Suitability Index Score Research Articles

Geo-spatial multi-criteria evaluation of wave energy exploitation in a semi-enclosed sea

The present study aims to determine priority areas for installation of wave energy converters (WECs) in a semi-enclosed sea using a multi-criteria, spatial, decision-making analysis based on geographical information systems (GIS). The study also suggests a new methodology for determination of suitable areas for WECs taking into consideration different extreme wave conditions, intra-annual variation of wave conditions, and operational range of wave conditions by the WECs. A case study over a distance of 1140 km along the coast in the southwest Black Sea is presented. In the multi-criteria analysis, areas with environmental, economic, technical and social constraints are excluded. Ocean depth, distance to ports, shore, power line, and sub-station, wave climate, and sea-floor geology are all evaluated for their impact on the system implementation and weighted according to their relevance. Thus, the final suitability index (SI) map is produced and spatial statistical significance of the suitable areas is checked using hotspot analysis. Based on this, Kırklareli coastal area and the area between İğneada Cape and Kıyıköy village are determined as primary priority areas. The sustainability parameters with different weights proposed in this study do not differentiate priority areas but affect the SI scores.

Louisiana Waterthrush and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Response to Shale Gas Development

Abstract Because shale gas development is occurring over large landscapes and consequently is affecting many headwater streams, an understanding of its effects on headwater-stream faunal communities is needed. We examined effects of shale gas development (well pads and associated infrastructure) on Louisiana waterthrush Parkesia motacilla and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in 12 West Virginia headwater streams in 2011. Streams were classed as impacted (n = 6) or unimpacted (n = 6) by shale gas development. We quantified waterthrush demography (nest success, clutch size, number of fledglings, territory density), a waterthrush Habitat Suitability Index, a Rapid Bioassessment Protocol habitat index, and benthic macroinvertebrate metrics including a genus-level stream-quality index for each stream. We compared each benthic metric between impacted and unimpacted streams with a Student's t-test that incorporated adjustments for normalizing data. Impacted streams had lower genus-level stream-quality index scores; lower overall and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera richness; fewer intolerant taxa, more tolerant taxa, and greater density of 0–3-mm individuals (P ≤ 0.10). We then used Pearson correlation to relate waterthrush metrics to benthic metrics across the 12 streams. Territory density (no. of territories/km of stream) was greater on streams with higher genus-level stream-quality index scores; greater density of all taxa and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa; and greater biomass. Clutch size was greater on streams with higher genus-level stream-quality index scores. Nest survival analyses (n = 43 nests) completed with Program MARK suggested minimal influence of benthic metrics compared with nest stage and Habitat Suitability Index score. Although our study spanned only one season, our results suggest that shale gas development affected waterthrush and benthic communities in the headwater streams we studied. Thus, these ecological effects of shale gas development warrant closer examination.

Habitat Modeling for Tiger (Penthra Tigris) Using Geo-spatial Technology of Panna Tiger Reserve (M.P.) India

The Tiger (Panthera tigris) population in India has undergone a sharp decline during the last few years. Habitat zones where prey populations are abundant are likely to be preferred by the tiger in comparison to those where they are scarce or absent. An area having a high density of road would be avoided by wild animals as compared to an area with few or no roads because there is a high traffic and constant noise. Habitat suitability index (HSI) models have been used to evaluate wildlife habitat. These models are based on functional relationships between wildlife and variables. Values of variables (e.g., herbaceous canopy cover, tree canopy cover, tree height) are related to quality on a suitability index (SI) scale from 0 = not to 1 = habitat of maximum suitability. Habitat suitability index scores, also on a 0-1 scale, are usually calculated using a mathematical formula representing hypothesized relationships among the individual SIs. Tiger (Panthera tigris) prefer core habitats, generally avoid area with high edge density. In the study area landscape, the Ken River is the perennial water sources; Prey species of tiger and the Tiger also preferred areas proximate to perennial water sources is favored. Tigers, under normal circumstances of human settlement, avoid traversing through such areas. Tigers preferred prey includes in the study area, this group is commonly represented by Chital (Axis axis), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Wild-boar (Sus scrofa), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), and Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) were also encountered in the study area.

Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) as an indicator for restoration of Everglades Ecosystems

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) attempts to restore hydrology in the Northern and Southern Estuaries of Florida. Reefs of the Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica are a dominant feature of the estuaries along the Southwest Florida coast. Oysters are benthic, sessile, filter-feeding organisms that provide ecosystem services by filtering the water column and providing food, shelter and habitat for associated organisms. As such, the species is an excellent sentinel organism for examining the impacts of restoration on estuarine ecosystems. The implementation of CERP attempts to improve: the hydrology and spatial and structural characteristics of oyster reefs, the recruitment and survivorship of C. virginica, and the reef-associated communities of organisms. This project links biological responses and environmental conditions relative to hydrological changes as a means of assessing positive or negative trends in oyster responses and population trends. Using oyster responses, we have developed a communication tool (i.e., Stoplight Report Card) based on CERP performance measures that can distinguish between responses to restoration and natural patterns. The Stoplight Report Card system is a communication tool that uses Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP) performance measures to grade an estuary's response to changes brought about by anthropogenic input or restoration activities. The Stoplight Report Card consists of both a suitability index score for each organism metric as well as a trend score (− decreasing trend, +/− no change in trend, and + increasing trend). Based on these two measures, a component score (e.g., living density) is calculated by averaging the suitability index score and the trend score. The final index score is obtained by taking the geometric score of each component, which is then translated into a stoplight color for success (green), caution (yellow), or failure (red). Based on the data available for oyster populations and the responses of oysters in the Caloosahatchee Estuary, the system is currently at stage “caution.” This communication tool instantly conveys the status of the indicator and the suitability, while trend curves provide information on progress towards reaching a target. Furthermore, the tool has the advantage of being able to be applied regionally, by species, and collectively, in concert with other species, system-wide.

Sea Turtle Nesting Habitat on the US Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: A Comparison of Habitat Suitability Index Models

ABSTRACT Sea turtle species observed nesting at the US Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO) include greens (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), both of which are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). As Cuba and its neighbors continue to develop their coasts, all efforts should be made to preserve this important nesting refuge. Habitat suitability index models are one tool with which managers can generate hypotheses and experiment with management options. This study used an observational dataset of nests and measured habitat variables to develop habitat suitability index models in a geographic information system. The first objective was to compare the performance of 3 different habitat model-building approaches in order to determine which technique, if any, provides reliable information on sea turtle nesting habitat preferences. A habitat suitability index score for each beach zone was computed using 1) suitability indices with expert weights, 2) uns...

Development and assessment of habitat suitability criteria for adult brown trout in southern New England rivers

Abstract – Habitat suitability criteria (HSC) for depth, mean velocity, nose velocity, substrate, embeddedness, and cover were developed for brown trout ≥170 mm (Salmo trutta Linnaeus) on the West Branch Farmington River, CT, USA. Microhabitat data was collected by underwater observation using an equal effort habitat sampling design; HSC were constructed using nonparametric tolerance limits. Transferability of previously published HSC to the West Branch Farmington River was poor; only 1 of 13 HSC tested was considered transferable. The HSC developed for the West Branch Farmington River were tested for transferability to the East Branch Westfield River, Massachusetts. First, a composite suitability index (SI) score was calculated using the source HSC for each occupied and unoccupied location in the Westfield River. Then, χ2‐tests were used to determine if optimal or suitable locations were occupied in greater proportion than usable or unsuitable locations. Composite SI scores based on total depth, mean velocity, and cover were not transferable, but composite SI scores based only on total depth and mean velocity were. A multivariate profile analysis was also used to test for transferability. In each test, only total depth, fish depth, and mean velocity HSC were successfully transferred. Transferability of depth and velocity HSC between rivers shows promise for applications to similar systems where brown trout occur.

HABITAT EVALUATION MODEL FOR GENUS UCA IN SHIKOKU ISLAND

The purpose of this study is to use HEP (Habitat Evaluation Procedure) for studying rare species on tidal flats and to evaluate the value of tidal flats themselves. In this study, based on the results both of field observations and numerical simulations, SI (Suitability Index) curves for each mud property and physical factors such as friction velocity were plotted. Then, HSI (Habitat Suitability Index) for each tidal flat was calculated by multiplying each SI curves score and comparing the HSI value among the tidal flats. The following results were obtained: 1) The Yoshino River mouth, which is the largest habitat of genus Uca in Shikoku Lsland, had the highest SI score. 2) The suitability of habitation for other kinds of tidal-living crabs may be estimated as the Yoshino River also had the highest score. Using this method, the value of tidal flats could be discussed indirectly, that is, as the HSI score becomes larger, the necessity of tidal flats becomes great.