Classifying Ecological Quality and Integrity of Estuaries

Abstract

There is an increasing need in assessing ecological quality and integrity of estuaries and lagoons. This chapter shows the most recent efforts in assessing individual biological elements (from phytoplankton to fishes), together with the integrative tools developed in different geographical areas worldwide. However, reducing complex information from multiple ecosystem elements to a single color or value is a substantial challenge to marine scientists, and requires the integration of different disciplines (chemists, engineers, biologists, ecologists, physics, managers, etc.), to reach agreement on the final assignment of ecological status. Hence, in the near future, emphasis needs to be directed at understanding the complexities of estuarine system functioning rather than simplifying and scaling down the system into smaller components. Provided for non-commercial research and educational use.Not for reproduction, distribution or commercial use.This chapter was originally published in Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science, published by Elsevier, and the attached copy is provided by Elsevier for the author's benefit and for the benefit of the author's institution, for noncommercial research and educational use including without limitation use in instruction at your institution, sending it to specific colleagues who you know, and providing a copy to your institution's administrator.All other uses, reproduction and distribution, including without limitation commercial reprints, selling or licensing copies or access, or posting on open internet sites, your personal or institution's website or repository, are prohibited.For exceptions, permission may be sought for such use through Elsevier's permissions site at: Author's personal copy AbstractThere is an increasing need in assessing ecological quality and integrity of estuaries and lagoons. This chapter shows the most recent efforts in assessing individual biological elements (from phytoplankton to fishes), together with the integrative tools developed in different geographical areas worldwide. However, reducing complex information from multiple ecosystem elements to a single color or value is a substantial challenge to marine scientists, and requires the integration of different disciplines (chemists, engineers, biologists, ecologists, physics, managers, etc.), to reach agreement on the final assignment of ecological status. Hence, in the near future, emphasis needs to be directed at understanding the complexities of estuarine system functioning rather than simplifying and scaling down the system into smaller components.

Goods and services of extensive aquaculture: shellfish culture and nutrient trading

“…Under EU legislation, stricter requirements apply to agriculture and urban wastewater treatment plants discharging into areas designated as sensitive or vulnerable to Combined areas under jurisdiction of the EU and the OSPAR and HEL-COM Commissions cover most of EU coastal waters and mutually support objectives to combat eutrophication. These are similar to legislative mandates in the USA, China, Australia and elsewhere (Borja et al 2008(Borja et al , 2012, evidencing that eutrophication is a global issue.…”

Comparison of five methods for assessing impacts of nutrient enrichment using estuarine case studies

“…Known consequences of nutrient enrichment include increased primary production, increased biomass of primary producers such as phytoplankton (indicated by concentrations of chlorophyll-a [hereafter Chl-a]), and depletion of dissolved oxygen (hereafter DO) due to decomposition of accumulated biomass, resulting in local hypoxic or anoxic conditions. Other consequences can include shifts in species composition, blooms of nuisance and toxic algae and macroalgae, increased growth of epiphytic algae, red tides, water discolouration and foaming, loss of submerged vegetation (hereafter SAV) due to shading, and changes in benthic community structure due to oxygen deficiency or the presence of toxic phytoplankton species (Tett 1987;Gillbricht 1988;Lancelot et al 1987;Boynton et al 1996;Bricker et al 1999Bricker et al , 2003Bricker et al , 2007Smayda and Reynolds 2001). The range of impacts from nutrient enrichment can span from single cell production to major trophic shifts.…”

Assessment of the Trophic State of Saquarema Lagoonal System, Rio De Janeiro (Brazil)

“…High supply of organic matter and its break down can lead to a depletion of dissolved oxygen that ultimately might affect the proliferation and viability of marine organisms (Borja et al, 2012).…”