Policy Papers

These technically detailed papers capture current ecological knowledge about a particular topic, and provide policy recommendations. The papers are peer-reviewed by outside reviewers and ESA’s Public Affairs Committee, and approved by ESA’s Governing Board.

Key Largo woodrats have long benefitted from supplemental nests, but the artificial materials of these nests make their ecosystem functionality questionable. In the September issue of Ecosphere, Thoemmes and Cove report on an examination of the bacterial communities of these supplemental nests and the finding that the supplemental nests hosted bacterial assemblages similar to those of natural nests and are characterized by a high abundance of antimicrobial-producing bacteria.

Ecosphere

News

Microplastics induce changes in mussel traits and behaviors

A paper recently published in Ecological Applications shows that exposure to plastic-laced seawater may affect mussels’ ability to form mussel beds.

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Bright light bars big-eyed birds from human-altered landscapes

New research shows the glaring light in human-altered landscapes, such as livestock pastures and crop fields, can act as a barrier to big-eyed birds, potentially contributing to their decline.

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A Watershed Study for Wetland Restoration

Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory developed a predictive framework of ecological indicators and analyses for estuarine–tidal river research and management.

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