The value of paleolimnology in reconstructing and managing ecosystem vulnerability: a systematic map

Abstract

Vulnerability can measure an ecosystem’s susceptibility to change as a result of pressure or disturbance, but can be difficult to quantify. Reconstructions of past climate using paleolimnological methods can create a baseline to calibrate future projections of vulnerability, which can improve ecosystem management and conservation plans. Here, we conduct a systematic map to analyze the range and extent that paleolimnological published studies incorporated the concept of vulnerability. Additional themes of monitoring, management, conservation, restoration, or ecological integrity were also included. A total of 52 relevant unique articles were found, a majority of which were conducted in Europe or North America since 2011. Common themes identified included management and adaptation, with the latter heavily focussed on climate change or disturbance. From this, we can infer that the use of paleolimnology to discuss the concept of vulnerability is an emerging field. We argue that paleolimnology plays a valid role in the reconstruction of ecosystem vulnerability due to its capacity to broaden the scope of long-term monitoring, as well as its potential to help establish management and restoration plans. The use of paleolimnology in vulnerability analysis will provide a clearer lens of changes over time; therefore, it should be frequently implemented as a tool for vulnerability assessment.

Investigating the effects of anthropogenic stressors on lake biota using sedimentary DNA

“…Altogether, sed DNA studies have demonstrated the potential of some biological groups as new paleolimnological indicators of biological and functional changes (e.g., ciliates, macrophytes) as well as early warning signals. On a broader perspective, the sed DNA is expected to grow in the near future, yielding new perspectives for ecosystem management, conservation and restoration (Gillson et al, 2022; Watson & Medeiros, 2021). More specifically, sed DNA extends the field of paleoecology by offering a new lens of investigation, providing new information on understudied biological groups, historical biodiversity, and genetic variability.…”

“…Moreover, the sedDNA approach has been successfully applied to identify the timing and effects of the introduction of exotic species on native populations.Altogether, sedDNA studies have demonstrated the potential of some biological groups as new paleolimnological indicators of biological and functional changes (e.g., ciliates, macrophytes) as well as early warning signals. On a broader perspective, the sedDNA is expected to grow in the near future, yielding new perspectives for ecosystem management, conservation and restoration(Gillson et al, 2022;Watson & Medeiros, 2021). More specifically, sedDNA extends the field of paleoecology by offering a new lens of investigation, providing new information on understudied biological groups, historical biodiversity, and genetic variability.AUTH O R CO NTR I B UTI O N SAll authors contributed to the conception and design of the work, the drafting, revising of the work and final approval of the version to be published.…”

A paleolimnological context of ecological vulnerability for the freshwater ecosystems of Sable Island National Park Reserve, Canada

“…7 Furthermore, targets for ecosystem restoration can be defined based on insight provided by the reconstruction of long-term changes and natural ecosystem trajectory, 14 having major implications for making informed management decisions. 5,15 Informed management is essential for protected areas, which are often established with the intent of long-term conservation of ecosystem services. Sable Island National Park Reserve (SINPR) is an emergent sandbar in the Atlantic Ocean that is mandated as a National Park Reserve of Canada to maintain the ecological integrity of the island's ecosystem.…”

“… 4 This expands the scope of monitoring and quantifies susceptibility to change in freshwater ecosystems, inherently providing baseline information necessary for informed management and conservation. 5 Establishing pre-disturbance or reference conditions of an ecosystem can provide evidence-based targets that may help inform restoration. 6 , 7 Closed freshwater systems are valuable sentinels for change due to their unique ability to collect and chronologically preserve surrounding ecological information.…”

“… 7 Furthermore, targets for ecosystem restoration can be defined based on insight provided by the reconstruction of long-term changes and natural ecosystem trajectory, 14 having major implications for making informed management decisions. 5 , 15 …”