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Dryad

A master list of all indicators and metrics, with definitions, ecosystem status component(s) they inform, and source references

Cite this dataset

Dunham, Anya (2023). A master list of all indicators and metrics, with definitions, ecosystem status component(s) they inform, and source references [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.02v6wwq8v

Abstract

Global policies increasingly focus on the importance of maintaining or improving the integrity of ecosystems, but defining, assessing, and monitoring integrity in marine protected areas (MPAs) remains a challenge. In this paper, we conceptualized ecological integrity along dimensions of heterogeneity and stability containing seven components: physical structure, diversity, function, persistence, resistance, resilience, and natural variability. Through a structured literature search, we identified indicators and metrics used for quantifying ecosystem status components in the marine environment, then reviewed MPA management plans worldwide for inclusion of these components. We evaluated 202 papers applying 83 ecological indicators built from 72 metrics. Ecosystem components were most comprehensively addressed by metrics of taxa presence, organisms count, and area occupied by benthic organisms, and community structure, biomass, and percent cover indicators. Of the 557 MPA management plans we reviewed globally, 93% used at least one ecosystem status term or its synonym in an ecologically-relevant context, but 39% did not address any components of stability. In particular, resistance was mentioned in only 1% of management plans, but in some cases it may be inferred from indicators and metrics used to track the best addressed component in management plans – diversity. Plans for MPAs with both an ecological/biological purpose and a research and education purpose contained ecosystem status terms more frequently than other plans, suggesting that engagement with the scientific community may have improved application of these terms. An improved understanding of how to operationalize and measure ecological integrity can help MPA monitoring and management.

README

Description of the data and file structure

This dataset is structured as an Excel file with 2 tabs. Tab 1 represents a master list of all indicators and metrics, with definitions, ecosystem status component(s) they inform, and source references in an (author, year) format. Tab 2 provides a full list of references.

Sharing/Access information

Data was derived from the following source:
Primary papers for the structured literature search were retrieved from WebofScience (https://clarivate.com/webofsciencegroup/solutions/web-of-science/) using the following query: TS=("Search term" AND marine AND (indicat* OR index OR Metric OR measur* OR charact* OR trait* OR variabl*)) NOT TS=Freshwater. The list of papers selected for analyses is available in Appendix S1: Table S1 of the manuscript as well as Tab 2 of the Excel file.

Funding

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, National Conservation Program