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A protocol for classifying ecologically relevant marine zones, a statistical approach
Verfaillie, E.; Degraer, S.; Schelfaut, K.; Willems, W.; Van Lancker, V. (2009). A protocol for classifying ecologically relevant marine zones, a statistical approach. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 83(2): 175-185. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2009.03.003
In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
Keywords
    Cluster analysis
    Environmental factors > Abiotic factors
    Environments > Aquatic environment > Marine environment
    Landscapes
    Macrobenthos
    Mapping
    Taxa > Species
    Taxa > Species > Indicator species
    Zonation (ecological)
    ANE, Belgium, Belgian Continental Shelf (BCS) [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    marine landscape approach; zonation; abiotic variables; macrobenthic species; principal components analysis; cluster analysis; Belgian part of the North Sea
Authors  Top 
  • Verfaillie, E.
  • Degraer, S., more
  • Schelfaut, K.
  • Willems, W.
  • Van Lancker, V.
Abstract
    Mapping ecologically relevant zones in the marine environment has become increasingly important. Biological data are however often scarce and alternatives are being sought in optimal classifications of abiotic variables. The concept of ‘marine landscapes’ is based on a hierarchical classification of geological, hydrographic and other physical data. This approach is however subject to many assumptions and subjective decisions. An objective protocol for zonation is being proposed here where abiotic variables are subjected to a statistical approach, using principal components analysis (PCA) and a cluster analysis. The optimal number of clusters (or zones) is being defined using the Calinski-Harabasz criterion. The methodology has been applied on datasets of the Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS), a shallow sandy shelf environment with a sandbank-swale topography. The BPNS was classified into 8 zones that represent well the natural variability of the seafloor. The internal cluster consistency was validated with a split run procedure, with more than 99% correspondence between the validation and the original dataset. The ecological relevance of 6 out of the 8 zones was demonstrated, using indicator species analysis. The proposed protocol, as exemplified for the BPNS, can easily be applied to other areas and provides a strong knowledge basis for environmental protection and management of the marine environment. A SWOT-analysis, showing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the protocol was performed.
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