91 research outputs found
dataGregrEcography_2018
No full textIncludes: 1) Kelp survey and remote sensing data as csv files; 2) various processed results in RData format
EBMBase: A knowledge capture framework for overcoming the Ecosystem-Based Management communication gap
No full textAs science has advanced, the depth and breadth of accumulated knowledge has led to the scattering of disciplines across the landscape of worldly mysteries. Each of us strives to understand that part of the landscape where we work, using the language developed by those who arrived there before us. We are aware of work done in other parts of the landscape, but we seldom need to engage it. That is, until we realized that to effectively manage the impacts of our activities on natural systems, an interdisciplinary effort would be required. Ecosystem-based management (EBM) strives to recognize the full array of interactions within an ecosystem that includes humans. This effort is not only interdisciplinary (involving multiple scientific disciplines) but also transdisciplinary (extending beyond science to stakeholders, and others). Given the diversity of scientific disciplines and in the broader stakeholder community, communication is critical. However, in such heterogeneous groups, communication is typically confounded by jargon. This is particularly true for something as broad and all-encompassing as EBM. We argue that EBM would advance much faster, and with less conflict, if knowledge transfer between the diverse groups was improved, and learning from past experiences enhanced. To that end, we are exploring ways of standardizing how EBM knowledge is represented, and through that how EBM efforts are represented. We begin with the assertion that any EBM context can be defined in terms of Entities - ecosystem components, activities, communities, and Relationships - impacts, benefits, processes. We argue that there exists a comprehensive set of such Entities and Relationships that, along with their attributes, would be sufficient for defining any EBM context. Once defined, this ontology (EBMView) would provide a straightforward method for standardizing and integrating the knowledge held by the groups involved. It would also serve as a framework with which to build EBMBase - a searchable, analyzable repository of EBM case studies represented in EBMView. The advantages of such a standardized representation of a diverse collection of EBM applications are myriad, all stemming from improved knowledge representation. These include streamlined communication, faster knowledge transfer, increased understanding, and reduced conflict among EBM participants
An analysis of historic (1908-1967) whaling records from British Columbia, Canada
No full textAnalysis of data recorded from 24,862 whales killed by British Columbia coastal whaling stations
between 1908 and 1967 revealed trends in the abundance, sex ratios, age structure and the distance
from shore of sperm (Physeter macrocephalus), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), fin (Balaenoptera
physalus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and blue (Balaenoptera musculus) whales. Trends
in the relationships between records of where the whales were killed (n=l 0,275) and a simple
oceanographic model were used to build generalized linear models, from which predictions of whale
habitat were generated.
The catch data were analyzed using annual and monthly mean values. Monthly and annual variation
in whaling effort was deduced from accounts of the history of British Columbia coastal whaling, and
biases arising from changes in effort were considered in the interpretation of the results. Predictive
habitat models were produced at annual and monthly time scales based on an initial analysis of the
univariate relationships between whale presence-absence and six independent predictor variables
(depth, slope, depth class, sea surface temperature and salinity, and month).
During the later years of whaling (1948 to 1967), the mean lengths of captured whales declined
significantly in all five species and pregnancy rates dropped to near zero in fin, sei and blue whales.
Monthly patterns in numbers killed revealed a summer migration of sei and blue whales past
Vancouver Island, and confirms anecdotal suggestions that local populations of fin and humpback
whales once spent extended periods in the coastal waters of British Columbia. Furthermore, the data
strongly suggest that sperm whales mated (April-May) and calved (July-August) in British
Columbia's offshore waters.
The habitat models showed that the continental slope and a large area off the northwest coast
Vancouver Island may represent critical habitat for sei, fin and male sperm whales. Female sperm
whales, blue and humpback whales appeared less sensitive to the predictor variables, however, the
sample size for these groups was significantly smaller than for the other species. The habitat
predictions lend support to the hypotheses regarding sperm whale breeding and predict humpback
whale habitat in sheltered bays and straits throughout coastal British Columbia. The habitat models
also generated hypotheses about the relationships and processes that link these whale species to their
environment.
The historic whaling records revealed much about the migratory behaviour and distribution of the
large whales species as they once were, and may continue to be, in the Northeast Pacific. Verifying
the persistence of these trends in the remnant populations is a necessary and logical next step.Science, Faculty ofZoology, Department ofGraduat
Sea otters, kelp forests, and ecosystem services : modelling habitats, uncertainties, and trade-offs
No full textResource management is increasingly about the equitable distribution of benefits amongst a diversity of beneficiaries while ensuring the persistence of desirable social and ecological systems. Largely because of the complexity of social-ecological systems, models intended to support integrated resource management continue to suffer from poor treatment of uncertainty, and the challenges of defining appropriate model scope and benefit representation. I explored these challenges through the process of combining field data with population, habitat, and service models to build an integrated model of coastal ecosystem services on the West coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. I examined the tradeoffs between sea otter and invertebrate dominated systems under 3 spatial sea otter management plans. The model predicts that an otter-dominated system will produce, in aggregate, between 30 and 90 M$ / year more than one dominated by invertebrates. Disaggregation by benefits and by location provides insight into trade-offs and equity. For example, the value of increased finfish production from enhanced primary productivity is predicted to be almost double the losses incurred by the invertebrate fishery; while increased detail on the distribution of benefits supports the definition of novel, more equitable and legitimate indicators, allowing management alternatives to be more salient. Development of the model led to advances in the applied and theoretical aspects of integrated model development. Chapter 2 confirms that uncertainties and design assumptions are mostly ignored in the popular modelling literature, and includes a conceptual model to support more consistent model design decisions. In Chapter 3 I characterised key aspects of kelp ecology in Pacific Canadian waters, and showed how the trade-off between precision and accuracy depends on whether one is pursuing knowledge or application. Chapters 4 and 5 tell the story of the integrated model, respectively focusing on ecosystem service production, and the distribution of benefits. My results show how spatial resolution is key to identifying indicators of social and ecological value. All told, my dissertation offers applied, theoretical, and methodological advances in the use of ecosystem models for integrated management. Extending the model to include stakeholder objectives would complete the data-to-decision model, allowing formal decision analysis.Science, Faculty ofResources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute forGraduat
Corporate environmentalism and the reclamation of dormant properties : Giant Nickel, a case study
No full textMining companies occasionally, through acquisition or purchase, inherit old mining sites. These mining sites may contain exploration potential or the potential for new mine development, and most contain environmental liabilities.
This paper describes how one company has evaluated their property holdings and, where the potential for further exploration or development is remote, has developed a strategy for reducing liability by reclaiming these dormant facilities.
Citing the example of the Giant Nickel property, located near Hope, B.C., Homestake Canada Inc's reclamation strategy will be followed from the first stage of site assessment, hazard identification, and reclamation work scheduling, through reclamation activities at the site,
including the reclamation of the mill site and tailings ponds, closure of all workings open to the surface and the disposition of a collapsed crown pillar. This paper will also outline the steps taken to ensure that the reclamation work effectively accomplished the goals of the reclamation strategy.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe
Fisheries Centre research reports. Volume 16, number 6
No full textDIRECTOR’S FOREWORD. ABSTRACT. INTRODUCTION. METHODS. RESULTS. Chlorophyll. Sea surface temperature. SST slope. Sea level anomaly. Surface wind speed. climatologies. ROMS model output. DISCUSSION. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. REFERENCES. APPENDICES. Appendix 1 – Data sets prepared for economic and habitat studies of the eastern North Pacific / Bering Sea. Appendix 2 – Federal Geographic Data Committee compatible metadata.Fisheries Centre (FC)UnreviewedFacultyResearcherGraduat
Sensitivity and Vulnerability in Marine Environments: an Approach to Identifying Vulnerable Marine Areas
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