In this report forests are presented as very dynamic ecosystems, and processes such as nutrient cycling, nitrogen saturation, sedimentation, erosion, and forest fragmentation are described. Ecological processes, such as disturbance and succession, are described in relation to forest management. Ecological and economic values and their societal implications are compared. Alternatives to...
This report addresses coastal ecosystem degradation as a consequence of human driven increases in nutrients such as Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Effects on ecological communities such as algal blooms, loss of seagrass beds, and coral leaching are described. Excess nitrogen is emphasized as being the limiting nutrient in coastal systems. Political and scientific consideration to support the control...
This report discusses the negative and positive aspects of aquaculture as an alternative to harvesting wild stocks of fish. The report defines aquaculture and describes its recent growth, as well as its ecological impact. Practices to sustain aquaculture operations, such as habitat modification and the use of wild-caught seedstock are discussed. Changes to ocean food webs, the introduction of...
This report illustrates the disruption of the global water cycle as a result of human activities. The global hydrological cycle’s surface and ground water processes are detailed. The global distribution of freshwater resources and its accessibility to human populations is discussed. The increasing human demand for fresh water sources is addressed, while explaining the differences betwee...
This report addresses the conservation of freshwater ecosystems within the United States. A comparison of the pre-settlement and current conditions of U.S. freshwater resources is provided. Requirements for maintaining freshwater ecosystem physical and biotic components, such as flow patterns, sediment/organic inputs, temperature, light, chemical/nutrient conditions, and plant/animal assemblages...
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