Publication Abstract

Benthic indicators of anthropogenic effects: practical considerations in meeting regulatory needs

H.L. Rees, S.E. Boyd, E. Garnacho, M. Schratzberger and L.A. Murray

The goal of all field studies of human and natural perturbations is to identify manifestations (‘indicators’) of impacts among the variables measured, and then to assign some significance to the findings. In an ecological context, there are tensions between the need to account for the complexities and uncertainties frequently associated with observations of natural systems, and the need to summarise attributes in an easily-understood way for environmental management purposes. Historically, these tensions were exposed by a tendency to uncritically employ diversity indices and indeed their utility in applied studies continues to be hotly debated. Presently, there is renewed interest in summary indicators, whether of management performance or of environmental quality (or a combination of both), and the challenge that this represents is arguably much greater than hitherto, since the requirement is finding increasing expression in environmental legislation, exemplified in the European context by the needs of the EU ‘Water Framework’ Directive. This paper gives examples of the conduct of benthic surveys, and of the derivation and testing of structural measures of benthic communities appropriate for use in an indicator context. The often imperfect relationship between what is desired and what can presently be delivered is summarised and recommendations for future improvements are highlighted.

Reference:

H.L. Rees, S.E. Boyd, E. Garnacho, M. Schratzberger and L.A. Murray, 2003. Benthic indicators of anthropogenic effects: practical considerations in meeting regulatory needs. ICES CM 2003/J04. 22pp. ICES Copenhagen.