Fisheries management agencies have to drive resources on sustainable paths, i.e. within defined boundaries for an indefinite time. The viable-control approach is proposed as a relevant method to deal with sustainability. We analyse the ICES precautionary approach (PA) by means of the notion of viability domain, and provide a mathematical test for sustainability. It is found that the PA based on spawning-stock biomass (SSB) and fishing mortality (F) indicators is sustainable only when recruits make a significant contribution to SSB. In this case, advice based upon SSB, with an appropriate reference point, is sufficient to ensure sustainability. In all other cases, SSB is not a sufficient metric of stock productivity and must be complemented with other management indicators to ensure sustainability. The approach is illustrated with numerical applications to the northern hake and Bay of Biscay anchovy.

A new family of coumarin-based pH indicators was synthesized. They are sensitive to pH in either weakly acidic or weakly basic solution. The indicators possess moderate to high brightness, excellent photostability and compatibility with light-emitting diodes. The indicators were covalently immobilized on the surface of amino-modified polymer microbeads which in turn were incorporated into a hydrogel matrix to obtain novel pH-sensitive materials. When a mixture of two different microbeads is used, the membranes are capable of optical pH sensing over a very wide range comparable to the dynamic range of the glass electrode (pH 1–11). A new family of coumarin-based pH indicators is synthesized for the use in either weakly acidic or weakly basic solution. The indicators possess moderate to high brightness, excellent photostability and compatibility with light-emitting diodes. Novel pH-sensitive materials are obtained by covalent immobilization of the indicators on the surface of amino-modified polymer microbeads which in turn are incorporated into a hydrogel matrix. Sensing of pH over a very wide range also becomes possible.

This paper proposes a methodology to estimate sustainability indicators for the future and to judge whether world and regional scenarios satisfy the necessary conditions of sustainable development. The indicators examined in this study are the genuine savings (Sg) of the flow base, and changes in wealth per capita (w) of the stock base, both of which are among the World Development Indicators (WDI) proposed by the World Bank. David W. Pearce, Giles Atkinson, and Kirk Hamilton have claimed that it is a necessary condition for both of these indicators to be positive. The formal model in this study is based on the model of optimal growth theory proposed by Hamilton. Data required to estimate the two indicators are obtained from endogenous simulation output data by extending an existing integrated assessment model. We can estimate the indicators for the future until 2100 and for 10 regional divisions of the world. The estimations are preliminary and are not sufficient for detailed or conclusive discussions; however, results suggest that the necessary condition identified above is satisfied for the total world and for developed countries throughout the 21st century, but is not satisfied until the latter half of this century in the developing counties. We have established that i) indicators of future sustainability can be estimated based on the optimal growth theory; ii) the indicators can be obtained using consistent data obtained endogenously from the model; and iii) a conjoint analysis can be applied to make a single index (i.e., monetary term) from different factors of resources and environment. We successfully conducted the present methodology to indicate sustainable development indices and their results based on the Weak Sustainability; however, we have to continue our study to obtain policy implication toward future sustainability.

"Drawing on the knowledge of international experts in the field of atmospheric transport and deposition, mercury cycling in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic foodwebs and wildlife, Ecosystem Responses to Mercury Contamination: Indicators of Change presents the information needed to design a national-scale monitoring program for mercury. The book explains how to obtain reliable trends for mercury concentrations and fluxes in the environment, and use this information to evaluate regulatory initiatives aimed at reducing mercury emissions."--Jacket.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how to relate scientific supply to demand regarding sustainable management indicators. This discussion is based on coastal zone management in Réunion Island, for which socioeconomic indicators have been developed. This research allows us to establish conditions to connect social demand with the scientific supply of indicators: - to develop an iterative process, which associates stakeholders, for identifying and selecting indicators, - to strengthen the coherence between demand and supply of indicators: this should be achieved through better connections between the representations developed by stakeholders and scientists of the system to be managed, - to consider the issue of environmental decision making and responsibility. Environmental research must focus on the design of the process of selection of relevant indicators. This research must also assess and monitor the use of indicators for the decision-making process. This involves the development of methodologies enabling this co-elaboration between users and scientists, while considering areas of public policy action and assessment. (Résumé d'auteur)

Evidence for an anthropogenic influence on climate change is now stronger than ever before, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report assertion that 'It is very likely that anthropogenic greenhouse gas increases caused most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century'; (IPCC, 2007a). Global average temperature has increased by 0.74oC over the past 100 years with the rate of warming almost doubling over the last 50 years. Precipitation patterns have also changed with an increase in the number of heavy precipitation events being observed globally. In order to determine if global trends are reflected in changes in climate at the regional and local level in Ireland, a number of potential indicators of climate change have been investigated. Based on existing observational data, indicators can provide an early warning system, which may point to a critical environmental problem in the future. Climate indicators for Ireland are based primarily on daily synoptic station temperature and precipitation data from Met Éireann's monitoring network ... | research

Objectives of this study were to determine indicators and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of community-based ecotourism management. The weighting score method was applied in this study. The indicators' weighting scores were ranked from 1 to 5, the least importance to the highest. The rating score of each indicator was given from 1 to 3, the lowest efficiency or effectiveness to the highest. As a result, thirty three indicators were selected for the evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of community-based ecotourism management at Ko Yao Noi Community. Secondary data, in-depth interviews of local leaders and questionnaire survey of the Ko Yao Noi Ecotourism Club members in total of 77 persons were employed in the data collection process. The evaluation found the overall efficiency and effectiveness of community-based ecotourism of Ko Yao Noi Community was high with the evaluation score of 2.59. The mutual learning and community-based ecotourism network scored the highest of 3.00. While the lowest score was 2.28, on economic development aspect. Other scores for natural and cultural conservation, capability of community organization, social and cultural development, and local people acceptance and participation aspects were 2.77, 2.61, 2.45, and 2.43, respectively.

The aim of this study is to introduce and apply the concepts and principles of the nine comparative indicators suggested by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) as a tool t evaluate and compare small-scale irrigation schemes in the Awash River basin of Ethiopia. These indicators are small, cost-effective, and not data-intensive. Based on the nature and availability of data obtained during the study, the nine indicators were grouped into three to evaluate and compare agricultural output, water supply and financial performance of the selected schemes. The study was conducted in 2004 on Batu Degaga, Doni and Godino small-scale community-based irrigation schemes. Production performance of the three schemes in relation to unit area and unit water supply for he years 2003 and 2004 irrigation season, respectively, was evaluated together with their financial performance. Data collection was focused on primary and secondary sources. The results showed that the three schemes did not perform uniformly. A scheme whose agricultural output showed good performance was not satisfactory when its performance of water supply or financial indicators was evaluated. Evaluation of the irrigation schemes individually indicated that irrigation water was not a constraint and excess amount had been diverted for crop production than required. The study recommends comprehensive planning, design and construction of small-scale irrigation schemes that consider the capacity and capability of the farmers.

As suggested by the Round Table for sustainable palm oil production (RSPO), the sustainability assessment of agricultural practices in oil palm plantations appears to be a key issue for the future development of this crop. CIRAD and its partners especially P. T. SMART, have decided to adapt the INDIGO® method developed by !NRA to evaluate the potential impacts of input applications (fertilizers, pesticides, organic matter) and of land management (s oil cover) on ground and surface water, air, soil, and biodiversity in oil palm plantations. The first step is the calculation of evaluation modules that estimate the impact of each agricultural technique on each environmental component. The modules are aggregated to generate an agro-ecological indicator. Then, together, the agro-ecological indicators provide a "control panel" used as a decision aid tool. As input, few variables and parameters are specific of the oil palm plantation (i. e. dates of pesticide applying, nitrogen content of palm leaves ...). The validation of the quality value of the indicators is done by comparison with measured data (i.e.: nitrate or pesticides leaching). Two agro-environmental indicators are available (I-N and I-Phy) for nitrogen and pesticides management, and, two others are in development (I-MO and!cover) for organic matter management and soil cover. In the future this environmental dashboard will also include indicators for energy, P and K management. The calculation of the indicators of INDIGO® palm method through a computer program is in development. (Résumé d'auteur)

A model for assessing the Struna river pollution by the use of correlation analysis of water quality basic indicators is proposed. This assessment was made for the background and reference points of the Bulgarian section. The time period of 1990-2005 is considered. The Struma pollution assessment is based on the correlation matrix of 20 chemical indicators for this period. The correlation analysis of water quality indicators was made using information from the National Ecological Monitoring Network. The general correlations among the water pollution parameters are calculated with the help of the Programme Struma Software. Three factors are characterizad by the data set structure.