(Koch et al. 2009) Non-linearity in ecosystem services: temporal and spatial variability in coastal protection

Since natural systems fluctuate over time and space, so do their associated ecosystem services. Koch et al (2009) propose that ecosystem managers take a closer look at these seasonal and spatial variations in order to assess the value of the ecosystem services more accurately. To date, few studies have looked at ecosystem thresholds or dynamic responses in the context of ecosystem services. They suggest that future research seek to incorporate the non-linear properties of the services for more accurate assessments. The authors show that assuming spatial and temporal linearity can lead to significant errors when trying to estimate the protection value of coastal ecosystems from storm damage.

This is a timely article for my research. In discussion with my advisors last week, we agreed that the water treatment managers in the Llobregat watershed were confronting environmental costs with significant seasonal and spatial variation. It became clear that understanding the dynamic nature of the ecosystem service provision in the watershed would be critical to help improve water treatment decisions. If we pursue this approach in the dissertation, Koch et al (2009) will an example from which to build upon.

Koch, EW., E.B. Barbier, B.R. Silliman, D.J. Reed, G.M.E. Perillo, S.D. Hacker, E.F. Granek, J.H. Primavera, N. Muthiga, S.Polansky, B.S Halpern, C.J. Kennedy, C.V. Kappel, E. Wolanski. 2009. Non-linearity in ecosystem services: temporal and spatial variability in coastal protection. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 7(1): 29-37.