Preface: Marine and coastal applications in landscape ecology

Landscape ecology traditionally has been limited to the study of terrestrial systems; however, the questions and methods defining the science are equally relevant for marine and coastal systems. The reciprocal relationship between spatial pattern and ecological processes and the overarching effect o...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Landscape ecology 2008, Vol.23 (1), p.1-5
Main Authors: Hinchey, Elizabeth K, Nicholson, Matthew C, Zajac, Roman N, Irlandi, Elizabeth A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Benthic landscapes
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Brackish
Ecology
Environmental Management
Freshwater
habitat fragmentation
Landscape Ecology
Landscape/Regional and Urban Planning
Larval dispersal
Life Sciences
Marine
Marine coral reef reserves
Nature Conservation
Polychaete species diversity
Reef fish communities
Research Article
Seagrass landscape pattern
Sediment metal concentrations
Sustainable Development
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Landscape ecology traditionally has been limited to the study of terrestrial systems; however, the questions and methods defining the science are equally relevant for marine and coastal systems. The reciprocal relationship between spatial pattern and ecological processes and the overarching effect of scale on this relationship was being explored in some marine and coastal settings as the general discipline of landscape ecology was evolving throughout the latter two decades of the last century. As with all components of the biosphere, an understanding of these relationships is critical for successful management of marine and coastal systems. In these systems, widely dispersed field or ship-based observations and lack of broad scale data have historically precluded quantification of large-scale patterns and processes and hindered management efforts. However, relatively recent advances in geographic information systems, remote sensing and computer technologies have begun to address these issues and are now permitting assessments of pattern and process in oceans. The intent of this special issue is to highlight research that is adapting the tools of landscape ecology to answer ecological questions within marine and coastal systems, to address the unique challenges faced in these landscapes, and to stimulate an exchange of ideas and solutions to common problems. Inspiration for this special issue of Landscape Ecology began with a special session on “Marine and Coastal Applications in Landscape Ecology” that was held at the 19th Annual Symposium of the United States Regional Association of the International Association for Landscape Ecology, March 31-April 2, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
ISSN:0921-2973
1572-9761
DOI:10.1007/s10980-007-9141-3