Dr Tim Carruthers

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Dr Tim Carruthers

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Tim Carruthers Integration and Application Network Dr Tim Carruthers Coastal and Marine Adviser timc@sprep.org Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme

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PERSONAL DETAILS

Curriculum Vitae

Tim Justin Beckman Carruthers PhD, MS

Current Position:          Associate Research Scientist, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Contact:                        Program Manager for the Integration and Application Network
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD, 21613
cell: 410 330 3330
email: tcarruth@umces.edu
web: www.ian.umces.edu

Professional Experience:     
Program Manager, Integration and Application Network; University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), (MD, USA)                                                         Feb 09-present           
I am responsible for seeking project funds to further the Integration and Application Network, supporting an increasing staff number. I am therefore closely involved in setting the direction for current projects and IAN as a whole. On these projects I also generate my own salary and am therefore intimately involved in the running and management of projects, mostly directly linked to science synthesis and communication. These projects focus on a diversity of products from refereed manuscripts, newsletters, websites, posters, conceptual diagrams and video – which requires working closely with multiple staff at IAN. I still maintain all my previous roles as a Science Integrator.

Science Integrator; University of Maryland Center for       
Environmental Science (UMCES), (MD, USA)                                                         Aug 03-Feb 09           
I ran product oriented science synthesis workshops with diverse groups of scientists, nationally and internationally. I supervise other staff as well as three graduate students. I am responsible for proposal writing and project management such as product delivery, financial and staffing issues, including the hiring of staff. I constantly liaise with state, federal and non-government partners. I have also maintained a strong peer reviewed publishing record, and have given many invited and contributed presentations on the process of science communication as well as examples of science synthesis from around the world. I carry out analyses of large and complex data sets (including spatial data sets in GIS). I have also taught graduate level courses.  

Mellon post-doctoral Fellow,           
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama)                                                    Nov 02-July 03          
I was independently responsible for this field based project, having to set up and run a field lab in a remote region of Panama. I carried out field work in remote locations from a small boat, often where no English was spoken. I also carried out a range of laboratory and data analysis. I supervised four part time staff, one of whom spoke almost no English. I gave translated presentations and made posters for a local audience.

Post-doctoral Scholar            Integration and Application Network           
UMCES, (MD, USA)                                                                                                 Feb 02-Nov 02           
I assisted in the establishment of a new science synthesis program at the University of Maryland (the Integration and Application Network). I was institutive in developing new technological tools to capture key science messages in a diagrammatic forma (conceptual diagrams).

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – University of Queensland                        
Marine Botany Group – (Queensland, Australia)                                                       2000-2001
I was responsible for running several projects, one on benthic micro-algae and others on the assessment of ecosystem health of rivers and estuaries. I worked directly with consultancy firms, scientists, government agencies and volunteer organizations. I ran the field program, including water quality sampling from a small boat. I was responsible for writing reports and student supervision. I ran undergraduate field and classroom courses, including the development of new curricula.

Formal Education:   

PhD,               Marine Science: University of Western Australia                                                       1998
Title: Ecology of Ruppia megacarpa Mason in Wilson Inlet: a perspective on survival in a highly variable aquatic environment

MSc,               Marine Botany: University of Western Australia,                                                      1994
Title: Leaf production, canopy structure and light climate of a density manipulated Amphibolis griffithii meadow

BSc Hons,       Botany: University of Western Australia,                                                                  1990
Title: Phenotypic plasticity of the Chlorophyte macroalga Caulerpa racemosa

Science newsletters

Morro Bay: working together for a healthy ecosystem. May 2007. Published by The San Luis Obispo Science and Ecosystem Alliance. 4pp.

Measuring the Health of our National Parks: Rock Creek Park. May 2007. Published by the National Parks Service. 4.pp.

Biological indicators enhance water quality monitoring in Maryland's Coastal Bays. March 2007. Published by Maryland Coastal bays Program. 4pp.

The role of benthic communities in the health of Maryland's Coastal Bays. February 2007. Published by the University of Maryland's Cooperative Extension Service at the Wye Mills Research and Education Center, and EcoCheck. 4 pp.

Restore vs. Retreat: Securing ecosystem services provided by coastal Louisiana. February 2007. Published by Coastal Lousiana Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration (CLEAR). 4pp.

Enhancing landscape integrity in Coastal Lousiana: Water, sediment and ecosytems. July 2006. Published by Coastal Lousiana Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration (CLEAR). 4pp.

Reducing flood damage in Coastal Louisiana: Communities, culture and commerce. November 2005. Published by Coastal Lousiana Ecosystem Assessment & Restoration (CLEAR). 4pp.

Bay grass restoration in Chesapeake Bay. August 2005. Published by the Integration Application Network, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the SAV restoration workgroup. 4pp.

Creating a framework for reporting ecological conditions: National Capital Region of the National Park Service. August 2005. Published by Integration and Application Network and National Parks Service. 4pp.

Peer reviewed journal articles & book chapters

Waycott, M., Duarte, C. M., Carruthers, T. J. B., Orth, R. J., Dennison, W. C., Olyarnike, S., et al. 2009. Accelerating loss of seagrasses across the globe threatens coastal ecosystems. PNAS, 106(30), 12377–12381.

Dennison, W. C., Thomas, J. E., Cain, C. J., Carruthers, T. J. B., Hall, M. R., Jesien, R. V., et al. (Eds.). 2009. Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. Cambridge, MD: IAN Press.

Ksiazek, K., McGlathery, K., Reynolds, L., Schwartzchild, A., Wilkerson, C., Carruthers, T. J. B., et al. 2009. Learning about Coastal Trends: what is the story with seagrasses... and how does it affect me? Science Activities, 46(3), 27–31.

Fertig, B., Carruthers, T.J.B., Dennison, W.C., Jones, A., Pantus, F. and Longstaff, B. 2009. Identifying anthropogenic nitrogen loading in Maryland’s Coastal Bays using stable nitrogen analysis of biological indicators. Estuaries Coasts, 32(4), 773–786.

Heck, K.L., Carruthers, T.J.B., Duarte, C.M., Hughes, R.A., Kendrick, G., Orth, R.J. and Williams, S. 2008. Trophic transfers from seagrass meadows subsidize diverse marine and terrestrial consumers. Ecosystems, 11(7), 1198–1210.

Duarte, C.M., Dennison, W.C.D., Orth, R.J. and Carruthers, T.J.B. 2008. The charisma of coastal ecosystems. Estuaries and Coasts, 31(2), 233–238

Carruthers, T.J.B., Dennison, W.C., Kendrick, G.A., Waycott, M., Walker, D.I. and Cambridge, M.L. 2007. Seagrasses of south-west Australia: A conceptual synthesis of the world’s most diverse and extensive seagrass meadows. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 350: 21-45

Short, F., Carruthers, T., Dennison, W. and Waycott, M. 2007. Global seagrass distribution and diversity: A bioregional model. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 350: 3-20

Carter, S.L., Mora-Bourgeous, G., Lookingbill, T.R., Carruthers, T.J.B. and Dennison, W.C. 2007. The challenge of communicating monitoring results to effect change. The George Wright Forum 24: 48-58

Dennison, W.C., Lookingbill, T.R., Carruthers, T.J.B., Hawkey, J.M. and Carter, S.L. 2007. An eye opening approach to integrated environmental assessments. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 5(6): 307-314

Grinham, A., Carruthers, T.J.B., Fisher, P., Udy, J. and Dennison, W.C. 2007. Accurately measuring the abundance of benthic microalgae in spatially variable habitats. Limnology and Oceanography methods 5: 119-125

Wazniak, C.E., Hall, M.R., Carruthers, T.J.B., Sturgis, B., Dennison, W.C. and Orth, R.J.  2007. Assessing eutrophication in a shallow lagoon: evaluating status and establishing trends in Maryland Coastal Bays. Ecological Applications 17(5) supplement: S64-S78

Orth, R.J., Carruthers, T.J.B., Dennison, W.C., Duarte, C.M., Fourqurean, J.W., Heck, K.L., Hughes, A.R., Kendrick, G.A., Kenworthy, W.J., Olyarnik, S., Short, F.T., Waycott, M. and Williams, S.L. 2006.  A global crisis for seagrass ecosystems. Bioscience 56(12): 987-996.

Thomas, J.E., Saxby, T.A., Jones, A.B., Carruthers, T.J.B., Abal, E.G. and Dennison, W.C. 2006. Communicating Science Effectively: A practical handbook for integrating visual elements. IWA Press, U.K. 136pp.

Carruthers, T.J.B., Barnes, P.A.G., Jacome, G.E. and Fourqurean, J.W. 2005. Lagoon scale processes in a coastally influenced Caribbean system: implications for the seagrass Thalassia testudinum. Caribbean Journal of Science 41(3), 441-455.

Carruthers, T.J.B., van Tussenbroek, B.I. and Dennison, W.C. 2005. Influence of submarine springs and wastewater on nutrient dynamics of Caribbean seagrass meadows. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 64:191-199.

Synthesis Workshops

2009. Hawaii, USA. Developing communication tools to link resource management and interpretation at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

2009. Bali, Indonesia. Conceptual diagrams for ecosystem management in the Coral Triangle.

2008. Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. Science Communication and the development of a South Kura Basin Report Card.

2007 Big Island, Hawaii. Series of four workshops synthizing key ecosystem features, key threats and management initiatives for four west Hawaii National Parks.

2006. Morro Bay, California. Workshop to synthesize ecosystem processes and pressures, Packard Foundation.

2006. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Workshop to synthesize processes in Deltaic and Chenier plains of coastal Louisiana, CLEAR, Louisiana State University.

2005 Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Workshop to synthesize issues and processes of priorities to limit flood damage in coastal Louisiana, CLEAR, Louisiana State University.

2005. Baltimore, Maryland. Workshop to synthesize key processes and threats to National Parks within the National Capital Region.

2005. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Workshop within the Land Ocean Interactions of the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) conference on ‘science communication tools’. 

2005. Bangkok, Thailand. Strengthening Public Involvement Practices for Thachin NGOs. Assisted in production of conceptual diagrams, presentation summaries and facilitation of these workshops.

Official reviewing

2009. Reviewed manuscripts for Estuaries and Coasts, Aquatic Conservation, and Marine Ecology Progress Series.

2009. Reviewed a proposal for Florida SeaGrant and a chapter for a book on ‘Caribbean Coastal Lagoons’.

2008. Reviewed manuscripts for Marine Ecology Progress Series, Estuaries and Coasts, Hydrobiologia, and Journal of Experimental Biology and Ecology

2007. Reviewed manuscripts for Estuaries and Coasts, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, and Marine Ecology Progress Series. I reviewed the 5-year status of the rare seagrass species ‘Halophila johnsonii’

2006. Reviewed manuscripts for Estuaries and Marine Ecology

2005. Reviewed a Masters thesis for University of Cape Town, South Africa.

2005. Reviewed the ‘Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (RWQPP) Proposed GBRWHA monitoring program’ for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), Australia.

2005. Reviewed manuscripts for Estuaries, Marine Ecology, Journal of Environmental Radioactivity and Aquatic Botany.

Funded projects

2009. National Park Service (NE Region). $49,500. Assessment of Natural Resource Condition, Colonial National Historical Park (CNHP) in Virginia. Carruthers, T., Dennison, W. and Lookingbill, T.

2009. National Park Service (Pacific Island Network). $52,000. Natural Resource Condition Assessment of Kaloko Honokahao National Historic Park, Big Island, Hawaii. Carruthers, T. and Dennison, W.

2008. National Park Service (Coastal Barrier Island Network). $100,000. Assessment of Natural Resource Condition, Assateague Island National Seashore (ASIS) in Maryland and Virginia. Carruthers, T. and Dennison, W.

2008. The Nature Conservancy. $35,413. Development of conceptual diagrams and science communications training for the Bird’s Head region (West Papua, Indonesia). Carruthers, T. and Dennison, W.

2008. National Park Service (Pacific Island Network). $125,000. Science communication and demonstration of a reporting framework for National Parks in the Pacific Island Network. Carruthers, T. and Dennison, W.

2008. USAID (via PA consulting, Republic of Georgia). $25, 119. Developing a water quality based report card for the Kura River Basin, South Caucasus. Carruthers, T.J.B. and Dennison, W.C.

2007. Maryland Coastal Bays Program. $24,900. Assessing inputs and effects: links between land use, nitrogen inputs and biological impacts in MD Coastal Bays. O’Neil, J., Carruthers, T.J.B. and Dennison, W.C.

2007. National Parks Service (National Capital Region). $11,750. Production of web resources for delivery of monitoring data from the National Parks of the National Capital Region. Dennison, W.C. and Carruthers, T.J.B.

2007. National Parks Service (National Capital Region). $34,000. Assessment of natural resources and watershed condition of Rock Creek Park (ROCR); National Capital Region (NCR). Carruthers, T.J.B.

2007. National Parks Service (Pacific Island Network). $41,419. Science communication for vital signs monitoring in the Pacific Island Network: a demonstration project in selected national parks. Dennison, W.C. and Carruthers, T.J.B.

2007. National Science Foundation; COSEE (Centres for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence). $242,000. Providing tools to help facilitate communication between scientists and educators. Carruthers, T.J.B., Woerner, J., Jones, A. and Dennison, W.C. (IAN component of $1,080,000 total award over 3 years)

2006. Chesapeake Bay Trust. $24,983. An integrated assessment of two tributaries within Chesapeake Bay. Dennison, W.C., Longstaff, B., Williams, M and Carruthers, T.

2006. National Park Service (National Capital Region). $106,473. Providing tools to facilitate syntheses and assessments of National Parks of the National Capital Region (2006). Dennison, W, Carruthers, T, Hawkey, J.

2005. National Park Service. $48,725. Conceptual synthesis and health status of National Parks within National Capital Region. Dennison, W., Carruthers, T., Hawkey, J.

2005. National Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS). $90,200. Global trajectories of seagrasses: Establishing a quantitative basis for seagrass conservation and restoration. Orth, R., Dennison, W., Carruthers, T. et al.

2005. Maryland Coastal Bays Program. $24,940. Targeted assessment of nitrogen sources to the Maryland Coastal Bays, comparisons of macroalgae and oysters as bioindicators . Dennison, W., Carruthers, T., Wazniak, C., Sturgess, B., Hall, M.

2005. Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration (CLEAR). $7,577. Proposal for science synthesis workshop and planning meeting for coastal Louisiana. Dennison, W. and Carruthers, T.

2005. Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration (CLEAR). $54,432. Developing an ecosystem assessment strategy for Coastal Louisiana. Dennison, W., Carruthers, T. and Hawkey, J.

2005. Packard Foundation. $150,000. Production of tools to effectively communicate science for integrated ecosystem assessments using Packard Foundation Regional Initiative sites as case studies. Dennison, W., Carruthers, T., Thomas, J. and Hawkey, J.

Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching

2009. University of Cadiz, Spain. Effective science communication. Erasmus Mundus.

2005. University of the Algarve, Portugal. Science communication and integrated assessment. A two module course for masters students in the Erasmus Mundus program.

2005-2009. University of Maryland, Horn Point. Science communication and integrated assessment.
-I co-organized and co-taught this course for 10-16 students with IAN staff.

2005. University of Maryland, Horn Point and Chesapeake Biological Laboratories. Effective science communication and the use of powerpoint. Lecture to undergraduate students.

2005. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science MEES 608G. “Survey of Applied Statistics for Ecologists”. Statistics for effective science communication.

Publications

This page provides a reference list in Word and PDF formats, an RSS feed for new publications, a link to browse/search through all Tim's publications in the literature database. You can also view the abstract and keywords and access a pemanent link to the article in our literature database by expanding the citation, or view the full details of each publication in the database, or view the article on the publisher's website, which may include access to fulltext and PDF versions.

Peer-reviewed Publications
2013
Carruthers TJB, Beckert K, Schupp CA, Saxby TA, Kumer JP, Thomas JE, Sturgis B, Dennison WC, Williams M, Fisher T, Zimmerman CS (2013) Improving management of a mid-Atlantic coastal barrier island through assessment of habitat condition. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 116:74–86 Abstract: To achieve desired environmental outcomes, environmental condition and trends need to be rigorously measured and communicated to resource managers, scientists, and a broader general audience. However, there is often a disconnect between responsive ecosystem monitoring and decision making for strategic long-term management. This project demonstrates how historical monitoring data can be synthesized and used for future planning and decision making, thereby closing the management feedback cycle. This study linked disparate datasets, collected for a variety of purposes and across multiple temporal and spatial scales, in order to assess and quantify current habitat conditions. The results inform integrated resource management decision-making at Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland and Virginia, USA) by using ecological reference conditions to identify monitoring needs, areas of high vulnerability, and areas with potential for improved management. The approach also provides a framework that can be applied in the future to assess the effectiveness of these management decisions on the condition of island habitats, and is a replicable demonstration of incorporating diverse monitoring datasets into an adaptive management cycle. Keywords: Barrier islands; coastal zone management; ecosystem management; integrated assessment; natural resources; nature conservation Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC (2013) Oyster deltaN-15 as a Bioindicator of Potential Wastewater and Poultry Farming Impacts and Degraded Water Quality in a Subestuary of Chesapeake Bay. J. Coast. Res. In Press Abstract: Anthropogenic nitrogen contributes to water quality degradation, but it is difficult to distinguish sources once they are mixed in coastal ecosystems. Natural abundances of stable nitrogen isotopes (deltaN-15) were measured in oyster (Crassostrea virginica) tissues (muscle, gills, and mantle) during summer 2006 to summer 2008 to identify nitrogen sources in Monie Bay (a subestuary of Chesapeake Bay) receiving freshwater inputs from three tributary creeks. The creeks (estimated flushing times: 3.5, 5.7, and 37.2 d) vary in size and potential nitrogen sources: septic systems and poultry operations (Monie Creek), crop fertilizer (Little Monie Creek), and wetlands, forest, or both (Little Creek). Grand mean oyster tissue deltaN-15 values (11.8 ± 0.4‰ in muscle, 10.4 ± 0.4‰ in gills, and 10.5 ± 0.3‰ in mantle) indicated a mixture of human and animal sources. Potential nitrogen loss from denitrification (15.1–24.5%) likely did not substantially modify isotopic values, and deltaN-15 values were greater than would be expected from atmospheric sources, refuting these alternative explanations. Though dilute, spatial patterns supported the inference that human waste, poultry waste, or both entered Monie Bay from its watershed and the adjacent Wicomico River watershed (via mixing). Calculated nitrogen generation from poultry manure in the watershed (containing 2.5 x 10ˆ3 people) was 2.9 x 10ˆ4 to 1.0 x 10ˆ6 kg of total nitrogen (TN) per year (equivalent to 6.8 x 10ˆ3–2.3 x 10ˆ5 people), whereas throughout Delmarva Peninsula (containing 1.2 x 10ˆ6 people) it was 3.9 x 10ˆ6 to 1.3 x 10ˆ8 kg TN yˆ1 (equivalent to 9.0 x 10ˆ5–3.1 x 10ˆ8 people). Conservatively estimated (based on 0.038 kg chickenˆ-1 yˆ-1), poultry in the Monie Bay watershed generated an amount of nitrogen equivalent to that generated by 263% of the human population. Throughout Delmarva Peninsula, poultry generated an amount of nitrogen equivalent to that generated by 76% of the human population. Estuaries commonly receive nutrients from both inside and outside their watersheds, and oyster deltaN-15 values elucidated this process locally. Keywords: Bioindicators, nitrogen sources, water quality, stable nitrogen isotopes, oysters, poultry manures, land use, land cover Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Fertig BM, O’Neil JM, Beckert KA, Cain CJ, Needham DM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC (2013) Elucidating terrestrial nutrient sources to a coastal lagoon, Chincoteague Bay, Maryland, USA. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 116:1–10 Abstract: Long-term non-linear ecosystem-scale changes in water quality and biotic communities in coastal lagoons have been associated with intensification of anthropogenic pressures. In light of incipient changes in Johnson Bay (an embayment of Chincoteague Bay, Maryland-Virginia, USA), examination of nitrogen sources was conducted through synoptic water quality monitoring, stable nitrogen isotope signatures (deltaN-15) of in situ bioindicators, and denitrification estimates. These data were placed in the context of long-term and broader spatial analyses. Despite various watershed protection efforts, multiyear summer time studies (2004-2007) suggested that high levels of terrestrially derived nutrients still enter Johnson Bay. Total nitrogen concentrations in Johnson Bay were 132% the concentrations in the broader Chincoteague Bay during the late 1970s (mean 2004-2007 was 40.0 – 73.2 µM). Comparing total nitrogen concentrations in Johnson Bay to St. Martin River (consistently the most eutrophic region of these coastal bays), Johnson Bay has increased from 62.5% to 82.5% of the concentrations in St. Martin River during the late 1970s. Though specific sources of nitrogen inputs have not yet been definitively identified, the long-term increase in total nitrogen concentrations occurred despite increased and continued conservation and protection measures. We suggest that investigating nutrient sources can reveal potentially ineffective nutrient policies and that this knowledge can be applied towards other coastal lagoons. Keywords: coastal lagoons; nitrogen; anthropogenic factors; water quality; land use; Maryland; Chincoteague Bay Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Schupp CA, Winn NT, Pearl TL, Kumer JP, Carruthers TJB, Zimmerman CS (2013) Restoration of overwash processes creates piping plover (Charadrius melodus) habitat on a barrier island (Assateague Island, Maryland). Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 116:11–20 Abstract: On Assateague Island, an undeveloped barrier island along Maryland and Virginia, a foredune was constructed to protect the island from the erosion and breaching threat caused by permanent jetties built to maintain Ocean City Inlet. Scientists and engineers integrated expertise in vegetation, wildlife, geomorphology, and coastal engineering in order to design a habitat restoration project that would be evaluated in terms of coastal processes rather than static features. Development of specific restoration targets, thresholds for intervention, and criteria to evaluate long-term project success were based on biological and geomorphological data and coastal engineering models. A detailed long-term monitoring plan was established to measure project sustainability. The foredune unexpectedly acted as near-total barrier to both overwash and wind, and the dynamic ecosystem underwent undesirable habitat changes including conversion of early-succession beach habitat to herbaceous and shrub communities, diminishing availability of foraging habitat and thereby reducing productivity of the Federally-listed Threatened Charadrius melodus (piping plover). To address these impacts, multiple notches were cut through the constructed foredune. The metric for initial geomorphological success-estoration of at least one overwash event per year across the constructed foredune, if occurring elsewhere on the island-was reached. New overwash fans increased island stability by increasing interior island elevation. At every notch, areas of sparse vegetation increased and the new foraging habitat was utilized by breeding pairs during the 2010 breeding season. However, the metric for long-term biological success-an increase to 37% sparsely vegetated habitat on the North End and an increase in piping plover productivity to 1.25 chicks fledged per breeding pair-has not yet been met. By 2010 there was an overall productivity of 1.2 chicks fledged per breeding pair and a 1.7% decrease in sparsely vegetated habitat. Ideally, overwash restoration will sustain the availability of foraging habitat, but future foredune modifications may be necessary to maintain or increase overwash processes and piping plover habitat in the project area. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Keywords: Charadrius melodus; coastal engineering; overwash; piping plover; rare species; vegetation cover; Regional terms; USA; Maryland; Assateague Island Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2012
Carruthers TJB, Carter SL, Lookingbill TR, Florkowski LN, Hawkey JM, Dennison WC (2012) A Habitat-Based Framework for Communicating Natural Resource Condition. ISRN Ecology 2012:13pp Abstract: Progress in achieving desired environmental outcomes needs to be rigorously measured and reported for effective environmental management. Two major challenges in achieving this are, firstly, how to synthesize monitoring data in a meaningful way at appropriate temporal and spatial scales and, secondly, how to present results in a framework that allows for effective communication to resource managers and scientists as well as a broader general audience. This paper presents a habitat framework, developed to assess the natural resource condition of the urban Rock Creek Park (Washington, DC, USA), providing insight on how to improve future assessments. Vegetation and stream GIS layers were used to classify three dominant habitat types, Forest, Wetland, and Artificial-terrestrial. Within Rock Creek Park, Forest habitats were assessed as being in good condition (67% threshold attainment of desired condition), Wetland habitats to be in fair condition (49% attainment), and Artificial-terrestrial habitats to be in degraded condition (26% attainment), resulting in an assessed fair/good condition (60% attainment; weighted by habitat area) for all natural resources in Rock Creek Park. This approach has potential to provide assessment of resource condition for diverse ecosystems and provides a basis for addressing management questions across multiple spatial scales. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Kendrick GA, Waycott M, Carruthers TJB, Cambridge MLH R., Krauss SL, Lavery PS, Les DH, Lowe RJ, Mascaro³ i Vidal O, Ooi JLS, Orth RJ, Rivers DO, Ruiz-Montoya L, Sinclair EA, Statton J, van Dijk JK, Verduin JJ (2012) The Central Role of Dispersal in the Maintenance and Persistence of Seagrass Populations. Bioscience 62(1):56–65 Abstract: Global seagrass losses parallel significant declines observed in corals and mangroves over the past 50 years. These combined declines have resulted in accelerated global losses to ecosystem services in coastal waters. Seagrass meadows can be extensive (hundreds of square kilometers) and longlived (thousands of years), with the meadows persisting predominantly through vegetative (clonal) growth. They also invest a large amount of energy in sexual reproduction. In this article, we explore the role that sexual reproduction, pollen, and seed dispersal play in maintaining species distributions, genetic diversity, and connectivity among seagrass populations. We also address the relationship between long-distance dispersal, genetic connectivity, and the maintenance of genetic diversity that may enhance resilience to stresses associated with seagrass loss. Our reevaluation of seagrass dispersal and recruitment has altered our perception of the importance of long-distance dispersal and has revealed extensive dispersal at scales much larger than was previously thought possible. Keywords: seagrass, long-distance dispersal, microsatellite DNA diversity, pollen, seed Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Murray L, Gurbisz C, Gibson D, Woerner JL, Carruthers TJB (2012) Collaborative partnerships help bridge the gap between science and education. Eos Trans. AGU 93(49):510 Abstract: Scientists talk to scientists and educators talk to educators, but seldom do the two camps interact in a collaborative fashion. This gap between science and education results in poor student achievement and a general lack of interest in sciences. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Newton A, Carruthers TJB, Icely J (2012) The coastal syndromes and hotspots on the coast. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 96:39–47 Abstract: Human intervention has resulted in a number of global and river syndromes that are mirrored by coastal syndromes caused by erosion, subsidence, salinization of aquifers, urbanization, eutrophication, invasive species and over exploitation of natural resources. These problems are now global, with few coastal zones remaining unaffected and pristine. However, the problems are particularly severe at “hotspots” in the coastal zone. These include river-mouth systems where fluxes of water, sediment, fertilizers and contaminants are focused; urbanized coasts and megacities where vulnerable populations are concentrated; Arctic coasts where the effects of climate change are accelerating a fundamental state change; and, at low lying coasts that are at risk of flooding, storm surges, sea-level rise and subsidence such as Micronesian island states where managed realignment and setback is not an option. A range of societal responses and appropriate governance frameworks will be necessary to treat the coastal syndromes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Arctic; river-mouth; Islands; urban coasts; vulnerability; global syndromes Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Schupp CA, Winn NT, Pearl TL, Kumer JP, Carruthers TJB, Zimmerman CS (2012) Restoration of overwash processes creates piping plover (Charadrius melodus) habitat on a barrier island (Assateague Island, Maryland). Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. in press Abstract: On Assateague Island, an undeveloped barrier island along Maryland and Virginia, a foredune was constructed to protect the island from the erosion and breaching threat caused by permanent jetties built to maintain Ocean City Inlet. Scientists and engineers integrated expertise in vegetation, wildlife, geomorphology, and coastal engineering in order to design a habitat restoration project that would be evaluated in terms of coastal processes rather than static features. Development of specific restoration targets, thresholds for intervention, and criteria to evaluate long-term project success were based on biological and geomorphological data and coastal engineering models. A detailed long-term monitoring plan was established to measure project sustainability. The foredune unexpectedly acted as near-total barrier to both overwash and wind, and the dynamic ecosystem underwent undesirable habitat changes including conversion of early-succession beach habitat to herbaceous and shrub communities, diminishing availability of foraging habitat and thereby reducing productivity of the Federally-listed Threatened Charadrius melodus (piping plover). To address these impacts, multiple notches were cut through the constructed foredune. The metric for initial geomorphological success-restoration of at least one overwash event per year across the constructed foredune, if occurring elsewhere on the island-was reached. New overwash fans increased island stability by increasing interior island elevation. At every notch, areas of sparse vegetation increased and the new foraging habitat was utilized by breeding pairs during the 2010 breeding season. However, the metric for long-term biological success-an increase to 37% sparsely vegetated habitat on the North End and an increase in piping plover productivity to 1.25 chicks fledged per breeding pair-has not yet been met. By 2010 there was an overall productivity of 1.2 chicks fledged per breeding pair and a 1.7% decrease in sparsely vegetated habitat. Ideally, overwash restoration will sustain the availability of foraging habitat, but future foredune modifications may be necessary to maintain or increase overwash processes and piping plover habitat in the project area. Keywords: Charadrius melodus; coastal engineering; overwash; piping plover; rare species; vegetation cover Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2011
Short FT, Polidoro B, Livingstone SR, Carpenter KE, Bandeira S, Bujang JS, Calumpong HP, Carruthers TJB, Coles RG, Dennison WC, Erftemeijer PLA, Fortes MD, Freeman AS, Jagtap TG, Kamal AHM, Kendrick GA, Kenworthy WJ, La Nafie YA, Nasution IM, Orth RJ, Prathep A, Sanciangco JC, van Tussenbroek B, Vergara SG, Waycott M, Zieman JC (2011) Extinction risk assessment of the world’s seagrass species. Biol. Conserv. 144(7):1961–1971 Abstract: Seagrasses, a functional group of marine flowering plants rooted in the world's coastal oceans, support marine food webs and provide essential habitat for many coastal species, playing a critical role in the equilibrium of coastal ecosystems and human livelihoods. For the first time, the probability of extinction is determined for the world's seagrass species under the Categories and Criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Several studies have indicated that seagrass habitat is declining worldwide. Our focus is to determine the risk of extinction for individual seagrass species, a 4-year process involving seagrass experts internationally, compilation of data on species' status, populations, and distribution, and review of the biology and ecology of each of the world's seagrass species. Ten seagrass species are at elevated risk of extinction (14% of all seagrass species), with three species qualifying as Endangered. Seagrass species loss and degradation of seagrass biodiversity will have serious repercussions for marine biodiversity and the human populations that depend upon the resources and ecosystem services that seagrasses provide. Keywords: Seagrass; Red List; Extinction; Threatened; Endangered; Biodiversity Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2010
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Fertig EJ, Altabet MA (2010) Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) δ15N as a bioindicator of nitrogen sources: Observations and modeling. Mar. Poll. Bull. 60(8):1288–1298 Abstract: Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) in bioindicators are increasingly employed to identify nitrogen sources in many ecosystems and biological characteristics of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) make it an appropriate species for this purpose. To assess nitrogen isotopic fractionation associated with assimilation and baseline variations in oyster mantle, gill, and muscle tissue δ15N, manipulative fieldwork in Chesapeake Bay and corresponding modeling exercises were conducted. This study (1) determined that five individuals represented an optimal sample size; (2) verified that δ15N in oysters from two locations converged after shared deployment to a new location reflecting a change in nitrogen sources; (3) identified required exposure time and temporal integration (four months for muscle, two to three months for gill and mantle); and (4) demonstrated seasonal δ15N increases in seston (summer) and oysters (winter). As bioindicators, oysters can be deployed for spatial interpolation of nitrogen sources, even in areas lacking extant populations. Keywords: Biological indicators; Crassostrea virginica; Stable nitrogen isotopes; Nitrogen sources; Temporal integration; Chesapeake Bay Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Orth RJ, Williams MR, Marion SR, Wilcox DJ, Carruthers TJB, Moore KA, Kemp WM, Dennison WC, Rybicki N, Bergstrom P, Batiuk RA (2010) Long-Term Trends in Submersed Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) in Chesapeake Bay, USA, Related to Water Quality. Estuaries Coasts 33(5):1144–1163 Abstract: Chesapeake Bay supports a diverse assemblage of marine and freshwater species of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) whose broad distributions are generally constrained by salinity. An annual aerial SAV monitoring program and a bi-monthly to monthly water quality monitoring program have been conducted throughout Chesapeake Bay since 1984. We performed an analysis of SAV abundance and up to 22 environmental variables potentially influencing SAV growth and abundance (1984–2006). Historically, SAV abundance has changed dramatically in Chesapeake Bay, and since 1984, when SAV abundance was at historic low levels, SAV has exhibited complex changes including long-term (decadal) increases and decreases, as well as some large, single-year changes. Chesapeake Bay SAV was grouped into three broad-scale community-types based on salinity regime, each with their own distinct group of species, and detailed analyses were conducted on these three community-types as well as on seven distinct case-study areas spanning the three salinity regimes. Different trends in SAV abundance were evident in the different salinity regimes. SAV abundance has (a) continually increased in the low-salinity region; (b) increased initially in the medium-salinity region, followed by fluctuating abundances; and (c) increased initially in the high-salinity region, followed by a subsequent decline. In all areas, consistent negative correlations between measures of SAV abundance and nitrogen loads or concentrations suggest that meadows are responsive to changes in inputs of nitrogen. For smaller case-study areas, different trends in SAV abundance were also noted including correlations to water clarity in high-salinity case-study areas, but nitrogen was highly correlated in all areas. Current maximum SAV coverage for almost all areas remain below restoration targets, indicating that SAV abundance and associated ecosystem services are currently limited by continued poor water quality, and specifically high nutrient concentrations, within Chesapeake Bay. The nutrient reductions noted in some tributaries, which were highly correlated to increases in SAV abundance, suggest management activities have already contributed to SAV increases in some areas, but the strong negative correlation throughout the Chesapeake Bay between nitrogen and SAV abundance also suggests that further nutrient reductions will be necessary for SAV to attain or exceed restoration targets throughout the bay. Keywords: Submersed aquatic vegetation;Salinity community-types;Chesapeake Bay;Abundance;Nutrients;Nitrogen;Water quality Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2009
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Jones AB, Pantus F, Longstaff B (2009) Oyster and Macroalgae Bioindicators Detect Elevated delta N-15 in Maryland's Coastal Bays. Estuaries Coasts 32(4):773–786 Abstract: Nitrogen loading from anthropogenic sources, including fertilizer, manure, and sewage effluents, has been linked with declining water quality in coastal lagoons worldwide. Freshwater inputs to mid-Atlantic coastal lagoons of the USA are from terrestrially influenced sources: groundwater and overland flow via streams and agricultural ditches, with occasional precipitation events. Stable nitrogen isotopes ratios (delta N-15) in bioindicator species combined with conventional water quality monitoring were used to assess nitrogen sources and provide insights into their origins. Water quality data revealed that nutrients derived from terrestrial sources increased after precipitation events. Tissues from two bioindicator species, a macroalgae (Gracilaria sp.) and the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) were analyzed for delta N-15 to determine spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen sources. A broad-scale survey assessment of deployed macroalgae (June 2004) detected regions of elevated delta N-15. Macroalgal delta N-15 (7.33 +/- 1.15aEuro degrees in May 2006 and 6.76 +/- 1.15aEuro degrees in July 2006) responded quickly to sustained June 2006 nutrient pulse, but did not detect spatial patterns at the fine scale. Oyster delta N-15 (8.51 +/- 0.89aEuro degrees) responded slowly over longer time periods and exhibited a slight gradient at the finer spatial scale. Overall, elevated delta N-15 values in macroalgae and oysters were used to infer that human and animal wastes were important nitrogen sources in some areas of Maryland's coastal bays. Different nitrogen integration periods across multiple organisms may be used to indicate nitrogen sources at various spatial and temporal scales, which will help focus nutrient management. Keywords: Stable nitrogen isotopes;Coastal lagoons;Human and animal wastes;Biological indicators;Water quality;Spatial analysis Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Ksiazek K, McGlathery K, Reynolds L, Schwartzchild A, Wilkerson C, Carruthers TJB, Gurbitsz C, Woerner JL, Murray L (2009) Learning about Coastal Trends: what is the story with seagrasses... and how does it affect me? Science Activities 46(3):27–31 Abstract: Flowering plants that live underwater in marine and estuarine habitats (seagrasses) are important because they support human food sources, such as crabs and fish, as well as endangered animals, such as turtles and manatees. Seagrasses are now known to be declining globally, largely as a result of increasing pressure from human populations living along the coast and specifically increasing nutrient inputs. Using a 5e format (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, Evaluate) and interactive Web-based delivery for resources, the authors generated materials to cover the who, where, what, and why of seagrass. By learning about seagrasses, including their decline and current seagrass restoration efforts, students will become familiar with ecosystem interactions, global trends, current scientific research, and the decisions and policy-making processes involved in seagrass preservation and conservation. This lesson not only helps students learn about some of the environmental problems caused by the growing human population, but also urges them to become part of a solution. Keywords: aquatic plants;coastal trends;5e model;seagrass Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Waycott M, Duarte CM, Carruthers TJB, Orth RJ, Dennison WC, Olyarnik S, Calladine A, Fourqurean JW, Heck KLJ, Hughes AR, Kendrick GA, Kenworthy WJ, Short FT, Williams SL (2009) Accelerating loss of seagrasses across the globe threatens coastal ecosystems. PNAS 106(30):12377–12381 Abstract: Coastal ecosystems and the services they provide are adversely affected by a wide variety of human activities. In particular, seagrass meadows are negatively affected by impacts accruing from the billion or more people who live within 50 km of them. Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services, including an estimated $1.9 trillion per year in the form of nutrient cycling; an order of magnitude enhancement of coral reef fish productivity; a habitat for thousands of fish, bird, and invertebrate species; and a major food source for endangered dugong, manatee, and green turtle. Although individual impacts from coastal development, degraded water quality, and climate change have been documented, there has been no quantitative global assessment of seagrass loss until now. Our comprehensive global assessment of 215 studies found that seagrasses have been disappearing at a rate of 110 km2 yr-1 since 1980 and that 29% of the known areal extent has disappeared since seagrass areas were initially recorded in 1879. Furthermore, rates of decline have accelerated from a median of 0.9% yr-1 before 1940 to 7% yr-1 since 1990. Seagrass loss rates are comparable to those reported for mangroves, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests and place seagrass meadows among the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Keywords: ecosystem decline;global trajectories;habitat loss;marine habitat Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2008
Duarte CM, Dennison WC, Orth RJ, Carruthers TJB (2008) The charisma of coastal ecosystems: addressing the imbalance. Estuaries and Coasts 31(2):233–238 Abstract: Coastal ecosystems including coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes are being lost at alarming rates, and increased scientific understanding of causes has failed to stem these losses. Coastal habitats receive contrasting research effort, with 60% of all of the published research carried out on coral reefs, compared to 11–14% of the records for each of salt marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. In addition, these highly connected and interdependent coastal ecosystems receive widely contrasting media attention that is disproportional to their scientific attention. Seagrass ecosystems receive the least attention in the media (1.3% of the media reports) with greater attention on salt marshes (6.5%), considerably more attention on mangroves (20%), and a dominant focus on coral reefs, which are the subject of three in every four media reports on coastal ecosystems (72.5%). There are approximately tenfold lower reports on seagrass meadows in the media for every scientific paper published (ten), than the 130–150 media reports per scientific paper for mangroves and coral reefs. The lack of public awareness of losses of less charismatic ecosystems results in the continuation of detrimental practices and therefore contributes to continued declines of coastal ecosystems. More effective communication of scientific knowledge about these uncharismatic but ecologically important coastal habitats is required. Effective use of formal (e.g., school curricula, media) and informal (e.g., web) education avenues and an effective partnership between scientists and media communicators are essential to raise public awareness of issues, concerns, and solutions within coastal ecosystems. Only increased public understanding can ultimately inform and motivate effective management of these ecologically important coastal ecosystems. Keywords: Seagrass; Coastal habitats; Charisma; Media; Decline; Conservation Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Heck KL, Carruthers TJB, Duarte CM, Hughes AR, Kendrick G, Orth RJ, Williams SW (2008) Trophic Transfers from Seagrass Meadows Subsidize Diverse Marine and Terrestrial Consumers. Ecosystems 11(7):1198–1210 Abstract: In many coastal locations, seagrass meadows are part of a greater seascape that includes both marine and terrestrial elements, each linked to the other via the foraging patterns of consumers (both predators and herbivores), and the passive drift of seagrass propagules, leaves, roots and rhizomes, and seagrass-associated macroalgal detritus. With seagrasses declining in many regions, the linkages between seagrass meadows and other habitats are being altered and diminished. Thus, it is timely to summarize what is known about the prevalence and magnitude of cross-habitat exchanges of seagrass-derived energy and materials, and to increase awareness of the importance of seagrasses to adjacent and even distant habitats. To do so we examined the literature on the extent and importance of exchanges of biomass between seagrass meadows and other habitats, both in the form of exported seagrass biomass as well as transfers of animal biomass via migration. Data were most abundant for Caribbean coral reefs and Australian beaches, and organisms for which there were quantitative estimates included Caribbean fishes and North American migratory waterfowl. Overall, data from the studies we reviewed clearly showed that seagrass ecosystems provide a large subsidy to both near and distant locations through the export of particulate organic matter and living plant and animal biomass. The consequences of continuing seagrass decline thus extend far beyond the areas where seagrasses grow. Keywords: seagrass; connectivity; trophic subsidy; consumers Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2007
Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Kendrick GA, Waycott M, Walker DI, Cambridge ML (2007) Seagrasses of south-west Australia: A conceptual synthesis of the world's most diverse and extensive seagrass meadows. JEMBE 350:21–45 Abstract: South-west Australia contains extensive seagrass meadows along 2,500 km of coastline from the shallow subtidal to 50+ m water depths, and in many of the 51 bar-built estuaries along the coast. There are geomorphological differences between the south and west coasts that result in different patterns of swell exposure influencing the processes that structure seagrass habitats. In this paper, 'sheltered', 'exposed' and 'estuarine' seagrass habitat types are defined for south-west Australia to synthesize processes influencing seagrass communities. Sheltered habitats in south-west Australia are characterized by high light, low to moderate water motion and sporadic disturbance from storms, making them ideal habitats for a diversity of seagrass assemblages. Exposed seagrass habitats are characterized by the presence of strong and consistent ocean swells (3-8 m), predominantly from the south or south-west and seagrasses exhibit a suite of adaptive traits to survive the effects of exposure to ocean swell and associated sand movement. These include morphological features such as heavy fiber reinforcement to strengthen the aboveground stems or leaves, deep vertical rhizomes and life history traits such as rapid growth and high seed set. Within estuarine habitats highly dynamic seagrass communities are the result of fluctuating annual cycles in temperature, light and salinity. Compared to global seagrass meadows, coastal south-west Australian seagrass habitats experience high light, low nutrients and high water movement. Despite these differences, similarities with other regions do exist and here we place the habitats of south-west Australia into a global context using comparative data. The wide array of morphology and life history traits displayed among seagrass species of south-west Australia are presented in a conceptual model including habitat type, physical stressors and seagrass responses. The combination of adaptations to the habitats and processes that define them make south-west Australia a region where there is an unusually high number of co-occurring seagrass species, the highest in the world for a temperate environment (19 species), and approaching the species diversity of many tropical environments. Linking aspects of seagrass habitat, physical aspects of the environment and seagrass life history provides a context for applying knowledge gained from seagrasses in south-west Australia to other coastal ecosystems throughout the world. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Carter SL, Mora-Bourgeois G, Lookingbill TR, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC (2007) The challenge of communicating monitoring results to effect change. The George Wright Forum 24(2):48–58 Abstract: SINCE ITS INCEPTION, the National Park Service (NPS) has been charged with preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the United States for future generations. It is only recently, however, that the NPS has fully embraced the need to understand and describe the ecology of parks. The infusion of an ecological perspective into the natural resource management of the national parks is what separates today's park management from much of that which preceded it (Sellars 1997). The guiding principles set forth by the agency's National Leadership Council as part of the Natural Resource Challenge (NPS 1999; hereafter “the Challenge”) shepherded these perspectives into present NPS culture and practice. Ultimately, the insights, common goals, and collaborations we describe in this essay have all been made possible by the vision and funding of the Challenge, the most recent high-water mark for embracing science within the NPS. In this paper, we discuss a special collaboration enabled by the Challenge, in which an inventory and monitoring (I&M) network (National Capital Region Network; NCRN), a research learning center (Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance; UERLA), and a cooperative ecosystem studies unit (Chesapeake Watershed CESU) partner (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; UMCES) coalesced around a common goal: to collect, analyze, and interpret data in national parks, and to promote learning and understanding. We describe a set of tools and principles for integrating and communicating science that we believe have broad utility in the practice of natural resource stewardship. Furthermore, we stress the iterative and collaborative nature of communicating results and how the process of communication leads to shared investment and stimulates new areas of scientific inquiry. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Carruthers TJB, Hawkey JM, Carter SM (2007) An eye-opening approach to developing and communicating integrated environmental assessments. Front. Ecol. Environ. 5(6):307–314 Abstract: Communication among managers, the public, and scientists is the key to successful ecosystem management; however, the varied perspectives and interests of these groups can make such communication difficult. One way to achieve effective communication is to develop a common knowledge base by combining syntheses of key scientific results with information-rich visual elements. Within a management landscape, integrated environmental assessments provide a useful framework for evaluating resources and directing management efforts. The integrated assessment process involves (1) initial investigation, (2) development of a conceptual framework, (3) data navigation, (4) environmental report cards, and (5) science communication. Each step requires the synthesis and visualization of information on the status and trends connected with multiple natural resources. We provide a case study, using examples from selected National Park Service sites in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Visual elements (conceptual diagrams, maps, graphs, tables, and photographs) were used to facilitate comparative assessments and to provide a more visual, or “eye-opening”, approach to effective environmental decision making. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Grinham AR, Carruthers TJB, Fisher PL, Udy JW, Dennison WC (2007) Accurately measuring the abundance of benthic microalgae in spatially variable habitats. Limnol. Oceanogr. Methods 5:119–125 Abstract: Although many studies measure the abundance of benthic microalgae (BMA), at the meters squared scale, comparing these studies is difficult due to the variety of sampling, extraction, and analysis techniques. This difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that BMA abundance has high spatial and temporal variability, at all spatial scales. A suitable standard sampling regimen would reduce variation in estimates due to different sample collection and processing greatly facilitating comparisons between studies. This study examined the effect of varying the volume of extraction solvent, sampling core diameter, and sample replication on BMA biomass estimates. Key findings, applicable to all spatial scales, to accurately determine biomass were the use of a minimum sediment to extraction solvent ratio of 1:2 and use of a sampling core diameter of 19 mm. Across a wide range of sediment types, at the meters squared scale and using spectrophotometric techniques, a minimum replication number of 8 was found to be appropriate. We report the significant effect coring depth and units of expression have on BMA biomass estimates across a range of sediment types, highlighting the potential pitfalls when comparing studies. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Short F, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Waycott M (2007) Global seagrass distribution and diversity: A bioregional model. JEMBE 350:3–20 Abstract: Seagrasses, marine flowering plants, are widely distributed along temperate and tropical coastlines of the world. Seagrasses have key ecological roles in coastal ecosystems and can form extensive meadows supporting high biodiversity. The global species diversity of seagrasses is low (b60 species), but species can have ranges that extend for thousands of kilometers of coastline. Seagrass bioregions are defined here, based on species assemblages, species distributional ranges, and tropical and temperate influences. Six global bioregions are presented: four temperate and two tropical. The temperate bioregions include the Temperate North Atlantic, the Temperate North Pacific, the Mediterranean, and the Temperate Southern Oceans. The Temperate North Atlantic has low seagrass diversity, the major species being Zostera marina, ypically occurring in estuaries and lagoons. The Temperate North Pacific has high seagrass diversity with Zostera spp. in estuaries and lagoons as well as Phyllospadix spp. in the surf zone. The Mediterranean region has clear water with vast meadows of moderate diversity of both temperate and tropical seagrasses, dominated by deep-growing Posidonia oceanica. The Temperate Southern Oceans bioregion includes the temperate southern coastlines of Australia, Africa and South America. Extensive meadows of low-to-high diversity temperate seagrasses are found in this bioregion, dominated by various species of Posidonia and Zostera. The tropical bioregions are the Tropical Atlantic and the Tropical Indo-Pacific, both supporting mega-herbivore grazers, including sea turtles and sirenia. The Tropical Atlantic bioregion has clear water with a high diversity of seagrasses on reefs and shallow banks, dominated by Thalassia testudinum. The vast Tropical Indo-Pacific has the highest seagrass diversity in the world, with as many as 14 species growing together on reef flats although seagrasses also occur in very deep waters. The global distribution of seagrass genera is remarkably consistent north and south of the equator; the northern and southern hemispheres share ten seagrass genera and only have one unique genus each. Some genera are much more speciose than others, with the genus Halophila having the most seagrass species. There are roughly the same number of temperate and tropical seagrass genera as well as species. The most widely distributed seagrass is Ruppia maritima, which occurs in tropical and temperate zones in a wide variety of habitats. Seagrass bioregions at the scale of ocean basins are identified based on species distributions which are supported by genetic patterns f diversity. Seagrass bioregions provide a useful framework for interpreting ecological, physiological and genetic results collected in specific locations or from particular species. Keywords: Bioregional models; Diversity; Global distribution; Seagrass; Species; Temperate; Tropical Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Wazniak CE, Hall MR, Carruthers TJB, Sturgis B, Dennison WC, Orth RJ (2007) Linking water quality to living resources in a mid-Atlantic lagoon system, USA. Ecol. Apps. 17(5):S64–S78 Abstract: The mid-Atlantic coastal bays are shallow coastal lagoons, separated from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier sand islands with oceanic exchanges restricted to narrow inlets. The relatively poor flushing of these lagoon systems makes them susceptible to eutrophication resulting from anthropogenic nutrient loadings. An intensive water quality and seagrass monitoring program was initiated to track ecological changes in the Maryland and Virginia coastal bays. The purpose of this study was to analyze existing monitoring data to determine status and trends in eutrophication and to determine any associations between water quality and living resources. Analysis of monitoring program data revealed several trends: (1) decadal decreases in nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations, followed by recently increasing trends; (2) decadal increases in seagrass coverage, followed by a recent period of no change; (3) blooms of macroalgae and brown tide microalgae; and (4) exceedance of water quality thresholds: chlorophyll a (15 lg/L), total nitrogen (0.65 mg/L or 46 lmol/L), total phosphorus (0.037 mg/L or 1.2 lmol/L), and dissolved oxygen (5 mg/L) in many areas within the Maryland coastal bays. The water quality thresholds were based on habitat requirements for living resources (seagrass and fish) and used to calculate a water quality index, which was used to compare the bay segments. Strong gradients in water quality were correlated to changes in seagrass coverage between segments. These factors indicate that these coastal bays are in a state of transition, with a suite of metrics indicating degrading conditions. Continued monitoring and intensified management will be required to avert exacerbation of the observed eutrophication trends. Coastal lagoons worldwide are experiencing similar degrading trends due to increasing human pressures, and assessing status and trends relative to biologically relevant thresholds can assist in determining monitoring and management priorities and goals. Keywords: chlorophyll; coastal bay; coastal lagoon; eutrophication; Maryland, USA; mid-Atlantic Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2006
Orth RJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Duarte CM, Fourqurean JW, Heck KLJ, Hughes AR, Kendrick GA, Kenworthy WJ, Olyarnik S, Short FT, Waycott M, Williams SL (2006) A Global Crisis for Seagrass Ecosystems. Bioscience 56(12):987–996 Abstract: Seagrasses, marine flowering plants, have a long evolutionary history but are now challenged with rapid environmental changes as a result of coastal human population pressures. Seagrasses provide key ecological services, including organic carbon production and export, nutrient cycling, sediment stabilization, enhanced biodiversity, and trophic transfers to adjacent habitats in tropical and temperate regions. They also serve as �coastal canaries,� global biological sentinels of increasing anthropogenic influences in coastal ecosystems, with large-scale losses reported worldwide.Multiple stressors, including sediment and nutrient runoff, physical disturbance, invasive species, disease, commercial fishing practices, aquaculture, overgrazing, algal blooms, and global warming, cause seagrass declines at scales of square meters to hundreds of square kilometers. Reported seagrass losses have led to increased awareness of the need for seagrass protection, monitoring, management, and restoration. However, seagrass science, which has rapidly grown, is disconnected from public awareness of seagrasses, which has lagged behind awareness of other coastal ecosystems. There is a critical need for a targeted global conservation effort that includes a reduction of watershed nutrient and sediment inputs to seagrass habitats and a targeted educational program informing regulators and the public of the value of seagrass meadows. Keywords: seagrass, decline, sentinels, ecological services, monitoring Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2005
Carruthers TJB, van Tussenbroek BI, Dennison WC (2005) Influence of submarine springs and wastewater on nutrient dynamics of Caribbean seagrass meadows. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 64(2-3):191–199 Abstract: The east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, consists of highly permeable limestone, such that surface flow and rivers are absent in this region. Extensive underground cave systems connect sink holes (cenotes) to submarine springs (ojos de aqua), which vent into the seagrass meadows of the adjacent oligotrophic coastal lagoons. This study investigated the potential for these submarine springs to influence nutrient processes within seagrass meadows, by assessing nutrient status of Thalassia testudinum meadows in two contrasting coastal lagoons along the north eastern Yucatan peninsula. Tissue nutrient concentrations as well as delta(15) N values of T. testudinum were surveyed in the Puerto Morelos Reef Lagoon and the Nichupte Lagoon System, Cancun Hotel Zone, during an extended dry period and again following heavy rainfall. After a period of heavy rainfall, T. testudinum near submarine springs in Puerto Morelos Reef Lagoon had exceptionally high leaf tissue phosphorus concentrations of 0.38 +/- 0.06%. These submarine springs may have been a direct source of phosphorus and/or a source of iron to this very iron limited carbonate system. Thalassia testudinum nutrient concentrations suggest that nitrogen loading to the Nichupte Lagoon System is regionally high and has increased over the past decade (mean leaf N: 2.04% N in 1991 to 2.71% N in 2002). Nitrogen content in leaf tissue of T. testudinum was significantly higher within the poorly flushed Nichupte Lagoon System (2.93 +/- 0.12% N) than in the well-flushed Puerto Morelos Reef Lagoon (1.80 +/- 0.07% N). Stable isotope ratios of nitrogen suggest that this high and increasing nitrogen loading within the Nichupte Lagoon System is a result of wastewater nitrogen (delta(15) N 9.06 +/- 0.07 in northern Nichupte Lagoon System vs. 1.69 +/- 0.07 in Puerto Morelos Reef Lagoon). (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: nutrient sources; sewage; submarine springs; groundwater;; eutrophication; Thalassia testudinum; delta N-15; nitrogen; phosphorus;; iron; seagrass; conceptual diagrams; eelgrass zostera-marina; n-p ratios; thalassia-testudinum; florida bay;; groundwater discharge; terrigenous sediments; carbonate sediments;; light-intensity; south sulawesi; nitrogen Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Carruthers TJB, Barnes PAG, Jacome GE, Fourqurean JW (2005) Lagoon scale processes in a coastally influenced Caribbean system: Implications for the seagrass Thalassia testudinum. Caribb. J. Sci. 41(3):441–455 Abstract: The Bocas del Toro archipelago in the Caribbean sea on the northwest coast of Panama has high annual rainfall (> 3000 mm) and a mountainous watershed, resulting in high inflow of fresh water. The two main lagoons have different geologic structure and different inputs; while Bahia Almirante has carbonate sediment and a relatively small watershed, Laguna de Chiriqui has predominantly siliclastic sediment and a very large watershed. The region also has a long history of clearing and agriculture. The purpose of this research was to use the seagrass Thalassia testudinum as a bio-indicator of nutrient status of these lagoons, particularly to assess the extent and influence of mainland inputs of freshwater, nutrients and sediments. Leaf tissue nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as surface water quality and porewater nutrients, were measured from 32 sites throughout the archipelago. The Bocas del Toro archipelago showed clear but relatively small differences in these parameters between the carbonate, moderate freshwater input Bahia Almirante and the siliclastic, high freshwater input Laguna de Chiriqui. No evidence of a mainland to offshore (Cayos Zapatillos) gradient in nutrient status was observed in T. testudinum meadows. Leaf tissue nitrogen (ca. 2.4%) and phosphorus (ca. 0.25%) as well as chlorophyll a concentrations were high throughout the archipelago and higher than many tropical seagrass dominated ecosystems of the Caribbean. It is likely that this is partly a result of the mountainous, volcanic watershed and high rainfall, but the influence of extensive agriculture and land clearing has yet to be explicitly determined. Florida Int Univ, SE Environm Res Ctr, Miami, FL 33199 USA. Keywords: nitrogen; phosphorus; sediment; nutrient processes; Bocas del Toro; Panama PATTERNS; NITROGEN Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2002
Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Longstaff BJ, Waycott M, Abal EG, McKenzie LJ, Long WJL (2002) Seagrass habitats of northeast Australia: Models of key processes and controls. Bulletin of Marine Science 71(3):1153–1169 Abstract: An extensive and diverse assemblage of seagrass habitats exists along the tropical and subtropical coastline of north east Australia and the associated Great Barrier Reef. In their natural state, these habitats are characterised by very low nutrient concentrations and are primarily nitrogen limited. Summer rainfall and tropical storms/cyclones lead to large flows of sediment-laden fresh water. Macro grazers, dugongs (Dugong dugon) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are an important feature in structuring tropical Australian seagrass communities. In general, all seagrass habitats in north east Australia are influenced by high disturbance and are both spatially and temporally variable. This paper classifies the diversity into four habitat types and proposes the main limiting factor for each habitat. The major processes that categorise each habitat are described and significant threats or gaps in understanding are identified. Four broad categories of seagrass habitat are defined as \'River estuaries\', \'Coastal\', \'Deep water\' and \'Reef\', and the dominant controlling factors are terrigenous runoff, physical disturbance, low light and low nutrients, respectively. Generic concepts of seagrass ecology and habitat function have often been found inappropriate to the diverse range of seagrass habitats in north east Australian waters. The classification and models developed here explain differences in habitats by identifying ecological functions and potential response to impacts in each habitat. This understanding will help to better focus seagrass management and research in tropical habitats. Keywords: zostera-capricorni aschers; tropical intertidal seagrasses; acoroides; lf royle; reef-marine-park; papua-new-guinea; halophila-decipiens;; hervey-bay; nitrogen-fixation; light deprivation; torres strait Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Mellors J, Marsh H, Carruthers TJB, Waycott M (2002) Testing the sediment-trapping paradigm of seagrass: do seagrasses influence nutrient status and sediment structure in tropical intertidal environments? Bulletin of Marine Science 71(3):1215–1226 Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
1999
Carruthers TJB (1999) Within canopy growth strategies of the two seagrass species Amphibolis griffithii (J. Black) den Hartog and Amphibolis antarctica (Labillardiere) Sonder & Ascherson ex Ascherson. The Seagrass Flora and Fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia, 1996 41–50 Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Carruthers TJB, Walker DI (1999) Sensitivity of transects across a depth gradient to measuring changes in aerial coverage and abundance of Ruppia megacarpa Mason. Aquat. Bot. 65:281–292 Abstract: Effective management of estuarine systems that contain submerged aquatic macrophytes, requires knowledge of whether macrophyte populations are stable, increasing or decreasing in terms of aerial coverage and abundance. This study established three transects within Wilson Inlet and monitored them five times during 1996 for percent cover of Ruppia megacarpa and maximum depth limits of these meadows. Secchi depth data collected weekly in the Inlet for water quality monitoring were used for comparison. Percentage cover of R. megacarpa varied along the length of the transects and also between sampling times. This variation was partially explainable by variation in light availability, but was affected by other factors within the system. Overall sites and times, the maximum depth limit of R. megacarpa was at approximately 24% of incident irradience. This value is high in comparison to other submerged macrophytes and suggests that R. megacarpa is not limited by light. Its distribution may be limited by sediment type, with the seagrass being confined to coarser sediments in the Inlet. It was concluded that R. megacarpa depth distribution inWilson Inlet is not currently limited by light, and so a minimum acceptable Secchi depth cannot be recommended. Repeated measurement of permanent transects for percent cover and canopy height, replicated within each meadow and along each transect, is recommended. Keywords: Estuaries; Transects; Seagrass; Light; Depth; Management Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Carruthers TJB, Walker DI, Kendrick GA (1999) Abundance of Ruppia megacarpa Mason in a seasonally variable estuary. ECSS 48:497–509 Abstract: The aim of this paper was to assess how much of the variation in abundance of Ruppia megacarpa within Wilson Inlet, Western Australia, could be attributed to variations in conductivity, turbidity, depth, dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature of the water column (hydrological variables). R. megacarpa was collected from six sites within Wilson Inlet, a bar built estuary in southwestern Australia. Hydrological variables were measured and seasonal variation assessed using non-metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling (non-metric MDS). Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) was used to determine correlations between Ruppia abundance and these hydrological variables, for the same time period and with a lag time of 2, 4 and 6 months. Strong seasonal patterns in hydrological variables in Wilson Inlet were related to seasonal rain and the annual winter opening of the channel to the ocean by the local council. Conductivity, turbidity and depth were related to approximately 40% of the variation in R. megacarpa abundance. Morphological plasticity is hypothesized to be an important component of the unexplained 60% of variation in R. megacarpa abundance. Strongest relationships between R. megacarpa abundance and individual hydrological variables were over different time periods: turbidity was directly related; depth with a lag of 2 months; and conductivity with a lag of 4 months. This study confirms that in a variable estuarine system there is a strong relationship between hydrological and biological variables. Keywords: aquatic plants; salinity; light; turbidity; depth; conductivity; Australia Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
1997
Carruthers TJB, Walker DI (1997) Light climate and energy flow in the seagrass canopy of Amphibolis griffithii (J.M. Black) den Hartog. Oecologia 109:335–341 Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
1996
Walker DI, Carruthers TJB, Morrison PF, McComb AJ (1996) Experimental manipulation of canopy density in a temperate seagrass (Amphibolis griffithii (Black) den Hartog) meadow: effects on sediments. Seagrass Biology: proceedings of an international workshop Rottnest Island, 1996 117–122 Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
1993
Carruthers TJB, Walder DI, Huisman JM (1993) Culture studies on two morphological types of Caulerpa (Chlorophyta) from Perth, Western Australia, with a description of a new species. Bot. Mar. 36:589–596 Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Books
2010
Longstaff BJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Hawkey JM, Thomas JE, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (2010) Integrating and Applying Science: A practical handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 244 pp Abstract: Vast areas of the globe's coastal zone have experienced significant declines in ecosystem health. Deteriorating water quality, loss and alteration of vital habitats, and reduced populations of fish and shellfish are some of the major changes recorded. Regardless of the differences between cultures, climate regions, and population pressures, integrated management and assessment is required to solve coastal environmental problems. Establishing and running an effective assessment program is a complex process that necessitates strategic collaboration and partnerships between many individuals and agencies. This book was written to make the process of running a coastal assessment program easier and the outcomes more effective. It provides a step‒by‒step approach from data collection and information management to synthesis and application and draws on the knowledge of a variety of coastal scientists and managers. The book is divided into four sections that represent the four major steps needed to apply data within an coastal assessment program: community engagement, community knowledge, environmental information, and data collection. Keywords: community engagement; community knowledge; environmental information; environmental data collection Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2009
Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (2009) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 396 pp Abstract: The title of this book-Shifting Sands-refers to both the dynamic nature of the barrier islands forming the coastal lagoons of Maryland's Atlantic Ocean coastline and also the changing cultural landscape as more and more people discover these once-forgotten bays. The subtitle of the book-Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays-reflects the way the book integrates natural and human influences. Shifting Sands is a richly illustrated, multi-authored introduction to Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, St. Martin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Newport Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. This book leads the reader on a voyage of discovery, providing a user-friendly guide to the history, setting, context, and ecology of these waterways nestled behind Assateague, Fenwick, and Chincoteague Islands. Photographs, conceptual diagrams, maps, and graphs are used to showcase the key features of and major threats to these magnificent bays, watersheds, and islands, with recommendations for how to preserver them for future generations. Keywords: coastal bays; health; management; assessment; history; water quality; habitats Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2006
Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG, Dennison WC (2006) Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements. IWA Publishing, London, 136 pp Abstract: This is a practical handbook on how to communicate science effectively. The first part is an introduction to the principles of science communication-what effective science communication is, why it is important, and how effective science communication can change societal paradigms and make one a better scientist. General principles relating to all science communication products include providing synthesis, visualization, and context, assembling self-contained visual elements such as photos, maps, conceptual diagrams and data, formatting content to define and simplify terms, and eliminating jargon and acronyms. Formatting of these visual elements is also discussed. This introduction is followed by chapters outlining techniques and principles for communicating in different media-desktop publishing (including posters and newsletters), presentations and websites. Techniques in these chapters include image, color, and font formats, resolution and design tips for different media. Finally, a case study is presented to illustrate how effective science communication has become an integral part of a successful environmental science, monitoring, planning, and implementation program. The book is accompanied by extensive internet resources, including interactive software tutorials for the different software programs commonly used in communication, discussion forums for science communication issues, and links to other websites of interest. This book will be a valuable resource for scientists working in research, management agencies, government and education. Although environmental scientists are the primary audience, the principles and techniques discussed are applicable to scientists from all disciplines. Keywords: science communication; handbook; visual, diagrams; images; research Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Book Contributions
2010
Kimmel DG, Townsend H, Carruthers TJB, Fertig BM (2010) Chapter 8: Environmental statistics: balancing simplicity and explanatory power. In: Longstaff BJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Hawkey JM, Thomas JE, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (eds) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, p 113–132 Abstract: One of the most important goals of a coastal assessment program is to increase the knowledge of individuals and agencies who make management decisions. Information must be presented in an easy-to-understand format and supported by quantitative analyses. Quantitative analyses often involve applying statistical techniques that are used to visualize, describe, and model data. Statistics allow scientists and managers to distill data into useful information and increase the amount of confidence they have in their conclusions (Figure 8.1). This chapter describes how to use statistics to strike a balance between explanatory power and complexity (Figure 8.2). This brief introduction should provide some guidance in using statistics to analyze data. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Lookingbill T, Carruthers TJB, Testa JM, Nuttle WK, Shenk G (2010) Chapter 9: Environmental models: providing synthesis, analysis, simulation, and prediction. In: Longstaff BJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Hawkey JM, Thomas JE, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (eds) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, p 133–150 Abstract: Models can act as an interface among scientists, managers, and the public to build a shared understanding of the status and trends of coastal resources (Figure 9.1). Environmental models can be an effective way of synthesizing large quantities of environmental data. These models can assume a variety of forms and be used to address many different types of research questions. The concept of environmental models has already been introduced in the previous chapter on statistical analyses (see Chapter 8). This chapter provides more in-depth discussion of model utility, formulation, and evaluation. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Williams MR, Longstaff BJ, Wicks EC, Carruthers TJB, Florkowski LN (2010) Chapter 6: Ecological report cards: integrating indicators into report cards. In: Longstaff BJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lookingbill TR, Hawkey JM, Thomas JE, Wicks EC, Woerner JL (eds) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, p 79–96 Abstract: This chapter continues the discussion of ecological indicators but with the specific application of producing ecological report cards. It explains the reasons for producing report cards, the steps to produce indicators based on ecological thresholds, and the process of combining indicators into overarching indices. Ecological report cards, like the indicators that they are based on, are one of the most important products for directing data collection and analysis. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2009
Dennison WC, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Thomas JE, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (2009) Conclusions and Recommendations. In: Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (eds) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Camridge, MD, p 1–14 Abstract: The title of this book-Shifting Sands-refers to both the dynamic nature of the barrier islands forming the coastal lagoons of Maryland's Atlantic Ocean coastline and also the changing cultural landscape as more and more people discover these once-forgotten bays. The subtitle of the book-Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays-reflects the way the book integrates natural and human influences. Shifting Sands is a richly illustrated, multi-authored introduction to Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, St. Martin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Newport Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. This book leads the reader on a voyage of discovery, providing a user-friendly guide to the history, setting, context, and ecology of these waterways nestled behind Assateague, Fenwick, and Chincoteague Islands. Photographs, conceptual diagrams, maps, and graphs are used to showcase the key features of and major threats to these magnificent bays, watersheds, and islands, with recommendations for how to preserver them for future generations. Keywords: coastal bays;health;management;assessment;history;water quality;habitats Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Wazniak CE, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Hall MR, Thomas JE (2009) Ecosystem Health Assessment. In: Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (eds) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Camridge, MD, p 15–20 Abstract: The title of this book-Shifting Sands-refers to both the dynamic nature of the barrier islands forming the coastal lagoons of Maryland's Atlantic Ocean coastline and also the changing cultural landscape as more and more people discover these once-forgotten bays. The subtitle of the book-Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays-reflects the way the book integrates natural and human influences. Shifting Sands is a richly illustrated, multi-authored introduction to Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, St. Martin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Newport Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. This book leads the reader on a voyage of discovery, providing a user-friendly guide to the history, setting, context, and ecology of these waterways nestled behind Assateague, Fenwick, and Chincoteague Islands. Photographs, conceptual diagrams, maps, and graphs are used to showcase the key features of and major threats to these magnificent bays, watersheds, and islands, with recommendations for how to preserver them for future generations. Keywords: coastal bays;health;management;assessment;history;water quality;habitats Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Wazniak CE, Hall MR, Bailey EM, Boward DM, Boynton WR, Bratton JF, Carruthers TJB, Chalmers RJ, Cole LW, Cornwell JC, Fertig BM, Glibert PM, Jones AB, Jordan TE, McCoy J, McGinty M, Shedlock RJ, Sherwell J, Sturgis RB, Thomas JE, Trice TM, Wells DV (2009) Water Quality Reponses to Nutrients. In: Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (eds) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Camridge, MD, p 249–292 Abstract: The title of this book-Shifting Sands-refers to both the dynamic nature of the barrier islands forming the coastal lagoons of Maryland's Atlantic Ocean coastline and also the changing cultural landscape as more and more people discover these once-forgotten bays. The subtitle of the book-Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays-reflects the way the book integrates natural and human influences. Shifting Sands is a richly illustrated, multi-authored introduction to Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, St. Martin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Newport Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. This book leads the reader on a voyage of discovery, providing a user-friendly guide to the history, setting, context, and ecology of these waterways nestled behind Assateague, Fenwick, and Chincoteague Islands. Photographs, conceptual diagrams, maps, and graphs are used to showcase the key features of and major threats to these magnificent bays, watersheds, and islands, with recommendations for how to preserver them for future generations. Keywords: coastal bays;health;management;assessment;history;water quality;habitats Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
Boward DM, Carruthers TJB, Chalmers RJ, Clearwater DH, Dennison WC, Hairston-Strang AB, Hall MR, Irani FM, Jesien RV, Knapp WM, Koch EW, Kyde KL, Luscher AE, Naylor MD, Orth RJ, Spaur CC, Tarnowski ML, Wicks EC, Zimmerman CS (2009) Habitats of the Coastal Bays & Watershed. In: Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Cain CJ, Carruthers TJB, Hall MR, Jesien RV, Wazniak CE, Wilson DE (eds) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Camridge, MD, p 345–390 Abstract: The title of this book-Shifting Sands-refers to both the dynamic nature of the barrier islands forming the coastal lagoons of Maryland's Atlantic Ocean coastline and also the changing cultural landscape as more and more people discover these once-forgotten bays. The subtitle of the book-Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays-reflects the way the book integrates natural and human influences. Shifting Sands is a richly illustrated, multi-authored introduction to Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, St. Martin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Newport Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. This book leads the reader on a voyage of discovery, providing a user-friendly guide to the history, setting, context, and ecology of these waterways nestled behind Assateague, Fenwick, and Chincoteague Islands. Photographs, conceptual diagrams, maps, and graphs are used to showcase the key features of and major threats to these magnificent bays, watersheds, and islands, with recommendations for how to preserver them for future generations. Keywords: coastal bays;health;management;assessment;history;water quality;habitats Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2004
Dennison WC, Carruthers TJB, Thomas JE, Glibert PM (2004) A comparison of issues and management approaches in Moreton Bay, Australia and Chesapeake Bay, USA. In: Wong MH (ed) Developments in Ecosystems Developments in Ecosystems volume 1: Wetlands Ecosystems in Asia: Function and Management. p 3–25 Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
2001
Carruthers TJB, Longstaff BJ, Dennison WC, Abal EG, Aioi K (2001) Measurement of light penetration in relation to seagrass. In: Short F, Coles R (eds) Global Seagrass Methods. Elsevier, p 369–392 Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX
1999
Carruthers TJB (1999) Within canopy growth strategies of the two seagrass species Amphibolis griffithii (J. Black) den Hartog and Amphibolis antarctica (Labillardiere) Sonder & Ascherson ex Ascherson. In: Walker DI, Wells FE (eds) The Seagrass Flora and Fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth, Australia, p 41–50 Abstract: Responses in leaf production to variation in light climate throughout Amphibolis griffithii and A.antarctica canopies were studied at Rottnest Island, Western Australia. To test the importance of small scale changes in the physical environment (e.g. light, temperature and water movement) within the canopy, leaf production rates at different heights within the canopies and Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE), for the entire canopy of each species, were calculated and compared. Comparative (radiation) Use Efficiency (CUE) was also measured from the top to the base of the canopies of both species. Mean leaf production rate was 0.038±0.004 leaves cluster-1 day-1, for A. griffithii, and 0.086±0.007, for A. antarctica. Neither species showed differences in leaf production rates at different heights within the canopy. There was a positive correlation between leaf size and height above the sediment in both species. CUE was higher closer to the sediment and RuE of the entire canopy was similar for both species (0.30±0.04 g mol quanta-1 , for A. griffithii and 0.26±0.02 for A. antarctica). Although there were differences in canopy structure between the species, there was no difference in total canopy RUE. This was probably due in part to the location of the study site in a high water movement environment in the middle of the distributions of the two species. Smaller leaf size at the base of the canopy, constant leaf production rates through the canopy and variation in CUE suggest physiological integration of leaf clusters rather than control of leaf turnover by changes in the physical environment through the canopy. Physiological support of small leaf clusters close to the sediment may be a mechanism to promote rapid stem growth, and hence maximise leaf area in the high light region at the top of the canopy. Permanent link  | Save citation:  RTF  PDF  LaTeX

Science Communication Publications Browse all publications for Tim Carruthers on IAN Press OR view individually:
2013
Rao NS, Carruthers TJB, Anderson P, Sivo L, Saxby TA, Durbin, T, Jungblut V, Hills T and Chape S (2013) An economic analysis of ecosystem-based adaptation and engineering options for climate change adaptation in Lami Town, Republic of the Fiji Islands. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 72pp (Report)
2012
Rao NS, Carruthers TJB, Anderson P, Sivo L, Saxby TA, Durbin, T, Jungblut V, Hills T and Chape S (2012) A comparative analysis of ecosystem-based adaptation and engineering options for Lami Town, Fiji. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 28pp (Report)
Lookingbill T, Bentsen CN, Carruthers TJB, Costanzo SD, Dennison WC, Doherty C, Lucier S, Madron J, Poppell E and Saxby TA (2012) Colonial National Historical Park natural resource condition assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 156pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2012) Samoa 2012 Environmental Outlook: developing a vision for the next 50 years. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Report card)
Integration and Application Network (2012) Samoa 2012 Environmental Outlook: developing a vision for the next 50 years (Samoan). IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Report card)
2011
Thomas JE, Carruthers TJB and Dennison WC (2011) Lessons learned from the Natural Resource Condition Assessment program. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Thomas JE, Calzarette J, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Cohen D, Dennison WC, Donaldson L, Landsman A, Lehman M, Nortrup M and Wenschhof E (2011) Antietam National Battlefield Natural Resource Condition Assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 160pp (Report)
Thomas JE, Banasik A, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lehman M and Nortrup M (2011) Monocacy National Battlefield Natural Resource Condition Assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 148pp (Report)
Thomas JE, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Gorsira B, Lehman M and Nortrup M (2011) Manassas National Battlefield Park Natural Resource Condition Assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 144pp (Report)
Thomas JE, Calzarette J, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Cohen D, Dennison WC, Donaldson L, Landsman A, Lehman M, Nortrup M and Wenschhof E (2011) Antietam National Battlefield Natural Resource Condition Assessment - Executive Summary. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 7pp (Report)
Thomas JE, Calzarette J, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Cohen D, Dennison WC, Donaldson L, Landsman A, Lehman M, Nortrup M and Wenschhof E (2011) Antietam National Battlefield Natural Resource Condition Assessment Resource Brief. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
Thomas JE, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Gorsira B, Lehman M and Nortrup M (2011) Manassas National Battlefield Park Natural Resource Condition Assessment - Executive Summary. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 7pp (Report)
Thomas JE, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Gorsira B, Lehman M and Nortrup M (2011) Manassas National Battlefield Park Natural Resource Condition Assessment Resource Brief. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
Thomas JE, Banasik A, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lehman M and Nortrup M (2011) Monocacy National Battlefield Natural Resource Condition Assessment - Executive Summary. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 7pp (Report)
Thomas JE, Banasik A, Campbell JP, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Lehman M and Nortrup M (2011) Monocacy National Battlefield Natural Resource Condition Assessment Resource Brief. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
Carruthers TJB, Beckert KA, Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Williams MR, Fisher T, Kumer J, Schupp C, Sturgis B, and Zimmerman C (2011) Assateague Island National Seashore Natural Resource Condition Assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 182pp (Report)
Carruthers TJB, Beckert KA, Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Williams MR, Fisher T, Kumer J, Schupp C, Sturgis B, and Zimmerman C (2011) Assateague Island National Seashore Natural Resource Condition Assessment - Executive Summary. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 12pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2011) War in the Pacific National Historical Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
Boquiren R, Di Carlo G, and Quibilan MC (2011) Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of the Verde Island Passage, Philippines. Conservation International, 100pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2011) Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone Hotspots. Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone, 1pp (Poster)
Kaufman L, Sandin S, Sala E, Obura D, Rohwer F, and Tschirky J (2011) Coral Health Index (CHI): measuring coral community health. Science and Knowledge Division, Conservation International, Arlington, VA, USA, 16pp (Report)
2010
Integration and Application Network (2010) Economic incentives for marine conservation. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 40pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Groundwater resources at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
Integration and Application Network (2010) USS Arizona: once a site of human devastation, now a haven for marine life. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Bridging the gap between human culture and conservation. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 3pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Economic incentives motivate human behavior change. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Local and global declines of seagrass: is there a glimmer of hope?. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 37pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Adapting to climate change. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 12pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Adapting to climate change. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 3pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2010) Living with the Sea: Local efforts buffer effects of global change. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Report)
Samonte G, Bunce Karrer L, Orbach M (2010) People and Oceans: Managing marine areas for human well-being. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Report)
Orbach M, Bunce Karrer L (2010) MMAs: What, why, and where. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 16pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2010) National Park of American Samoa. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
B.J. Longstaff, T.J.B. Carruthers, W.C. Dennison, T.R. Lookingbill, J.M. Hawkey, J.E. Thomas, E.C. Wicks, J. Woerner (2010) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 258pp (Book)
2009
Integration and Application Network (2009) The legacy of Kalaupapa National Historical Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2009) Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
Integration and Application Network (2009) Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 2pp (Brochure)
Carruthers TJB, Kendrick G, Waycott M, Olyarnik S, Dennison WC, Duarte C, Orth RJ, Fourqurean J, Heck K, Hughes R, Kenworthy J, Short F, Williams S (2009) Global seagrass trajectories: a closer look in relation to future monitoring. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Presentation)
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Altabet MA and Fertig EJ (2009) Variations of δ15N in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) as a baseline to assess waste nitrogen sources. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Presentation)
Woerner JL, Bishop T, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Gurbisz C and Murray L (2009) Unlimited Access: Using collaborative products to make current scientific knowledge more accessible. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Thomas JE, Beckert K, Cain C, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC1, Fisher T, Jesien R, Kumer J, Longstaff BJ, Radcliffe G, Schupp C, Sturgis B, Wazniak C, Wicks EC, Williams MR and Zimmerman C (2009) Assessing the Coastal Bays of Maryland and Virginia: A comparison of approaches. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Dennison WC and Carruthers TJB (2009) Tools for effective science communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 26pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2009) Rock Creek Park Natural Resource Condition Assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 156pp (Report)
William C. Dennison, Jane E. Thomas, Carol J. Cain, Tim J.B. Carruthers, Matthew R. Hall, Roman V. Jesien, Catherine E. Wazniak, & David E. Wilson (2009) Shifting Sands: Environmental and cultural change in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 418pp (Book)
Integration and Application Network (2009) South Caucasus region transboundary report card. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Report card)
Integration and Application Network (2009) South Caucasus region transboundary report card (Russian). IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Report card)
2008
Integration and Application Network (2008) Oyster δ15N as a bioindicator of waste nitrogen and degraded water quality in a sub-estuary of Chesapeake Bay. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Upstream land use affects water quality in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 3pp (Newsletter)
Beckert K, Fertig BM, O'Neil JM, Carruthers TJB, Wazniak C, Sturgis B, Hall M, Jones AB and Dennison WC (2008) Fine scale patterns of water quality in three regions of Marylands Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to land use. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 55pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Watershed condition assessment for Rock Creek Park in the National Capital Region. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 54pp (Presentation)
Beckert K, Fertig BM, O'Neil JM, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC and Fisher T (2008) Fine scale patterns of water quality in three regions of Maryland's Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to land use. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 32pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Inventory and Monitoring Program, Pacific Island Network, National Park Service. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2008) Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
2007
Integration and Application Network (2007) Synthesising research, management, and monitoring. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB and Dennison WC (2007) Linking Monie Bay watershed land use to nitrogen stable isotopes in tissues of the native eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 76pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2007) Measuring the Health of our National Parks: Rock Creek Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 3pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2007) Biological indicators enhance water quality monitoring in Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2007) The role of benthic communities in the health of Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
2006
Integration and Application Network (2006) National Capital Region Network Regional Overview. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Antietam National Battlefield. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Catoctin Mountain Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) George Washington Memorial Parkway. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Manassas National Battlefield Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Monocacy National Battlefield Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) National Capital Parks-East. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Prince William Forest Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Rock Creek Park. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Wazniak C, Sturgess B, Hall M, Jones AB, and Dennison WC (2006) Water quality in four regions of the Maryland Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to rainfall and brown tide. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 50pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2006) From the Indian Ocean to the Caribbean: defining seagrass habitats to assess system processes. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 58pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2006) A global crisis for seagrass ecosystems?. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 27pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Ecosystem health report cards: an approach to integrated assessment. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG and Dennison WC (2006) Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements. IWA Publishing, London (Book)
Integration and Application Network (2006) A Conceptual Basis for Natural Resource Monitoring. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 36pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2006) The art of science communication: creating effective posters and newsletters. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 31pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2006) An Eye Opening Approach to Integrated Environmental Assessments. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2006) Reducing flood damage in coastal Louisiana: Communities, culture & commerce. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 3pp (Newsletter)
2005
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia: Estuaries. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia: South Coast. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Seagrasses of Southwest Australia: West Coast. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Utilizing spatially intensive data in monitoring Maryland's Coastal Bays. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Developing a classification system for Caribbean seagrass communities. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 24pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2005) Bay Grass Restoration in Chesapeake Bay. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2005) An approach to assessing comparative ecological condition of National Capital Region parks. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Presentation)
2004
Integration and Application Network (2004) Restoration of aquatic grass communities of Chesapeake Bay: How should we proceed?. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 20pp (Presentation)
Jones AB, Carruthers TJ, Pantus F, Thomas JE, Saxby TA and Dennison, WC (2004) A water quality assessment of the Maryland Coastal Bays including nitrogen source identification using stable isotopes. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 60pp (Report)
Integration and Application Network (2004) Developing a global seagrass synthesis: Integrating ecophysiology, genetics, monitoring and management initiatives to understand and preserve seagrasses. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 55pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2004) Conceptual diagrams: tools for science communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Wazniak C, Hall M, Cain C, Wilson D, Jesien R, Thomas JE, Carruthers TJB and Dennison WC (2004) State of the Maryland Coastal Bays 2004. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 48pp (Report)
2003
Integration and Application Network (2003) Rainfall influence upon nutrient inputs to Caribbean coastal systems. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 31pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2003) Seagrass habitats of Bocas del Toro province: a balance between river, mangrove and coral influences. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
2002
Integration and Application Network (2002) Conceptual Diagrams: A tool for science communication. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 67pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2002) Submarine Springs and Sewage. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 1pp (Poster)
Integration and Application Network (2002) Balancing limitation and excess: ecophysiological implications for seagrass survival. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 28pp (Presentation)
Integration and Application Network (2002) Healthy Chesapeake Waterways. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 4pp (Newsletter)
Integration and Application Network (2002) Vision for IAN. IAN Press, Cambridge, MD, 28pp (Presentation)

Media

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The Saipan Tribune (Wed 27 Oct, 2010)
Workshop aims to make science digestible for the public

Mongabay.com (Tue 30 Jun, 2009)
Coastal seagrass disappearing as quickly as coral reefs and rainforests

Bay Journal (Mon 1 Jan, 2007)
Environmentally important underwater grass beds facing global crisis

The Gulfport (MS) Sun Herald (Wed 6 Dec, 2006)
Seagrass mirrors all the ills of oceans: Marine scientists fear global crisis lies ahead

United Press International (Fri 1 Dec, 2006)
Sea grasses conservation efforts urged

Environment News Service (Fri 1 Dec, 2006)
Seagrass Ecosystems in Crisis

Projects

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Current Projects

IAN: Science Communication Courses

Maryland Coastal Bays: science communication products and report cards

Past Projects

CLEAR: Louisiana Sea Level Rise

Conservation International: Adapting to climate change in the Verde Island Passage, Philippines

HPL: Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration

LOICZ: Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone

NCEAS: Global trajectories of seagrasses

NPS: Assateague Island National Seashore: Natural Resource Condition Assessment

NPS: Colonial National Historical Park: Natural Resource Condition Assessment

NPS: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Natural Resource Condition Assessment

NPS: National Capital Region: science communication products

NPS: Pacific Island Network: science communication products

NPS: Rock Creek National Park: Natural Resource Condition Assessment

Blog Posts

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IAN in American Samoa

Thoughts on Chennai, India