Northern fulmars as biological monitors of trends of plastic pollution in the eastern North Pacific

Marine plastic debris is a global issue, which highlights the need for internationally standardized methods of monitoring plastic pollution. The stomach contents of beached northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) have proven a cost-effective biomonitor in Europe. However, recent information on northern fulmar plastic ingestion is lacking in the North Pacific. We quantified the stomach contents of 67 fulmars from beaches in the eastern North Pacific in 2009-2010 and found that 92.5% of fulmars had ingested an average of 36.8 pieces, or 0.385g of plastic. Plastic ingestion in these fulmars is among the highest recorded globally. Compared to earlier studies in the North Pacific, our findings indicate an increase in plastic ingestion over the past 40years. This study substantiates the use of northern fulmar as biomonitors of plastic pollution in the North Pacific and suggests that the high levels of plastic pollution in this region warrant further monitoring.     

The influence of housing oversupply on residential segregation: exploring the post-socialist city of Leipzig†

In this article, we contribute to a better understanding of contextual differences related to residential segregation. We illuminate one specific contextual factor—housing oversupply—and how it intersects with historically inherited patterns of socio-spatial differentiation and other drivers of residential segregation. The study is based on an analysis of how segregation has developed over the last 20 years in the city of Leipzig, Germany. This case offers the rare possibility of studying the impact of city-wide housing oversupply on residential segregation, rather than concentrating on decline or decay in specific areas. We examine how oversupply emerged at the meeting point of changes in market structures, housing preferences, welfare state interventions, and migration trends in the post-socialist transition. Using existing statistical data, we demonstrate how oversupply has fostered a fast and thorough reshuffling of residential patterns. After a period of resolving segregation patterns from the socialist era, oversupply acts as a catalyst for recently emerging residential segregation patterns.     

Qualitätsziele für die Nordsee?- Pro und Kontra-Pro

Zusammenfassung Bereits im Oktober 1973 wurde von der EG ein Aktionsprogramm für den Umweltschutz verabschiedet, in dem die Definition von Qualitätszielen gefordert wird. Danach sollen Qualitätsziele für den Schutz des Menschen gegen Umweltverschmutzung, aber auch für den Schutz der Umwelt an sich formuliert werden. Die Vorstellungen bezogen das Meerwasser zwar ausdrücklich mit ein, waren jedoch stark funktionsbezogen (Badewasser, Fischzucht). 1986 fanden Qualitätsziele in die Leitlinien Umweltvorsorge Eingang. Die Dritte Internationale Nordseeschutzkonferenz 1991 forderte, Qualitätsziele international zu entwickeln. Im selben Jahr erhielt das Nationalparkamt vom Schleswig-Holsteinischen Umweltministerium den Auftrag, ein Diskussionspapier zu erarbeiten. Dieses Papier liegt inzwischen vor. Es beschreibt ökologische Schäden und schlägt auch Parameter für Qualitätsziele vor.In der aktuellen Diskussion wird z. T. bestritten, daß die Beschreibung ökologischer Ziele von Nutzen sein könnte. Sinnvolles Handeln zum Schutz der Umwelt ist aber nur möglich, wenn Klarheit über die Ziele besteht. Auch in der Umweltpolitik reichen vage Formulierungen nicht aus, zumal dann allzu leicht eine breite, aber folglose Zustimmung erfolgt. Präzise definierte Ziele ermöglichen dagegen eine Kontrolle über den Erfolg von eingeleiteten Maßnahmen.Aus diesen Gründen müssen ökologische Qualitätsziele für den Natur- und Umweltschutz definiert werden. Die dafür benötigten Begriffe sind eindeutig festzulegen und zu verwenden (z. B. Qualitätsstandards, Grenzwerte, Richtwerte). Erst dann ist es möglich, die Ziele von den anzuwendenden Methoden zu unterscheiden, die in der bisherigen Diskussion ständig verwechselt werden. Ohne Beteiligung der Naturwissenschaftler können Qualitätsziele nicht verständlich und präzise formuliert werden.

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For and against ecological quality objectives for the North Sea-for

Summary In October 1973 the EC approved environmental protection measures in which a demand was made for a definition of ecological quality objectives. These were to be formulated to ensure that humans were protected against environmental pollution, but aims to protect the environment itself were also to be drawn up. Sea water was included in the programme, but suggestions were strongly oriented towards its various uses (bathing, fish farming). Quality aims were included in the 1986 Leitlinien Umweltvorsorge (Guidelines for environmental precautions). The 3rd International North Sea conference in 1991 requested that ecological quality objectives should be developed internationally. Also in 1991, the Ministry of the Environment in Schleswig-Holstein instructed the Nationalpark agency to draw up a discussion document which has now been presented. It describes ecolgical damage and suggests parameters for ecological quality objectives.In the current discussion, it is partly disputed that describing ecological aims could be useful. But sensible action to protect the environment is only possible if there is no confusion about the aims. In ecological policy, too, vague formulations are not sufficient, particularly if what follows is broad but ineffective agreement. Precisely defined aims, on the other hand, mean that the success of measures taken can be checked.It is for these reasons that ecological quality objectives must be defined for conservation purposes. The terms to be used must be fixed and used unambiguously (e. g. quality standards, limit values, guide values). Only then it will be possible to distinguish between aims and the methods which in previous discussions have always been confused. Ecological quality objectives cannot be formulated intelligibly and precisely without the pariticipation of scientists.

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Veröffentlichung Nr. 32 des Projektes Ökosystemforschung Wattenmeer