Expanding the Range of Choice in Water Management: An Evaluation of Policy Approaches

This paper examines the ‘range of choice’ concept in water management. Although many efforts have been made to design policies that broaden the consideration of water resources alternatives, the experiences gained from these policy experiments have not been adequately assessed. What insights might American policy approaches offer for developing countries? To address this question, four general policy types were identified and compared: (1) comprehensive single-objective policies; (2) comprehensive multiple-objective policies; (3) specific non-structural policies; and (4) specific technological policies. Case studies of each approach revealed that effective institutional development occurs when policies are: (1) stated in clear and specific language; (2) modified as experience is gained; (3) adequate in terms of statutory and administrative authority; and (4) subject to an orderly process of public and judicial review. The most successful policy efforts to date have involved specific alternatives, while multiple-objective policies have encountered the most difficulties. Common institutional problems are identified, and their potential relevance for developing countries is discussed.     

A Method for Setting the Size of Plant Conservation Target Areas

Abstract: Realistic time frames in which management decisions are made often preclude the completion of the detailed analyses necessary for conservation planning. Under these circumstances, efficient alternatives may assist in approximating the results of more thorough studies that require extensive resources and time. We outline a set of concepts and formulas that may be used in lieu of detailed population viability analyses and habitat modeling exercises to estimate the protected areas required to provide desirable conservation outcomes for a suite of threatened plant species. We used expert judgment of parameters and assessment of a population size that results in a specified quasiextinction risk based on simple dynamic models. The area required to support a population of this size is adjusted to take into account deterministic and stochastic human influences, including small-scale disturbance, deterministic trends such as habitat loss, and changes in population density through processes such as predation and competition. We set targets for different disturbance regimes and geographic regions. We applied our methods to Banksia cuneata, Boronia keysii, and Parsonsia dorrigoensis, resulting in target areas for conservation of 1102, 733, and 1084 ha, respectively. These results provide guidance on target areas and priorities for conservation strategies.     

Safety in fishing — learning from experience

This article critically examines the level of safety in some sections of the UK fishing industry not only by looking at the available statistics but also by examining actual recent case histories.In 1989 the UK Department of Transport established the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). Case histories published by MAIB have been taken as the basis for the article in order to illustrate and draw lessons from incidents that occur in fishing.Fishing will always be a high risk profession but there are ways in which risks can be diminished. Many of the problems are due to vessels being built below the 12 m threshold at which the 1975 Safety Rules currently apply. Some of the vessels lack adequate reserve stability to withstand capsize in the dynamic situation and there are deficiences in design and safety equipment. The training programmes introduced by Seafish for Survival, Fire Fighting and First Aid are now mandatory for all new entrants and these have almost certainly resulted in the saving of lives. However, there needs to be a much greater awareness of accident prevention and the article makes a plea for this to be given more attention.Each case study is probably unique or there are some specific circumstances as to why the accident happened. Nevertheless, there are always underlying lessons to be learnt from every incident of this type, even if there is no loss of life or serious injury.     

Energy Use and Conservation in Developing Country Industries

This article compares, contrasts and analyzes energy use data in five worldwide manufacturing subsectors. It documents the differences in energy input/production output ratios among industries and among countries, and outlines areas of opportunity for implementing energy conservation measures. Special attention is given to the energy use record in developing countries and to assessing their particular problems and limitations in reducing industrial energy demand.
Cet article établit des comparaisons, fait ressortir des contrastes et présente une analyse des données sur l'utilisation de l'énergie dans cinq sous-secteurs industriels mondiaux. Il explique les différences qui existent dans le taux de rendement relatif aux entrées-sorties dans les industries et les pays. Il désigne des secteurs où peuvent s'appliquer des mesures de conservation d'énergie. Une attention toute particulière est accordée aux tendances d'utilisation de l'énergie dans les pays en développement et à revaluation des problèmes et limitations qu'ils confrontent à réduire la demande d'énergie industrille.
Este artículo analiza comparativamente la información sobre uso de energía en cinco ramas industriales. Documenta los ratios insumo/producto en varios países e indica las oportunidades para establecer medidas para la conservacón de energa. Se da especial atención a los patrones de uso de energía en los países en desarrollo y evalúa los problemas particulares y limitaciones para la reducción del uso de energía en la indústria.     

Ecological and evolutionary significance of pelagic spermatophores of vermetid gastropods

Sperm are disseminated in vermetid gastropods by spermatophores released freely into the ocean. Spermatophores from 7 species of vermetids, including 3 genera, were obtained from reproductively active males or offshore plankton tows or both. Each vermetid spermatophore consists of a sperm mass containing highly ordered eupyrene and apyrene sperm enveloped concentrically by 3 transparent capsules. Generic and specific differences occur in the size, shape and composition of the sperm mass and capsule. The complexly layered spermatophore is assembled in the male reproductive tract, which includes and elaborate set of pallial reproductive glands for capsule production. Spermatophores are liberated by males into the seawater, and there dispersed by water movements. Some of these drifting spermatophores become entangled in the mucous feeding nets of female vermetids and are then activated by feeding movements. Activation of the complex ejaculatory apparatus appears to result from an interplay of osmotic and mechanical mechanisms. Spermatophores remain viable in the laboratory for 12 to 20 h after release from the male; after 20 h, the sperm mass breaks down and the sperm become immotile. Plankton tows capture some spermatophores with motile sperm and others in which sperm are no longer active. Evolutionary implications of the relationship between production of pelagic spermatophores, sessile mode of life and other aspects of vermetid biology are discussed.     

The Complementary Niches of Anthropocentric and Biocentric Conservationists

A divergence of values has become apparent in recent debates between conservationists who focus on ecosystem services that can improve human well‐being and those who focus on avoiding the extinction of species. These divergent points of view fall along a continuum from anthropocentric to biocentric values, but most conservationists are relatively closer to each other than to the ends of the spectrum. We have some concerns with both positions but emphasize that conservation for both people and all other species will be most effective if conservationists focus on articulating the values they all share, being respectful of divergent values, and collaborating on common interests. The conservation arena is large enough to accommodate many people and organizations whose diverse values lead them to different niches that can, with good will and foresight, be far more complementary than competitive. Los Nichos Complementarios de los Conservacionistas Antropocéntricos y Biocéntricos