Conceptual models of major ecosystems in Canada's Pacific Ocean / by Sharon Jeffery [and 12 others].: Fs97-6/3556E-PDF

"To aid marine spatial planning initiatives in Canada's Pacific Ocean, we developed a suite of conceptual models depicting the major ecosystems in our region. These range from the intertidal to the deep sea, including: High and low energy rocky shores, High and low energy soft shores, Rocky and soft bottom subtidal, Pelagic, Estuaries, Fjords, Hydrothermal vents, Seamounts, Bathyal plains, and Cold seeps. For each ecosystem, a series of four illustrations were developed. The first outlines the main ecological components of the ecosystem, including flora and fauna, and non-living components such as whale falls. The second outlines key ecological interactions, including predator-prey and competitive relationships. The third outlines the main environmental drivers (e.g., wave action, tides) influencing the species and their interactions. Finally, the fourth illustration outlines the main human activities impacting each ecosystem (e.g., fishing, agriculture). In order to illustrate the ecosystems there was a need to simplify their complexity; for example, full species lists and complete food webs were not outlined. To provide a general understanding of each ecosystem we included only the most important, representative, or iconic components. Together, the illustrations described here depict what is living and happening in each ecosystem, and can be used to inform marine spatial planning and as a tool to help non-scientists understand the ecosystems on our coast"--Abstract, page viii.

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publications.gc.ca/pub?id=9.925084&sl=0

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