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Ecological network analysis metrics: The need for an entire ecosystem approach in management and policy

TitleEcological network analysis metrics: The need for an entire ecosystem approach in management and policy
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsFath, BD, Asmus, H, Asmus, R, Baird, D, Borrett, SR, de Jonge, VN, Ludovisi, A, Niquil, N, Scharler, UM, Schückel, U, Wolff, M
JournalOcean and Coastal Management
Volume174
Pagination1-14
ISSN09645691
Keywordscoastal zone, Cycling, Decision making, ecological approach, Ecological network analysis, ecosystem approach, ecosystem management, Ecosystems, environmental policy, food web, Food webs, Marine and coastal environments, Marine environment, network analysis, policy implementation, stakeholder, Trophic length
Abstract

In this paper, we identified seven ecological network analysis (ENA) metrics that, in our opinion, have high potential to provide useful and practical information for environmental decision-makers and stakeholders. Measurement and quantification of the network indicators requires that an ecosystem level assessment is implemented. The ENA metrics convey the status of the ecological system state variables, and mostly, the flows and relations between the various nodes of the network. The seven metrics are: 1) Average Path Length (APL), 2) Finn Cycling Index (FCI), 3) Mean Trophic level (MTL), 4) Detritivory to Herbivory ratio (D:H), 5) Keystoneness, 6) Structural Information (SI), and 7) Flow-based Information indices. The procedure for calculating each metric is detailed along with a short evaluation of their potential assessment of environmental status. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd
URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964569118305969
DOI10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.03.007
Catégorie HCERES
ACL - Peer-reviewed articles
Publication coopération et recherche SUD
Non