Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Management Relevance of Benthic Biogeography at Multiple Scales in Coastal Waters of the Northeast U.S.

  • Published:
Environmental Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Continuing pressures from human activities have harmed the health of ocean ecosystems, particularly those near the coast. Current management practices that operate on one sector at a time have not resulted in healthy oceans that can sustainably provide the ecosystem services humans want and need. Now, adoption of ecosystem-based management (EBM) and coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) as foundational principles for ocean management in the United States should result in a more holistic approach. Recent marine biogeographical studies and benthic habitat mapping using satellite imagery, large-scale monitoring programs, ocean observation systems, acoustic and video techniques, landscape ecology, geographic information systems, integrated databases, and ecological modeling provide information that can support EBM, make CMSP ecologically meaningful, and contribute to planning for marine biodiversity conservation. Examples from coastal waters along the northeast coast of the United States from Delaware Bay to Passamaquoddy Bay, Maine, illustrate how benthic biogeography and bottom seascape diversity information is a useful lens through which to view EBM and CMSP in nearshore waters. The focus is on benthic communities, which are widely used in monitoring programs and are sensitive to many stresses from human activities.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Battista T, Clark R, Pittman, S (2006) An ecological characterization of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Region: oceanographic, biogeographic, and contaminants assessment. NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. NOAA Tech Memo NOS NCCOS 45. Silver Spring, MD

  • Beck MW, Ferdaña Z, Kachmar J, Morrison KK (2009) Best practices for marine spatial planning. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington. http://www.nature.org/initiatives/marine/files/msp_best_practices.pdf. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Bricker S, Longstaff B, Dennison W et al (2007) Effects of nutrient enrichment in the nation’s estuaries: a decade of change. NOAA Coastal Ocean Program Decision Analysis Series No. 26. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring, MD

  • Briggs JC (1995) Global biogeography. Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Buchsbaum R, Powell JC (2008) Symposium review: long-term shifts in faunal assemblages in eastern North American estuaries. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries. doi:10.1007/s11160-008-9086-x

    Google Scholar 

  • CLF/WWF (Conservation Law Foundation and World Wildlife Fund-Canada) (2006) Marine ecosystem conservation for New England and Maritime Canada: a science-based approach to identifying priority areas for conservation. http://awsassets.wwf.ca/downloads/wwf_northwestatlantic_marineecosystemconservation2006.pdf. Accessed 12 Jan 2012

  • Cook RR, Auster PJ (2007) A bioregional classification for the continental shelf of Northeastern North America for conservation analysis and planning based on representation. Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series NMSP-07-03. NOAA, Silver Spring, MD

  • Crowder L, Norse E (2008) Essential ecological insights for marine ecosystem-based management and marine spatial planning. Mar Policy 32:772–778

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeLong AK, Collie JS (2004) Defining essential fish habitat: a model-based approach. Rhode Island Sea Grant, Narragansett

    Google Scholar 

  • Diaz RJ, Rosenberg R (2008) Spreading dead zones and consequences for marine ecosystems. Science 321:926–929

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Elith J, Graham CH, Anderson RP et al (2006) Novel methods improve prediction of species’ distributions from occurrence data. Ecography 29:129–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ESIP (Ecosystem Indicators Partnership) (2012) http://www.gulfofmaine.org/esip. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Foley MM, Halpern BS, Micheli F et al (2010) Guiding ecological principles for marine spatial planning. Mar Policy 34:955–966

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franz DR, Merrill AS (1980) The origins and determinants of distribution of molluscan faunal groups on the shallow continental shelf of the Northwest Atlantic. Malacologia 19:227–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaston KJ, Chown SL, Evans KL (2008) Ecogeographical rules: elements of a synthesis. J Biogeogr 35:483–500

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilliland PM, Laffoley D (2008) Key elements and steps in the process of developing ecosystem-based marine spatial planning. Mar Policy 32:787–796

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greene JK, Anderson MG, Odell J, Steinberg N (eds) (2010) The Northwest Atlantic marine ecoregional assessment: species, habitats and ecosystems. Phase One. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern U.S. Division, Boston, MA. http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/areas/easternusmarine/explore/index.htm. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Guarinello ML, Shumchenia EJ, King JW (2010) Marine habitat classification for ecosystem-based management: a proposed hierarchical framework. Environ Manag 45:793–806

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guisan A, Zimmerman NE (2000) Predictive habitat distribution models in ecology. Ecol Model 135:147–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hale R, Calosi P, McNeill L, Mieszkowska N, Widdicombe S (2011) Predicted levels of future ocean acidification and temperature rise could alter community structure and biodiversity in marine benthic communities. Oikos 120:661–674

    Google Scholar 

  • Hale SS (2010) Biogeography of marine benthic macroinvertebrates along the Atlantic coast of the northeastern USA. Estuaries Coasts 33:1039–1053

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hale SS, Heltshe JF (2008) Signals from the benthos: development and evaluation of a benthic index for the nearshore Gulf of Maine. Ecol Ind 8:338–350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hale SS, Paul JF, Heltshe JF (2004) Watershed landscape indicators of estuarine benthic condition. Estuaries 27(2):284–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halpern BS, Walbridge S, Selkoe KA et al (2008) A global map of human impact on marine ecosystems. Science 319(5865):948–952

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hart TE, Grabowski JH (2009) Integrating seafloor mapping & benthic ecology into fisheries management in the Gulf of Maine. In: Workshop Proceedings, April 15–16, 2009, Portland, ME

  • Hayhoe K, Wake C, Anderson B et al (2008) Regional climate change projections for the northeast U.S. Mitig Adapt Strateg Global Change 13:425–436

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hinchey EK, Nicholson MC, Zajac RN, Irlandi EA (2008) Preface: marine and coastal applications in landscape ecology. Landsc Ecol 23:1–5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hooper DU, Chapin FS III, Ewel JJ et al (2005) Effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning: a consensus of current knowledge. Ecological Monogr 75:3–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IOOS (Integrated Ocean Observing System) (2012) http://www.ioos.gov. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Korfmacher KS (1998) Invisible successes, visible failures: paradoxes of ecosystem management in the Albermarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study. Coast Manag 26:191–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larsen PF (2004) Notes on the environmental setting and biodiversity of Cobscook Bay, Maine: a boreal, macrotidal estuary. In: PF Larsen (ed) Ecosystem modeling in Cobscook Bay, Maine: a boreal, macrotidal estuary. Northeast Naturalist 11(Special Issue 2):13–22

  • Lester SE, McLeod KL, Tallis H et al (2010) Science in support of ecosystem-based management for the U.S. West Coast and beyond. Biol Conserv 143(3):576–587

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Letson D, Suman D, Shivlani M (1998) Pollution prevention in the coastal zone: an exploratory essay with case studies. Coast Manag 26:157–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levin PS, Fogarty MJ, Murawski SA, Fluharty D (2009) Integrated ecosystem assessments: developing the scientific basis for ecosystem-based management of the ocean. PLoS Biol 7(1):23–28 e1000014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Llansó RJ, Scott LC, Dauer DM et al (2002) An estuarine benthic index of biotic integrity for the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. I. Classification of assemblages and habitat definition. Estuaries 25:1219–1230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Long Island Sound Study (2012) www.longislandsoundstudy.net/status-and-trends. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Longhurst A (1998) Ecological geography of the sea. Academic Press, San Diego

    Google Scholar 

  • Lourie SA, Vincent AC (2004) Using biogeography to help set priorities in marine conservation. Conserv Biol 18:1004–1020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahon R, Fanning L, McConney P, Pollnac R (2010) Governance characteristics of large marine ecosystems. Mar Policy 34:919–927

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan (2009) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Boston, MA. http://www.mass.gov/eea/ocean-coastal-management/mass-ocean-plan/final-massachusetts-ocean-management-plan.html. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (2012) http://www.mass.gov/czm. Accessed 2 Nov 2012

  • McHenry JA, Steneck RS (2011) Abiotic drivers of benthic megafauna in the Gulf of Maine coastal shelf: a template for marine spatial planning. [abstract]. Regional Association for Research on the Gulf of Maine Annual Science Meeting, Portsmouth, NH, 5 Oct 2011

  • McLeod K, Leslie H (2009) Ecosystem-based management for the oceans. Island Press, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Murawski SA (2007) Ten myths concerning ecosystem approaches to marine resource management. Mar Policy 31:681–690

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • NCA (National Coastal Assessment) (2012) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/emap/nca. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • NEP (National Estuary Program) (2012) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/nep. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) (2009) Ecosystem status report for the Northeast U.S. continental shelf large marine ecosystem. NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Woods Hole

  • NOC (National Ocean Council) (2012) Draft national ocean policy implementation plan. National Ocean Council, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • NRDC (Natural Resource Defense Council) (2001) Priority ocean areas for protection in the Mid-Atlantic: findings of NRDC’s Marine Habitat Workshop. http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/priority/poainx.asp. Accessed 1 Feb 2012

  • Nye JA, Link JS, Hare JA, Overholtz WF (2009) Changing spatial distributions of fish stocks in relation to climate and population size on the Northeast United States continental shelf. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 393:111–129

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • OBIS (Ocean Biogeographic Information System) (2012) http://www.iobis.org. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Palumbi SR, Sandifer PA, Allan JD et al (2009) Managing for ocean biodiversity to sustain marine ecosystem services. Front Ecol Environ 7:204–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (2012) http://www.delawareestuary.org/index.asp. Accessed 1 Feb 2012

  • Paul JF, Scott KJ, Campbell DE et al (2001) Developing and applying a benthic index of estuarine condition for the Virginian biogeographic province. Ecol Indic 1:83–99

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raineault NA, Trembanis AC, Miller DC (2012) Mapping benthic habitats in Delaware Bay and the coastal Atlantic: acoustic techniques provide greater coverage and high resolution in complex, shallow-water environments. Estuaries Coasts 35:682–699

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (2010) Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/oceansamp. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Rice J, Gjerde KM, Ardron J et al (2011) Policy relevance of biogeographic classification for conservation and management of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, and the GOODS biogeographic classification. Ocean Coast Manag 54:110–122

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts CM, Andelman S, Branch G et al (2003) Ecological criteria for evaluating candidate sites for marine reserves. Ecol Appl 13:S199–S214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg AA, McLeod KL (2005) Implementing ecosystem-based management approaches to management for the conservation of ecosystem services. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 300:241–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg AA, Sandifer PA (2009) What do managers need? In: McLeod KL, Leslie HM (eds) Ecosystem-based management for the oceans, Chap. 2. Island Press, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • SBNMS (Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary) (2011) Proposed Sanctuary Ecological Research Area. Draft-September 14, 2011. http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/library/pdfs/sbnms_sera_proposal.pdf. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Shumchenia EJ, King JW (2010) Comparison of methods for integrating biological and physical data for marine habitat mapping and classification. Cont Shelf Res 30:1717–1729

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snelgrove PVR, Blackburn TH, Hutchings PA et al (1997) The importance of marine sediment biodiversity in ecosystem processes. Ambio 26:578–583

    Google Scholar 

  • Spalding MD, Fox HE, Allen GR et al (2007) Marine ecoregions of the world: a bioregionalization of coastal and shelf areas. BioScience 57:573–583

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson D, Chiarella L, Stephan D, Reid R, Wilhelm K, McCarthy J, Pentony M (2004) Characterization of the fishing practices and marine benthic ecosystems of the northeast U.S. shelf, and an evaluation of the potential effects of fishing on essential fish habitat. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NE-181. National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole

  • Tilburg CE, Gill S, Zeeman SI et al (2011) Characteristics of a shallow river plume: observations from the Saco River Coastal Observing System. Estuaries Coasts 34:785–799

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • USEPA (2006) National Estuary Program condition report. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development/Office of Water. EPA-842/B-06/001. Washington, DC

  • USEPA (2008) National Coastal Condition Report III. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development/Office of Water. EPA/842-R-08-002. Washington, DC

  • Zajac RN (2007) Challenges in marine, soft-sediment benthoscope ecology. Landsc Ecol 23:7–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zajac RN, Lewis RS, Poppe LJ et al (2003) Responses of infaunal populations to benthoscape structure and the potential importance of transition zones. Limnol Oceanogr 48:829–842

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank G. Cicchetti, W. Galloway, and J. Nye for helpful suggestions. M. Guarinello and two anonymous reviewers provided comments that significantly improved the manuscript. This is contribution number AED-11-018 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Atlantic Ecology Division, Narragansett, RI. Although the research described in this article has been funded wholly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it has not been subjected to Agency review. Therefore, it does not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Atlantic Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA

    Stephen S. Hale

  2. Ocean and Coastal Protection Unit, Office of Ecosystem Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, Boston, MA, 02109, USA

    Melville P. Coté Jr.

  3. Long Island Sound Office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Government Center, Suite 9-11, 888 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT, 06904-2152, USA

    Mark A. Tedesco

  4. Coastal Science Team, Office of Monitoring and Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103-2029, USA

    Renee Searfoss

Authors
  1. Stephen S. Hale
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Melville P. Coté Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mark A. Tedesco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Renee Searfoss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephen S. Hale.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hale, S.S., Coté, M.P., Tedesco, M.A. et al. Management Relevance of Benthic Biogeography at Multiple Scales in Coastal Waters of the Northeast U.S.. Environmental Management 51, 862–873 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-012-9988-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-012-9988-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation