The ECOMAN project: A novel approach to defining sustainable ecosystem function.

摘要: The ECOMAN was initiated in 2001 by the University of Plymouth, UK, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Department Environment, Fisheries Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to address need for more pragmatic assessment techniques linking environmental degradation with its causes. primary aim project develop an evidence-based approach which suites easy-to-use, cost-effective environmentally valid biological responses (biomarkers) could be used together assess health coastal systems through general condition individuals. A range sub-lethal endpoints, chosen reflect successive levels organisation (molecular, cellular, physiological), evaluated common organisms showing different feeding types (filter feeding, grazing, predation) habitat requirements (estuary, rocky shore). Initially, suite biomarkers laboratory studies determine relative sensitivities key species within functional groups contaminants. These results were then validated field performed a ecosystems exhibiting degrees/signatures contamination. Here, example is provided study Humber Estuary, illustrates how multivariate statistical analysis can identify patterns response discriminate between contaminated clean sites. use holistic, integrated this kind advocated as practical means assessing impact chemical contamination on organismal ranking status marine ecosystems.