Showing papers on "Aquatic biodiversity research published in 1992"

Global biodiversity: status of the earth's living resources.

Abstract: Part 1 Biological diversity: Systematics and diversity - genetic diversity, systematics and diversity, species concepts, species inventory Species diversity - an introduction, microorganisms, lower plant diversity, higher plant diversity, nematodes, deep-sea invertebrates, soil macrofauna, fishes, higher vertebrates, island species, centres of species diversity Special loss - species extinction, threatened species habitats and ecosystems - global habitat classification, biodiversity and global climate change, tropical moist forests, grasslands, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves. Part 2 Uses and values of biodiversity: Uses of biological resources - plant use, animal use, valuing biodiversity, biodiversity and economics. Part 3 Conservation and management of biodiversity: National policies and instruments - national legislation, protected area International policies and instruments - multilateral treaties, international policy and legal assistance, international aid, management of international resources Biodiversity convention - current practices in conservation, the convention on biological diversity.

Loss of Biodiversity in Aquatic Ecosystems: Evidence from Fish Faunas

Abstract: Fishes are appropriate indicators of trends in aquatic biodiversity because their enormous variety reflects a wide range of environmental conditions. Fish also have a major impact on the distribution and abundance of other organisms in waters they inhabit. Examination of trends in freshwater fish faunas from different parts of the world indicate that most faunas are in serious decline and in need of immediate protection. Species most likely to be threatened with immediate extinction are either specialized for life in large rivers or are endemic species with very small distributions. We conservatively estimate that 20 percent of the freshwater fish species of the world (ca. 1800 species) are already extinct or in serious decline. Evidence for serious declines in marine fishes is limited largely to estuarine fishes, reflecting their dependence on freshwater inflows, or to fishes in inland seas. The proximate causes of fish species’ decline can be divided into five broad categories: (1) competition for water, (2) habitat alteration, (3) pollution, (4) introduction of exotic species, and (5) commercial exploitation. Although one or two principal causes of decline can be identified for each species, the decline is typically the result of multiple, cumulative, long-term effects. Ways to protect aquatic biodiversity include the implementation of landscape-level management strategies, the creation of aquatic preserves, and the restoration of degraded aquatic habitats. Without rapid adoption of such measures we are likely to experience an accelerated rate of extinctions in aquatic environments as human populations continue to expand.

Biodiversity of mediterranean ecosystems in Australia.

Abstract: The Hobbs and Saunders publication machine continues unabated! Invariably conservation-oriented, jointly or singly, they have edited six major publications in the past six years and at least one other is on the way. The publisher, Surrey Beatty, has been involved with three of them, and of course, has launched this scientific journal (PCB) as well as publishing the proceedings of the conference held in Brisbane in 1991 entitled "Conservation biology in Australia and Oceania". Hats off to the publisher and to Saunders and Hobbs for being so active in this vital field.

Microbial Diversity 21: biodiversity amongst microorganisms and its relevance

Abstract: An introduction to, and the Action StatementMicrobial Diversity 21 arising from, the joint IUBS/IUMS workshop on Biodiversity amongst microorganisms and its relevance held in Amsterdam on 7–8 September 1991 are presented. The workshop was held in support of the IUBS/SCOPE/UNESCO initiative on the importance of biodiversity in ecosystem function, namedDiversitas. The current state of knowledge on diverse aspects of the biodiversity of the various microorganism groups was reviewed by leading specialists, and a 14-point Action Plan was produced as a framework for future international initiatives in biodiversity research on microorganisms.

Biodiversity of Canadian forests: Current status and future challenges

Abstract: Biodiversity is a concept covering all levels of biological organization, including genes, species, and ecosystems. Few estimates of levels of biodiversity in Canadian forests have been made. It is likely that, in general, species and ecosystem diversity do not match those in forests of more southerly latitudes, but genetic diversity is probably comparable. Although conservation activities both within and outside the natural surroundings of a species are already extensive, further efforts are justified and the effectiveness of current efforts should be demonstrated.The impact of human disturbances on forest biodiversity must be assessed. Inappropriate forest harvesting operations can lead to habitat fragmentation and loss of ecosystem integrity. Revision of forest management systems may be required to conserve biodiversity, but comprehensive and integrated research programmes must be developed in different forest regions to provide the necessary scientific information which is currently lacking.

The Iubs-Scope-Unesco Program of Research in Biodiversity.

Abstract: A planning workshop was called by IUBS (the International Union of Biological Sciences) at the Harvard Forest to develop an international research program in biodiversity, including the inventorying and monitoring of the world's biological diversity. Workshop participants were asked to develop research hypotheses that answer aspects of the question "What is the importance of biodiversity for the proper functioning of biological systems, from populations to ecosystems?" The hypotheses developed dealt with the changes that might be expected in biodiversity as a result of anthropogenic activity and also the complementary issue of how changes in biodiversity will affect the functioning of biological systems. Habitat fragmentation, loss and addition of species, changes in the functional and structural attributes of ecosystems, and the ability of depauperate ecosystems to respond to climatic and other changes, were addressed. Two issues emerged from the workshop as needing serious investigation. The first is the degree to which each species of plants and animals is unique. Many species are similar in appearance; many more perform similar ecological functions (primary producers, herbivores, decomposers, etc.). However, no two species are alike in their genetic structure or in all functional features. A very fundamental question for managers and decision-makers is the degree to which a species can substitute for another in an ecosystem, that is, how much is ecosystem function impaired when a species is lost or gained? Since human activities are resulting in both losses and introductions, a careful and precise answer to this question is essential. The second issue concerns habitat fragmentation. Human activity is creating an unprecedented fragmentation of natural habitats and ecosystems all over the world. Habitat fragmentation disrupts gene flow and propagule dispersal, but can result in increased speciation and differentiation of populations. Much more information is needed before it will be possible to predict the effects of habitat fragmentation. Without this information precise management of natural and artificial ecosystems is not possible. It is one of the issues tagged by the workshop as of crucial importance for future research. The workshop pointed out once more the serious problem that the decline in taxonomic activity is creating. There is a serious shortage of trained systematists all over the world, but particularly in tropical countries where most of the world's diversity is located. A strong recommendation from the workshop is that support for training and research in systematics be increased, that systematic collections be upgraded and supported, and that more employment opportunities for systematists be created.

Biodiversity and Conservation

Abstract: The major objective of Biodiversity and Conservation is to serve as a vehicle for communicating the best ideas and research across the whole spectrum of biodiversity and conservation to our peers and those who make policy and decisions which affect what happens to the Earth and its people. The launch of Biodiversity and Conservation fills us with a sense of excitement and optimism. Excitement because of the emphatic support from people worldwide; optimism stimulated by the increased mindfulness of scientists, sociologists, economists, politicians, planners and a host of others, to environmental degradation and global changes that menance the Earth's biological diversity. The responsibility of turning concern into effective conservation actions enabling sustainable development will be the role of all our readers; Biodiversity and Conservation will endeavour to provide the information and the catalyst. The knowledge necessary for action, plans and priorities to be defined for effective conservation is generally absent. The complexity of ecological systems and our ignorance continues to thwart attempts to predict, prevent, moderate, or restore destruction of the global environment. The journal's scope is wide and multidisciplinary covering all organisms, and all facets of environmental dynamics and practice. In the former context knowledge is uneven; information on insect, invertebrate, microbial and viral diversity is vastly exceeded by that on vertebrates and plants, and as a consequence their contribution to ecosystem function is largely unheeded. Likewise, in the latter context, socio-political, cultural and economic concerns such as the role of local peoples and their enconomics, or the stability of political structures and gross national product, all come within our ambit. In setting priorities and agendas for conservation, governments, national government organizations, interest groups and individuals must augment research criteria with the values and concerns of society. Since different groups value different aspects of biodiversity differently, and the resources to counteract relentless destruction are limited, we need to set priorities as we strive towards the notion of sustainability. Biodiversity and Conservation will provide a forum for examining these complex issues. Biodiversity and Conservation welcomes contributions from practitioners of conservation as well as those who depend on the managed exploitation of biodiversity, and is keen to foster communication between them and all constituencies of people whether working on, or in, the environment. The international breadth of Biodiversity and Conservation means that we are particularly concerned to encourage contributions from developing countries where much of the biodiversity debate is centred. As Jeff McNeely concludes in the opening paper, \"It is time for us to go on the offensive, to stop fighting the biodiversity crisis as if it were a series of discrete battles over pollution, species extinctions or poaching. We need to get in front of the problems.\