The National Shellfish Initiative launched in 2011 has begun a number of initiatives that has helped restore the oyster populations across the US. Specifically in the Puget sound a large amount of research and development has been done to help the aquaculture industry in the area. $1 million has been contributed to help find and fix faulty septic systems, which are a large … [Read more...]
Non-linearity, Ecosystem Services and Economics
The article by Koch et al (see reference below), makes the point that ecosystem services and functions are very often nonlinear, meaning that they increase or decrease in non linear forms characterized primarily by thresholds and limits. This is presents a problem for the management of the ecosystem but also for the economic valuation because there is no simple linear … [Read more...]
Coastal habitat retreat inhibited by development
Our readings this week describe the importance of barrier islands, salt marshes and mangroves to wave attenuation. Unfortunately many of these coastal habitats are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Normally, sea level rise would cause salt marshes and wetlands to move farther inland. Unfortunately, many of these marshes have no where to retreat to because buildings and … [Read more...]
Threats to Estuaries
Estuaries are fragile ecosystems that provide a variety of ecosystem functions and services. Because of their protection by land, usually barrier islands, their calm water provides a stable environment for the young of a wide variety of species. Estuaries supply essential food, cover, migratory corridors, and breeding/nursery areas for coastal and marine wildlife. However, … [Read more...]
Drought, Fire, and Fear Near National Forests
In at least one location in the drought-stricken United States, citizens who live near national forests are considering taking matters into their own hands to prevent forest fires from spreading from national forests to their own lands. In the Jemez Mountains near Santa Fe National Forest, local ranchers have become frustrated with the pace of fuel reduction and prescribed … [Read more...]