Landscape Ecology of Birds on Mount Leconte, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Landbirds form a significant component of wildlife resources in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The present study explored how forest structure and composition of deciduous-coniferous ecotones influenced diversity, richness, and relative abundance of bird species and how bird species responded to the spruce-fir community. Using a form of the variable-circular plot method, I conducted audio-visual censuses of diurnal birds on Mount LeConte. I established 212 geo-referenced census points on six trails, which were used as gradient-oriented transects (gradsects). I measured habitat characteristics at the same census points. I used forest community types for each point on gradsects to delineate boundaries. I applied The Tasseled-Cap (T-CAP) , a graphic description of the spectral-temporal development of locations, to analyze bird-habitat relationships in order to investigate the utility of Landsat T-CAP indices in predicting forest patterns and bird species\u27 richness and abundance. I derived elevation, slope, and aspect from differentially corrected GPS coordinates using ArcView Spatial Analyst and T-Cap indices from Landsat TM remotely sensed data for forest community types and each vegetation sampling station using Earth Resources Data Analysis System. My results showed correlations among the abundances of many bird species and elevational, floristic, and physiogonomic features of their habitat, both for univariate and multivariate characters. Both cover type and size class (dbh) were important to the breeding avifauna; various groups of breeding birds were associated with either one or both variables. Ecotones along the gradsects among forest types were perceived by many bird species as significant discontinuities. Zones of both rapid and gradual change in bird abundance were observed. For certain bird species, patterns of bird distribution and forest types coincided. Individual species responded to patchiness, vegetation structure, and elevation, sometimes in a predictable manner. I observed clusters of species and communities along my derived zones that appeared to be different. Species expanded or contracted their distributions in localities where the homogenous ecotone was displaced upward or downward in elevation relative to the location of the ecotone on Mount LeConte. Spatial fluctuations were, in general, related to zonal transitions in forest types. T-CAP indices were related to species\u27 responses to changes in landscape structure and composition. Distinct patterns in vegetation that corresponded with different forest types and zones of rapid and gradual change in bird abundance were observed. Greenness and wetness values differentiated closed canopy fir stands from all other classes

Earth Observation for Forestry Applications in Cyprus

This paper presents an overview of how space-based and earth observation techniques can be used for forestry applications in Cyprus. Indeed, an example of how the Department of Forests in Cyprus can further promote the importance of using remote sensing techniques in Cyprus. Examples are shown of how mapping of burned areas is performed using remote sensing data (Landsat ETM, Sentinel) as well of how post-fire management is implemented. Examples of the Solea fire event occurred in Cyprus is presented. Finally, remote sensing is also used for risk assessment study for developing fire hazard index. Ground spectro-radiometric measurements are also used in combination with remote sensing imagery and burned severity measures to develop a simple, fast, accurate and reliable methodology for the assessment of the burn severity levels on a forest fire scar in Cyprus forests. The need to develop a national observatory of forests using earth observation and GIS is highlighted

Use of a geospatial early-warning decision support system to prepare for disasters or plan for multiple hazards: decatastrophize

The goal of DECATASTROPHIZE (DECAT) is to use a Geospatial Early-warning Decision Support System (GE-DSS) for rapid deployment, interoperability, transferability and sustainability to assess, prepare for and respond to multiple and/or simultaneous natural and man-made hazards, disasters, and environmental incidents by using existing models/systems in a synergistic way on one multiplatform, distributed and integrated framework called DECAT in five partner countries. The use of GE‐DSS combined with integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions fuses text and geographic information into one model and view. In addition to integrating the a) GE‐DSS, b) Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), and c) Operational Resources (OR) in the field in each partner country, the DECAT methodological framework software will also integrate hazard/risk assessment with the common operational picture. No studies using a GE‐DSS based framework to integrate and link decision makers, EOCs and ORs in the field for multi‐hazard or disaster preparedness in accordance with/relative to the New EU Civil Protection Mechanism preparedness priorities have been carried out or demonstrated. Therefore, this project is expected to a) create better prerequisites for, and improve preparedness, as well as enhance awareness of, civil protection and/or marine pollution professionals and volunteers, b) support and complement the efforts of the participating states for the protection of citizens, environment and property in the event of natural and man‐made disasters, c) exchange information, experience, good practice and knowledge aimed at improving the performance of parties involved in civil protection (both private and public professionals and volunteers) and d) support the EU candidate countries and potential candidates not participating in the Mechanism and European Neighbourhood Policy countries in the field of disaster preparedness and enhance their cooperation within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and its participating states

Development and Implementation of a DECATASTROPHIZE platform and tool for the management of disasters or multiple hazards

Research studies using a Geo-Spatial Early Warning Decision Support System (GE-DSS) based platform and tool to integrate and link decision makers, Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), Operational Resources (OR) in the field for multi-hazard or disaster management in accordance relative to the New European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) priorities have neither been explored nor implemented. The goal of the DECATASTROPHIZE (DECAT) platform is to use a GE-DSS to assess, prepare for and respond to multiple and/or simultaneous natural and man-made hazards and disasters in a synergistic way on one multi-platform, distributed and integrated framework. The main results of the DSS platform include:1) GE-DSS use-case analyses, workflows and functionalities for early warning, decision making and rapid mapping, 2) methodologies for rapid assessment and mitigation of impacts, and 3) Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI) from Cyprus for disseminating geospatial data and information about various types of multi-hazards with dedicated capabilities aimed to support impact assessment as well as emergency management based on activities suitable for overall operational scenarios. In addition to integrating the a) GE-DSS, b) EOCs, and c) OR in the field, the DECAT methodological framework software also integrated hazard/risk assessment with the common operational picture. The paper aims to introduce the GE-DSS prototype resulting from the implementation of these requirements, resulting by reuse, improvement and extension of Open Source SDI codes. It has been already tested in all of DECAT participating countries. The objectives achievement level was evaluated by analysing the test performed by Cyprus Civil Defense (CCD). The DECAT project aimed to a) demonstrate the assessment and mitigation of impact of natural disasters, b) discuss and develop effective warning systems decision making and rapid notification for risk resilience at all levels, c) stimulate exchange of ideas and knowledge transfer on all phases of the disaster management cycle including disaster research, and risk reduction at all geographical scales—local, national and international, d) assess multi-disaster risk and impacts from a multidisciplinary and multi-faceted perspective, e) develop multi-disaster risk reduction strategies and techniques

Indicators for status assessment of species, relevant to MSFD Biodiversity Descriptor

The inconsistency in the determination of the Good Environmental Status for species assessment under the first cycle of the EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive emerged a harmonisation exercise. This exercise was launched with the species’ identification of MSFD Descriptor’s 1 concern and the collection of the operational or developing indicators and methods for the status assessment and classification of marine species. The latter was materialised with this report, by collecting information from several sources including the Regional Sea Conventions and the relevant marine and environment EU policies. The methodological standards and the threshold setting processes can be harmonised at three levels, to achieve consistent GES determination for the species assessed under the MSFD: i) MSFD criteria; ii) species groups, and iii) spatial scale. The next step will be to further evaluate the operability and suitability of these indicators and methods, associate them with data availability and propose the best possible option for the status classification of species at those three levels.JRC.D.2-Water and Marine Resource

Application of decatastrophize (Use of SDSS and MCDA to prepare for disasters or plan for multlple hazards) Decision Support Systems (DSS) tool

DECATASTROPHIZE (UsE of SDSS and MCDA To prepAre for diSasTeRs Or Plan for multlplE HaZards) was financed from the European Union's Directorate-General humanitarian aid and civil protection (DG-ECHO) under Grant Agreement ECHO/SUB/2015/713788/PREP02. This project developed tools that can be used effectively in early warning and alert systems ensuring lives and protecting people, properties and the environment from natural/man-made hazards. The aim of the project was to use/adapt existing models, systems or tools in an interactive and synergic capacity to prepare for disasters and plan for multi-hazard incidents. Through DECATASTROPHIZE, a web-based Geo-Spatial Early-warning Decision Support Systems (GE-DSS) platform was developed in combination with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), keeping systems interoperability and organizations cooperation in mind. The

Discarded fish in European waters: general patterns and contrasts

To reduce the practice of discarding commercially fished organisms, several measures such as a discard ban and extra allowances on top of landings quotas (“catch quota”) have been proposed by the European Commission. However, for their development and successful implementation, an understanding of discard patterns on a European scale is needed. In this study, we present an inter-national synthesis of discard data collected on board commercial, towed-gear equipped vessels operating under six different national flags spanning from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Seas mainly between 2003 and 2008. We considered discarded species of commercial value such as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Comparisons of discard per unit effort rates expressed as numbers per hour of fishing revealed that in the Mediterranean Sea minimum size-regulated species such as hake are generally discarded in much lower numbers than elsewhere. For most species examined, variability in discard rates across regions was greater than across fisheries, suggesting that a region-by-region approach to discard reduction would be more relevant. The high uncertainty in discard rate estimates suggests that current sampling regimes should be either expanded or complemented by other data sources, if they are to be used for setting catch quotas

Discarded fish in European waters: general patterns and contrasts

To reduce the practice of discarding commercially fished organisms, several measures such as a discard ban and extra allowances on top of landings quotas (“catch quota”) have been proposed by the European Commission. However, for their development and successful implementation, an understanding of discard patterns on a European scale is needed. In this study, we present an inter-national synthesis of discard data collected on board commercial, towed-gear equipped vessels operating under six different national flags spanning from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Seas mainly between 2003 and 2008. We considered discarded species of commercial value such as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Comparisons of discard per unit effort rates expressed as numbers per hour of fishing revealed that in the Mediterranean Sea minimum size-regulated species such as hake are generally discarded in much lower numbers than elsewhere. For most species examined, variability in discard rates across regions was greater than across fisheries, suggesting that a region-by-region approach to discard reduction would be more relevant. The high uncertainty in discard rate estimates suggests that current sampling regimes should be either expanded or complemented by other data sources, if they are to be used for setting catch quotas.S

Discarded fish in European waters: general patterns and contrasts

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