R reviews describing human impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems in the Caribbean emphasize two major problems. First is the lack of information about processes controlling the productivity of diverse coastal ecosystems. Second is the potential long-term negative impact of human disturbances on the goods and services these ecosystems provide (Richards and Bohnsack 1990, Ogden 1997). The Cari...

Many recent studies have focused on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, such as investigations into the productivity of experimental plant communities. One of the central issues affecting the functioning of ecosystems is the diversity of resident species richness and the composition of the plant community. However, one challenge to experimental studies is that resul...

The relevancy of parasites as potential indicators of environmental quality has been increasing over the last years, mostly due to the variety of ways in which they respond to anthropogenic pollution. The use of fish parasites as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems has been widely studied. However, little information concerning terrestrial habitats is presently availabl...

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection worldwide, it is becoming more and more important to evaluate the effects of chemical substances on the natural environment. With pesticides being intentionally released into the natural environment to protect crops from harmful insects, weeds and pathogenic microorganisms, countries worldwide, with Europe and the United States taking th...

While it is widely recognised that socioeconomic systems dramatically impact ecosystems, a comprehensive approach that help us to manage these at-risk ecosystems is still being developed. This book attempts to cover this gap by introducing an "Ecosystem Management Tool" (EMT). EMT presents an empirically-calibrated multi-stakeholder political decision process and dynamics of ecosystems as a set...

phytoplanktons are the first bio- indicators of pollution in aquatic ecosystems. phytoplankton assemblage and aquatic ecosystems are always influenced by environmental factors therefore these environmental changes and threats must be understood in any ecosystem. phytoplankton are inexpensive and readily available bio- indicators. in the present study, phytoplankton were used to study the sefid ...

The implementation of advanced methods and technology in the field of marine ecosystems studies is important to assess the impact of pollutants on marine ecosystems and biodiversity and biota interactions, including reliable study of radionuclide and heavy metal content in soils, sediments and algae. Creation of data bases for long term environmental management of pollution; evaluation of ecolo...