Optimising methods for monitoring programs: Olympic marmots as a case study

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Witczuk ◽  
Stanislaw Pagacz ◽  
L. Scott Mills
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Sampling Design ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Olympic National Park ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Stage Process ◽  
Declining Species ◽  
Changes Over Time

Monitoring of rare and declining species is one of the most important tasks of wildlife managers. Here we present a large-scale, long-term monitoring program for Olympic marmot (Marmota olympus) throughout its range across a logistically challenging mountainous park. Our multiple-stage process of survey design accounts for the difficulty imposed by access to remote habitats and funding constraints. The Olympic marmot is endemic to the Olympic Mountains, Washington State, USA. Although nearly all of its range is enclosed within Olympic National Park, declines and local extirpations of the species have been documented. We considered several possible alternative survey approaches, and propose a monitoring program designed to reflect extinction–recolonisation dynamics using presence–absence data. The sampling design is based on annual surveys of a set of at least 25 randomly selected clusters (closely located groups of sites with record of current or historical occupancy by marmots), and supplemented by sampling 15 never-occupied sites to test for new colonisations. The monitoring plan provides a framework that park managers can use for assessing changes over time in Olympic marmot distribution across the range of the species. Our sampling design may serve as a useful case study for establishing monitoring programs for other species with clumped distributions.

Advancing an Ecosystem Approach in the Gulf of Maine

2012 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Georges Bank ◽  
Scotian Shelf ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Zooplankton Dynamics ◽  
Biological Environment

<i>Abstract</i>.—Zooplankton communities perform a critical role as secondary producers in marine ecosystems. They are vulnerable to climate-induced changes in the marine environment, including temperature, stratification, and circulation, but the effects of these changes are difficult to discern without sustained ocean monitoring. The physical, chemical, and biological environment of the Gulf of Maine, including Georges Bank, is strongly influenced by inflow from the Scotian Shelf and through the Northeast Channel, and thus observations both in the Gulf of Maine and in upstream regions are necessary to understand plankton variability and change in the Gulf of Maine. Large-scale, quasi synoptic plankton surveys have been performed in the Gulf of Maine since Bigelow’s work at the beginning of the 20th century. More recently, ongoing plankton monitoring efforts include Continuous Plankton Recorder sampling in the Gulf of Maine and on the Scotian Shelf, U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service’s MARMAP (Marine Resources Monitoring, Assessment, and Prediction) and EcoMon (Ecosystem Monitoring) programs sampling the northeast U.S. Continental Shelf, including the Gulf of Maine, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program on the Scotian Shelf and in the eastern Gulf of Maine. Here, we review and compare past and ongoing zooplankton monitoring programs in the Gulf of Maine region, including Georges Bank and the western Scotian Shelf, to facilitate retrospective analysis and broadscale synthesis of zooplankton dynamics in the Gulf of Maine. Additional sustained sampling at greater-than-monthly frequency at selected sites in the Gulf of Maine would be necessary to detect changes in phenology (i.e. seasonal timing of biological events). Sustained zooplankton sampling in critical nearshore fish habitats and in key feeding areas for upper trophic level organisms, such as marine mammals and seabirds, would yield significant insights into their dynamics. The ecosystem dynamics of the Gulf of Maine are strongly influenced by large-scale forcing and variability in upstream inflow. Improved coordination of sampling and data analysis among monitoring programs, effective data management, and use of multiple modeling approaches will all enhance the mechanistic understanding of the structure and function of the Gulf of Maine pelagic ecosystem.

A large-scale field study in eastern Siberia using novel time-domain electromagnetic technology

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. T109-T120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Davydycheva ◽  
Alexander Kaminsky ◽  
Nikolai Rykhlinski ◽  
Andrei Yakovlev
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Eastern Siberia ◽  
Scale Field ◽  
Large Scale Field ◽  
Time Domain Electromagnetic ◽  
Integrated Interpretation

We evaluated the results of a large-scale commercial project that illustrated the capabilities of advanced time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) technologies powered with integrated interpretation of geologic and geophysical data. To study the hydrocarbon prospectivity of a field in Eastern Siberia, we developed a survey design, and then acquired, processed, and interpreted the TDEM data from 30 profiles (total length 772 km) covering an area of approximately [Formula: see text]. The data were acquired using the conventional TDEM and a novel high-resolution version of TDEM, the focused-source electromagnetic method. We described the geologic framework, data acquisition methodologies, and key results obtained using integrated TDEM, seismic, and well-logging data. The interpretation was used to select well locations for additional exploratory drilling. Postsurvey drilling supported our interpretation. The presented case study demonstrates the value of TDEM in the exploration workflow.

scholarly journals Accounting for Surveyor Effort in Large-Scale Monitoring Programs

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Aagaard ◽  
James E. Lyons ◽  
Wayne E. Thogmartin
Keyword(s):  
Count Data ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Wildlife Monitoring ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Christmas Bird Count ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Log Linear ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Survey Effort

AbstractAccounting for errors in wildlife surveys is necessary for reliable status assessments and quantification of uncertainty in estimates of population size. We apply a hierarchical log-linear Poisson regression model that accounts for multiple sources of variability in count data collected for the Integrated Waterbird Management and Monitoring Program during 2010–2014. In some large-scale monitoring programs (e.g., Christmas Bird Count) there are diminishing returns in numbers counted as survey effort increases; therefore, we also explore the need to account for variable survey duration as a proxy for effort. In general, we found a high degree of concordance between counts and effort-adjusted estimates of relative abundance from the Integrated Waterbird Management and Monitoring Program (x̄difference = 0.02%; 0.25% SD). We suggest that the model-based adjustments were small because there is only a weak asymptotic relationship with effort and count. Whereas effort adjustments are reasonable and effective when applied to count data from plots of standardized area, such adjustments may not be necessary when the area of sample units is not standardized and surveyor effort increases with number of birds present. That is, large units require more effort only when there are many birds present. The general framework we implemented to evaluate effects of varying survey effort applies to a wide variety of wildlife monitoring efforts.

scholarly journals Early Neolithic Settlement Patterns in the Polish Lowlands – A Case Study of Selected Micro-Regions in Eastern Kuyavia

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1091-1104
Author(s):  
Joanna Pyzel
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Detailed Comparison ◽  
Basic Unit ◽  
Regional Variability ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Regional Clusters ◽  
Homogeneous Pattern ◽  
Social Units ◽  
Changes Over Time

Abstract The purpose of this paper is the presentation of the settlement of the first farming communities of the Linear Pottery culture in the Polish lowlands. A case study of three neighboring micro-regions excavated on a large scale in eastern Kuyavia was conducted, which offered the possibility of analyzing various levels of the settlement. Based on the results obtained a local model of the LBK occupation in Kuyavia could be reconstructed. I argue that despite some regional variability a very general common settlement pattern existed for the whole LBK consisting of an iconic longhouse as the basic unit, the presence of micro-regional clusters of more or less contemporary sites, and the preference for regions with optimal environmental conditions. However, a detailed comparison within and between separate sites in the study area revealed some degree of variability inside this supposedly homogeneous pattern which can indicate the existence of different social units among small regional communities and their changes over time.

An operational and scientific monitoring program (OSMP) for the Prelude and Ichthys fields: a case study from the Browse Basin

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 480
Author(s):  
David Souter ◽  
Steve Rogers ◽  
Jamie Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Australian Institute ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
Gas Fields ◽  
Structured Approach

An OSMP is the principle tool for determining the extent, severity, and persistence of environmental impacts from an oil spill. The OSMP developed for the Shell Prelude and Inpex Ichthys gas fields has 13 operational monitoring programs (OMPs) and 12 scientific monitoring programs (SMPs) reflecting the complexity of the environment in which the developments are located. A partnership of organisations led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) will provide specialist expertise to help implement the OSMP. This unique multi-disciplinary partnership, comprising AIMS, CSIRO, University of Western Australia, Curtin University, WA ChemCentre, and Monash University, guarantees capability and capacity, reducing the level of risk incurred by individual organisations within the partnership. Fundamental to the success of any OSMP is the existence of adequate, fit-for-purpose baseline data against which post spill observations can be compared to determine the extent and severity of the spill and assess effectiveness of oil spill response. In addition, we believe adequate baselines with sufficient temporal resolution are essential for OSMP credibility and maintenance of the scientific reputations of partners. In committing capability to the OSMP implementation, AIMS and its partners have adopted a risk-based approach to assessing the adequacy of existing baseline data, to identify knowledge gaps, and assess the significance of those gaps and the feasibility of filling them. This extended abstract describes the structured approach taken to analyse the various risks and to develop a balanced suite of environmental baseline studies to address these risks.

scholarly journals Extensive Contamination of Water with Saxitoxin Near the Dam of the Irkutsk Hydropower Station Reservoir (East Siberia, Russia)

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikhail Grachev ◽  
Ilya Zubkov ◽  
Irina Tikhonova ◽  
Maria Ivacheva ◽  
Anton Kuzmin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Nucleotide Sequencing ◽  
Hydroelectric Power Station ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
East Siberia ◽  
Power Station ◽  
Microbiological Analyses

An area of discolored water 50 m wide and 30 m long was found in September 2017 close to the dam of the Irkutsk hydroelectric power station. Water from this spot was sampled for investigation in the present study. Microscopic analysis revealed that the suspended matter in the sample was composed of clumps of filaments, vegetative cells, akinetes and heterocysts that formed short filaments and solitary cells. This matter was found to consist of partially degraded cells of the cyanobacterium Dolichospermum lemmermannii. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA isolated from the biomass revealed the presence of the sxtA gene which is involved in the synthesis of saxitoxin. Water from the polluted area contained 600 ± 100 μg L−1 saxitoxin as measured by HPLC-MS with pre-column modification of the toxin with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. Immunoassay analysis (ELISA) showed a concentration of saxitoxins in the water of 2900 ± 900 μg L−1. Hydrochemical and microbiological analyses suggested the contaminated area appeared as a result of a D. lemmermannii bloom, followed by its decay and release of saxitoxin and nutrients. The present paper describes the results of a case study. Better understanding of the phenomenon will depend on the possibility to perform implementation of a large-scale monitoring program.

A large-scale Gulf of Mexico OBC simultaneous source case study: Survey design for efficient shot separation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Zarkhidze ◽  
Luis Arechiga Salinas ◽  
Franck Le Diagon ◽  
Jeff Thompson ◽  
Marcela Ortin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Source Case ◽  
Simultaneous Source

A Large-Scale Gulf of Mexico OBC Simultaneous-Source Case Study: Survey Design for Efficient Shot Separation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Zarkhidze ◽  
L. Arechiga Salinas ◽  
F. Le Diagon ◽  
J. Thompson ◽  
M. Ortin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Source Case ◽  
Simultaneous Source

scholarly journals The use of pseudo-multivariate standard error to improve the sampling design of coral monitoring programs

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8429
Author(s):  
Luis M. Montilla ◽  
Emy Miyazawa ◽  
Alfredo Ascanio ◽  
María López-Hernández ◽  
Gloria Mariño-Briceño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Coral Reef ◽  
Standard Error ◽  
Scleractinian Coral ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Sampling Design ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Coral Monitoring

The characteristics of coral reef sampling and monitoring are highly variable, with numbers of units and sampling effort varying from one study to another. Numerous works have been carried out to determine an appropriate effect size through statistical power; however, these were always from a univariate perspective. In this work, we used the pseudo multivariate dissimilarity-based standard error (MultSE) approach to assess the precision of sampling scleractinian coral assemblages in reefs of Venezuela between 2017 and 2018 when using different combinations of number of transects, quadrats and points. For this, the MultSE of 36 sites previously sampled was estimated, using four 30m-transects with 15 photo-quadrats each and 25 random points per quadrat. We obtained that the MultSE was highly variable between sites and is not correlated with the univariate standard error nor with the richness of species. Then, a subset of sites was re-annotated using 100 uniformly distributed points, which allowed the simulation of different numbers of transects per site, quadrats per transect and points per quadrat using resampling techniques. The magnitude of the MultSE stabilized by adding more transects, however, adding more quadrats or points does not improve the estimate. For this case study, the error was reduced by half when using 10 transects, 10 quadrats per transect and 25 points per quadrat. We recommend the use of MultSE in reef monitoring programs, in particular when conducting pilot surveys to optimize the estimation of the community structure.

A Family With Autosomal-Dominant Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss

1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Halpin ◽  
Barbara Herrmann ◽  
Margaret Whearty
Keyword(s):  
Speech Production ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
The Family ◽  
Patient Will ◽  
Language Pathology

The family described in this article provides an unusual opportunity to relate findings from genetic, histological, electrophysiological, psychophysical, and rehabilitative investigation. Although the total number evaluated is large (49), the known, living affected population is smaller (14), and these are spread from age 20 to age 59. As a result, the findings described above are those of a large-scale case study. Clearly, more data will be available through longitudinal study of the individuals documented in the course of this investigation but, given the slow nature of the progression in this disease, such studies will be undertaken after an interval of several years. The general picture presented to the audiologist who must rehabilitate these cases is that of a progressive cochlear degeneration that affects only thresholds at first, and then rapidly diminishes speech intelligibility. The expected result is that, after normal language development, the patient may accept hearing aids well, encouraged by the support of the family. Performance and satisfaction with the hearing aids is good, until the onset of the speech intelligibility loss, at which time the patient will encounter serious difficulties and may reject hearing aids as unhelpful. As the histological and electrophysiological results indicate, however, the eighth nerve remains viable, especially in the younger affected members, and success with cochlear implantation may be expected. Audiologic counseling efforts are aided by the presence of role models and support from the other affected members of the family. Speech-language pathology services were not considered important by the members of this family since their speech production developed normally and has remained very good. Self-correction of speech was supported by hearing aids and cochlear implants (Case 5’s speech production was documented in Perkell, Lane, Svirsky, & Webster, 1992). These patients received genetic counseling and, due to the high penetrance of the disease, exhibited serious concerns regarding future generations and the hope of a cure.

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