title: Estimating the numbers of aquatic birds affected by oil spills: pre-planning, response, and post-incident considerations

authors: Fraser, G.S.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Oil spills most visibly affect waterbirds and often the number of birds affected, a key measure of environmental damage from an incident, is required for public communication, population management, and legal reasons. We review and outline steps that can be taken to improve accuracy in the estimation of the number of birds affected in each of three phases: (1) pre-planning; (2) during a response; and (3) post-response. The more pre-planning undertaken, the more robust the estimates will be. Personnel involved in damage assessment efforts must have training in quantitative biology and need support during all three phases. The main approaches currently used to estimate the number of birds affected include probability exposure models and carcass sampling — both onshore and on the water. Probability exposure models can be used in the post-incident phase, particularly in offshore scenarios where beached bird surveys are not possible, and requires three datasets: (1) at-sea bird densities; (2) bird mortality; and (3) the spill trajectory. Carcass sampling using beached bird surveys is appropriate if trajectories indicate affected birds will reach shore. Carcass sampling can also occur via on-water transects and may overlap with risk assessment efforts. Damage assessment efforts should include a measure of sublethal effects following the post-acute phase of spills, yet this area has significant knowledge gaps. We urge jurisdictions worldwide to improve pre-incident planning. We provide guidance on how, in the absence of pre-incident data, quality data can be obtained during or after an incident. These recommendations are relevant for areas with aquatic-based industrial activities which can result in a spill of substances that could injure or kill waterbirds.

text: Estimating the numbers of aquatic birds affected by oil spills: pre-planning, response, and post-incident considerations Oil spills most visibly affect waterbirds and often the number of birds affected, a key measure of environmental damage from an incident, is required for public communication, population management, and legal reasons. We review and outline steps that can be taken to improve accuracy in the estimation of the number of birds affected in each of three phases: (1) pre-planning; (2) during a response; and (3) post-response. The more pre-planning undertaken, the more robust the estimates will be. Personnel involved in damage assessment efforts must have training in quantitative biology and need support during all three phases. The main approaches currently used to estimate the number of birds affected include probability exposure models and carcass sampling — both onshore and on the water. Probability exposure models can be used in the post-incident phase, particularly in offshore scenarios where beached bird surveys are not possible, and requires three datasets: (1) at-sea bird densities; (2) bird mortality; and (3) the spill trajectory. Carcass sampling using beached bird surveys is appropriate if trajectories indicate affected birds will reach shore. Carcass sampling can also occur via on-water transects and may overlap with risk assessment efforts. Damage assessment efforts should include a measure of sublethal effects following the post-acute phase of spills, yet this area has significant knowledge gaps. We urge jurisdictions worldwide to improve pre-incident planning. We provide guidance on how, in the absence of pre-incident data, quality data can be obtained during or after an incident. These recommendations are relevant for areas with aquatic-based industrial activities which can result in a spill of substances that could injure or kill waterbirds.

year: 2022

title: Transport of cross helicity and radial evolution of alfvenicity in the solar wind

authors: Matthaeus, William H.

subjects: mathematics

abstract: A transport theory including cross helicity, magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) turbulence, and driving by shear and pickup ions, is applied to the radial evolution of the solar wind. The radial decrease of cross helicity observed in the solar wind can be accounted for when sufficient driving is included to overcome the inherent tendency for MHD turbulence to produce Alfvenic states.

text: Transport of cross helicity and radial evolution of alfvenicity in the solar wind A transport theory including cross helicity, magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) turbulence, and driving by shear and pickup ions, is applied to the radial evolution of the solar wind. The radial decrease of cross helicity observed in the solar wind can be accounted for when sufficient driving is included to overcome the inherent tendency for MHD turbulence to produce Alfvenic states.

year: 2004

title: Implications and opportunities for Maori land in the Rotorua catchment

authors: Tahana, Arapeta

abstract: Arapeta is the Portfolio Manager, Waiariki Region, at Te Tumu Paeroa. He works with Maori land owners to enable them to achieve higher aspirations for their land and assets. He also collaborates with a wide range of other people and organisations, from owners in Māori land blocks, to government agencies, private sector companies and experts in many fields to find innovative and pragmatic solutions to the challenges of growing Māori. He is an elected member on the Māori Advisory Committee to RDC working to develop a meaningful partnership between Te Arawa and the Council.

text: Implications and opportunities for Maori land in the Rotorua catchment Arapeta is the Portfolio Manager, Waiariki Region, at Te Tumu Paeroa. He works with Maori land owners to enable them to achieve higher aspirations for their land and assets. He also collaborates with a wide range of other people and organisations, from owners in Māori land blocks, to government agencies, private sector companies and experts in many fields to find innovative and pragmatic solutions to the challenges of growing Māori. He is an elected member on the Māori Advisory Committee to RDC working to develop a meaningful partnership between Te Arawa and the Council.

year: 2013