Assessing ecological responses to environmental change using statistical models

Ferguson, C. A.; Carvalho, L.; Scott, E. M.; Bowman, A. W.; Kirika, A.. 2008 Assessing ecological responses to environmental change using statistical models. Journal of Applied Ecology, 45 (1). 193-203. 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2007.01428.x

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Official URL: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j...

Abstract/Summary

Summary 1. There is a clear need to improve our ability to assess the ecological consequences of environmental change. Because of the complexity of ecosystems and a need to disentangle the effects of multiple pressures, predictions are often reliant on models and expert opinion. These require validation with observed data; in this respect, long-term datasets are particularly valuable. 2. Innovative statistical methods (nonparametric regression and additive models) are presented for identifying nonparametric ecological trends and changes in seasonality in response to environmental change. These are illustrated through the example of Loch Leven, a shallow freshwater lake. 35 years of monitoring data are examined spanning periods of enrichment, ecological recovery and changing climate. 3. Models are developed for phosphorus and nitrogen; temperature and rainfall; Daphnia grazers; and chlorophylla with the ecological objectives to examine trends in water quality and the corresponding trends in nutrient availability, grazer abundance and climate. 4. The analysis highlighted a generally decreasing availability of phosphorus over the study period and generally increasing nonparametric trends in nitrate concentrations and rainfall. Increasing spring temperatures were also evident as were significant nonparametric changes in summer grazer densities. 5. Significant reductions in spring and summer chlorophylla are highlighted, related to the return of Daphnia to the loch. However, no response in chorophylla is apparent to the later declining trends in phosphorus, but seasonality has changed. 6. Synthesis and applications. The analysis highlights the value of nonparametric statistical models for assessing complex ecological responses to environmental change. The models outlined can examine key ecological impacts of climate change, particularly effects on the timing of seasonal events and processes. The models are illustrated using long-term water quality data from Loch Leven to explore patterns in key environmental drivers and ecological responses affecting freshwater ecosystems. Analysis of chlorophylla in particular, highlighted the value of examining the seasonal trends separately, with different trends evident for winter and spring and a changing seasonal pattern.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1111/j.1365-2664.2007.01428.x
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Water > WA02 Quantifying processes that link water quality and quantity, biota and physical environment CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Water > WA03 Developing strategic data and knowledge at a catchment scale to enable the wiser management of the water environment
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Watt
ISSN:	0021-8901
Additional Keywords:	climate change, freshwater, Loch Leven, seasonality, statistical model, trend
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Mathematics
Date made live:	30 Jan 2008 13:22 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/2245

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1111/j.1365-2664.2007.01428.x

Programmes:

CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Water > WA02 Quantifying processes that link water quality and quantity, biota and physical environment
CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Water > WA03 Developing strategic data and knowledge at a catchment scale to enable the wiser management of the water environment

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Watt

ISSN:

0021-8901

Additional Keywords:

climate change, freshwater, Loch Leven, seasonality, statistical model, trend