DPLUS 116 - FALKLAND WETLANDS AND AQUATIC HABITATS: BASELINES FOR MONITORING FUTURE CHANGE

Background

The Falkland Islands (FI) historically lacked herbivorous mammals. The introduction of grazing animals has led to vegetation changes and soil erosion. The impact of these changes on wetland and aquatic habitats is not well-understood; limited past research suggests that water quality may remain fairly natural and is largely influenced by sea salt deposition and humic acids from peat runoff. Some studies, however, have shown evidence of human impacts, such as elevated nutrient concentrations in some ponds.

Climate change also presents several threats. A predicted temperature rise could directly impact on aquatic biota and increase water evaporation rates, which could reduce freshwater availability and lead to the loss of some habitats. Increased storm frequency or severity, will change water quality and may alter the hydro-morphology of drainage systems and wetlands. These impacts on aquatic biota can be understood by regular monitoring.

The Falkland Islands Biodiversity Framework (FIBF) is a threats-based policy that outlines response strategies for identified threats. One of these strategies is the ‘Falkland Islands Ecoregions, Habitats, Species and Sites Strategy’, which identifies 11 ecoregions for the Falkland Islands and requires each of these to have an action plan. Five ecoregions are directly relevant to this project: freshwater (riverine), freshwater (ponds, lakes), lowlands, montane and estuarine. Working closely with the Falkland Islands Government and local stakeholders, the overarching aim of this project is to facilitate the development of action plans for Falklands wetland and aquatic habitats, which will support the FIBF.

Project Objectives

Identifying gaps in baseline data

All existing data and literature around wetlands in the Falkland Islands will be brought together, including outputs from previous DarwinPlus projects and data from published and unpublished research. All open data will be uploaded into the Falkland Islands data portal, reviewed and analysed to identify gaps in knowledge about wetlands. All spatial data will be compiled into a GIS database.

Filling the gaps in baseline data

Recommendations for action plans for each of the five ecoregions will be based on the science outputs of the projects. Measurable indicators for ecosystem condition will be defined and recommendations for long-term monitoring will be made. Infrastructure for basic hydrological long-term monitoring will be deployed.

Producing action plans and defining indicators

Recommendations for action plans for each of the five ecoregions will be based on the science outputs of the projects. Measurable indicators for ecosystem condition will be defined and recommendations for long-term monitoring will be made. Infrastructure for basic hydrological long-term monitoring will be deployed.
WebGIS

Project Manager

DR STEFANIE (STEFFI) CARTER

Steffi obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in Countryside Conservation from Aberystwyth University as well as an MSc in Managing the Environment. Her studies focussed on habitat restoration and included soil survey and freshwater habitat projects. In 2018 she also gained a PhD from Aberystwyth University which focussed on the impact of different drain blocking techniques on gas flux, vegetation and invertebrates in an upland blanket peat. Steffi’s passion for the natural environment also enabled her to acquire a wider range of ecological knowledge. She arrived on the Falkland Islands and joined SAERI in August 2018 to lead the two-year Darwin Plus Soil Mapping project, which produced a range of soil maps for the Falkland Islands. Steffi is now managing the two-year Darwin Plus Wetlands Project, which aims to create a baseline for wetland habitats across the Falklands and at the end will inform local government on long-term monitoring strategies.

PROJECT FUNDING AND PARTNERS

The project is funded by the Darwin Initiative through the UK Government.

Darwin Initiative’s project DPLUS 116

The project also receives financial support from the Falkland Islands Government’s Environmental Studies Budget, the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust and the John Cheek Trust.

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PO Box 609, Stanley Cottage North
Ross Road, Falkland Islands
Stanley, FIQQ 1ZZ
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