Marine protected areas of the Victorian embayments bioregion part 2 : Western Port Bay and Corner inlet

Along Victoria’s coastline there are 30 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that have been established to protect the state’s significant marine environmental and cultural values. These MPAs include 13 Marine National Parks (MNPs), 11 Marine Sanctuaries (MSs), 3 Marine and Coastal Parks, 2 Marine Parks, and a Marine Reserve, and together these account for 11.7% of the Victorian marine environment. The highly protected Marine National Park System, which is made up of the MNPs and MSs, covers 5.3% of Victorian waters and was proclaimed in November 2002. This system has been designed to be representative of the diversity of Victoria’s marine environment and aims to conserve and protect ecological processes, habitats, and associated flora and fauna. The Marine National Park System is spread across Victoria’s five marine bioregions with multiple MNPs and MSs in each bioregion, with the exception of Flinders bioregion which has one MNP. All MNPs and MSs are “no-take” areas and are managed under the National Parks Act (1975) - Schedules 7 and 8 respectively.

This report updates the first Marine Natural Values Study (Plummer et al. 2003) for the MNPs in the Western Port Bay (WP) and Corner Inlet (CI) areas of the Victorian Embayments bioregion. It covers Yaringa, French Island, Churchill Island and Corner Inlet MNPs. This report is one of a series of five reports covering Victoria’s Marine National Park System. It uses the numerous monitoring and research programs that have increased our knowledge since declaration and aims to give a comprehensive overview of the important natural values of each MNP.

Marine protected areas of the Flinders and Twofold Shelf bioregions

Along Victoria’s coastline there are 30 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that have been established to protect the state’s significant marine environmental and cultural values. These MPAs include 13 Marine National Parks (MNPs), 11 Marine Sanctuaries (MSs), 3 Marine and Coastal Parks, 2 Marine Parks, and a Marine Reserve, and together these account for 11.7% of the Victorian marine environment. The highly protected Marine National Park System, which is made up of the MNPs and MSs, covers 5.3% of Victorian waters and was proclaimed in November 2002. This system has been designed to be representative of the diversity of Victoria’s marine environment and aims to conserve and protect ecological processes, habitats, and associated flora and fauna. The Marine National Park System is spread across Victoria’s five marine bioregions with multiple MNPs and MSs in each bioregion, with the exception of Flinders bioregion which has one MNP. All MNPs and MSs are “no-take” areas and are managed under the National Parks Act (1975) - Schedules 7 and 8 respectively.

This report updates the first Marine Natural Values Study (Plummer et al. 2003) for the MPAs in the Flinders and Twofold Shelf bioregions on the east coast of Victoria and is one of a series of five reports covering Victoria’s Marine National Park System. It uses the numerous monitoring and research programs that have increased our knowledge since declaration and aims to give a comprehensive overview of the important natural values of each MNP and MS.

Scenarios involving future climate and water extraction: ecosystem states in the estuary of Australia's largest river

 

Flood forecasting in large rivers with data-driven models

Results from the application of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to forecast water levels at 3 stations along the mainstream of the Lower Mekong River are reported in this paper. The study investigated the effects of including water levels from upstream stations and tributaries, and rainfall as inputs to ANFIS models developed for the 3 stations. When upstream water levels in the mainstream were used as input, improvements to forecasts were realized only when the water levels from 1 or at most 2 upstream stations were included. This is because when there are significant contributions of flow from the tributaries, the correlation between the water levels in the upstream stations and stations of interest decreases, limiting the effectiveness of including water levels from upstream stations as inputs. In addition, only improvements at short lead times were achieved. Including the water level from the tributaries did not significantly improve forecast results. This is attributed mainly to the fact that the flow contributions represented by the tributaries may not be significant enough, given that there could be large volume of flow discharging directly from the catchments which are ungauged, into the mainstream. The largest improvement for 1-day forecasts was obtained for Kratie station where lateral flow contribution was 17 %, the highest for the 3 stations considered. The inclusion of rainfall as input resulted in significant improvements to long-term forecasts. For Thakhek, where rainfall is most significant, the persistence index and coefficient of efficiency for 5-lead-day forecasts improved from 0.17 to 0.44 and 0.89 to 0.93, respectively, whereas the root mean square error decreased from 0.83 to 0.69 m.

Metrics to assess ecological condition, change, and impacts in sandy beach ecosystems

Complexity is increasingly the hallmark in environmental management practices of sandy shorelines. This arises primarily from meeting growing public demands (e.g., real estate, recreation) whilst reconciling economic demands with expectations of coastal users who have modern conservation ethics. Ideally, shoreline management is underpinned by empirical data, but selecting ecologically-meaningful metrics to accurately measure the condition of systems, and the ecological effects of human activities, is a complex task. Here we construct a framework for metric selection, considering six categories of issues that authorities commonly address: erosion; habitat loss; recreation; fishing; pollution (litter and chemical contaminants); and wildlife conservation. Possible metrics were scored in terms of their ability to reflect environmental change, and against criteria that are widely used for judging the performance of ecological indicators (i.e., sensitivity, practicability, costs, and public appeal). From this analysis, four types of broadly applicable metrics that also performed very well against the indicator criteria emerged: 1.) traits of bird populations and assemblages (e.g., abundance, diversity, distributions, habitat use); 2.) breeding/reproductive performance sensu lato (especially relevant for birds and turtles nesting on beaches and in dunes, but equally applicable to invertebrates and plants); 3.) population parameters and distributions of vertebrates associated primarily with dunes and the supralittoral beach zone (traditionally focused on birds and turtles, but expandable to mammals); 4.) compound measurements of the abundance/cover/biomass of biota (plants, invertebrates, vertebrates) at both the population and assemblage level. Local constraints (i.e., the absence of birds in highly degraded urban settings or lack of dunes on bluff-backed beaches) and particular issues may require alternatives. Metrics - if selected and applied correctly - provide empirical evidence of environmental condition and change, but often do not reflect deeper environmental values per se. Yet, values remain poorly articulated for many beach systems; this calls for a comprehensive identification of environmental values and the development of targeted programs to conserve these values on sandy shorelines globally.

Direct evidence of histopathological impacts of wastewater discharge on resident Antarctic fish (Trematomus bernacchii) at Davis Station, East Antarctica.

During the 2009/2010 summer, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the wastewater discharge at Davis Station, East Antarctica was completed. As part of this, histological alteration of gill and liver tissue in Antarctic Rock-cod (Trematomus bernacchii) from four sites along a spatial gradient from the wastewater outfall were assessed. All fish within 800 m of the outfall exhibited significant histological changes in both tissues. Common pathologies observed in fish closest to the outfall include proliferation of epithelial cells with associated secondary lamellar fusion in the gills and multifocal granulomata with inflammation and necrosis as well as cysts in the liver. Fish from sites >800 m from the outfall also exhibited alterations but to a lesser degree, with prevalence and severity decreasing with increasing distance from the outfall. This study highlights the value of histopathological investigations as part of EIAs and provides the first evidence of sub-lethal alteration associated with wastewater discharge in East Antarctica.

2nd generation concrete construction: carbon footprint accounting

Purpose – Construction contractors and facility managers are being challenged to minimize the carbon footprint. Life cycle carbon‐equivalent (CO2‐e) accounting, whereby the potential emissions of greenhouse gases due to energy expenditure during construction and subsequent occupation of built infrastructure, generally ceases at the end of the service life. However, following demolition, recycling of demolition waste that becomes incorporated into 2nd generation construction is seldom considered within the management of the carbon footprint. This paper aims to focus on built concrete infrastructure, particularly the ability of recycled concrete to chemically react with airborne CO2, thereby significantly influencing CO2‐e estimates.

Design/methodology/approach – CO2‐e estimates were made in accordance with the methodology outlined in the Australian National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors and were based on the energy expended for each life cycle activity from audited records. Offsets to the CO2‐e estimates were based on the documented ability of concrete to chemically react with airborne carbon dioxide (“carbonation”) and predictions of CO2 uptake by concrete and recycled concrete was made using existing predictive diffusion models. The author's study focused on a built concrete bridge which was demolished and recycled at the end of the service life, and the recycled concrete was utilized towards 2nd generation construction. The sensitivity of CO2‐e and carbonation estimates were tested on several different types of source demolition waste as well as subsequent construction applications using recycled concrete (RCA). Whole‐of‐life CO2‐e estimates, including carbonation of RCA over the 1st and 2nd generations, were estimated and contrasted with conventional carbon footprints that end at the conclusion of the 1st generation.

Findings – Following demolition, CO2 capture by RCA is significant due to the more permeable nature of the crushed RCA compared with the original built infrastructure. RCA also has considerably greater exposed surface area, relative to volume, than a built concrete structure, and therefore more highly exposed surface to react with CO2: it therefore carbonates more comprehensively. CO2‐e estimates can be offset by as much as 55‐65 per cent when including the contribution of carbonation of RCA built within 2nd generation infrastructure. Further offsets are achievable using blended fly ash or slag cement binders; however, this study has focused on concrete composed of 100 per cent OPC binders and the effects of RCA.

Originality/value – Construction project estimates of life cycle CO2‐e emissions should include 2nd generation applications that follow the demolition of the 1st generation infrastructure. Life cycle estimates generally end at the time of demolition. However, by incorporating the recycled concrete demolition waste into the construction of 2nd generation infrastructure, the estimated CO2‐e is significantly offset during the 2nd generation life cycle by chemical uptake of CO2 (carbonation). This paper provides an approach towards inclusion of 2nd generation construction applications into whole‐of‐life estimates of CO2‐e.

Green marketing strategies

This chapter presents the fundamentals of “green” marketing by drawing on traditional marketing theory as well as researchfocused on green marketing context. It discusses five critical areas in green marketing. The first critical area stems from green marketingtheory and practice that examines the logic for reducing the environmental impact of value creation and exchange. The second criticalarea highlights green marketing strategy that focuses on achieving organizational goals in ways that can reduce or eliminate negativeimpacts on the natural environment. The third critical area examines the green marketing mix that accounts for green products, greendistribution, green pricing, and green promotion. By using traditional marketing concepts, the chapter identifies how the entiremarketing mix elements should consistently provide a complete green product offering. Green products and processes need to beresearched, designed, and manufactured to include environmentally safe ingredients and components. Products need to be strategicallypriced to reflect their green values, distributed in the green chain channels and displayed effectively to highlight their status, and accuratelycommunicated to consumers and stakeholders. The fourth critical area illustrates governance and control. It shows how theholistic transformation toward greening the organization requires organizational culture change to gain support within and outside thefirm to ensure environmental issues are appropriately considered. These can be assessed by using existing management mechanisms,such as environmental management systems and/or triple bottom line management, which ensure best practice and continuousimprovements to occur. Lastly, the chapter discusses the future of green marketing and the direction that businesses need to take if theyseek to be sustainable.

Mineração e a questão ambiental : estudo do caso da mina de carvão de Candiota-RS

As grandes reservas de carvão existentes no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul e as crescentes necessidades energéticas do país estabelecem o cenário para um incremento no aproveitamento deste bem mineral. A presente pesquisa trata-se de um estudo de caso abordando o processo de recuperação ambiental de áreas mineradas na mina de carvão da Companhia Riograndense de Mineração, em Candiota, RS, através do levantamento da atual situação ambiental e dos impactos causados pelo empreendimento, além de procurar identificar as percepções que a empresa e a comunidade têm do atual desempenho ambiental da mineração. Os resultados visam amostrar tendências comportamentais que podem contribuir para o estabelecimento de políticas e ações no sentido de melhorar o relacionamento entre a mineração e a comunidade onde está inserida. Por fim, são apresentadas recomendações para a empresa, a partir dos dados levantados em campo, bem como sugestões para futuros trabalhos nesta área.

Um estudo da utilização do custeio baseado em atividades (ABC) na apuração dos custos ambientais

Ao longo dos anos o desenvolvimento foi tratado apenas sob o aspecto econômico. Sob essa visão não havia limites para o crescimento. Porém, o esgotamento de alguns recursos e as crises que os sucederam, o aumento de acidentes ecológicos e conseqüente agravamento dos problemas ambientais, impulsionou a sociedade e os organismos que a representam a cobrar maior responsabilidade ambiental das organizações. Essa nova postura mundial impôs às empresas a incorporação em suas estratégias, além do fator econômico, também o fator ambiental como uma necessidade para garantir sua sobrevivência. Apesar da constatação da importância dos Sistemas de Gestão Ambiental e de sua incorporação por um grande número de empresas, são muito incipientes os efeitos alcançados pelos instrumentos utilizados para sua promoção, em especial os instrumentos de controle. Isso se deve especialmente pela não percepção do quanto a questão ambiental influencia na questão econômica das empresas. A gestão ambiental como qualquer prática administrativa requer instrumentos que possibilitem informações confiáveis. Este trabalho objetiva testar a utilização do custeio baseado em atividades como ferramenta para geração de elementos necessários à gestão ambiental. Para tal, foi desenvolvido um modelo para aplicação em uma área-piloto de um curtume. A escolha da empresa deu-se em função do alto nível de rejeitos gerados e por fazer uso de produtos químicos e de água limpa em seu processo produtivo. As conclusões deste estudo demonstram que o custeio ABC é um instrumento capaz de gerar informações úteis à Gestão Ambiental.

Sistema de informações para gestão ambiental

This Research Report presents the Environmental Management Information System, which has been planned for CEAMA - Center for Management and Environment. The System consists in the framework of data bases in the environment field, and the logic for information treatment. It has been developed to support current and future requirements of Center for Management and Environment in Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo, Fundação Getulio Vargas (EAESP/FGV). The System was developed for Windows/Access environment and consists of a Main Data Base and a Thematic Data Base. The Main Data Base can store libraries, NGOs, Environmental Impact Reports, technical reports, companies and many other items. The Thematic one can contain several subjects related with environment, specifying the place or access form in which the data can be obtained. The Report also describes several environmental information systems, as a result of a survey that has been done as a part of the research project.

Competitividade de indústrias e a certificação ambiental

A conformidade com padrões de certificação ambiental, especialmente da série ISO 14000 (em formulação), deverá trazer impactos de diversos tipos sobre a competitividade das empresas industriais. Este projeto visa analisar tais impactos através de indicadores de desempenho, como custo de produção, penetração de mercado, alteração de processos e de produtos, entre outros. O projeto objetiva também analisar os ganhos de competitividade que podem ser obtidos por empresas industriais que se anteciparem às normas, adotando um sistema próprio de gestão ambiental.

Uma análise crítica da gestão ambiental na indústria química do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

O presente trabalho faz uma avaliação da gestão ambiental das indústrias químicas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Dessa forma, procuramos relatar as principais ações instrumentos gerenciais disponíveis às organizações delineamos um quadro das idéias relativas ao desenvolvimento sustentável que deveriam permear todas as ações do gerente ambiental na indústria. partir das informações colhidas, avaliamos os aspectos primordiais dessas atividades como demandas por assessoria técnica; os aspectos ambientais relevantes; as ações implementadas; projetos inovações; as dificuldades para melhoria; registros sistemáticos; as ações externas as ações futuras; investimentos; os recursos humanos; aspectos do mercado e a legislação. Concluímos com uma análise sobre os diversos aspectos observados, sugerindo conceitos ações que ratificam, acrescentam ou alteram as ações gerenciais observadas.

Valoração ambiental: aplicação de métodos de valoração em empresas dos setores mineração, papel e celulose e siderurgia

Industrial segment uses natural resources in a wide scale, but evaluate the use of these resources is a complex and new task. Few is known about existing methodologies of evaluation, mainly because of the fact that the value of this resource is more implicit than explicit. It is known that evaluation methods support the environmental accounting but the industrial community for an effective environmental management of their businesses does not yet use this tool in a regular basis. The main objective of this work is to analyze how companies who develop industrial activities on mining, siderurgy, paper and cellulose segments, are evaluating the use of natural resources for economic development, in terms of methodologies application for environment evaluation. Based on an explore research with companies from the segments previously defined in an intentional sampling and through a case study, it was possible to understand enterprise behavior according to the existing level of knowledge internalized on evaluation methodologies, to go deeper on an analysis of the premises and of the basis of the methodologies in an environmental accounting project of a paper and cellulose segment industry.