Ecosystem-based monitoring in the age of rapid climate change and new technologies

• Published in: Current opinion in environmental sustainability Vol. 29; pp. 170 - 176
• Main Authors: Ims, Rolf A, Yoccoz, Nigel G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-12-2017
• ISSN: 1877-3435; 1877-3443
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cosust.2018.01.003

•Rapid climate change challenges how we monitor and manage ecosystems.•Ecosystem-based monitoring is guided by models that are iteratively/adaptively improved by new data, analytical methods and technology.•Assessments of climate change impacts are strengthened by monitoring designs that include spatial gradients and slow-to-fast processes.•Societal relevance is improved by including stakeholder needs and management interventions in the monitoring protocol.•New technologies and ‘big data’ are helpful, but not a panacea.
We propose how ecosystem-based monitoring of climate impacts can be made efficient for both science and management drawing on our experience from Climate-ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra (COAT). Conceptual food web models are used to derive expected direct and indirect impact-pathways from climate change and human interventions on key species and ecosystem functions. We stress that models should serve the same fundamental role in ecological monitoring as in any other scientific activity; that is, both for a priori guiding monitoring designs, and a posteriori guiding data analyses. Essential elements of the monitoring design are management actions, replicated spatial climatic gradients and temporal resolution and extents that target both fast and slow processes. Ecosystem-based monitoring should be dynamic/adaptive in the sense that models and monitoring designs are iteratively improved by new empirical results, new technologies and the evolving needs of stakeholders.