Thesis (Ph. D.)--Joint Program in Biological Oceanography (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Biology; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), 2005. / Page 296 blank. Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

Overfishing in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) resulted in degradation of the ecosystem. This study used the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) indicator framework to determine whether the ecosystem is now recovering. Indicator trends were analysed using various data sources that included government institutions and intergovernmental institutions. The results showed that the overall effect of Driver indicators was negative. This was mainly because of socio-economic pressure such as the need to create more jobs in light of rising national unemployment and the declining contribution of the fisheries sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition to scientific advice, socio-economic factors also influenced the determination of Total Allowable Catches (TACs). The overall trend of Pressure indicators was positively influenced by the effect of TACs. The TACs reduced the quotas allocated for commercial fishing. Environmental factors did not seem to play a significant role in this study. State indicators had mixed results with the indicators assessed almost split in the middle between those showing a positive trend and those showing a negative trend. On the other hand, Impact and Response indicators showed overall positive results. Therefore, the conclusion of the study was that the degradation of the BCLME has slowed down and there are some signs of recovery. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Science)

Overfishing in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) resulted in degradation of the ecosystem. This study used the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) indicator framework to determine whether the ecosystem is now recovering. Indicator trends were analysed using various data sources that included government institutions and intergovernmental institutions. The results showed that the overall effect of Driver indicators was negative. This was mainly because of socio-economic pressure such as the need to create more jobs in light of rising national unemployment and the declining contribution of the fisheries sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In addition to scientific advice, socio-economic factors also influenced the determination of Total Allowable Catches (TACs). The overall trend of Pressure indicators was positively influenced by the effect of TACs. The TACs reduced the quotas allocated for commercial fishing. Environmental factors did not seem to play a significant role in this study. State indicators had mixed results with the indicators assessed almost split in the middle between those showing a positive trend and those showing a negative trend. On the other hand, Impact and Response indicators showed overall positive results. Therefore, the conclusion of the study was that the degradation of the BCLME has slowed down and there are some signs of recovery. / Environmental Sciences / M.Sc. (Environmental Science)

No description available.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-57). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-57).

No description available.

Assessing the spatial and temporal distributions of marine turtles in an open system poses both observational and analytical challenges due to their migratory nature and use of large current systems. Concentrations of animals can shift because turtles undergo large-scale migrations and habitat shifts seasonally as well as a function of lifestage. Surface counts of marine turtles in waters off Florida’s east coast were made in and adjacent to the Florida Current using standard aerial surveys. While it is understood that marine turtles use waters off the eastern coast of Florida, here we document the magnitude of the shift in turtle presence each season throughout a two year study and identify habitat characteristics where turtles occur most frequently. Our assessment of marine turtles in the waters off southeast Florida provide valuable metrics describing the in-water biology of sea turtles in this area to inform future management strategies of these endangered species. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

No description available.