Publications by Bill Dennison

IAN is committed to producing practical, user-centered communications that foster a better understanding of science and enable readers to pursue new opportunities in research, education, and environmental problem-solving. Our publications synthesize scientific findings using effective science communication techniques.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Page 1)

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Jane Hawkey, Tim Carruthers, Bill Dennison ·
20 December 2006

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is the only National Park dedicated to the performing arts. Performance structures on the 130 acre property include a 7,000-person main stage. The park includes protected stream, meadow, and forest patches in the urban Washington, DC landscape. Noise from the Dulles Toll Road threatens the primary function of the park as a performance venue and is a major management concern.

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The role of the coastal ocean in the disturbed and undisturbed nutrient and carbon cycles: A management perspective (Page 1)

The role of the coastal ocean in the disturbed and undisturbed nutrient and carbon cycles: A management perspective

Le Tissier MDA, Buddemeier R, Parslow J, Swaney DP, Crossland CJ, Smith SV, Whyte HAY, Dennison WC, Hills JM and Kremer HH (eds) ·
1 November 2006

This report was published by the Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) project with the support of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). It provides new assessment tools for coastal management programs and discusses the key science outputs of the project. Science communicators at IAN worked with authors and designers to create nine figures for the 40-page report.

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Water quality in four regions of the Maryland Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to rainfall and brown tide (Page 1)

Water quality in four regions of the Maryland Coastal Bays: assessing nitrogen source in relation to rainfall and brown tide

Fertig BM, Carruthers TJB, Wazniak C, Sturgess B, Hall M, Jones AB, and Dennison WC ·
1 November 2006

Monitoring water quality and determining nutrient inputs is essential to assess ecosystem health. Partnering with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and the Department of Natural Resources, this study focused on four regions in Maryland's Coastal Bays. These regions, St Martins River, Public Landing, Johnson's Bay, and Chincoteague Island, were found to be nitrogen 'hotspots' by the 2004 water quality assessment study.

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Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements

Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG and Dennison WC ·
1 July 2006

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 to do it. The principles in these chapters include how effective science communication can change societal paradigms and make one a better scientist.

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An Eye Opening Approach to Integrated Environmental Assessments (Page 1)

An Eye Opening Approach to Integrated Environmental Assessments

Bill Dennison, Tim Carruthers, Jane Hawkey ·
6 February 2006

Environmental management is not practiced in a vacuum. Effective stewardship of natural resources requires the adoption of multiple objectives set forth by diverse groups of stakeholders with varied perspectives and interests. Within this management landscape, integrated environmental assessments provide a useful framework for evaluating resources and directing management efforts.

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A Global Crisis for Seagrass Ecosystems (Page 1)

A Global Crisis for Seagrass Ecosystems

Orth RJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Duarte CM, Fourqurean JW, Heck KL Jr, Hughes AR, Kendrick GA, Kenworthy WJ, Olyarnik S, Short FT, Waycott M, and Williams SL ·
2006

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.

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Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements

Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG, and Dennison WC ·
2006

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.

Read more

Monitoring toxic cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula (Gomont) in Moreton Bay, Australia by integrating satellite image data and field mapping (Page 1)

Monitoring toxic cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula (Gomont) in Moreton Bay, Australia by integrating satellite image data and field mapping

Roelfsema CM, Phinn SR, Dennison WC, Dekker AG, and Brando VE ·
2006

Large-scale blooms of Lyngbya majuscula (Gomont) have occurred throughout Moreton Bay (south-east Queensland) and have been documented since 1997. L. majuscula is a toxic cyanobacteria which fixes nitrogen and is found attached to: seagrass, algae and coral. The toxic and smothering nature of L. majuscula has affected human and environmental health in sensitive coastal ecosystems.

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