title: From ecology to the assessment of multiple ecosystem services; a case study of estuarine bivalves

authors: Rullens, Vera

abstract: Estuarine and coastal environments provide a wide range of societal goods and services that need to be strategically managed to ensure sustainable use of resources. Ecosystem service (ES) assessments are transitioning from individual ES to multi-service assessments that consider interactions and grouping of ES (i.e. bundles). This thesis investigates the use of ecological mechanism (i.e. the links between ecological processes, functions, and ES) to derive insights into the associations between multiple ES provided by marine bivalves and the implications for management. In data-scarce marine environments, conventional spatial methods for assessing ES interactions and bundles are not always feasible. However, advancements can be made by focussing on ecological mechanisms, as for bivalves their ecological role has been extensively studied. The complex links between processes, functions, and ES were identified for bivalves, which were used to derive four ES bundles based on shared underpinning mechanisms. This study provides detailed descriptions of the specific (set of) ecological mechanisms per bundle, thereby gaining insights in how the ES are formed, the interactions between ES (synergies and trade-offs) and the environmental stressors they are prone to. Quantification of ES remains challenging, and measuring them in functionally similar species in different habitats is rarely considered, although ecological studies indicate differences are likely. I measured in situ bivalve contribution to water quality regulation for two functionally similar bivalve species (infaunal suspension-feeders) that dominate different estuarine habitats (subtidal and intertidal). Benthic chambers were used to measure solute fluxes (oxygen and nitrogen) and bed clearance rates as proxies for ES. Empirical findings indicated higher hourly productivity, nitrogen recycling, and water column filtration in the intertidal. However, when converted to daily ES estimates these patterns did not persist, emphasising the unequal contribution to functions and ES by functionally similar species and the non-linear scaling between them. Many ecological processes and functions are density dependent, hence spatial information on the distribution and density of bivalves is an important prerequisite to estimate ES. Probability of occurrence and density were predicted using Species Distribution Models (SDMs) for two estuarine bivalve species. Fine scale (100 m resolution) predictions showed different spatial patterns depending on habitat association. Species with a narrow distribution displayed good congruence between occurrence and density predictions, whereas species with a wide distribution demonstrated that a high probability of occurrence does not always equate to high density. Simultaneously considering both occurrence and density will improve decision-making and identify areas of greatest ecological value to the species of interest. Ecological mechanisms can be further applied to advance spatial predictions of multiple ES in marine environments, through process-based models that incorporate ecological principles to derive ES potential and assess natural variability in ES. Four ES (food provision, water quality regulation, nitrogen removal, and sediment stabilisation) were spatially predicted for two bivalve species. Spatial patterns in ES related to the species habitat association, with varying quantities and were driven by environmental conditions. Hotspot analyses on combined ES maps per species identified high-density areas for the provision of multiple ES simultaneously. These models provide a versatile tool to inform current management practices and can be further applied to test management scenarios. Collectively the results from this thesis demonstrated the utility and effectiveness of ecological mechanisms to determine ES interactions and bundles, and the spatial heterogeneity observed across estuaries. It also highlighted the interconnectedness of marine ES and the implications for their management.

text: From ecology to the assessment of multiple ecosystem services; a case study of estuarine bivalves Estuarine and coastal environments provide a wide range of societal goods and services that need to be strategically managed to ensure sustainable use of resources. Ecosystem service (ES) assessments are transitioning from individual ES to multi-service assessments that consider interactions and grouping of ES (i.e. bundles). This thesis investigates the use of ecological mechanism (i.e. the links between ecological processes, functions, and ES) to derive insights into the associations between multiple ES provided by marine bivalves and the implications for management. In data-scarce marine environments, conventional spatial methods for assessing ES interactions and bundles are not always feasible. However, advancements can be made by focussing on ecological mechanisms, as for bivalves their ecological role has been extensively studied. The complex links between processes, functions, and ES were identified for bivalves, which were used to derive four ES bundles based on shared underpinning mechanisms. This study provides detailed descriptions of the specific (set of) ecological mechanisms per bundle, thereby gaining insights in how the ES are formed, the interactions between ES (synergies and trade-offs) and the environmental stressors they are prone to. Quantification of ES remains challenging, and measuring them in functionally similar species in different habitats is rarely considered, although ecological studies indicate differences are likely. I measured in situ bivalve contribution to water quality regulation for two functionally similar bivalve species (infaunal suspension-feeders) that dominate different estuarine habitats (subtidal and intertidal). Benthic chambers were used to measure solute fluxes (oxygen and nitrogen) and bed clearance rates as proxies for ES. Empirical findings indicated higher hourly productivity, nitrogen recycling, and water column filtration in the intertidal. However, when converted to daily ES estimates these patterns did not persist, emphasising the unequal contribution to functions and ES by functionally similar species and the non-linear scaling between them. Many ecological processes and functions are density dependent, hence spatial information on the distribution and density of bivalves is an important prerequisite to estimate ES. Probability of occurrence and density were predicted using Species Distribution Models (SDMs) for two estuarine bivalve species. Fine scale (100 m resolution) predictions showed different spatial patterns depending on habitat association. Species with a narrow distribution displayed good congruence between occurrence and density predictions, whereas species with a wide distribution demonstrated that a high probability of occurrence does not always equate to high density. Simultaneously considering both occurrence and density will improve decision-making and identify areas of greatest ecological value to the species of interest. Ecological mechanisms can be further applied to advance spatial predictions of multiple ES in marine environments, through process-based models that incorporate ecological principles to derive ES potential and assess natural variability in ES. Four ES (food provision, water quality regulation, nitrogen removal, and sediment stabilisation) were spatially predicted for two bivalve species. Spatial patterns in ES related to the species habitat association, with varying quantities and were driven by environmental conditions. Hotspot analyses on combined ES maps per species identified high-density areas for the provision of multiple ES simultaneously. These models provide a versatile tool to inform current management practices and can be further applied to test management scenarios. Collectively the results from this thesis demonstrated the utility and effectiveness of ecological mechanisms to determine ES interactions and bundles, and the spatial heterogeneity observed across estuaries. It also highlighted the interconnectedness of marine ES and the implications for their management.

year: 2021

title: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - A New Era of Realism?

authors: Elliott, Darren Jack

subjects: Audience research

abstract: Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy is a familiar blockbuster franchise, adapting a well-known piece of literature and designed to appeal to global audiences. This trilogy, however, is also experimental, as the premium release of each film utilised higher frame rate (HFR) technologies together with computer generated imaging (CGI) and 3D in ways that were intended to extent the apparatus of cinema itself. These technological processes are part of a long line of developments aimed at creating a more compelling cinematic experience (Michelle, Davis, Hight, and Hardy, 2015). 3D film is thought to be the culmination of technological advances in film as the format’s ‘implicit mission was to conquer the entire sensorial complex, to represent reality in its totality’ (Asselin and Gosselin, 2013, p.132). Thus, this thesis focuses on the reception of global audiences to the technological aspects of the second film of The Hobbit franchise, The Desolation of Smaug (2013), focusing on whether 3D HFR quantifiably alters viewers’ viewing experience in terms of improving perceptions of realism and immersion. The research draws from a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods, including an online survey of 650 respondents across multiple countries and 39 Skype and email follow-up interviews. The responses to and interpretations of a self-selected audience formed the basis of understanding whether these technological advancements have created a more perceptually realistic and immersive cinematic experience.
The findings from this research indicate that these new technologies were a challenge to many of the expectations of Hobbit viewers. Despite general approval of the nature of these technologies and their possibilities for enhancing the aesthetic experience of cinema, key segments of the audience were clearly disenchanted with these innovations, especially in comparison with their experience of Jackson’s earlier Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) and other CGI-based and 3D cinema. Respondents outlined problems in the interplay between the different imaging techniques, which generated jarring visual artefacts. They critiqued scenes where the filmmakers failed to seamlessly meld the technologies effectively, and many reported being frustrated at interruptions to their efforts to immerse themselves in the film’s narrative. Furthermore, my findings suggest that ultimately, the 3D HFR technologies and the aesthetic presented were subsidiary issues to the narrative surrounding the Middle-earth world that emotionally resonates with the majority of respondents. This does not mean that these interviewees found 3D HFR technology to have clashed with the narrative, but that the film ultimately stood as a return to their Middle-earth world. These 3 responses are consistent with those noted by Michelle et al. (2015), who found that existing fan communities of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings trilogy had complex reactions to the use of 3D HFR technologies and their impact on The Hobbit films. These findings suggest a mixed future for similar efforts to advance cinematic aesthetics through new technologies.

text: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - A New Era of Realism? Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy is a familiar blockbuster franchise, adapting a well-known piece of literature and designed to appeal to global audiences. This trilogy, however, is also experimental, as the premium release of each film utilised higher frame rate (HFR) technologies together with computer generated imaging (CGI) and 3D in ways that were intended to extent the apparatus of cinema itself. These technological processes are part of a long line of developments aimed at creating a more compelling cinematic experience (Michelle, Davis, Hight, and Hardy, 2015). 3D film is thought to be the culmination of technological advances in film as the format’s ‘implicit mission was to conquer the entire sensorial complex, to represent reality in its totality’ (Asselin and Gosselin, 2013, p.132). Thus, this thesis focuses on the reception of global audiences to the technological aspects of the second film of The Hobbit franchise, The Desolation of Smaug (2013), focusing on whether 3D HFR quantifiably alters viewers’ viewing experience in terms of improving perceptions of realism and immersion. The research draws from a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods, including an online survey of 650 respondents across multiple countries and 39 Skype and email follow-up interviews. The responses to and interpretations of a self-selected audience formed the basis of understanding whether these technological advancements have created a more perceptually realistic and immersive cinematic experience.
The findings from this research indicate that these new technologies were a challenge to many of the expectations of Hobbit viewers. Despite general approval of the nature of these technologies and their possibilities for enhancing the aesthetic experience of cinema, key segments of the audience were clearly disenchanted with these innovations, especially in comparison with their experience of Jackson’s earlier Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) and other CGI-based and 3D cinema. Respondents outlined problems in the interplay between the different imaging techniques, which generated jarring visual artefacts. They critiqued scenes where the filmmakers failed to seamlessly meld the technologies effectively, and many reported being frustrated at interruptions to their efforts to immerse themselves in the film’s narrative. Furthermore, my findings suggest that ultimately, the 3D HFR technologies and the aesthetic presented were subsidiary issues to the narrative surrounding the Middle-earth world that emotionally resonates with the majority of respondents. This does not mean that these interviewees found 3D HFR technology to have clashed with the narrative, but that the film ultimately stood as a return to their Middle-earth world. These 3 responses are consistent with those noted by Michelle et al. (2015), who found that existing fan communities of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings trilogy had complex reactions to the use of 3D HFR technologies and their impact on The Hobbit films. These findings suggest a mixed future for similar efforts to advance cinematic aesthetics through new technologies.

year: 2015

title: The reform of Maori land tenure and the quest for sustainability in New Zealand

authors: Jay, Grace Mairi M.

subjects: geography

abstract: Many of the countries of the Pacific region (including Australia and New Zealand) have a British colonial legacy. This history has had wide implications for the development of the region: economically, politically and socially. The cadastral (property based) systems in these countries have been influenced by British land conveyance and registration practices, and by colonial history. To date, Australia and new Zealand are still trying to resolve land tenure and information problems which are steeped in historical and ethnic dimensions. Land is the single most important factor for Maori development in New Zealand, and has great implications for the development of this country.

text: The reform of Maori land tenure and the quest for sustainability in New Zealand Many of the countries of the Pacific region (including Australia and New Zealand) have a British colonial legacy. This history has had wide implications for the development of the region: economically, politically and socially. The cadastral (property based) systems in these countries have been influenced by British land conveyance and registration practices, and by colonial history. To date, Australia and new Zealand are still trying to resolve land tenure and information problems which are steeped in historical and ethnic dimensions. Land is the single most important factor for Maori development in New Zealand, and has great implications for the development of this country.

year: 1997