A pressure taxonomy and pressure network diagrams for Puget Sound ecosystem recovery
Presentation Abstract
Puget Sound ecosystems, species, and human wellbeing are affected by both natural events and human activities. Broadly, these activities and events that ultimately effect change in the ecosystem via a variety of pathways of effect can be called “pressures” or “threats." In its conceptual models of the Puget Sound ecosystem and of ecosystem recovery efforts, the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) identifies key components of the ecosystem and the pressures that directly threaten these components. We have developed a "pressure taxonomy" that is intended to support recovery efforts by improving the ability of practitioners, managers, scientists and decision-makers to communicate, coordinate and collaborate more effectively within and across projects. The taxonomy is hierarchical, including three levels of information – pressure categories, pressure classes, and stressors – and examples of how the elements can be combined to describe pathways of effect. By adopting a standard nomenclature and presenting examples of pressure network diagrams, the PSP pressure taxonomy serves as a starting point for describing the multiple pathways of effect of pressures to Puget Sound ecosystems. The taxonomy has guided the development and implementation of the 2014 Puget Sound Pressure Assessment and will help make the results of that assessment useful to others. Ultimately, if all Puget Sound ecosystem recovery partners are able to reference the common taxonomy, we will increase the region’s capacity to assess risks to Puget Sound ecosystems and develop more effective approaches to managing and reducing threats to the Sound.
Session Title
Session S-02F: Presssure and Risk Assessment Tools
Conference Track
Planning Assessment & Communication
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
30-4-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
30-4-2014 3:00 PM
Location
Room 602-603
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Ecosystem management--Washington (State)--Puget Sound
Subjects – Names (LCNAF)
Puget Sound Partnership
Geographic Coverage
Puget Sound (Wash.)--Environmental conditions; Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)--Environmental conditions
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
A pressure taxonomy and pressure network diagrams for Puget Sound ecosystem recovery
Room 602-603
Puget Sound ecosystems, species, and human wellbeing are affected by both natural events and human activities. Broadly, these activities and events that ultimately effect change in the ecosystem via a variety of pathways of effect can be called “pressures” or “threats." In its conceptual models of the Puget Sound ecosystem and of ecosystem recovery efforts, the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP) identifies key components of the ecosystem and the pressures that directly threaten these components. We have developed a "pressure taxonomy" that is intended to support recovery efforts by improving the ability of practitioners, managers, scientists and decision-makers to communicate, coordinate and collaborate more effectively within and across projects. The taxonomy is hierarchical, including three levels of information – pressure categories, pressure classes, and stressors – and examples of how the elements can be combined to describe pathways of effect. By adopting a standard nomenclature and presenting examples of pressure network diagrams, the PSP pressure taxonomy serves as a starting point for describing the multiple pathways of effect of pressures to Puget Sound ecosystems. The taxonomy has guided the development and implementation of the 2014 Puget Sound Pressure Assessment and will help make the results of that assessment useful to others. Ultimately, if all Puget Sound ecosystem recovery partners are able to reference the common taxonomy, we will increase the region’s capacity to assess risks to Puget Sound ecosystems and develop more effective approaches to managing and reducing threats to the Sound.
