Integrating protected area management with local needs and aspirations

Conservationists recognize that many protected areas have limited future prospects without the cooperation and support of local people, especially in developing countries. Since the 1980s Integrated Conservation and Development Projects (ICDPs) have attempted to reconcile park management with local needs and aspirations, usually with disappointing results. Achieving local cooperation and support without jeopardizing conservation goals remains a top priority for parks, however. Fortunately, the lessons from the ICDP experience provide an important opportunity to inform the next generation of biodiversity conservation programs, including those concerned with poverty alleviation as well as those working at ecosystem and landscape scales. More recent and more promising approaches have started to incorporate elements of adaptive management, new partnership models with stakeholders and the vertical integration of site-level work with policy initiatives and institutional development.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish from the Sana River (Bosnia and Herzegovina): A preliminary study on the health risk in sport fishermen

Fish is the main single source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure in men. Anecdotal reports suggest high wild fish consumption rates among sport fishermen in Sanski Most area, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Presence of PCBs in the environment in BiH was previously documented. The main objective of this work was to estimate the magnitude of PCBs exposure and assess the potential health risk in sport fishermen in Sanski Most. The fishing pattern and magnitude of fish consumption were estimated in the questionnaire survey conducted during April 2012 among members (n = 60) of the local sport fishermen association in Sanski Most. Calculated median and high-end (90th percentile) fish consumption rates were 31 g d^?1 and 126 g d^?1, respectively. The PCB concentrations (as Aroclor 1254 equivalents), determined by ELISA immunoassay in 28 fish fillets ranged from undetectable to 208 μg kg^?1. Two different exposure scenarios were used: (a) median exposure, calculated from the median fish consumption rate and median PCB concentrations, and (b) “worst case” scenario, calculated from the high-end fish consumption rate and mean PCB concentrations. The results suggest negligible lifelong cancer and non-cancer risks in case of low to moderate fish consumption rate, but possibly unacceptable risk levels in high-end consumers.     

Impacts on wetlands of large-scale land-use changes by agricultural development: the Small Sanjiang Plain, China

The Small Sanjiang Plain (SSP), was formerly the largest wetland complex in China, located in the Northeastern part of Heilongjiang Province, China. Home to vast numbers of waterfowls, fish, and plants, the SSP is globally significant for biodiversity conservation. The loss and fragmentation of wetlands as a result agricultural development over 50 years has impacted wetland communities and their biodiversity. We used GIS to inventory large-scale land-use changes from 1950 to 2000, together with other statistical data. We found that 73.6% of the wetlands were lost due to agricultural development. Consequences of these land-use changes included: i) a rapid decline in waterfowl and plant species with the loss and fragmentation of natural wetlands and wetland ecosystem degradation; ii) greater variation in wetland water levels as the result of land-use changes over the years; iii) disruption of the dynamic river-floodplain connection by construction of drainage ditches and levees; and iv) a decrease in floodplain area that caused increased flooding peak flows and runoff. Here we show how these changes affect wetland biodiversity and impact important wetland species.     

Determining metal origins and availability in fluvial deposits by analysis of geochemical baselines and solid-solution partitioning measurements and modelling

Metals in floodplain soils and sediments (deposits) can originate from lithogenic and anthropogenic sources, and their availability for uptake in biota is hypothesized to depend on both origin and local sediment conditions. In criteria-based environmental risk assessments, these issues are often neglected, implying local risks to be often over-estimated. Current problem definitions in river basin management tend to require a refined, site-specific focus, resulting in a need to address both aspects. This paper focuses on the determination of local environmental availabilities of metals in fluvial deposits by addressing both the origins of the metals and their partitioning over the solid and solution phases. The environmental availability of metals is assumed to be a key force influencing exposure levels in field soils and sediments. Anthropogenic enrichments of Cu, Zn and Pb in top layers could be distinguished from lithogenic background concentrations and described using an aluminium-proxy. Cd in top layers was attributed to anthropogenic enrichment almost fully. Anthropogenic enrichments for Cu and Zn appeared further to be also represented by cold 2 M HNO₃ extraction of site samples. For Pb the extractions over-estimated the enrichments. Metal partitioning was measured, and measurements were compared to predictions generated by an empirical regression model and by a mechanistic-kinetic model. The partitioning models predicted metal partitioning in floodplain deposits within about one order of magnitude, though a large inter-sample variability was found for Pb.     

Fishermen's interests and cooperation: preconditions for joint management of Swedish coastal fisheries

The participation of fishermen in fisheries management is discussed with varying ideas under the notions of "co-management", "participatory management" or "local management". Empirical studies within Swedish fishery have thrown new light on the preconditions for fishermen's participation in fisheries management. Among the important factors influencing failure or success are the two which we discuss here: the question of articulation, organization and representation of interests of fishermen and the question of trust between the groups that are usually cooperating in resource management, fishermen, governmental administrators and researchers. The research summarized has addressed the interests of fishermen with regard to resource management, local fisheries management, and participation of fishermen. The overarching question connecting the three themes is: How can the interests of fishermen be represented better within fisheries management? Interests and trust, "soft facts", can be as important for the success or failure of fisheries management and participation as can "hard facts" such as ownership rights, quantity and quality of resources or monetary value of resources.     

Comparison of lignin peroxidase and horseradish peroxidase for catalyzing the removal of nonylphenol from water

Concentrations of aqueous-phase nonylphenol (NP), a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical, are shown to be reduced effectively via reaction with lignin peroxidase (LiP) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide. We systematically assessed their reaction efficiencies at varying conditions, and the results have confirmed that the catalytic performance of LiP toward NP was more efficient than that of HRP under experimental conditions. Mass spectrum analysis demonstrated that polymerization through radical–radical coupling mechanism was the pathway leading to NP transformation. Our molecular modeling with the assistance of ab initio suggested the coupling of NP likely proceeded via covalent bonding between two NP radicals at their unsubstituted carbons in phenolic rings. Data from acute immobilization tests with Daphnia confirm that NP toxicity is effectively eliminated by LiP/HRP-catalyzed NP removal. The findings in this study provide useful information for understanding LiP/HRP-mediated NP reactions, and comparison of enzymatic performance can present their advantages for up-scale applications in water/wastewater treatment.     

Seed treatments containing neonicotinoids and fungicides reduce aquatic insect richness and abundance in midwestern USA–managed floodplain wetlands

Agrochemicals including neonicotinoid insecticides and fungicides are frequently applied as seed treatments on corn, soybeans, and other common row crops. Crops grown from pesticide-treated seed are often directly planted in managed floodplain wetlands and used as a soil disturbance or food resource for wildlife. We quantified invertebrate communities within mid-latitude floodplain wetlands and assessed their response to use of pesticide-treated seeds within the floodplain. We collected and tested aqueous and sediment samples for pesticides in addition to sampling aquatic invertebrates from 22 paired wetlands. Samples were collected twice in 2016 (spring [pre-water level drawdown] and autumn [post-water level flood-up]) followed by a third sampling period (spring 2017). Meanwhile, during the summer of 2016, a portion of study wetlands were planted with either pesticide-treated or untreated corn seed. Neonicotinoid toxic equivalencies (NI-EQs) for sediment (X??=?0.58 μg/kg), water (X??=?0.02 μg/L), and sediment fungicide concentrations (X??=?0.10 μg/kg) were used to assess potential effects on wetland invertebrates. An overall decrease in aquatic insect richness and abundance was associated with greater NI-EQs in wetland water and sediments, as well as with sediment fungicide concentration. Post-treatment, treated wetlands displayed a decrease in insect taxa-richness and abundance before recovering by the spring of 2017. Information on timing and magnitude of aquatic insect declines will be useful when considering the use of seed treatments for wildlife management. More broadly, this study brings attention to how agriculture is used in wetland management and conservation planning.

     

Sharing goals by timely communication improves fishermen's satisfaction with marine protected areas: A case study in the Mediterranean

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are considered as a valid tool for mitigating the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems. Their success depends upon their acceptance by implicated stakeholders and on the integration of the stakeholder groups into their management. This integration is especially important with regard to fishermen, whose interests are the most directly affected by MPAs. The relational coordination method posits that effective communication and supportive relationships among stakeholders result in positive stakeholder behaviors and a more effective management of the system. Applying its principles, we designed a survey to evaluate the satisfaction of fishermen associated with five MPAs in the Spanish Mediterranean and determine what mechanisms affect fishermen’s acceptance of MPAs. Our results demonstrate that effective communication is particularly important for good supportive relationships and satisfaction among fishermen and other stakeholder groups, as well as satisfaction with the MPA. Sharing objectives with fishermen through timely communication is the primary mechanism to improve fishermen''s satisfaction and ameliorate perceptions towards MPA. To address this issue, we recommend more substantial integration of fishermen in the co-management of MPAs.     

Factors influencing the total mercury and methyl mercury in the hair of the fishermen of Kuwait

Total and methyl mercury (MeHg) levels in the hair of fishermen are described anticipating that they represent the critical group for dietary exposure. One-hundred human hair samples were collected from fishermen (Egyptians: age range 25-60), living in Doha Fishing Village, Kuwait. Thirty-five additional samples were taken from a control group working in a local construction company (age range 26-35). Overall mean concentrations in the hair of the population of fishermen are 4.181+/-3.220 and 4.025+/-3.130 microg g(-1) for total and MeHg, respectively. The equivalent values for the control are 2.617+/-1.404 and 2.556+/-1.391 microg g(-1) for total and MeHg, respectively. MeHg concentrations are strongly correlated to those of total Hg ( [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ) and MeHg concentrations in human hair are unrelated to age and duration of residence in Kuwait but show a positive correlation with the quantity of fish consumed. Levels of Hg in hair also show a tendency to increase in those who prefer to eat the entire fish, including the heads. In general, the concentrations of total and MeHg in fishermens' hair are twice the WHO 'normal' level (2.0 microg g(-1)) but are still less than the WHO threshold level (10.0 microg g(-1)). The results also show that grey hair contains undetectable amounts of Hg and therefore does not reflect individual exposure to this contaminant.     

Developmental effects in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to nonylphenol ethoxylates and their degradation products

The endocrine modulating potency of five alkylphenol compounds to fish, including nonylphenol (NP), three nonylphenol ethoxylate mixtures (NP1EO, NP4EO, NP9EO) and one nonylphenol ethoxycarboxylate (NP1EC) was assessed using in vivo tests conducted with Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Medaka exposed to test materials from 1 day to 100 days post-hatch were monitored for alterations to sex ratios and secondary sex characteristics and development of gonadal intersex (i.e., testis-ova). The treatment with 100 microg l-1 NP (measured 29 microg l-1) induced gonadal intersex in over 80% of exposed males, mixed secondary sex characteristics in over 40% of exposed fish and suppression of the development of papillae on the anal fin of 100% of males. The 30 microg l-1 NP (measured 8.7 microg l-1) treatment induced gonadal intersex in only one of the 22 exposed males and mixed secondary sex characteristics in approximately 20% of the exposed fish. An elevated incidence of fish with mixed secondary sex characteristics and suppression of papillae development was also observed in the treatment with NP1EO at the highest test concentration of 300 microg l-1 (measured 105 microg l-1). There was no evidence of mixed secondary sex characteristics or gonadal intersex in treatments with the remaining test mixtures. This study confirms that NP is an estrogenic compound that could affect gonadal development in fish chronically exposed to concentrations in the range of 10 microg l-1. NP1EO is very weakly estrogenic at concentrations that are an order of magnitude higher than the lowest observed effect concentration for nonylphenol.     

Internalization of SiO2 nanoparticles by alveolar macrophages and lung epithelial cells and its modulation by the lung surfactant substitute Curosurf®

Because of an increasing exposure to environmental and occupational nanoparticles (NPs), the potential risk of these materials for human health should be better assessed. Since one of the main routes of entry of NPs is via the lungs, it is of paramount importance to further characterize their impact on the respiratory system. Here, we have studied the uptake of fluorescently labeled SiO₂ NPs (50 and 100 nm) by epithelial cells (NCI-H292) and alveolar macrophages (MHS) in the presence or absence of pulmonary surfactant. The quantification of NP uptake was performed by measuring cell-associated fluorescence using flow cytometry and spectrometric techniques in order to identify the most suitable methodology. Internalization was shown to be time and dose dependent, and differences in terms of uptake were noted between epithelial cells and macrophages. In the light of our observations, we conclude that flow cytometry is a more reliable technique for the study of NP internalization, and importantly, that the hydrophobic fraction of lung surfactant is critical for downregulating NP uptake in both cell types.     

The environmental fate of the primary degradation products of alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants in recycled paper sludge.

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) are a group of non-ionic surfactants that are degraded microbially into more lipophilic degradation products with estrogenic potential, including nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO), nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO), octylphenol (4-tOP) and nonylphenol (4-NP). Nonylphenol ethoxylates are used in paper recycling plants for de-inking paper and have the potential to be released into the environment through spreading of wastewater treatment sludge for soil amendment. Three samples of recycled paper sludge were collected from farmers' fields and analyzed for concentrations of NP1EO, NP2EO, 4-NP and 4-tOP. Each sample differed in the amount of time elapsed since the sludge was placed on farmers' fields. Primary degradation products of APEOs were present at low micrograms/g concentrations in the sludge samples. Differences in the concentrations of these analytes in sludge samples indicated that APEO concentrations declined by 84% over a period of 14 weeks on farmers' fields. Changes in the chromatographic patterns of acetylated 4-NP indicated that there is a group of recalcitrant nonylphenol isomers that degrades more slowly than other isomers. These data indicate that microbial degradation may reduce the risk of environmental contamination by these compounds, but more work is required to assess the toxic potential of APEOs in sludges used for soil amendment.     

Nonylphenol algal bioaccumulation and its effect through the trophic chain

Nonylphenol is a metabolic intermediate from the microbial transformation of detergents used worldwide. While nonylphenol shows some acute toxicity, it is also able to mimic important hormones resulting in the disruption of several processes by interfering with the signals that control the overall physiology of the organism. The effect of the pollutant nonylphenol (NP) through the trophic chain was studied. Microalgae Isochrysis galbana was able to bioconcentrate NP 6940 times, where 77% of initial NP (100microgl(-1)) is accumulated intracellularly after 1-h incubation. Crustacean Artemia fransiscana showed 25% higher growth when fed with NP-rich algae. However, Artemia metabolized almost all NP ingested and only traces of NP could be found in the organism, eliminating future NP effects. Zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) were affected by the presence of 171microgg(-1) of NP in the diet, showing higher levels of the hormone vitellogenin and lower levels of cytochrome P450 activity. These results showed that organisms placed in the first level of trophic chain are able to significantly bioconcentrate the pollutant and endocrine disruptor NP. These grassed organisms affect the growth of crustacean. Moreover, the organisms placed on the top of some trophic chains, such as fish, could be affected by the presence of NP in their food, in both the hormone levels and metabolic enzymes. This work shows that the environmental presence of NP should be considered as a risk for the organisms living in an ecosystem.     

Arsenic and mercury concentrations in major landscape components of an intensively cultivated watershed

To provide an understanding of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) concentrations in soil, sediment, water, and fish tissues, samples were collected from a Mississippi River alluvial floodplain located in northwest Mississippi. As concentrations increased approximately an order of magnitude from water (5.12 micrograms/l) to fish tissues (36.99 micrograms/kg) and an additional two orders of magnitude in soils, lake sediments, and wetland sediments (5728, 5614, and 6746 micrograms/kg), respectively. Average Hg concentrations in water, soils, lake sediments, and fish were 2.16 micrograms/l, 55.1, 14.5 and 125 micrograms/kg, respectively. As and Hg concentrations were within published ranges for uncontaminated soil, water, and sediments. As concentrations represented a low risk. Hg concentrations were also low but showed a greater tendency to concentrate in fish tissue. The dominant mode of entry of these materials into aquatic systems is through storm-generated runoff. Since both metals accompany sediments, agricultural conservation practices such as reduced tillage, buffer riparian strips, and bordering sediment ponds or drainage wetlands will minimize watershed input to aquatic systems.     

Bioaccumulation of the lipophilic metabolites of nonionic surfactants in freshwater organisms

Nonylphenol (NP), nonlyphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) and nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO) were determined in different freshwater organisms from the surface waters in the Glatt Valley, Switzerland. Rather high concentrations of the compounds investigated have been found to occur in macrophytic algae, particularly Cladophora glomerata (up to 38 mg kg(-1), 80 mg kg(-1), and 28 mg kg(-1) of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO, respectively), the bioconcentration factors of NP reaching up to 10,000. The concentrations in fish were much lower (NP: < 0.03-1.6 mg kg(-1), NP1EO: 0.06-7.0 mg kg(-1), and NP2EO: <0.03-3.1 mg kg(-1) indicating that biomagnification did not take place. Similar concentrations to those in the fish were determined in different tissues of a wild duck. The estimated bioconcentration factors in fish tissues ranged from 13 to 410 for NP, 3 to 300 for NP1EO and 3 to 330 for NP2EO.     

The Links Between Resource Dependency and Attitude of Commercial Fishers to Coral Reef Conservation in the Red Sea

The imperative to further constrain extractive uses of natural resources will strengthen as resources degrade through over-use or exposure to climate changes. Here, we explore an approach to increase the support for marine conservation among coral reef fishers. We explore the proposition that resource dependency in the Egyptian Red Sea can act as a barrier to conservation. We administered face-to-face surveys to 49% of the fishing industry to: (i) identify the level of compliance to the local marine protected area (MPA), (ii) assess the level of dependency on marine resources in the region and (iii) examine the relationship between resource dependency and conservation attitudes. Only 11.4% of fishers were aware of the MPA. Fishers were mostly limited in their social flexibility and livelihood options. Results suggest that resource dependency is highly and negatively correlated with conservation attitudes suggesting that management efforts need to seriously focus on reducing dependency if conservation goals are to be met.     

Assessing the Impacts of Establishing MPAs on Fishermen and Fish Merchants: The Case of Lyme Bay,UK

Shortly after the implementation of a marine protected area (MPA) in Lyme Bay in 2008, inside which scallop dredging and bottom trawling is prohibited, a socio-economic impact assessment was initiated. This article presents the initial findings from this study. The aim was to understand the costs and benefits to fishermen and fish merchants of establishing the MPA. These were assessed using a combination of primary and secondary data. The results indicate that the impacts of the closure differ according to the gear type and the fishing location used by the fishermen. Static gear fishermen who fish inside the closed area have seen changes in terms of increased fishing effort, mostly because they have been able to increase the number of crab and whelk pots they deploy. The effects of the closure on static gear fishermen who fish outside the closed area has been reported in terms of increased conflicts with towed gear fishermen who now fish regularly in their traditional grounds. Fishermen using towed gear on the other hand have been impacted through displacement effects as they have been forced to look for other fishing grounds outside the closed area. Most fish merchants and processors initially claimed that they were heavily impacted by the closure but when they were interviewed 1 year after the closure they suggested a more stable picture. Preliminary analyses of landings data indicate that the introduction of the MPA has so far had minimal impacts on the average incomes and financial profits of fishermen and fish merchants. This conclusion, however, reflects a short-term view as the impacts of the closure of Lyme Bay are likely to be felt for a long time to come.     

Sorption of small metabolites of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in single and complex systems on aquatic suspended particulate matter

Sorption of nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) and nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP2EO) as well as their binary and ternary mixtures were studied and compared on three simulated suspended particulate matters (SPMs). Sorption dynamics of NP on the three SPMs could be divided into two phases, the rapid sorption phase and the slow sorption phase. A third phase, 'apparent desorption' occurred before the slow sorption phase for NP1EO and NP2EO as well as for all mixtures. Initial sorption rate increased with the OC% content of the SPMs. At low concentration, the sorption of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO (only at low concentration for 3# SPM) followed linear isotherm on the three SPMs. The linear Kd value of NP or NP1EO increased with the OC% content of SPM. In mixtures, sorption of NP, NP1EO and NP2EO increased significantly, and a 'critical point', after which sorption increased significantly, was observed in certain sorption isotherms.     

Quantification of bisphenol A, 353-nonylphenol and their chlorinated derivatives in drinking water treatment plants

Bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenols (NP) are of major concern to public health due to their high potential for human exposure and to their demonstrated toxicity (endocrine disruptor effect). A limited number of studies have shown that BPA and NP are present in drinking water. The chlorinated derivatives that may be formed during the chlorination step in drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) exhibit a higher level of estrogenic activity than their parent compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate BPA, 353NP, and their chlorinated derivative concentrations using an accurate and reproducible method of quantification. This method was applied to both surface and treated water samples from eight French DWTPs producing from surface water. Solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography?Ctandem mass spectrometry was developed in order to quantify target compounds from water samples. The limits of detection ranged from 0.3 to 2.3?ng/L for BPA and chlorinated BPA and from 1.4 to 63.0?ng/L for 353NP and chlorinated 353NP. BPA and 353NP were found in most analyzed water samples, at a level ranging from 2.0 to 29.7?ng/L and from 0 to 124.9?ng/L, respectively. In most of DWTPs a decrease of BPA and 353NP was observed between surface water and treated water (36.6 to 78.9?% and 2.2 to 100.0?% for BPA and 353NP, respectively). Neither chlorinated BPA nor chlorinated 353NP was detected. Even though BPA and 353NP have been largely removed in the DWTPs studied, they have not been completely eliminated, and drinking water may consequently remain a source of human exposure.     

Assessing the perceived impact of exploration and production of hydrocarbons on households perspective of environmental regulation in Ghana

This paper seeks to critically study the perceived impacts of the exploration of hydrocarbons in selected coastal communities in the Western region, the oil and gas industry benefits to local communities, and to determine whether hydrocarbon development is a means for sustainable development. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches using a questionnaire survey, key informant interview, and focus group discussion tools to understand the impact of oil and gas exploration and production in selected affected communities along the coast of Ghana. The activities of oil production and exploration impact negatively on communities; it also leads to a sharp increase in food prices thereby increasing their costs of living. The activity has also caused a decline in fish catch levels which happens to be the main economic activity as a result of exclusion zones created by oil companies which limited the extent fishermen can go fishing. In terms of infrastructure, the three communities are lacking, 77% of respondents from Princess Town hold the view that there is no motorable road linking their community in the next town and 60% from Aketakyi also hold the same view. Infrastructure such as roads, schools, water provision, and clinics are woefully provided in these communities.