The use of DPSIR and SAF for the management of eutrophication in the Ria Formosa

• Author(s): Gari, Sirak Robele
• Date: 2010
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/480
• Origin: Sapientia - Universidade do Algarve
• Subject(s): Teses; Zona costeira; Eutrofização; DPSIR; Ria Formosa
• Document Type: Master thesis
• Language: English
• Advisor(s): Newton, Alice; Icely, John
• Contributor(s): Sapientia

Description

Dissertação mest., Gestão da Água e da Costa, Universidade do Algarve, 2010

The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) approach considers human activities as an integral part of the ecosystem and brings together natural science, social science and economics in one framework for adaptive management. Systems Approach Framework (SAF) encompasses the ecological, social and economic components of the coastal zones and aims to establish a permanent dialogue between scientists, stakeholders and policy makers in the European coastal zones for developing effective ICZM. The objective of the present study is to find management options for eutrophication of the Ria Formosa through DPSIR and SAF. The objective includes indicating the possibility that the same approaches could also be adapted anywhere in the world for different water bodies. DPSIR approach was used to identify the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact and Responses as well as environmental indicators in the Ria Formosa. Agriculture and Livestock, Aquaculture and Fishery, Tourism and Urbanization were the major drivers. The pressure was nutrient enrichment. The State revealed itself in considerable nutrient concentration, Macro algal growth, occurrence of HAB in some parts of the lagoon and fluctuating oxygen concentration. The Ecological impact was high clam mortality. The associated decrease in aquaculture products, job loss and human intoxication due to HAB belong to Socio-economic impacts. Earlier Responses include measures against nutrient loading and clam mortality. Additional Responses have been recommended, mainly for reduction of nutrient loading. The four steps of SAF were followed. The stakeholders were identified and the issue of eutrophication was agreed on. Having defined the virtual system, the conceptual model of the Ria Formosa was made. Consequently, the possibility of formulating the conceptual model into a numerical model representing the ecological, social and economic components of the system was discussed. The linking of the three components in a simulation model and running the scenarios was, then, discussed. The deliberation process among the stakeholders and policy makers, the scientific body as facilitator is highlighted. The format by which the final output package is disseminated is suggested. Thus, DPSIR and SAF can be used for the management of eutrophication in any part of the world with the necessary modifications on the basis of resources and system characteristics.