Changing how we approach fisheries: A first attempt at an operational framework for ecosystem approaches to fisheries management

The increasing need to account for the many factors that influence fish population dynamics, particularly those external to the population, has led to repeated calls for an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). Yet systematically and clearly addressing these factors, and hence implementing EAFM, has suffered from a lack of clear operational guidance. Here, we propose 13 main factors (shift in location, migration route or timing, overfishing (three types), decrease in physiology, increase in predation, increase in competition, decrease in prey availability, increase in disease or parasites and a decline in habitat quality or habitat quantity) that can negatively influence fish populations via mechanisms readily observable in ~20 population features. Using these features as part of a diagnostic framework, we develop flow charts that link probable mechanism(s) underlying population change to the most judicious management actions. We then apply the framework for example case studies that have well‐known and documented population dynamics. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to provide a clearly defined matrix of all the probable responses to the most common factors influencing fish populations, and to examine possible diagnostics simultaneously, comparatively and relatively in an attempt to elucidate the most probable mechanisms responsible. The framework we propose aims to operationalize EAFM, thereby not only better diagnosing factors influencing fish populations, but also suggesting the most appropriate management interventions, and ultimately leading to improved fisheries. We assert the framework proposed should result in both better use of limited analytical and observational resources and more tailored and effective management actions.     

白银市土地利用变化对生态系统服务价值的影响

为了明确白银市土地利用状况与生态系统服务价值之间的关系,进一步确定白银市各土地利用类型对生态系统的影响程度。本研究选择当量因子法评价白银市2009—2017年土地利用状况、生态系统服务价值以及两者之间的关系。结果表明:（1）2009—2017年,白银市生态系统服务价值总量从56.75亿元下降到56.49亿元,总体呈下降趋势,各项生态系统功能和生态系统服务都呈下降趋势;草地生态系统服务价值减少了2549.18万元,减少最多,人口对生态系统负荷呈减轻趋势;（2）白银市土地利用类型对生态系统服务价值具有较大的影响,主要受建设用地增加较多,草地和林地面积减少影响较大,在以后的发展中,要从保护生态用地、挖掘存量建设用地方面,探索出一条生态优先、绿色发展的新路子。     

达里诺尔湖湿地生态系统服务价值评价

生态系统服务功能是生态系统与生态过程所形成及所维持的人类赖以生存的自然环境条件与效用,对其服务价值进行货币化评价,可以推动自然资源可持续利用,促进区域生态环境保护。以达里诺尔湖湿地为研究对象,结合达里诺尔湖湿地生态系统的结构、特征及其生态过程特点,通过资料搜集与实地调研,运用资源经济学理论和方法,对达里诺尔湖湿地生态系统服务价值进行了划分。构建了达里诺尔湖湿地生态系统服务价值评价指标体系,并对其进行了价值评价。评价结果显示达里诺尔湖湿地的服务价值为93.70×10⁴万元,其中直接使用价值为2.19×10⁴万元,占比为2.36%,间接使用价值为91.51×10⁴万元,占比为97.66%。各项生态系统服务功能中以调节空气湿度价值最大,为82.76×10⁴万元,占总服务价值的88.32%。     

A fresh look at inland fisheries and their role in food security and livelihoods

The role of inland fisheries in livelihoods, food security and sustainable development is often overshadowed by the higher profile interest in ocean issues. Whilst inland fisheries' catch and contribution to global nutrition, food security and the economy, are less than that of marine fisheries, global‐level comparisons of fish production obscure considerable livelihood impacts in certain countries and sub‐national areas. To highlight these contributions, this paper synthesizes recent data and innovative approaches for assessing such livelihood contributions and their importance in countries with limited access to ocean resources and aquaculture. Inland fisheries are crucial for many socially, economically and nutritionally vulnerable groups of people around the world, but the challenges in monitoring inland fisheries preclude a complete understanding of the magnitude of their contributions. This situation is rapidly improving with increasing recognition of inland fisheries in development discourses, which has also encouraged research to enhance knowledge on the importance of inland fisheries. We review this work, including collated information published in a recent Food and Agriculture Organization report, to provide an up to date characterization of the state of knowledge on the role of inland fisheries.     

Ecosystems say good management pays off

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of alternative assessment methods, harvest strategies and management approaches are an important part of operationalizing single‐species and ecosystem‐based fisheries management. Simulations run using two variants of a whole‐of‐ecosystem model for the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) area shows that (a) data‐rich assessments outperform data‐poor assessments for target species and that this performance is reflected in the values of many system‐level ecosystem indicators; (b) ecosystem and multispecies management outperforms single‐species management applied over the same domain; (c) investment in robust science‐based fisheries management pays dividends even when there are multiple jurisdictions, some of which are not implementing effective management; and (d) that multispecies yield‐oriented strategies can deliver higher total catches without a notable decline in overall system performance, although the resulting system structure is different to that obtained with other forms of ecosystem‐based management.     

Exploring tree diversity and stand structure of savanna woodlands in southeastern Sudan

Savanna woodlands in Sudan host great biodiversity, provide a plethora of ecosystem goods and services to local communities, and sustain numerous ecological functions. Although the importance of the Acacia trees in these areas is well known, up-to-date information about these woodlands' diversity is limited and changes in their woody vegetation composition, density, diversity and relative frequency are not monitored over time. This study explored tree diversity and stand stage structure in Nuara Reserved Forest, a typical savanna woodland ecosystem in southeastern Sudan. A total of 638 circular sample plots (1000 m² for each) were established using a systematic sampling grid method. The distance between plots was 200 m. In each plot, all living trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥5.00 cm were identified and counted, and their DBH values were recorded. From these data, tree composition, diversity, density and stage structure were assessed. There were 12,259 individual trees representing four species (Acacia seyal, Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia Senegal and Acacia mellifera) that belong to two families. The dominant species was Acacia seyal. Average tree density was 191 trees/hm² and the Shannon-Weiner index for trees diversity was 0.204. Overall, young trees comprised 86.30% of the forest. The state of tree richness and density in the study area was low compared to other similar environments in the region and around the world. We recommended adoption of a proper management system that includes monitoring of woody vegetation diversity in this forest, and management actions to enhance tree diversity and sustain ecosystem services to local communities. In addition to care for the dominant Acacia seyal stands, more attention and conservation should be devoted to reestablishing Acacia senegal and Acacia mellifera trees because of their high ecological and economic values for local communities.     

冀西北地区不同生态系统枯落物的水文效应

[目的]揭示不同植被生态系统枯落物水文效应的差异,为张家口地区生态空间格局优化提供支撑。[方法]基于样地调查和统计分析方法,分别对冀西北地区张家口市森林、农田和草地3种生态系统的枯落物在生长季末期持水能力及其与生物量之间的关系进行分析。[结果]①森林生态系统枯落物的最大持水量(30.7t/hm~2)、有效拦蓄量(22.97t/hm~2)、有效拦蓄率(187.49%)和吸水速率(5.84g/h)4个指标均优于其他两类生态系统。②草地枯落物的各项水文指标均值皆高于农田,最大持水率甚至高于森林生态系统。③枯落物生物量与其最大持水量和有效拦蓄量呈显著正相关关系,而枯落物占生态系统总生物量的比例随总生物量增加呈幂数下降。[结论]如果造林营林方式正确,森林生态系统能够提升区域水源涵养水平,同时草地的水源涵养能力不容忽视,市域内大范围的耕地向草地扩展,将直接影响区域的水源涵养能力。以生物量表征的生态系统固碳能力与枯落物蓄水所反映的水源涵养能力之间的响应关系在生态系统不同尺度下具有不同的表现,在对区域生态空间格局进行优化时,需明确特定环境下不同生态系统类型枯落物的水源涵养能力及其变化对其他生态服务功能的影响,从而实现各生态系统平衡发展。     

基于格网的石漠化地区生态系统服务与经济空间耦合

[目的]分析石漠化地区生态系统服务价值与经济的空间耦合关系,为石漠化地区生态环境保护与社会经济协调发展提供依据。[方法]以贵州省盘州市为例,基于格网尺度,计算了研究区生态服务价值(ESV)与国内生产总值GDP,并利用耦合协调模型,对两者间的耦合协调发展程度进行定量评估。[结果]①盘州市ESV热点区主要分布在东北部的几个少数民族乡镇,冷点区主要分布在经济发展较快且城市化率较高的区域;②盘州市GDP在空间上呈现出局部高的特点,高值区主要集中在石桥镇、亦资街道、翰林街道等工业镇和政治、经济、文化中心;③盘州市ESV与GDP耦合协调度值较低,空间上存在明显的自相关性,耦合协调度较低的区域主要分布在盘州市东南部、北部以及中部;④盘州市ESV与GDP耦合协调度类型以严重失调衰退经济损益型为主,占区域总面积的79.95%。[结论]盘州市ESV与GDP在空间上存在一定矛盾,耦合协调度较低,兼顾生态环境保护与经济发展有助于提升协调度。     

典型喀斯特洼地植被恢复过程中土壤碳氮储量动态及其对极端内涝灾害的响应

西南喀斯特地区是我国主要的生态脆弱区之一,石漠化严重,旱涝灾害频发。植被恢复是提升脆弱生态系统土壤碳氮固持的有效方式,但该区不同植被恢复方式土壤碳氮动态监测的研究还很缺乏。本研究以典型喀斯特峰丛洼地为对象,选取人工林、牧草地、人工林+牧草地、撂荒地自然恢复4种最主要的植被恢复方式为研究对象,以耕地作为对照,对比分析退耕前(2004年)、退耕10年(2014年)和13年后(2017年)土壤碳氮储量动态变化特征。其中2004—2014年研究区未发生极端内涝灾害, 2014—2017年连续发生2次极端内涝灾害事件。研究结果表明,退耕10年后, 4种恢复方式下土壤有机碳(SOC)储量均显著增加,但退耕13年后,除撂荒地SOC持续增加外,其他3种恢复方式下SOC表现出下降趋势。植被恢复后土壤全氮(TN)储量提升相对缓慢,退耕10年仅牧草地显著增加,退耕13年后人工林+牧草和撂荒地TN增加,且撂荒地在退耕后呈持续增加趋势。相关性分析结果表明,土壤交换性Ca~(2+)与SOC、TN均呈显著正相关关系,且与2014年相比, 2017年不同植物恢复方式下土壤交换性Ca~(2+)均显著下降,这可能与研究区2015年和2016年连续内涝灾害有关。以上结果说明,不同恢复方式均能显著提升喀斯特地区土壤碳氮固持,并以自然恢复最佳,其生态系统能有效抵御极端气候灾害带来的负面影响。     

Retrospective analysis of the influence of environmental drivers on commercial stocks and fishing opportunities in the Irish Sea

Irish Sea fisheries have undergone considerable change in recent years following the decline of commercially important finfish stocks and their slow response to management's recovery plans. In 2015, the fishing industry called for a holistic exploration into the impact of environmental change and food web effects to identify the drivers underpinning stock dynamics. In this study, we identify correlations between large‐scale climatic indicators, temperature, primary and secondary productivity, and fish recruitment in the Irish Sea and incorporate them into an Ecopath with Ecosim food web model co‐created by scientists and fishers. Negative correlations were found between the North Atlantic Oscillation winter index (NAOw) and large zooplankton abundance and between the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and the recruitment of cod (Gadus morhua) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus). Using correlation analyses to direct the addition of environmental drivers to the Irish Sea ecosystem model improved the models fit against observed biomass and catch data and revealed the indirect impacts of environmental change as mitigated through trophic interactions. Model simulations suggest that historic environmental change suppressed the overall production of commercial finfish, limiting opportunities for the fishing industry, whilst also dampening the rate of stock recovery despite marked reductions in fishing effort. These results suggest that failure to account for ecosystem information may lead to misconceived expectations and flawed fisheries management; therefore, there is a need to operationalize ecosystem information through management procedures to support fisheries advice.