation efforts and the engagement of local communities, with a particular focus on the Indigenous Maroon communities in the Blue and John Crow Mountains (BJCMs) of Jamaica. It underscores the imperative of aligning conservation objectives with the aspirations and traditional practices of these communities to foster sustainable ecosystems and safeguard Indigenous autonomy. Central to this discourse is the development of collaborative frameworks that respect and incorporate the legal and cultural dimensions of pluralism, thereby facilitating a co-managed approach to environmental stewardship. This study emphasizes the role of collaboration and trust as pivotal elements in cultivating a mutual understanding of the interdependencies between state law and Indigenous law. This research advocates for a reciprocal exchange of knowledge between the state and community members, aiming to empower the latter with the resources necessary for effective environmental protection while respecting their legal autonomy. This approach not only enhances conservation initiatives overall, but also ensures that these efforts are informed by the rich cultural heritage and traditional ecological knowledge of the Maroon communities. By examining the conservation practices and governance challenges faced by the Maroons in the BJCMs, this paper reveals the nuanced dynamics of implementing state-led conservation laws in areas characterized by cultural and legal pluralism. The findings highlight the necessity for state regulatory frameworks to enable collaborative governance models that complement, rather than undermine, the traditional governance structures of the Maroons. This research contributes to the broader discourse on environmental governance by illustrating the potential of culturally informed conservation strategies to address environmental threats while respecting and reinforcing the social fabric of Indigenous communities.

Setting conservation objectives with value‐focused thinking

AbstractThe approach common to well‐known conservation planning frameworks is rooted in values, like species persistence and quality habitat, and expectations resulting from conservation actions, like restoration and protection. We evaluated value‐focused thinking (VFT) as a framework for setting objectives based on personal or group values. Our approach included five steps: eliciting individual participant values, specifying objectives, organizing objectives, structuring multiple objectives, and a quality check. We implemented these steps with 12 conservation planning teams at a global conservation organization. We performed descriptive analyses based on comparisons between final group objectives and initial individual objectives as well as the quality check. We found that participants could only self‐identify a proportion of the team's objectives, which VFT strengthened. Participants were equally challenged with identifying means and ends objectives, contrasting with general VFT theory. Both experienced and newly formed teams effectively applied VFT. Our study formalizes a common‐sense approach to evaluating the underlying drivers of conservation planning so that its resulting outcomes can be most impactful.

Multi-objective integrated decision method of cascade hydropower stations based on optimization algorithm and evaluation model

The establishment and functioning of cascade hydropower stations have significantly altered the natural state of rivers, leading to increasingly severe ecological impacts downstream. To mitigate the adverse effects of cascade reservoir impoundment on river ecosystems and achieve the multi-objective goals of hydropower development and environment protection, this study presents an integrated decision model for optimizing the operation of cascade hydropower stations, utilizing the lower Jinsha River as a case illustration. The proposed model comprises three main components: ecological flow calculation, establishment of a multi-objective optimization model, and scheme evaluation. The ecological flow threshold for the river was determined using the Tennant method. The multi-objective optimization model was formulated with objectives including power generation, ecological flow shortage, and navigation disruption days. The NSGA-II algorithm was employed to resolve the optimization framework. The improved TOPSIS method was adopted for evaluating the operation schemes. The case study conducted in the downstream region of the Jinsha River revealed significant conflicts between the objectives of power generation and ecological conservation. Moreover, different typical years exerted a considerable influence on determining the optimal operation scheme. The proposed integrated decision model provides a scientific framework for guiding the water resource dispatching of cascade hydropower stations and achieving the harmonization of economic and ecological benefits. Overall, this research contributes to the academic field by addressing the complex difficulties related to optimizing the operation of cascade hydropower stations while considering ecological concerns. The findings underscore the importance of adopting a comprehensive decision-making approach that integrates multiple objectives and utilizes advanced algorithms for sustainable river management.

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration.

Canopy-forming kelps are essential foundation species, supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services valued at more than USD$500 billion annually. The global decline of giant kelp forests due to climate-driven ecological stressors underscores the need for innovative restoration strategies. An emerging restoration technique known as 'green gravel' aims to seed young kelps over large areas without extensive underwater labor and represents a promising restoration tool due to cost-effectiveness and scalability. This video article illustrates a protocol and tools for culturing giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. It also provides a resource for further studies to address the successes and limitations of this method in field settings. We outline field and laboratory-based methods for collecting reproductive tissue, sporulating, inoculating, rearing, maintaining, and monitoring substrates seeded with early life stages using the 'green gravel'technique. The protocol simplifies and centralizes current restoration practices in this field to support researchers, managers, and stakeholders in meeting kelp conservation objectives.

Landscape context affects patch habitat contributions to biodiversity in agroecosystems

AbstractEffective conservation schemes are needed to advance the dual objectives of biodiversity conservation and agronomic production in agricultural landscapes. Understanding how plant and arthropod taxa respond to both local habitat patch characteristics and landscape complexity is crucial for planning effective agri‐environment schemes. This study investigated the relative effects of local variables (plant and insect diversity ≤100 m from patch habitat center) and landscape variables (landscape composition and configuration metrics ≤5 km from patch habitat center) on the diversity of plants and arthropods within noncrop habitat patches (1) at different spatial extents ranging from 0.1 to 5 km, while (2) quantifying differential effects of local and landscape variables on particular components of diversity (i.e., species richness and abundance), and accounting for (3) particular components of landscape extent (0.1‐, 0.5‐, 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐km radii) and complexity (i.e., landscape composition and configuration). Landscape variables were significantly correlated with local plant and arthropod species richness and abundance at all spatial extents. Biodiversity responses to landscape variables were largely scale‐dependent, as pairwise comparisons were significantly different between all spatial extents except between 1‐ and 2‐km extents, and correlations were lowest at the 5‐km extent. Partial R2 values for predicting local biodiversity were highest when both local and landscape variables were included as predictors of species richness and abundance, increasing from 0.163 to 0.469 when landscape variables were included, underscoring the importance of considering both local and landscape effects on local diversity. Landscape configuration variables accounted for more variation in plant and arthropod species richness than composition variables. However, models performed best when composition and configuration were considered together rather than alone, suggesting that both components of landscape complexity should be considered for identifying and managing conservation areas in crop fields. Existing conservation schemes that incentivize farmers to create or conserve seminatural patch habitat within crop fields may be more effective when combined with landscape‐scale designs that enhance landscape complexity across the Northern Great Plains. Local conservation efforts should be coordinated with landscape‐level efforts to ultimately enhance biodiversity and desired ecosystem service outcomes across agricultural landscapes.

Multi-objective ventilation optimization for indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy conservation in the post-pandemic era: A case study for a moving elevator

Cases of respiratory disease transmission in enclosed elevators have been reported frequently. In the post-pandemic era, in order to mitigate the spread of respiratory diseases in moving elevators, a multi-objective genetic optimization method based on a response surface model is used to optimize the elevator ventilation. The ventilation parameters were optimized for three objectives: reducing carbon dioxide concentration, maintaining human thermal comfort, and achieving energy conservation. First, a response surface model is established using the computational fluid dynamics method and the Kriging model to correlate the design variables (air supply velocity in x, y, and z directions and air supply temperature) with the output function (CO2 concentration, average temperature, and average velocity). Subsequently, the Pareto optimal solution set of ventilation parameters was obtained by employing a multi-objective genetic algorithm. Finally, the optimal air supply velocity, angle, and temperature were obtained for both peak periods of elevator traffic (13 passengers) and other situations (4 passengers) when the elevator is moving up and down, which satisfy the objectives of health, comfort, and energy conservation.

The importance of understanding the multiple dimensions of power in stakeholder participation for effective biodiversity conservation

Abstract Biodiversity conservation are increasingly focused on involving stakeholder engagement, making power a key concept in understanding its success and failure. Power is often conceptualized as unidimensional and coercive, but a multidimensional view better reflects structural power, as well as its productive and enabling potential. This paper investigates how different dimensions of power in participatory processes affect biodiversity conservation objectives. Six case studies from Europe and Asia‐Pacific were analysed using an adapted framework that explores the interlinkages between ‘power over’ and ‘transformative power’, looking at the scale and space in which power occurs, and analysing in which arenas of power and under which form of expression it appears. The framework distinguishes between the different ways to exert influence (‘power to’, ‘power with’, ‘power within’, ‘power for’), as well as the dynamics of domination and resistance observed in decision‐making (visible power), hidden biases and exclusionary experiences (hidden power), and actions that either reinforce or resist social norms and beliefs (invisible and systematic power). Focusing on biodiversity, the different arenas of power allow us to go deeper than the surface issues and conflicting interests of diverse participants, regarding for example wildlife, to question underlying power dynamics. Different expressions of power, more specifically the ‘power for’ dimension, allow an understanding of how participants integrate nature and biodiversity in their aspirations. The different levels of power also highlight the need to focus not only on the local level but to analyse how participatory processes are embedded in national, or even international governance in a globalized world. Finally, they shed light on two challenges in participatory processes regarding biodiversity: the representation of non‐human interests (designated here as ‘beyond‐human’ voices), and the integration of multiple forms of knowledge systems. Synthesis and applications: Integrating power into biodiversity issues involves deconstructing normalized discourses that focus solely on certain more powerful human agents, their interests and scientific knowledge, and creating new narratives, knowledge and embodied practice of learning and action to encompass a wider diversity of voices and views. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Evaluating the Quality of Architectural Heritage Reuse Projects Using a Well-Being and NEB Approach: The Case Study of IPIM in Turin (Italy)

International conservation approaches recognise architectural heritage as crucial in promoting sustainable development and enhancing human well-being. This has been highlighted by the recent New European Bauhaus (NEB) movement. As for the reuse of architectural heritage, this debate has led to the formulation of new guidelines that aim to maximise the tangible and intangible values of the assets from a long-term and circular economy perspective. In turning theory into operational practice, it is essential to reuse heritage structures while keeping these principles in mind and remaining within the boundaries of conservation objectives. To achieve this, evaluation tools that can aid in the decision-making process need to be identified. This research presents a novel model of indicators that can monitor and evaluate the quality of architectural heritage reuse projects, proposing a perspective that considers both the concept of well-being and the NEB principles. The proposed model is tested on Turin’s IPIM (Provincial Institute for Childhood and Maternity). This structure has been transformed from an uncomfortable heritage into a cultural centre for contemporary art called Flashback Habitat. The case study tests the model’s practical applicability and demonstrates its effectiveness in identifying the most challenging principles to apply in practice.

Rapid preparation of nanocrystalline high-entropy alloy coating with extremely low dilution rate and excellent corrosion resistance via ultra-high-speed laser cladding

Ultra-high-speed laser cladding (UHSLC) not only offers an efficient solution to the limitations of conventional laser cladding but also aligns with the contemporary objectives of material conservation and efficiency enhancement in metal protective coatings. This study investigates the fabrication of CrFeCoNiMo0.2 high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings using UHSLC and traditional laser cladding (TLC) methods. Key aspects such as macroscopic forming quality, element distribution, dilution rate, grain morphology, hardness, and electrochemical corrosion properties of both UHSLC and TLC coatings are thoroughly examined. Notably, UHSLC-produced coatings, with their significantly reduced thickness ranging from 100 to 300 μm, demonstrate an impressively low substrate dilution rate compared to the 2–3 mm thickness of TLC coatings. The rapid solidification inherent in UHSLC leads to smaller grain sizes in the coating, resulting in enhanced hardness. Moreover, the UHSLC coating exhibits superior corrosion resistance, characterized by a lower maintaining-passivity current density in 1 mol/L H2SO4 and a higher self-corrosion potential relative to TLC coatings. This work presents a novel approach, employing high-efficiency and low-cost laser-cladding technology, to minimize dilution in the matrix and improve the coating properties of HEAs.

Unpacking conservation easements' assessed land use designations and their implications for realizing biodiversity protection

AbstractNative ecosystem and biodiversity loss from land use conversion into human‐modified landscapes are evident in the United States and globally. In addition to public land conservation, there is an increase in private land conservation through conservation easements (CEs) across exurban landscapes. Not every CE was established strictly for biodiversity protection and permitted land uses can increase human modification. No research of which we are aware has examined the actual tax assessor's land use designations (LUDs) through time. We constructed granular CE datasets (GCED) of CEs and their parcels' tax assessment LUDs for 1997–2008/2009, based on original data from 12 counties in six US states. Using the GCED, we examined patterns in the LUDs, with implications for land uses that could impact CE biological outcomes. We show that LUDs on exurban private conservation lands were predominately residential and agricultural, with increased residential over time. Critically, the LUDs lack a biological conservation exempt designation/category. There is no consistent trend in association between the primary CE reason and its parcel's LUD, suggesting that they coincide in some circumstances but in others, the CE may be a response to contravene the LUD. The majority of the first CE reasons are focused on open space preservation, except in some counties where agricultural land uses and agricultural CEs are associated. The economically and human‐focused LUD is one of many social factors that should be considered in a classification system for private land conservation and CEs more specifically. These results prompt the land conservation, conservation biology, and environmental planning communities to explore assessed land uses' impact on biodiversity conservation objectives.

The ecological and biodiversity conservation values of farm dams: A systematic review.

Biodiversity is in rapid decline globally with agriculture being one of the leading causes. Within agricultural landscapes, some features provide a benefit to biodiversity that is disproportionate to their spatial area. An interesting example is artificial ponds-or farm dams-which can support a large variety of taxa. Here, we present a global review of farm dam research related to biodiversity conservation objectives to provide an overview of the topics, key research insights, and the characteristics of current research. We used a three-stage process to screen literature and identified 104 relevant papers across 27 countries encompassing studies of 13 different taxa. Most of the studies were short-term (less than 5 years) with small sample sizes (less than 20 sites). Of the 104 papers, 88 were focussed primarily on ecological outcomes, such as species richness or abundance, and 15 on primary production outcomes, such as crop and livestock yield, despite addressing or measuring ecological metrics. Only one study measured both ecological and primary production outcomes. Studies frequently examined how the features of dams (79 studies) and attributes of the surrounding landscape (47 studies) impact particular species and communities. Terrestrial mammals (1 study) were under-represented in the literature with macrophytes (28 studies), macroinvertebrates (26 studies), and amphibians (19 studies) receiving the most attention. Our results reveal a growing trend towards recognizing farm dams as habitats for various taxa, including amphibians, beetles, dragonflies, and other macroinvertebrates within agricultural environments. Significant knowledge gaps exist in understanding how dam age, invasive species, and effective management practices impact the biodiversity conservation values of farm dams. Future research should emphasize enhancing biodiversity by collaborating with landholders to increase habitat through strategic vegetation planning, minimizing runoff and nutrient inflow, and restricting stock access.

MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING IN THE HYDROGRAPHIC ÂNCORA RIVER BASIN

This work is the result of the most recent studies carried out by the ICNF in the drainage basin of the future recreational fishing area (ZPL) of the Âncora river. These supported the design of a plan for the sustainable management and exploitation of recreational fishing in this river basin, which is part of the Minho and Lima Hydrographic Region (RH1). Seven sampling stations were set up for this purpose. Six in the main watercourse and one in the Regueiro dos Enxurros, in the middle of an area of successive waterfalls, just before its confluence with the Regueiro da Lapa Ladrão, which is considered to be the source of the Âncora River. At these stations, hydromorphological quality assessments were carried out on 500 m stretches using the River Habitat Survey (RHS) methodology and fish community monitoring (three per station, for a total of twenty-one inventories) using the electrofishing technique. The results made it possible to consider implementing more sustainable management and exploitation measures for fishing in these continental bodies of water. In this context, the management options took marked account of conservation objectives associated with the presence of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) and red eels (Achondrostoma spp.), the wide distribution of trout (Salmo trutta) and the reduced presence of boga (Pseudochondrostoma duriense) whose distribution in the upper third of this drainage basin is conditioned by a very peculiar geomorphology, filled with numerous slopes, which give rise to beautiful waterfalls. With the information collected, data on the age, growth and physical condition of the ichthyofauna assessed was studied, and their relationship with the different types of habitat in which they occurred was established. The results show that these are watercourses with "Excellent" quality habitats, but with levels of artificialization ranging from "severely modified" to "predominantly unmodified", the result of anthropogenic actions over time. Trout (Salmo trutta) are the most widely distributed species along the main watercourse. The absence of exotic aquaculture species in the samples and the lack of medium to large water impoundment structures in the hydrographic network evaluated should be emphasized. The existing river compartmentalization is materialized by the numerous micro-weirs (many of which allow aquatic organisms to migrate for a good part of the year) and a few waterfalls (natural cascades) that prevent fish from passing through. The trout show isometric growth for all the sampling stations, a balanced physical robustness and a maximum lifespan of 6 years. As a practical result of this study, a Recreational Fishing Management and Exploration Plan for the Âncora River will be created, which will support the design of measures to promote the sustainable management of recreational fishing in the area of the future LPZ, reconciling this activity with nature conservation objectives.

Prototyping structured decision making for water resource management in the San Francisco Bay-Delta

A structured decision making (SDM) approach can help evaluate tradeoffs between conservation and human-benefit objectives by fostering communication and knowledge transfer among stakeholders, decision makers, and the public. However, the process is iterative and completing the full process may take years. It can be difficult to initiate an SDM effort when problems seem insurmountable. Occasionally, SDM may not even be the best or correct approach for addressing the conservation problem at hand. We describe the implementation of an SDM process to help inform difficult decisions related to competing objectives. We convened a diverse stakeholder group from the largest estuary in the western United States; the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Bay-Delta). The stakeholder group consisted of representatives from local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and recreational fishers. The stakeholder group agreed on a problem statement and identified four priority objectives related to Chinook salmon, delta smelt, water availability and reliability, and agricultural water use. Furthermore, they proposed 14 candidate management actions to achieve their objectives. The group then used existing quantitative models and data to evaluate trade-offs in proposed management actions to identify areas of agreement of proposed candidate actions. The clear communication of the problem statement and objectives among the stakeholder group, along with evaluation of tradeoffs and uncertainty via decision-support models suggest that a full SDM approach may work in the Bay-Delta. We further communicate lessons learned during our implementation of SDM to help guide future SDM efforts in the region and elsewhere.

Incentivos fiscales para la conservación de la biodiversidad en el contexto latinoamericano

Tax incentives are a key tool for biodiversity conservation in Latin America, promoting participation in environmental protection. The objective of this study is to analyze tax incentives in the region and their impact on conservation. A literature review of studies and legislation in Latin American countries was carried out. The results show that tax incentives promote investments in sustainable projects and contribute to sustainable economic development. However, their implementation faces challenges such as the need to balance tax collection with conservation objectives. In conclusion, tax incentives are vital for biodiversity conservation, however, continuous evaluation is required to ensure their effectiveness and adaptability to local needs.