Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Extending Rapid Ecosystem Function Assessments to Marine Ecosystems: A Reply to Meyer

2016; Elsevier BV; Volume: 31; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.tree.2016.02.002

1872-8383

Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Simon J. Brandl, Pamela L. Reynolds, Ashley R. Smyth, Sebastian T. Meyer,

Marine Biology and Ecology Research

Meyer et al. [ 1 Meyer S.T. et al. Towards a standardized Rapid Ecosystem Function Assessment (REFA). Trends Ecol. Evol. 2015; 30: 390-397 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (84) Google Scholar ] propose a series of assays constituting their rapid ecosystem function assessment (REFA) to quickly and inexpensively survey terrestrial ecosystem processes. In this reply we extend their framework to estuarine and coastal marine ecosystems, which provide invaluable services to humanity. We propose an analogous suite of assays that are equally simple and easily deployed by a variety of end users, including scientists, managers, and citizens. We aim to facilitate cross-system comparisons, test ecological theory, engage society, and provide rigorous quantitative data on the consequences of global change and biodiversity loss for the world's oceans.