Policy, management, and the 'Level of Fouling' scale to transform marine invasion risk reduction from recreational boats.

IF 8.4 2区 环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
M Gammon, O Floerl, S Happy, K Leonard, H Lass, K Walls, L Floerl, P Casanovas, E Goodwin, S Hucker, I Davidson
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Categorical scales have a rich history in environmental management, providing pragmatic means to assess ecological phenomena when full quantification is not feasible or necessary. The Level of Fouling (LOF) scale was developed 20 years ago to facilitate biosecurity policies that reduce the spread of marine invasive species by recreational boats. Applications of the six-category scale have since varied, and divergent implementation practices may undermine its value for marine biosecurity. To support researchers and practitioners to maintain accuracy and precision when applying the scale, we provide a review of LOF-based research and management and updated guidance on its implementation. Focussing on underwater observations and percentage cover metrics (rather than above water observation and species richness) can reduce uncertainty and error. To support users when applying the scale we provide an online application - LOFeR - which features: (i) thousands of underwater vessel images for training and self-assessment, and (ii) an LOF Calculator that can be used in the field to automatically calculate whole-vessel LOF ranks from multiple ranks applied to different underwater surfaces. The LOF scale has been used most extensively in New Zealand to establish biological thresholds and underpin regulations and monitoring for biosecure boating. New Zealand's three-tiered approach to managing boat biofouling addresses boats arriving at the border from overseas, travelling within and between different regions, and visiting marine protected areas. Over 47,000 LOF-based vessel surveys in recent years support New Zealand's approach, which provides a roadmap for other jurisdictions toward managing this large and unwieldy transfer mechanism.

政策、管理和“污染水平”尺度转变为减少休闲船的海洋入侵风险。
分类量表在环境管理方面有着丰富的历史,在完全量化不可行或没有必要的情况下,它提供了评估生态现象的实用手段。污染水平(LOF)量表是20年前制定的,旨在促进生物安全政策,减少休闲船对海洋入侵物种的传播。此后,六类尺度的应用各不相同,不同的实施做法可能会破坏其对海洋生物安全的价值。为了支持研究人员和从业人员在应用该量表时保持准确性和精确性,我们对基于lof的研究和管理进行了回顾,并对其实施提供了最新的指导。侧重于水下观测和百分比覆盖指标(而不是水上观测和物种丰富度)可以减少不确定性和误差。为了支持用户应用尺度,我们提供了一个在线应用程序- LOFeR -其特点:(i)用于训练和自我评估的数千个水下船舶图像,以及(ii)一个LOF计算器,可在现场使用,从应用于不同水下表面的多个等级自动计算全船LOF等级。LOF量表在新西兰被广泛用于建立生物阈值,并支持生物安全划船的法规和监测。新西兰对船舶生物污染的三层管理方法涉及从海外抵达边境的船只,在不同地区内部和之间旅行的船只,以及参观海洋保护区的船只。近年来,超过47,000艘基于lof的船舶检验支持新西兰的方法,这为其他司法管辖区管理这种庞大而笨重的转移机制提供了路线图。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
Journal of Environmental Management
Journal of Environmental Management 环境科学-环境科学
CiteScore
13.70
自引率
5.70%
发文量
2477
审稿时长
84 days
期刊介绍: The Journal of Environmental Management is a journal for the publication of peer reviewed, original research for all aspects of management and the managed use of the environment, both natural and man-made.Critical review articles are also welcome; submission of these is strongly encouraged.
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