Ecological classification of macroalgae and angiosperm communities of inner coastal waters in the southern Baltic Sea

A classification system of macroalgae and angiosperms for the inner coastal waters of the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Germany) was developed according to the guidelines of the European Water Framework Directive. These guidelines ask for a five-step classification scheme (high, good, moderate, poor, bad) of the ecological state based on submerged macrophytes.The approach is based on the comparison of the occurrence and distribution of plant communities in 1999–2003 with historical data of submerged macrophytes and their community structure. Due to the lack of appropriate data, historical depth distribution limits of plant communities were calculated based on modelled historical underwater light climate.Despite the fact of very heterogeneous salinities (0.5–20.0 practical salinity units, psu) and substrate types (silty–sandy) in the study area, two general main criteria were identified as appropriate indicators of eutrophic degradation of the inner coastal waters: (1) the lower distribution depth of plant communities and (2) the loss of charophyte-dominated plant communities. Based on these two criteria, a five-step classification scheme is proposed for the characterisation of the ecological state. The depth limit boundaries between the ecological classes were calculated by 5, 25, 50 and 75% reduction of the water transparency. Based on this calculation, the ecological status is described by the gradual upward shift of the vegetation depth limit. Complementary to the decrease of depth limits the loss of charophyte-dominated plant communities characterises the border between moderate and poor ecological conditions.     

卫星景象目视解释方法在湖区植被制图中的应用——以湖南洞庭湖区水域、洲滩植被图为例

植被(包括天然植被、人工植被)作为一种可更新资源始终是遥感应用专家们热心研究的课题。植被分类是植被研究的重要方面之一。利用卫星影象进行植被分类,国内外学者都进行了许多有意义的探索。本文以洞庭湖水域、洲滩植被为对象,试用卫星影象进行植被分类。本文从植被与环境相互依赖关系及在影象上的综合反映出发,提出了影象的景观生态学分析方法;即把影象上色调、形态特征与群落生态学规律结合起来分析,并以此作为植被目视解译的方法论。在此基础上,将洞庭湖水域,洲滩划分成五个景观生态模型,17个基本植被类型。     

The Reference Index Method for the Macrophyte‐BasedAssessment of Rivers – a Contribution to the Implementationof the European Water Framework Directive in Germany

The European Water Framework Directive requires ecological status classification and monitoring of surface and ground waters using biological indicators. To act as a component of the “Macrophytes and Phytobenthos” biological quality element, as demanded by the Directive, a macrophyte‐based assessment system was developed for application in river site types in Germany. Macrophyte abundance data were collected from 262 sites in 202 rivers. Seven biocoenotic river site types were established using differences in characteristic macrophyte communities reflecting ecoregion, channel width, water depth, current velocity, water hardness, and ground water influence. For four of these river site types, a macrophyte assessment system was developed, for the remaining three river site types data were insufficient for developing an assessment system. Ecological status classification of river sites is based on the calculation of a Reference Index value, in some cases supplemented by additional vegetation criteria. The Reference Index quantifies the deviation of species composition and abundance from reference conditions and classifies sites as one of the five possible ecological quality classes specified in the Directive. The assessment of long river stretches with changing river site types along its course is discussed based on an example from the Forstinninger Sempt River, southeast Germany. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

卫星影象目视解译方法在湖区植被制图中的应用——以湖南洞庭湖区水域、洲滩植被图为例

植被(包括天然植被、人工植被)作为一种可更新资源始终是遥感应用专家们热心研究的课题。植被分类是植被研究的重要方面之一。利用卫星影象进行植被分类,国内外学者都进行了许多有意义的探索。本文以洞庭湖水域、洲滩植被为对象,试用卫星影象进行植被分类。本文从植被与环境相互依赖关系及在影象上的综合反映出发,提出了影象的景观生态学分析方法;即把影象上色调、形态特征与群落生态学规律结合起来分析,并以此作为植被目视解译的方法。在此基础上,将洞庭湖水域、洲滩划分成五个景观生态模型,17个基本植被类型。     

北京市土地利用生态分类方法

本文从国内外土地利用分类体系的现状分析入手,分析了当前土地利用分类体系与生态保护存在的矛盾,提出进行土地利用生态分类。首先,将北京市的土地利用现状类型分析归并为9个一级类15个二级类,确定各土地利用类型基准生态服务价值,然后提出各土地利用类型生态系统服务价值的区位修正方法,在对各种土地利用类型生态系统服务价值进行区位修正的基础上,划分出6个一级生态用地类型。其次,对北京市进行生态适宜性评价,生成生态适宜性分布图,将已生成的土地利用生态一级分类图与生态适宜性分布图进行叠加,对一级生态用地类型进行了二级划分,得到6个大类、18个亚类的北京市土地利用生态用地类型。最后,以北京市2007年的土地利用现状图为例,对北京市的土地利用生态分类方法进行应用,得到了2007年北京市土地利用生态分类图并分析了各土地利用生态用地类型的分布状况。     

Ecological assessment of soft bottom benthic communities in northern Spanish estuaries

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive requires the classification of the ecological quality status of benthic macroinvertebrates in costal and transitional waters. The uncertainty and complexity of this task have lead to the creation of specific Geographical Intercalibration Groups (GIGs) for the different ecoregions and types of water bodies established. In this framework, several metrics are under study in the United Kingdom, Spain and Denmark for North East Atlantic coastal waters (NEA-GIG). All of them include in their formulations the AMBI index. Nevertheless, few advances have been made in relation to transitional waters. This paper aims to test the suitability of those methodological procedures for their application in Northern Spanish estuaries. The results show evident divergences in classification of ecological status among methods, although the correlations of corresponding ecological quality ratios (EQRs) are good. Thus, we think that it may be necessary to modify the boundaries between each ecological status category and adjust the reference conditions for the variety of community-types existing in estuarine water bodies. However, some problems arise in the assessment of some naturally stressed communities. In this situation, we found an overall dominance of species tolerant to organic enrichment in all status categories and low range of variation of AMBI index. This aspect introduces some uncertainty in relation to the ability of this index to detect a deleterious effect in these estuarine communities naturally stressed. On the other hand, we found some sites that achieve good status according to the metrics used, even though the number of opportunistic species was high. The use of combined approaches that incorporate physicochemical condition of sediments would be a straightforward approach to reduce the risk of failing in the assignation of ecological status category.     

生态土地分类研究进展

土地分类是土地评价,替代和管理的基础,对林业资源可持续利用具有重要的意义。生态土地分类是目前土地分类的主要方向和趋势。国际上早已开展此项研究。随着景观生态学和3S技术的发展,生态分类系统的研制已成为生态土地分类的重点。本文对生态土地分类的定义,特点,发展历史,生态分类系统理论,以及国际生态分类系统的发展趋势进行了系统的综述,并指出以资源（森林,土地,水域等）多目标管理为基础,定量与定性相结合的多因子多层次综合是未来生态土地研究发展的总趋势,有必要在我国大力开展相关研究。     

生态土地分类研究进展

土地分类是土地评价、规划和管理的基础,对林业资源可持续利用具有重要的意义.生态土地分类是目前土地分类的主要方向和趋势,国际上早已开展此项研究.随着景观生态学和3S技术的发展,生态分类系统的研制已成为生态土地分类的重点.本文对生态土地分类的定义、特点、发展历史、生态分类系统理论,以及国际生态分类系统的发展趋势进行了系统的综述,并指出以资源(森林、土地、水域等)多目标管理为基础,定量与定性相结合的多因子多层次综合是未来生态土地研究发展的总趋势,有必要在我国大力开展相关研究.     

毛乌素沙化草地景观生态分类与排序的研究

 本文通过对毛乌素沙地景观生态数据的处理与分析,以广泛应用于植被科学的数量分类方法TWINSPAN为工具,对毛乌素沙地景观生态类型进行了自上而下的等级式的数量分类研究,并与实际情况相结合,提出了毛乌素沙化草地景观生态分类系统。然后又利用算法上与TWINSPAN相似的DCA对沙化草地景观生态类型进行了排序分析,并与数量分类结果相结合,辅以逐步回归分析等多元分析方法,对所划分的各景观生态类型之间的关系进行了分析与探讨,指出毛乌素沙化草地具有较为丰富的景观生态类型,地下水位,覆沙厚度,基质类型控制着沙化草地景观生态类型的发生与演化;提出了毛乌素沙化草地景观生态的演化模式。本文还表明,TWINSPAN和DCA是景观生态研究比较有效的数量分析方法。     

新疆北疆地区景观生态类型分类初探：以新疆沙湾县为例

1　前　　言新疆生态环境的现状喜忧参半,绿洲内部生态环境得到改善,但沙漠化过程不断加剧,成为新疆生态环境良性循环的极大隐患。景观生态学以综合整体的思想审视生态环境的现状和变化,为我们更成功地解决所面临的生态问题提供了新的理论和方法。本文试图在新疆沙湾县生态环境监测工作的基础上,提出适宜于新疆北疆地区的景观生态类型分类系统,以便更好地认识、利用和管理各类景观,达到人地共生和持续发展的目的。2　沙湾县环境概况沙湾县地处北疆天山中部的依连哈比尔尕山北麓与准噶尔盆地南缘之间,界于Ｅ84°57′～86°09′和Ｎ43°20′～…     

The development of an ecological quality assessment and classification system for Greek running waters based on benthic macroinvertebrates

A first approach towards an integrated, macroinvertebrate based, river type specific system for the assessment and classification of the ecological quality in Greek rivers affected by nutrient enrichment is presented. This system, which was developed within the framework of the AQEM project application in Greece, is regionally adapted and integrated, since it contains a multitude of biotic and abiotic factors affecting taxa presences and abundances. The methodology applied is very promising for the application of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Greece. According to the AQEM project, a seasonal `multi habitat sampling' procedure, at 45 sampling sites, scattered over three river types, was applied. In addition, a large set of hydrological, morphological, geological, biological, hydrochemical parameters and anthropogenic factors were considered. The system is based on a new, river type specific biotic metric, adapted for Greek conditions (BMG) and a new nutrient pollution metric. The developed metrics showed high correlations with each other. Hence, BMG seems to be suitable for the ecological quality assessment of Greek running waters affected by nutrients. Moreover, by applying BMG, a final classification of the rivers into five quality classes, according to the demands of the WFD, was achieved.     

面向实践的生态用地内涵、多维度分类体系

生态用地是保障我国国土生态安全格局、建设生态文明基础,是土地资源研究领域的热点问题。其内涵与分类界定是深化生态用地研究与实践的前提,也是该研究领域的难点。根据国内外现有研究,挖掘生态用地的内涵与分类特征。基于此,重新阐释了生态用地的内涵,提出功能主导性、尺度依赖性、区域特殊性、等级性和可操作性等五大分类原则,构建了面向管理实践的多维度生态用地分类体系,即基础性生态用地、保全性生态用地、生产性生态用地和生活性生态用地4大类、10个一级类和15个二级类。同时在分类体系中明确了各生态用地地类的适用尺度与范围。多维度生态用地分类体系的构建,将有利于国家和地方制定生态用地管理政策,便于深入生态用地及其生态系统服务研究。     

Application of an angiosperm-based classification system (BiPo) to Mediterranean coastal waters: using spatial analysis and data on metal contamination of plants in identifying sources of pressure

The Biotic Index based on Posidonia oceanica (BiPo) is a classification system for evaluation of the ecological status in Mediterranean coastal waters, developed in accordance with the EU Water Framework requirements. The aim of this study is to verify the applicability and reliability of the BiPo index to different geographical areas of the north-western Mediterranean (France, Spain and Italy), to understand whether such a classification system may be applied more extensively, as so far it has only been applied to coastal waters in Corsica. The ecological status determined for sites is verified against pressures revealed from satellite imagery and from trace metal contamination of plants, to identify the sources of pressure that may be responsible for a low ecological status. The results of this study indicate that: (i) the BiPo index responds reliably to pressures, in different areas of the Mediterranean; (ii) sites with an ecological quality ratio (EQR) close to the good/moderate boundary require particular attention to identify and reduce causes of deterioration; (iii) the support of chemical indicators, in this case metal contamination, is relevant to identify potential sources of pressure.     

Notes on the distribution of phytoplankton in some Kenya waters

The distribution of the major plankton algae in a number of Kenya waters is described. The lakes and dams are shown to fall into ecological groups related to figures for the pH, conductivity and alkalinity of their waters and characterised by the dominance of certain types of alga. The composition of the phytoplankton collected at approximately monthly intervals from Sasumua and Ruiru reservoirs is described. Plankton periodicity is demonstrated for both waters and is shown to be related to rainfall. The periodicity of plankton in Lake Naivasha is noted.     

The standing waters of Coll and Tiree in a national and international context

Summary

The aquatic vascular plants and charophytes were surveyed in a total of 200 standing waters on the Inner Hebridean islands of Coll and Tiree. A TWINSPAN classification of the sites is used to divide them into seven groups. The groups demonstrate the range of variation in the standing waters of the two islands, which in turn reflects the presence of a range of substrates from acidic peat to calcareous sand. The lake types and the rare species recorded from Coll and Tiree suggest that these standing waters are of outstanding national and international nature conservation value.     

不同类型城市快速扩张区域人工景观对自然景观的生态安全胁迫效应比较

城镇化进程中的建成区扩张会对区域自然生态安全格局造成胁迫效应.本文选取北京通州、河北正定、天津塘沽及福建厦门4个内陆和沿海城市为研究区,通过景观生态学原理构建区域景观胁迫分析指标,对比分析4个城市快速扩张区域在快速城镇化过程中表现出的景观格局特征,研究不同区域及城镇化背景下人工景观对耕地、绿/林地、水体和未利用地等自然景观生态安全格局的胁迫作用差异.结果表明: 2015年,通州、正定、塘沽和厦门4个城市扩张区的景观侵蚀指数分别为1.039、0.996、1.239和0.945,自然景观都表现出显著的被侵蚀程度;但不同城市区域的各类自然景观类型受威胁的程度不同,通州、正定和塘沽以未利用地和水域为主,厦门则以耕地和水域为主,4个城市水域威胁指数均超过0.743;内陆城市的水域和未利用地景观分离度指数均大于沿海城市,在空间上表现为沿海城市水体分布较内陆城市更聚集;相对于其他自然景观,未利用地和水域是受人工景观胁迫最大的两种自然景观.     

Combination of multiple biological quality elements into waterbody assessment of surface waters

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires EU Member States to classify the ecological status of surface waters by using multiple biological quality elements (BQEs). According to the WFD Classification Guidance, a ‘one-out-all-out’ (OOAO) rule should be applied when integrating multiple BQEs into an overall biological status of a waterbody, i.e. classification is determined by the lowest status BQE. Using both simulated and monitoring datasets, we analyzed the effects of different combination rules in classification outcome and classification reliability. The OOAO represented the strictest combination rule in terms of increased probabilities of waterbodies being in moderate or worse status in comparison to other rules. The OOAO approach gave acceptable results when different BQEs were complementary, showing the effects of different pressures, and when level of uncertainty in the metrics used in the assessment was not high. Increasing the number of BQEs used in the assessment affected the classification outcome when using the OOAO approach; this was especially problematic if all BQEs address the same pressure. Our study showed that grouping of metrics and metrics uncertainty has a large influence on classification outcomes and that this should be carefully considered to ensure that final classification adequately reflects ecological status.     

A floristic framework of Australian rainforests

In the first comprehensive floristic classification of Australian rainforests and monsoon forests, fresh insights made possible by the use of floristic as distinct from structural data are outlined. A set of 561 individual communities, on sites ranging from North Queensland westwards to the Kimberley region and southwards to Tasmania, is defined by the presence or absence of 1316 tree species, or 406 genera. The data have been subjected to numerical classification, first with respect to species, then to genera. The species classification first divides into three ‘ecofloristic regions’: A, temperate (microtherm) and subtropical (mesotherm) humid evergreen rainforests; B, tropical (megatherm) humid evergreen grading into highly seasonal raingreen (monsoon) forests; and C, subtropical (mesotherm) moderately seasonal humid/subhumid raingreen forests. The sites are further divided into eight ‘ecofloristic provinces’, for each of which a core area is identified and the ten most common diagnostic tree species listed for selected floristic elements, whose ecological relationships are briefly described. Gradients of quantitative thermal-moisture indices are added to standard climatic typology to provide a more flexible identification of local climates that characterize community-types of each province across a wide latitudinal/altitudinal range. Community disjuncts and outliers of a particular province are interpreted as the results of past environmental sifting (in which ecological factors are not entirely determinate), of previously more continuous rainforest vegetation. The genera classification first divides into humid eastern coastal and subhumid western and subcoastal sites, then four thermal types, and finally nine groups of floristic ‘paleo-provinces’. Where the species and genera classifications are not in substantial agreement, a wide-ranging generic element across the provinces in northern and northeastern Australia is interpreted in paleogeographic terms. The relict distribution of existing community types, as the result of climatic sifting of ancient floral stocks, is discussed in support of emerging ideas about the autochthony of Australian rainforests, especially those tropical types that are not intrusive. It is argued that the unique ecological relationships of Australian rainforests justify the most conservative uses of the relatively small remaining areas.     

Biogeography of benthic macroinvertebrates in estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic coasts1,2

A multimetric fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) was composed to assess the biotic integrity of Flandrian water bodies. As fish communities differ substantially between standing waters, running waters of the bream zone and running waters of the barbel zone, eight candidate metrics for each of these water types or zones were identified, representing three major classes of biological attributes. These are species richness and composition, fish condition and abundance, trophic composition. The metrics were tested and modified where needed. The IBI was applied throughout Flanders on 104 locations in standing waters, 500 locations in waters of the bream zone and 257 locations in waters of the barbel zone. Standing waters scored substantially different from running waters. Standing waters rarely contained no fish at all, but their fish communities were very often poor to very poor. Waters of the bream and barbel zone were often fishless (respectively 40% and 35% of all locations contain no fish), but the locations with fish usually scored reasonable to poor. Only 18.5% of all locations were classified as reasonable to excellent (IBI classes 4 or lower on a scale from 1 to 9) and were considered to satisfy the basic ecological quality demands. The Leie-, Dijle-, Dender- and Schelde-basins had a very poor quality (more than 50% of the locations contained no fish). The Maas-, Grote and Kleine Nete-basins scored rather well, with respectively, 44%, 48% and 68% of the locations achieving an IBI of 4 or lower. The IBI is a valuable and complementary tool to assess the ecological quality of water bodies as suggested in the proposal for a Water Framework Directive by the European Commission.