Demography of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) ammocoete populations in relation to potential spawning-migration obstructions

Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Recent advances in the understanding of lamprey migrations have led to concerns over the impacts of obstructions on the demography of many species. This study investigated sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) larvae (ammocoetes) in two adjacent but contrasting rivers, both designated Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), one (the River Wye) with a small number of potential migration obstructions in its upper reaches and one (the River Usk) with obstacles along its course. The geographical distributions, densities and age structures of the ammocoete populations were examined in relation to the locations of potential obstructions to the spawning migrations of anadromous adults. A minimum of three age classes was recorded as far as 200 km upstream of the mouth of the River Wye (93% of the length of the mainstem), demonstrating that adults regularly migrate to the upper reaches of the catchment (downstream of a natural waterfall). By contrast, sea lamprey ammocoetes appeared to be absent (in suitable habitat) from 20 km (17%) of the River Usk, and there was a reduction in density, prevalence and the number of age classes upstream of two putative spawning-migration obstructions. This study highlights some of the potential impacts of habitat fragmentation by obstructions on the spawning migrations of anadromous species, as inferred from ammocoete demography. When used in combination to compare contiguous reaches, ammocoete densities, prevalence and age structure may be a useful indicator of which structures are likely to be important migration obstructions, and where further studies or mitigation efforts should be focused. It is likely that passage past some obstructions is enhanced if high river levels occur during the spawning migration, but there is a need to facilitate passage during all conditions, to improve access to under-exploited spawning and nursery areas

High Abundances of Species in Protected Areas in Parts of their Geographic Distributions Colonized during a Recent Period of Climatic Change

It is uncertain whether Protected Areas (PAs) will conserve high abundances of species as their distributions and abundances shift in response to climate change. We analyzed large datasets for 57 butterfly and 42 odonate species (including four that have recently colonized Britain). We found that 73 of 94 species with sufficient data for analysis were more abundant inside than outside PAs in the historical parts of their British distributions, showing that PAs have retained high conservation value. A significant majority (61 of 99 species) was also more abundant inside PAs in regions they have colonized during the last 30–40 years of climate warming. Species with relatively high abundances inside PAs in long-established parts of their distributions were also disproportionately associated with PAs in recently colonized regions, revealing a set of relatively PA-reliant species. Pas, therefore, play a vital role in the conservation of biodiversity as species’ ranges become more dynamic

Assessment of changes in ecosystem service delivery:a historical perspective on catchment landscapes

Although the relationships between habitats and ecosystem services (ESs) have been acknowledged, investigating spatio-temporal change in these has received far less attention. This study assesses the influence of habitat changes on ES delivery across space and time, based on two time points some 60 years apart, 1946 and 2009. A 1946 aerial photo coverage of two catchments in Scotland was used to construct digital photo mosaics which were then visually interpreted and digitised to derive historic habitat maps. Using the Spatial Evidence for Natural Capital Evaluation (SENCE) mapping approach, the derived habitat maps were translated into ES maps. These were then compared with contemporary ES maps of the two catchments, using the same mapping methodology. Increases in provisioning ESs were associated with increases in intensively managed habitats, with reductions in supply capacity of other regulating and supporting ESs associated with loss of semi-natural habitats. ES delivery was affected not only by gross area changes in habitats over time, but also by changes in configuration and spatial distribution of constituent habitats, including fragmentation and connectivity. It is argued that understanding historic changes in ESs adds an important strand in providing baselines to inform options for current and future management of catchments

Skomer Seabird Report 2014

This document reports upon the 2014 breeding season for seabirds on Skomer Island, drawing together the work of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) staff, volunteers, and research institutions including the University of Gloucestershire. The report includes whole island population counts, study plot counts and estimates of breeding success from fieldwork this year, and breeding adult survival estimates from long-term capture-recapture studies. Part of this work is funded by the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (part of the UK Government’s Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) for the monitoring of Skomer’s seabird populations as a key site for the Seabird Monitoring Programme. The table below summarises population counts for ten species in 2014 and makes comparison with the previous year as well as giving a five year percentage change. The gaps in the data are the total number of Shags nests on the main part of Skomer in 2014 and a whole island population count for Herring Gulls in 2013. Early indications suggest the winter storms of 2013/14 negatively affected the survival of several species of seabird (particularly Puffin, Guillemot and Razorbill), although data from at least one more year are required for a definitive result. Whole island seabird population counts for 2014. Counts are compared with 2013 and giving a five year percentage change Species and count units Totals for 2014 Totals for 2013 % Change from 2013 5 Year % Change Fulmar (AOS) 556 503 +10.54 +4.91 Cormorant (AON) 6 7 -14.30 +100.00 Shag (AON) - 5 Lesser Black Backed Gull (AON) 8432 8132 +3.6 -11.2 Herring Gull (AON) 440 +2.09 Greater Black Backed Gull (AON) 107 84 +27.40 -9.32 Black-legged Kittiwake (AON) 1488 1045 +42.40 -22.58 Guillemot (IND) 23493 20862 +12.61 +17.69 Razorbill (IND) 6541 6663 -1.83 +21.33 Puffin (IND) 18237 19280 -5.41 +45.00 Count units used in this report AOS-Apparently Occupied Site AON-Apparently Occupied Nest AOT-Apparently Occupied Territory IND-Individual Fulmar: The whole island count was up by 10.54% on 2013. There was, however, a drop in numbers within the study plot areas from 147 AOS to 112 AOS. Productivity was higher than any of the last six years at 0.45 chicks per AOS, slightly below the average productivity over the period 1986 to 2011 (0.48). Manx Shearwater: The breeding study plot census was completed by students from the University of Gloucestershire. Breeding success was the highest since 1998 at 0.71 fledged young per egg laid. Lesser Black-backed Gull: A much better year in 2014, with just a small population increase of 3.6% on the previous year but a considerable increase in productivity from 0.076 in 2013 (a very poor year) to 0.57 in 2014 – higher than average for the last 20 years. Herring Gull: Better coverage in 2014 with an island population of 440 and productivity of 0.52 chicks fledged per AON. Black-legged Kittiwake: Productivity was up on 2013 (0.33) at 0.64 and was the highest since 2010. The Whole island population count was also up by 42.40%. Guillemot: The whole island count was up by 12.61% on 2013. Although the whole island count and study plot counts were both up on the previous year it is important to note that this is a common effect of a seabird wreck, where young birds occupy gaps in the breeding colonies, and the true effect of the winter storms may not be felt for several years. Productivity in the study plots monitored by the Field Worker (A Wilson) was the same as in the previous two years at 0.63 (this is just below the overall mean of 0.68). Students working under Professor Tim Birkhead from Sheffield University also reported lower than average breeding success in 2014. Razorbill. The whole island count was down by 1.83% on 2013, and the study plots were down by 12.4%. Productivity was 0.27 chicks per active and regularly occupied site which is considerably lower than the mean of 0.49. Atlantic Puffins: The maximum whole island spring count was down by 5.41% on 2013. Productivity was 0.53 chicks fledged per burrow, which is 25% lower than 2013. Only 59.5% of 2013’s breeding adults returned to Skomer in 2014, a 25% drop compared with 2012-2013 (84.2%), although accurate survival estimates require at least one more year’s data to put 2014 into context with the average adult survival of 91.1% since 1972. The last two years have seen two of the latest breeding seasons on record, bucking the recent trend for earlier breeding

The value of carbon sequestration and storage in coastal habitats

Coastal margin habitats are globally significant in terms of their capacity to sequester and store carbon, but their continuing decline, due to environmental change and human land use decisions, is reducing their capacity to provide this ecosystem service. In this paper the UK is used as a case study area to develop methodologies to quantify and value the ecosystem service of blue carbon sequestration and storage in coastal margin habitats. Changes in UK coastal habitat area between 1900 and 2060 are documented, the long term stocks of carbon stored by these habitats are calculated, and the capacity of these habitats to sequester CO2 is detailed. Changes in value of the carbon sequestration service of coastal habitats are then projected for 2000–2060 under two scenarios, the maintenance of the current state of the habitat and the continuation of current trends of habitat loss. If coastal habitats are maintained at their current extent, their sequestration capacity over the period 2000–2060 is valued to be in the region of £1 billion UK sterling (3.5% discount rate). However, if current trends of habitat loss continue, the capacity of the coastal habitats both to sequester and store CO2 will be significantly reduced, with a reduction in value of around £0.25 billion UK sterling (2000–2060; 3.5% discount rate). If loss-trends due to sea level rise or land reclamation worsen, this loss in value will be greater. This case study provides valuable site specific information, but also highlights global issues regarding the quantification and valuation of carbon sequestration and storage. Whilst our ability to value ecosystem services is improving, considerable uncertainty remains. If such ecosystem valuations are to be incorporated with confidence into national and global policy and legislative frameworks, it is necessary to address this uncertainty. Recommendations to achieve this are outlined

Social Value of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in England and Wales.

The U.K. government is committed to establishing a coherent network of marine protected areas by 2012 and the recentMarine and Coastal Access Act, 2009 will designate marine conservation zones and provide wider access rights to the coast. To fulfill these goals, this article argues the need for a clearer, shared understanding of the social value of protected areas in creating new designations and managing existing ones. Although marine and coastal environments attract many people and are vitally important in terms of realized and potential social value, the majority of the public in the United Kingdom lacks understanding and awareness regarding them. Combined with this, the social value of marine and coastal protected areas (MCPAs) have been largely ignored relative to conservation and economics, with the latter invariably taking precedence in environmental policymaking. Social value reflects the complex, individual responses that people experience in a given place. Many reasons determine why one area is valued above another, and this research investigates the social value of MCPAs from a practitioner’s perspective through a series of interviews. Understanding why we “socially” value MCPAs will ultimately equip managers with an informed understanding of these spaces, influence management decisions, and, potentially, policymaking. This article defines social value in the context of MCPAs in England and Wales from a practitioner perspective, explores key concepts, and suggests possible improvements in decision-making

Food additives and children's behaviour: evidence‐based policy at the margins of certainty

The possible effects of food additives (specifically artificial colours) have been debated for over 30 years. The evidence accumulated suggests that for some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) food colours exacerbate their condition. Two studies undertaken by a research group at the University of Southampton have extended these findings to the effects on hyperactivity in children from the general population who do not show ADHD. This article reviews the response from policy-makers to these findings and concludes that the failure to impose a mandatory ban on the six food colours in the Southampton study is inadequate and that such a ban would be an appropriate application of the precautionary principle when the evidence is considered to be at the margins of certaint

A generalisable integrated natural capital methodology for targeting investment in coastal defence

This is the final version. Available on open access from Taylor & Francis via the DOI in this recordCoastal ecosystems, such as saltmarsh, produce a range of ecosystem services that underpin human well-being. In the UK, and globally, saltmarsh extent and quality is declining due to coastal squeeze, deteriorating water quality, and agricultural activities. Here, we develop a general framework to evaluate changes in coastal defence. Using this framework, we identify priority areas for saltmarsh re-alignment: re-creation of saltmarsh in areas that have been saltmarsh in the past – but that have been claimed for a variety of land uses, particularly agriculture. We base our re-alignment prioritisation on the ecosystem services provided by saltmarsh in the North Devon Biosphere Reserve: specifically carbon sequestration and recreational benefits, and the economic values of those services. We compare potential economic benefits with the economic costs of creating new saltmarsh areas – specifically lost agricultural output, property damages and direct re-alignment costs. We identify a number of priority areas for managed re-alignment that generate high recreational values in areas where properties would not be damaged. These findings provide a necessary and timely analysis for the managers of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. Furthermore, we outline a comprehensive methodology to plan future management of coastal zones.This research formed part of the Valuing Nature Programme (valuing-nature.net) which is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Social enterprises with environmental objectives: saving traditional orchards in England and Germany

Social enterprises (SE) re-invest their profits towards a social mission. They have proliferated as post-industrial economies try to meet social need with limited state funding. Scholarship has expanded accordingly, although SEs with primarily environmental objectives have been neglected. This article examines how SEs, in regions noted for wildlife-rich orchards, fund nature conservation by marketing juice and/or cider, thereby attempting to revive economic possibilities for this traditional land use. A common thread between the SEs is their initiation by conservation organisations, and it is possible to group them within models of market intervention. Three models in particular are examined that reveal different approaches and success in orchard conservation. SE scholarship is marked by a wealth of case studies, and to avoid simply adding to this richness, the paper revisits Jen Beckert’s ideas on the social order of markets. His theory that actors strive for stability through forms of co-ordination in dynamic market ‘fields’ is applied to SEs aiming to produce positive conservation outcomes – or environmental order – from their market interventions. Within limits, social order advances understanding of environmental SE by identifying the multiple challenges they juggle, and revealing the environmental outcomes of SE engagement in markets

Assessing soil compaction and micro-topography impacts of alternative heather cutting as compared to burning as part of grouse moor management on blanket bog

Background. Over 25% of the UK land area is covered by uplands, the bulk of which are comprised of blanket bog. This not only contains most of the UK’s terrestrial carbon stocks, but also represents 15% of this globally rare habitat. About 30% of UK blanket bog is managed for red grouse by encouraging ling heather (Calluna vulgaris) with rotational burning, which has been linked to habitat degradation, with reduced carbon storage and negative impacts on water storage and quality. Alternative cutting is currently being pursued as a potential restoration management. However, the often used heavy cutting machinery could cause considerable compaction and damage to the peat surface. Two particular issues are (i) a potential increase in bulk density reducing water storage capacity (i.e. less pore volume and peat depth), and (ii) a possible reduction of the micro-topography due to cutting off the tops of hummocks (i.e. protruding clumps or tussocks of sedges). Methods. We set up a fully replicated field experiment assessing cutting versus burn management impacts on peat physical and surface properties. Both managements reflected commonly used grouse moor management practice with cutting using heavy tractors fitted with load distributing double wheel and tracks (lowering ground pressure), whilst burning was done manually (setting heather areas alight with flame torches). We assessed management impacts on peat depth, bulk density and peat surface micro-topography which either included pre-management measurements or plot-level data for uncut plots. Total peat depth and bulk density in four 5 cm sections within the top 50 cm was assessed. Micro-topography was determined as the standard deviation of the height offsets measured over several plot transects in relation to the plot peat surface level at the start and end points of each transect. Results. Despite an anticipated compaction from the heavy machinery used for cutting, the peat showed resilience and there was no lasting plot-level impact on either peat depth or bulk density. Notably, bulk density showed differences prior to, and thus unrelated to, management, and an overall increasing bulk density, even in uncut plots. However, cutting did reduce the plot micro-topography by about 2 cm, mostly due to removing the tops of hummocks, whereas burnt plots did not differ from uncut plots. Discussion. Cutting is suggested as a suitable alternative to burning on grouse moors, although compaction issues might be site specific, depending on the nature of the peat, the machinery used and impacts at resting and turning points (which were not assessed). However, any observed bulk density differences could reflect natural changes in relation to changes in peat moisture, requiring adequate experimental comparisons. Moreover, where micro-topography is a priority, cutting equipment might need to consider the specific ground conditions, which could involve adjusting cutting height and the type of cutting machinery used