Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Non-linearity in ecosystem services - temporal and spatial variability in coastal protection
Author(s)
Evamaria W Koch , Edward B Barbier , Brian R Silliman , Denise J Reed , Gerardo ME Perillo , Sally D Hacker , Elise F Granek , Jurgenne H Primavera , Nyawira Muthiga , Stephen Polasky , Benjamin S Halpern , Christopher J Kennedy , Carrie V Kappel , Eric Wolanski
Published
2009
Publisher
Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1890/080126
Abstract
Natural processes tend to vary over time and space, as well as between species. The ecosystem services these natural processes provide are therefore also highly variable. It is often assumed that ecosystem services are provided linearly (unvaryingly, at a steady rate), but natural processes are characterized by thresholds and limiting functions. In this paper, we describe the variability observed in wave attenuation provided by marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs and therefore also in coastal protection. We calculate the economic consequences of assuming coastal protection to be linear. We suggest that, in order to refine ecosystem-based management practices, it is essential that natural variability and cumulative effects be considered in the valuation of ecosystem services.
Full Citation
Koch, E.W.; Barbier, E.B.; Silliman, B.R.; Reed, D.J.; Perillo, G.M.E.; Hacker, S.D.; Granek, E.F.; Primavera, J.H.; Muthiga, N.; Polasky, S.; Halpern, B.S.; Kennedy, C.J.; Kappel, C.V.; Wolanski, E., 2009. Non-linearity in ecosystem services: temporal and spatial variability in coastal protection. Frontiers In Ecology and the Environment 7(1), 29-37. doi: 10.1890/080126
Access Full Text
Back
DMX1506700000