Daily Archives: February 27, 2013

4.2 The Importance of pH

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The Importance of pH:
The issue of ocean Acidification linked to Climate Change now has a a serious implication for Shellfish Producers. Their website reflects these concerns: http://bcsga.ca/ocean-acidification/

oceanprofileA few physical factors have a disproportionate effect on the distribution of organisms and the fact that humans play a large role in their modification means that their effects on the sustainability of ecosystems is rather importantaragonite, ph
Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research Document – 2008/013 State of physical, biological, and selected fishery resources of Pacific Canadian marine ecosystems(Page 37 of pdf file) Ocean acidification off the West Coast by Debby Ianson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada “Global oceans are becoming more acidic due to increasing carbon dioxide (Orr et al. 2005). Much of the extra CO2 released by burning fossil fuels ends up in the oceans, increasing the dissolved inorganic carbon concentration (DIC). As DIC increases, the relative proportions of carbon species shift (specifically from the carbonate ion to the bicarbonate ion), resulting in an increase in acidity and a decrease in pH (Strum and Morgan, 1981).

At present the pH of seawater has decreased by about 0.1 due to oceanic uptake of anthropogenic carbon and is projected to decrease by 0.4 by the year 2050 (Orr et al. 2005). The decrease in pH (and concurrent decrease in carbonate ion) means that organisms that produce calcite and aragonite shells or structures, such as pteropods, corals and shellfish, are threatened (The Royal Society, 2005).” “Very few data from the carbonate system have been collected on the Canadian west coast; however these few observations show that Juan de Fuca Strait and the Vancouver Island Coastal Current experience high pCO2 water due to tidal mixing in the Strait, which brings water high in DIC and low in pH to the surface (Ianson et al. 2003). An additional study with high spatial resolution confirms the high surface pCO2 (400 — 800 ppm; Nemcek et al, in press) in this area estimated by Ianson et al. (2003) but has no complimentary measurements (such as DIC) with which to determine pH in the Strait.”

From “WATER: http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/04_Water.pdf Rainwater and ocean acidification Acidity in rainwater is caused by the dissolution of atmospheric CO2, as well as by atmospheric transport and deposition of nitrogen and sulphur compounds (see Chapters 2 and 3). This is important because biological productivity is closely linked to acidity (see Chapter 3). The box on acidifying cycles in Chapter 3 describes some of the impacts of acid deposition on the world’s forests and lakes. The oceans have absorbed about half of the global CO2 emissions to the atmosphere over the past 200years (see Chapter 2), resulting in the increasing acidification of ocean waters (The Royal Society 2005). Acidification will continue, regardless of any immediate reduction in emissions. Additional acidification would take place if proposals to release industrially produced and compressed CO2 at or above the deep sea floor are put into practice (IPCC 2005). To date, injection of CO2 into seawater has been investigated only in small-scale laboratory experiments and models. Although the effects of increasing CO2 concentration on marine organisms would have ecosystem consequences, no controlledecosystem experiments have been performed in the deep ocean nor any environmental thresholds identified. The impacts of ocean acidification are speculative, but could be profound, constraining or even preventing the growth of marine animals such as corals and plankton. They could affect global food security via changes in ocean food webs, and, at the local scale, negatively affect the potential of coral reefs for dive tourism and for protecting coastlines against extreme wave events. It is presently unclear how species and ecosystems will adapt to sustained, elevated CO2 levels (IPCC 2005). Projections give reductions in average global surface ocean pH (acidity) values of between 0.14and 0.35units over the 21st century, adding to the present decrease of 0.1 units since pre-industrial times(IPCC 2007). Managing water issues related to climate change Global-scale changes to the water environment associated with climate change include higher sea surface temperatures, disruption of global ocean currents, changes in regional and local precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification. These issues are typically addressed through global efforts, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol (see Chapter 2). Management at the global level involves numerous actions at regional, national and local scales. Many global conventions and treaties are implemented on this basis, with their effectiveness depending on the willingness of individual countries to contribute to their achievement. Because these changes are linked to other environmental issues (for example, land use and biodiversity), they must also be addressed by other binding or non-binding treaties and instruments (see Chapter 8). Major responses to the drivers of climate change – primarily the increased burning of fossil fuels for energy – are analysed in Chapter 2. These responses are generally at the international level, and require concerted action by governments over the long-term, involving legal and market- driven approaches. Focus is on responses to climate change-related impacts affecting the water environment that involve regulation, adaptation and restoration

Pacific Ocean acid levels jeopardizing marine life

Vancouver Island researchers use artificial tide pools to study threat
From CBC News
Posted: Jul 17, 2012 2:17 AM PT
Last Updated: Jul 17, 2012 12:19 PM PT

Very few data from the carbonate system have been collected on the Canadian west coast; however these few observations show that Juan de Fuca Strait and the Vancouver
Island Coastal Current experience high pCO2 water due to tidal mixing in
the Strait, which brings water high in DIC and low in pH to the surface
(Ianson et al. 2003).

An additional study with high spatial resolution
confirms the high surface pCO2 (400 — 800 ppm; Nemcek et al, in press) in
this area estimated by Ianson et al. (2003) but has no complimentary
measurements (such as DIC) with which to determine pH in the Strait.”
The foillowing is taken from the publication:”WATER”
“http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/04_Water.pdf”

Rainwater and ocean acidification : Acidity in rainwater is caused by the dissolution
of atmospheric CO2, as well as by atmospheric transport and deposition of
nitrogen and sulphur compounds (see Chapters 2 and 3). This is important
because biological productivity is closely linked to acidity (see Chapter
3). The box on acidifying cycles in Chapter 3 describes some of the
impacts of acid deposition on the world’s forests and lakes. The oceans
have absorbed about half of the global CO2 emissions to the atmosphere
over the past 200years (see Chapter 2), resulting in the increasing
acidification of ocean waters (The Royal Society 2005). Acidification will
continue, regardless of any immediate reduction in emissions. Additional
acidification would take place if proposals to release industrially
produced and compressed CO2 at or above the deep sea floor are put into
practice (IPCC 2005). To date, injection of CO2 into seawater has been
investigated only in small-scale laboratory experiments and models.
Although the effects of increasing CO2 concentration on marine organisms
would have ecosystem consequences, no controlled ecosystem experiments have
been performed in the deep ocean nor any environmental thresholds
identified. The impacts of ocean acidification are speculative, but could
be profound, constraining or even preventing the growth of marine animals
such as corals and plankton. They could affect global food security via
changes in ocean food webs, and, at the local scale, negatively affect the
potential of coral reefs for dive tourism and for protecting coastlines
against extreme wave events. It is presently unclear how species and
ecosystems will adapt to sustained, elevated CO2 levels (IPCC 2005).
Projections give reductions in average global surface ocean pH (acidity)
values of between 0.14and 0.35units over the 21st century, adding to the
present decrease of 0.1 units since pre-industrial times(IPCC 2007).

Managing water issues related to climate change Global-scale changes to the water
environment associated with climate change include higher sea surface
temperatures, disruption of global ocean currents, changes in regional and
local precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification. These issues are
typically addressed through global efforts, such as the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol (see Chapter 2).
Management at the global level involves numerous actions at regional,
national and local scales. Many global conventions and treaties are
implemented on this basis, with their effectiveness depending on the
willingness of individual countries to contribute to their achievement.
Because these changes are linked to other environmental issues (for
example, land use and biodiversity), they must also be addressed by other
binding or non-binding treaties and instruments (see Chapter 8). Major
responses to the drivers of climate change – primarily the increased
burning of fossil fuels for energy – are analyzed in Chapter 2. These
responses are generally at the international level, and require concerted
action by governments over the long-term, involving legal and market-
driven approaches. Focus is on responses to climate change-related impacts
affecting the water environment that involve regulation, adaptation and
restoration .

4.3 Oxygen depletion

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3.1.2 Biodiversity

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As a sub-theme, Biodiversity can accomplish many goals and provides a wealth of opportunities for curricular applications.

The Curriculum pages provide many objectives that relate to biodiversity.

1.The best resource for this topic can be found on the CBD website:

http://www.cbd.int/default.shtml

2. Also, from the UNEP website: http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/05_Biodiversity.pd

Biodiversity

  • People rely on biodiversity in their daily lives, often without realizing it.
  • Current losses of biodiversity are restricting future development options.
  • Biodiversity plays a critical role in providing livelihood security for people.
  • From the use of genetic resources to harnessing other ecosystem services, agriculture throughout the world is dependent on biodiversity.
  • Many of the factors leading to the accelerating loss of biodiversity are linked to the increasing use of energy by society.
  • Human health is affected by changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • Human societies everywhere have depended on biodiversity for cultural identity, spirituality, inspiration, aesthetic enjoyment and recreation.
  • Biodiversity loss continues because current policies and economic systems do not incorporate the values of biodiversity effectively in either the political or the market systems, and many current policies are not fully implemented.
 Although many losses of biodiversity, including the degradation of ecosystems, are slow or gradual, they can lead to sudden and dramatic declines in the capacity of biodiversity to contribute to human well- being. Modern societies can continue to develop without further loss of biodiversity only if market and policy failures are rectified.  These failures include perverse production subsidies, undervaluation of biological resources, failure to internalize environmental costs into prices and failure to appreciate global values at the local level. Reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 or beyond will require multiple and mutually supportive policies of conservation, sustainable use and the effective recognition of value for the benefits derived from the wide variety of life on Earth. Some such policies are already in place at local, national and international scales, but their full implementation remains elusive."

3. “From http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/06_Regional_Perspectives.pdf

“Population and economic growth are major factors fuelling increased demand on resources, and contributing to global environmental change in terms of the atmosphere, land, water and biodiversity….”

“A number of factors have led to the deterioration of marine and coastal areas, including fisheries, mangroves and coral reefs. They include rapid development of urban and tourism infrastructure, and of refineries, petrochemical complexes, power and desalination plants, as well as oil spills from ship ballast. Vast areas of terrestrial and marine ecosystems have been severely affected by wars, which led to the discharge of millions of barrels of crude oil into coastal waters. They have also been harmed by the infiltration of oil and seawater into aquifers, and by hazardous waste disposal. Environmental impact assessment requirements were introduced recently. Other responses include programmes to conserve biodiversity, manage coastal zones and develop marine protected areas. is also increasing in the environment.”

Box5.4 Deep Sea Biodiversity recently extended to the deep sea with the designation in 2003 of the Juan de Fuca Ridge system and associated Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents (2,250 metres deep and 250 kilometres south of Vancouver Island, Canada) as a Marine Protected Area.

4. See Value of biodiversity and ecosystem services

5. In October of 2007, The minister of Environment for Brazil spoke in a conference in Norway that focused on the importance of biodiversity in combating poverty and in achieving sustainable development. ( http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/md/Selected-topics/Naturmangfold/Vedlegg/Ecosystems-and-People–biodiversity-for-.html?id=487378 )

6. Species Diversity: http://www.millenniumassessment.org/documents/document.287.aspx.pdf

The lowered biomass and fragmented habitats resulting from overexploitation of marine resources is likely to lead to numerous extinctions, especially among large, long-lived, late-maturing spe- cies (Sadovy and Cheung 2003; Sadovy et al. 2003a; Denney et al. 2002).

Fishing is thus one of the major direct anthropogenic forces that has an impact on the structure, function, and biodiversity of the oceans today. Climate change will also have impacts on biodiversity through changes in marine species distributions and abundances. In the coastal biome, other factors, including water quality, pollution, river and estuarine inputs, have large impacts on coastal and marine systems. (See Chapter 19.) Historical over- fishing and other disturbances have caused dramatic decreases in the abundance of large predatory species, resulting in structural and functional changes in coastal and marine ecosystems and the collapse of many marine ecosystems (Jackson et al. 2001). One well-documented example is that of the historic fishing grounds ranging from New England to Newfoundland and Labrador, which once supported immense cod fisheries but which have now been almost completely replaced by fisheries targeting invertebrates, the former prey of these fish (providing a classic example of fishing down marine food webs). The system that once sup- ported cod has almost completely disappeared, fueling fears that this species will not rebuild its local populations, even though fishing pressure has been much reduced (Hutchings and Ferguson 2000; Hutchings 2004; Lilly et al. 2000). However, some col- lapsed stocks have been able to recover once fishing pressure is removed: the North Sea herring fishery collapsed due to over- harvest in the late 1970s but recovered after a four-year closure (Bjørndal 1988). On a much smaller scale, but nevertheless wide- spread throughout the tropics, coral reef areas have been degraded by a combination of overfishing, pollution, and climate variability.

Index

4.0 Physical or Abiotic Factors

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4.0 Physical or Abiotic Factors

Part of the structure of an ecosystem is its physical factors. The opportunity in the Marine Centre to demonstrate the close dependence of organisms on physical factors cannot be missed. It is a good way to emphasize to the public that one cannot seperate the physical and the living world and therefore one has to recognize that changing physical factors will have a direct impact on biodversity and the integrity of marine ecosystems. It is also an opportunity to break down the artificial barriers between biology, physics, chemistry and geology.

An approach which I have used on the racerocks.com website has been to treat all physical factors in terms of how they affect life organisms. Measuring the factor is one aspect , but recognizing the impact that those factors have on organisms presents a more interesting aspect. See examples on the links from the data page index at: http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/eco/ecodata.htm

So much of how we interact with Marine environments may influence the physical factors in which organisms have evolved to live for millions of years. Present the wide array of factors, with sensor feeds from a number of ecosystems.. Have specific examples of how the distribution of organisms is determined by those factors and how humans are changing some of those factors too quickly. A few summary points follow:

  • Successional changes caused by changes of abiotic factors.
  • The Physical Story. The marriage of the physical and life sciences.
  • How geology-topography affects the distribution of life.
  • A display of life zones and biodiversity connected to physical factors.
  • Live remote camera control station. Available on Kiosk mode computers access to several remote control cameras. Some can be located nearby in a secure area ( maybe one of the ponds at James Island.)
  • The marine industries of the Georgia Strait.. the positive things that are happening.
  • How marine industry can be sustainable without contamination and alteration of the physical factors of the environment.
  • Energy budget of a disturbed seabird or mammal video streaming on walls of boats and human activity impacting.
  • Storm drains and implication of runoffs in altering physical factors.
  • Agriculture and the sea… use of fertilizers pesticides on ocean ecosystems. Tie into interconnectivity of ecosystems.
  • Climate change and its effects on the oceans.
  • Part of the Structure and Function of Ecosystems: Role in energy flow and material cycles. Reference: Structure and Function of Ecosystems:http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/education/curricula/projects/structfunct.htm

4.1 Sensors and Data Collection for research.

I have listed here a number of ways to monitor physical factors of ecosystems at various levels and locations..

  • Local monitors of all exhibit tanks to show different parameters.
    • oxygen levels of aerated vs bottom muds
    • ph change as photosynthesis changes in a green pool
    • set up a green tank highly enriched with nutrients for this
    • have a “convertible tank” where automatic changes can be introduced which then can register abiotic changes on the instruments. This provides great opportunities for schools to do research. For instance a tank may have a screen barrier seperating two populations of fish or invertebrates. Oxygen, Co2 pH and other sensors monitors the whole tank. At periodic intervals, a gate is lowered seperating the water bodies of the two tanks, on the monitors, digital or graphics show a timeline and the change in physical factors contrasting the opposing sides.
    • demo of currents feeding barnacles.. ie dependence on that factors
  • Remote site monitors.
    • interactive modelling with temperature data from Race Rocks.. and implications for global change.
    • atmospheric and oceanographic sensors monitoring at Race Rocks.
    • Links and interpretations to physical measurements in real time from the Venus sub-sea research program.
    • Links and interpretations to physical measurements in real time from the Neptune sub-sea research program.
    • Links to the Victoria weather network… school contribution a part of this

4.1 Sensors and the Collection of Physical Data

4.2 The Importance of pH.

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3.2 Integration and Interconnectivity of Marine Ecosystems.

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The three themes to be emphasized here overlap into many other aspects of this report as well. We are talking about Ecosystems that by definition are interrelated. I think it is important to point them out as themes however since they may get overlooked otherwise.

1. Marine ecosystems and the organisms living within them are highly interconnected and interdependant.

2. The ecosystems people  live in and the activities they do in everyday life have a close connection with the welfare of marine ecosystems and their organisms.

3. We manage the resources and activities of different ecosystems in isolated jurisdictions of our governments and if change is to be effected, there are implications here.

—————————————————————————————-

1. A problem with defining the model of any marine system is that we have to draw boundaries which immediately restrict the reality of that system. We have a tendency to want to compartmentalize in order to make sense of things but nature doesn’t really work that way. This point should be made clear when modelling any ecosystem in an exhibit, and at every opportunity, the interactions with other ecosystems should be acknowledged.

  • The anadromous fish story is probably the classic one to show interactions . Not only marine and fresh water systems, but the interconnections with surrounding forests as well.
  • Marine mammals which may haul out on our rocky island ecosystems or swim in our local waters, but may within their lifetime traverse thousands of miles of coastal and open oceans.
  • Plankton distribution and migrations across ecosystems, the foam wind swept onto a beach carrying bits of ocean planktonic debris which is gleaned by a migrating shorebird, probably originated in the open ocean or as larvae in distant rocky intertidal zones.

2. A very constructive public education role can be served by any educational curriculum  in providing viewers with the evidence that the ecosystems in which they live and the activities they do in everyday life have a close connection with the welfare of marine ecosystems and their organisms. Just a few of the areas which can be included are as follows

  • coastal cities and the materials they shed into the water.
  • Agriculture runoff and the influence on eutrophication in marine systems.
  • Introduction of exotic species which compromises the ecological integrity of natural ecosystems
  • marine transportation and its effect
  • marine recreation and its effect on organisms and ecosystems.
  • Marine harvesting activities
  • The activities we do that affect climate change.

The point to make in all of this is that all these activities can have a range of impact from severe to non-significant in terms of how ecosystems are effected. Here again the proposal must be made that this is part of our choice of futures for the ocean.

3. The implications for management of the resources in these overlapping ecosystems becomes clear when one can appreciate that we have allowed different levels of governments to deal with different ecosystems without considering their interactions. It points to the need for a holistic model of ecosystem management, rather than a compartmentalized one. This was one of the intents of the Oceans Act.. to break down that conflict in jurisdictions and have a new way of looking at and ensuring sustainability of the marine environment. The fact that agriculture, forestry, parks, military and fisheries are all managed separately with little appreciation of the ecosystems of their overlapping jurisdictions must be presented in all its absurdity for the public to perhaps start an open dialogue on how sustainability can be insured if we can’t get it right.

As part of biodiversity, the ways that organisms themselves have interdependencies provides a number of opportunities to illustrate interesting interrelationships.

 So how can this be portrayed?

  • Start by finding ( if there are any) some positive examples of ecosystem management which takes into account the interrelated aspects of ecosystems.
  • Present best-case scenarios for marine sustainability issues.
  • In the take-aways section, provide constructive acts for visitors to follow up on in order to try to affect change that recognizes the need for a new method of marine ecosystem management.

3.3 Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital

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3.1.1 Key Species

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Although all parts of an ecosystem are important for its long term sustainability, several species can be selected out which are essential to the operation of the whole system.

  • herring
    need for controls on over-harvesting

Ways these can be impacted:

  • overharvesting,
  • competition from introduced species
  • habitat loss.
  • toxic materials

How to mitigate this..

  • increase in research, baseline standards
  • moratorium on marine system development,
  • need to restore lost habitat
  • need for large areas to be set aside as parks or reserves for habitat now while it is available, later it may diminish.
  • complete detoxification of all run-off waters.
  • “a no negative impact” is the only option for marine developments.
  • recognition of interconnectivity in management of resources.

3.2 Integration and interconnections of Marine Ecosystems

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3.1.0 Ecosystem Integrity

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The values of maintaining ecosystems that function in an unaltered and interconnected way are paramount. The importance of controlling introduced species and the controls that must be placed on fishing have to be emphasized. Habitat loss is a major problem. Without secure habitats, the ecosystem services are degraded. Ecosystems have structure and function . If one sees the many facets that make up a well functioning ecosytem with negative feedback loops keeping it in a steady state, then they may have a better idea about how impacts on the ecosystem can have far-reaching effects.

Reference FROM:” WATER” http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/04_Water.pdf

Ecosystem integrity

Since 1987, many coastal and marine ecosystems and most freshwater ecosystems have continued to be heavily degraded, with many completely lost, some irreversibly (Finlayson and D’Cruz 2005, Argady and Alder 2005) (see Box 4.3). It has been projected that many coral reefs will disappear by 2040 because of rising seawater temperatures (Argady and Alder 2005). Freshwater and marine species are declining more rapidly than those of other ecosystems (see Figure 5.2d). Wetlands, as defined by the Ramsar Convention, cover 9–13 million km2 globally, but more than 50 per cent of inland waters (excluding lakes and rivers) have been lost in parts of North America, Europe, and Australia (Finlayson and D’Cruz 2005). Although data limitations preclude an accurate assessment of global wetland losses, there are many well- documented examples of dramatic degradation or loss of individual wetlands. The surface area of the Mesopotamian marshes, for example, decreased from 15 000–20 000 km2 in the 1950s to less than 400 km2 around the year 2000 because of excessive water withdrawals, damming and industrial development (UNEP 2001) but is now recovering (see Figure 4.12). In Bangladesh, more than 50 per cent of mangroves and coastal mudflats outside the protected Sunderbans have been converted or degraded.

Reclamation of inland and coastal water systems has caused the loss of many coastal and floodplain ecosystems and their services. Wetland losses have changed flow regimes, increased flooding in some places, and reduced wildlife habitat. For centuries, coastal reclamation practice has been to reclaim as much land from the sea as possible. However, a major shift in management practice has seen the introduction of managed retreat for the marshy coastlines of Western Europe and the United States. Although limited in area compared to marine and terrestrial ecosystems, many freshwater wetlands are relatively species-rich, supporting a disproportionately large number of species of certain faunal groups. However, populations of freshwater vertebrate species suffered an average decline of almost 50 per cent between 1987 and 2003, remarkably more dramatic than for terrestrial or marine species over the same time scale (Loh and Wackernagel 2004). Although freshwater invertebrates are less well assessed, the few available data suggest an even more dramatic decline, with possibly more than 50per cent being threatened (Finlayson and D’Cruz 2005). The continuing loss and degradation of freshwater and coastal habitats is likely to affect aquatic biodiversity more strongly, as these habitats, compared to many terrestrial ecosystems, are disproportionately species-rich and productive, and also disproportionately imperiled.

The introduction of invasive alien species, via ship ballast water, aquaculture or other sources, has disrupted biological communities in many coastal and marine aquatic ecosystems. Many inland ecosystems have also suffered from invasive plants and animals. Some lakes, reservoirs and waterways are covered by invasive weeds, while invasive fish and invertebrates have severely affected many inland fisheries. Declines in global marine and freshwater fisheries are dramatic examples of large-scale ecosystem degradation related to persistent overfishing,

http://www.maweb.org/documents/document.358.aspx.pdf

Mitigation of climate change. Sea level rise and increases in
storm surges associated with climate change will result in the
erosion of shores and habitat, increased salinity of estuaries and
freshwater aquifers, altered tidal ranges in rivers and bays,
changes in sediment and nutrient transport, and increased coastal
flooding and, in turn, could increase the vulnerability of some
coastal populations. Wetlands, such as mangroves and flood-
plains, can play a critical role in the physical buffering of climate
change impacts.

3.1.1 Key Species

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2.0 Ecological Sustainability as the Primary Theme

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Environmental Sustainability is now on the forefront of political agendas around the world, and is at the centre of concern for many of the world’s population. Due to obvious impacts that the environment is reflecting back on humans, it is not a topic which will go out of fashion in the near future. In this resource, the need to provide a stimulating experience to raise awareness in students about the value of our marine resources and the reinforcement of the role for education for sustainable development is emphasized . Where possible, global examples are brought in to emphasize the interdependence of all the world oceans.

  • 2.1 The wide diversity of ocean ecosystems: Within our immediate ocean we have a wide variety of ecosystem types.
  • 2.1.1 Coastal Ecosystems: There is a wide contrast in the character of our Coastline in British Columbia.
  • 2.1.0.1 Kelp Forest : Many issues are brought to light when considering these ecosystems: The effects of contaminants, the effects of introduced species, the ecosystem services provided in the form of habitat for other species.
  • 2.1.0.2 Rocky Shore, (sub and intertidal) Tidepools and rocky shore can show biodiversity as well as food web relationships. In addition, the effect of pollution, chemical and oil become crucial in these habitats.
  • 2.1.0.3 Beaches: sand and pebble : Geological processes create them and human actions can destroy. Their role as habitat for organisms, the importance of sedimentation and habitat and the energy dynamics of a strand line with natural and human debris.
  • 2.1.2 Benthic areas.
  • 2.1.3 Other ecosystems of the global seas, (ex. Arctic ice, Mangroves, coral reefs).
  • 2.1.4 Pelagic – Open ocean ecosystems. Plankton and its the interaction with ocean currents, can be indicators of food webs gone wrong.
  • 2.1.5 Abyssal Ecosystems :In the inland and outer coastal areas, B.C., has a number of significant regions.

We have individuals who are “doing sustainability” in their professional or personal lives in BC. Examples are “Dr. Pauly” .. see Fishing Down Food webs or Dr.Chan ..see Ecosystem Services: , Dr. Andrew Weaver actively involved in researching Climate Change at the University of Victoria, and First Nations members who are educating about First Nations Marine History and Culture.

See also the page on Individuals as role models: for marine environmental sustainability.

SUSTAINABILITY IN EDUCATION:

Linkage of specific educational objectives with experiences in which students from K to 12 can participate are outlined here.

Over the past 10 years or more the possibility of achieving the goals of ecological sustainability for the earth are tied closely to education , see the Background Rationale for the role of Education:

The BC Curriculum section contains links from Objectives to resources that they could find in the Marine Centre.

One document which provides the clearest goals related to sustainability is the
Earth Charter, http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/2000/10/the_earth_charter.html The following points are extracted to highlight the many ways that it is appropriate for the activities associated with the NMC.

  1. Respect Earth and life in all its diversity.
    a. Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings
  2. Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love.
    a. Accept that with the right to own, manage, and use natural resources comes the duty to prevent environmental harm and to protect the rights of people
  3. Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.
    b. Promote social and economic justice, enabling all to achieve a secure and meaningful livelihood that is ecologically responsible.
  4. Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future generations.
    a. Recognize that the freedom of action of each generation is qualified by the needs of future generations.
    b. Transmit to future generations values, traditions, and institutions that support the long-term flourishing of Earth’s human and ecological communities.

 In order to fulfill these four broad commitments, it is necessary to focus on the concept of

ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY

5. Protect and restore the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems, with special concern for biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.

  • a. Adopt at all levels sustainable development plans and regulations that make environmental conservation and rehabilitation integral to all development initiatives
  • b. Establish and safeguard viable nature and biosphere reserves, including wild lands and marine areas, to protect Earth’s life support systems, maintain biodiversity, and preserve our natural heritage
  • c. Promote the recovery of endangered species and ecosystems
  • d. Control and eradicate non-native or genetically modified organisms harmful to native species and the environment, and prevent introduction of such harmful organisms
  • e. Manage the use of renewable resources such as water, soil, forest products, and marine life in ways that do not exceed rates of regeneration and that protect the health of ecosystems
  • f. Manage the extraction and use of non-renewable resources such as minerals and fossil fuels in ways that minimize depletion and cause no serious environmental damage

6. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach

  • a. Take action to avoid the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental harm even when scientific knowledge is incomplete or inconclusive
  • b. Place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm, and make the responsible parties liable for environmental harm
  • c. Ensure that decision making addresses the cumulative, long-term, indirect, long distance, and global consequences of human activities
  • d. Prevent pollution of any part of the environment and allow no build-up of radioactive, toxic, or other hazardous substances
  • e. Avoid military activities damaging to the environment

7. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction that safeguard Earth’s regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being.

  • a. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the materials used in production and consumption systems, and ensure that residual waste can be assimilated by ecological systems
  • b. Act with restraint and efficiency when using energy, and rely increasingly on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind
  • c. Promote the development, adoption, and equitable transfer of environmentally sound technologies
  • d. Internalize the full environmental and social costs of goods and services in the selling price, and enable consumers to identify products that meet the highest social and environmental standards
  • e. Ensure universal access to health care that fosters reproductive health and responsible reproduction
  • f. Adopt lifestyles that emphasize the quality of life and material sufficiency in a finite world

8. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge acquired.

3.0  Ecosystem Integrity

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1.0 Strategies for a Sustainable Marine Future : Introduction

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1.0 Introduction:

The key message of this curriculum resource is on global marine issues, and the integral role of all humans in maintaining environmentally sustainable marine ecosystems. Examples from the British Columbia marine environment are used to illustrate the principles which can also apply on a global scale. The over-arching concept of this resource is what marine environmental sustainability means locally and how people can be encouraged to commit to contribute to the process. We believe that people of all ages can use the tools to actively participate in making our marine environment sustainable.

logoWe thank the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, in Sidney on Vancouver Island in British Columbia for supporting the development of the document that provides the basis for this curriculum resource. I encourage you to visit this Centre which opened in the spring of 2009.

Garry Fletcher
Marine Education Consulting, Metchosin, BC

Index:

Proceed to 2.0 Marine Environmental Sustainability

3.0 Biodiversity and the need to Conserve

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As a sub-theme, Biodiversity can accomplish many goals and provides a wealth of opportunities for curricular applications.

The Curriculum pages provide many objectives that relate to biodiversity.

cbd1.The best resource for this topic can be found on the CBD website:

http://www.cbd.int/default.shtml

2. Also, this pdf from the UNEP website: http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/05_Biodiversity.pdf

Biodiversity

  • People rely on biodiversity in their daily lives, often without realizing it.
  • Current losses of biodiversity are restricting future development options.
  • Biodiversity plays a critical role in providing livelihood security for people.
  • From the use of genetic resources to harnessing other ecosystem services, agriculture throughout the world is dependent on biodiversity.
  • Many of the factors leading to the accelerating loss of biodiversity are linked to the increasing use of energy by society.
  • Human health is affected by changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • Human societies everywhere have depended on biodiversity for cultural identity, spirituality, inspiration, aesthetic enjoyment and recreation.
  • Biodiversity loss continues because current policies and economic systems do not incorporate the values of biodiversity effectively in either the political or the market systems, and many current policies are not fully implemented.
 Although many losses of biodiversity, including the degradation of ecosystems, are slow or gradual, they can lead to sudden and dramatic declines in the capacity of biodiversity to contribute to human well- being. Modern societies can continue to develop without further loss of biodiversity only if market and policy failures are rectified.  These failures include perverse production subsidies, undervaluation of biological resources, failure to internalize environmental costs into prices and failure to appreciate global values at the local level. Reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 or beyond will require multiple and mutually supportive policies of conservation, sustainable use and the effective recognition of value for the benefits derived from the wide variety of life on Earth. Some such policies are already in place at local, national and international scales, but their full implementation remains elusive."

3. “From http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/06_Regional_Perspectives.pdf

“Population and economic growth are major factors fuelling increased demand on resources, and contributing to global environmental change in terms of the atmosphere, land, water and biodiversity….”

“A number of factors have led to the deterioration of marine and coastal areas, including fisheries, mangroves and coral reefs. They include rapid development of urban and tourism infrastructure, and of refineries, petrochemical complexes, power and desalination plants, as well as oil spills from ship ballast. Vast areas of terrestrial and marine ecosystems have been severely affected by wars, which led to the discharge of millions of barrels of crude oil into coastal waters. They have also been harmed by the infiltration of oil and seawater into aquifers, and by hazardous waste disposal. Environmental impact assessment requirements were introduced recently. Other responses include programmes to conserve biodiversity, manage coastal zones and develop marine protected areas. is also increasing in the environment.”

Box5.4 Deep Sea Biodiversity recently extended to the deep sea with the designation in 2003 of the Juan de Fuca Ridge system and associated Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents (2,250 metres deep and 250 kilometres south of Vancouver Island, Canada) as a Marine Protected Area.

4. See Value of biodiversity and ecosystem services

5. In October of 2007, The minister of Environment for Brazil spoke in a conference in Norway that focused on the importance of biodiversity in combating poverty and in achieving sustainable development. ( http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/md/Selected-topics/Naturmangfold/Vedlegg/Ecosystems-and-People–biodiversity-for-.html?id=487378 )

6. Species Diversity: http://www.millenniumassessment.org/documents/document.287.aspx.pdf

The lowered biomass and fragmented habitats resulting from overexploitation of marine resources is likely to lead to numerous extinctions, especially among large, long-lived, late-maturing spe- cies (Sadovy and Cheung 2003; Sadovy et al. 2003a; Denney et al. 2002).

Fishing is thus one of the major direct anthropogenic forces that has an impact on the structure, function, and biodiversity of the oceans today. Climate change will also have impacts on biodiversity through changes in marine species distributions and abundances. In the coastal biome, other factors, including water quality, pollution, river and estuarine inputs, have large impacts on coastal and marine systems. (See Chapter 19.) Historical over- fishing and other disturbances have caused dramatic decreases in the abundance of large predatory species, resulting in structural and functional changes in coastal and marine ecosystems and the collapse of many marine ecosystems (Jackson et al. 2001). One well-documented example is that of the historic fishing grounds ranging from New England to Newfoundland and Labrador, which once supported immense cod fisheries but which have now been almost completely replaced by fisheries targeting invertebrates, the former prey of these fish (providing a classic example of fishing down marine food webs). The system that once sup- ported cod has almost completely disappeared, fueling fears that this species will not rebuild its local populations, even though fishing pressure has been much reduced (Hutchings and Ferguson 2000; Hutchings 2004; Lilly et al. 2000). However, some col- lapsed stocks have been able to recover once fishing pressure is removed: the North Sea herring fishery collapsed due to over- harvest in the late 1970s but recovered after a four-year closure (Bjørndal 1988). On a much smaller scale, but nevertheless wide- spread throughout the tropics, coral reef areas have been degraded by a combination of overfishing, pollution, and climate variability.

Archives : The  Metchosin Biodiversity Strategy

3.1.0 Ecosystem Integrity

Index

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 16. The Case for a Coastal Zone Management Act.

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This is a chapter extracted from ” Maintaining Natural BC for Our Children: Selected Law reform Proposals , Environmental Law Centre, University of Victoria,  November 2012

Editing, Design and Photographs: Holly Pattison, UVic Environmental Law Centre
page 78:
caseforcoastalact
The Case for a Coastal Zone Management Act
By Jamie Alley and Calvin Sandborn
The BC coast is perhaps the province’s most important single asset. Home to most of our population, it is also home to some of the most important and productive ecosystems on earth.
Today the coast faces unprecedented challenges, including:
•Increased development and loss of public access to the coastline;
•Proposals for new oil ports and marine transportation corridors;
•Threatened fish stocks; and
•The need for emergency programs to deal with earthquakes, tsunamis, and
the extreme weather, storm surges and sea level rise caused by climate
change.
Response to these challenges often falls short because the coast is governed

by a patchwork of federal, provincial and municipal agencies that largey fail to co-ordinate regulatory efforts. The province needs a Coastal Zone Management Act to secure the future of the BC coast.

It is clear that the province must not abdicate coastal protection to other levels of government. Because the province has not yet legislated a strategy and overall plan for our coast:
•The federal National Energy Board’s hearings on the Northern Gateway
Project – the most important coastal management issue to face BC in
decades – will be decided by a three person panel, none of whom are
British Columbians. Unfortunately, BC failed to plan beforehand about oil
ports and other infrastructure decisions;
•  When industrial interests objected to funding arrangements, Ottawa’s
process for developing a north coast ocean management plan faltered.
That process is now likely to ignore major issues such as oil terminals.
Although the province and First Nations are now working to create Coastal
Management Area Plans, they are doing so without a clear statutory
mandate;
• It took the Cohen Commission to remind us that the future of salmon
rests as much upon actions of BC as on Canada. Salmon are affected by
stormwater, riparian development and numerous activities under provincial
jurisdiction. Yet there has not been a co-ordinated federal/provincial
strategy to protect salmon and our coast; and
• Most coastal resources are common property with ill-defined access rights.
This has caused overuse, neglect and degradation of essential ecosystems.
This problem has not been addressed.
Coastal Jurisdiction and Ownership
Management of coastal and marine resources is an area of complex, shared
jurisdiction between all orders of government, including First Nations and
local governments. For example, Ottawa has jurisdiction over fisheries
regulation and navigation. Local governments have zoning and other powers
over local shorelines and some coastal waters.
Meanwhile, the province has broad regulatory jurisdiction over numerous
activities in the coastal zone. In addition, it has jurisdiction and ownership
over the foreshore seaward of the high tide mark and all coastal or “inland”
waters within the “jaws of the land,” including the seabed. The seabed of
the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Strait of Georgia, Johnstone Strait and Queen
Charlotte Strait are the property of British Columbia.
As a consequence, the coastal ecosystem is regulated by a plethora of
agencies from numerous governments. This thwarts effective planning
and management – especially because of the absence of effective legislative
mechanisms to coordinate the actions of multiple agencies.
Thus, it is not surprising that management of the coastal zone has been
more problematic than terrestrial resource management. The province
needs to address this. It needs to create a legislative framework to assert

jurisdiction and ownership of coastal resources – and to coordinate with other

governments

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“Management of coastal and marine resources is an area of complex, shared jurisdiction between all orders of government, including First Nations and local governments…”
 
Models of Coastal Management Legislation
There are successful models in other jurisdictions around the world. For
example, the US Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 empowered US
coastal states to develop some of the most progressive coastal management in
the world. Under the Act, state level coastal management programs provide
for:
•Protection of wetlands, floodplains, estuaries, beaches, dunes, barrier
islands, and fish and wildlife habitats;
•Management of coastal development to minimize the loss of life and property;
•Initiatives to improve coastal water quality;
•Siting of coastal-dependent uses and restriction of inappropriate development on the coast;
•Public access to the coasts for recreation;
•Re development of deteriorating urban waterfronts and ports, and
preservation of historic and cultural features;
•Coordination and simplification of coastal management decision making;
•Opportunities for public and local government participation; and
•Improved coordination between coastal management agencies.
[/blockquote]
In Canada, provinces such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador
have developed Coastal Management Strategies that have highlighted the need
for improved governance arrangements and may lead to specific provincial
legislation. The Law Faculty at Dalhousie University is currently reviewing
integrated coastal zone management law to develop options for Coastal Zone
Management model legislation.
Potential Elements of Coastal Management Legislation for BC
Following the models in the Canadian Oceans Act and the US Coastal Zone Management Act, a coastal management act for BC could include some or all of the following provisions:
• A preamble to reaffirm BC’s commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of estuarine, coastal and marine resources;
page 80
• Powers to enter into agreements and to delegate and accept powers from
other orders of government;
• Development of a Coastal Management Strategy;
• A legislative basis for coastal and marine spatial planning, including
regional management plans for estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems;
• Establishment of a comprehensive network of marine protection areas within provincial waters that link with other networks of marine protection areas;
• Establishment of a voluntary local government coastal management program to protect and restore coastal ecosystems and private and public property. That has been the basis of shoreline restoration programs in US;
• Coastal and marine emergency planning and preparedness;
• Climate change adaptation strategies for issues such as e xtreme weather events, storm surges and sea level rise;
• Strategic assessment of marine transportation corridors, including decision-making processes for coastal infrastructure and port facilities;
•Programs for the revitalization of coastal communities; and
•Provisions to allow for collaboration with other levels of government and
First Nations.
A Coastal Zone Management Act would signal BC’s intent to take coastal
management seriously and fully exercise its jurisdiction and ownership. This
is preferable to leaving the future of the coast to the National Energy Board,
foreign governments like China, or to disorganization and neglect.
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Jamie Alley is former Director of the BC Oceans and Marine Fisheries Branch.
He currently teaches Integrated Coastal Zone Management at Universities in Canada and Iceland, and is Vice President (Pacific) for the Coastal Zone Canada Association.
Calvin Sandborn is the Legal Director of Environmental Law Centre.
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For more information, see: