ReefLink Database User's Guide
A Decision Support Tool for Linking Coral Reefs and Society through Systems Thinking
1.0 Background 1
2.0 Organizing Framework 1
o 2.1 Hierarchy of Topics 2
3.0 Concept Maps 4
o 3.1 Whole Systems Model 4
o 3.2 Concept Maps by Topic 6
o 3.3 Navigation between Concept Maps 7
4.0 Information Database 7
o 4.1 Scientific Literature Citations 7
o 4.2 Management Options 8
o 4.3 Laws 8
5.0 How can I use the database? 9
o 5.1 Public 9
o 5.2 Scientists 9
o 5.3 Managers 10
6.0 References 11
1.0 Background
Coral reefs provide the ecological foundation for productive and diverse fish & invertebrate communities
that support multibillion dollar reef fishing and tourism industries (Burke and Maidens 2004). Yet reefs
are threatened by growing coastal development, climate change, and over-exploitation. Efforts by
numerous federal, state, academic, and non-governmental organizations have generated a wealth of
knowledge on coral reef ecology, yet reef ecosystems continue to decline (Wilkinson, 2008). A key issue
is that scientific and management efforts are often narrowly defined. As a consequence, there is often
difficulty in predicting the indirect consequences and benefits of decisions. There is an urgent need for a
decision framework which integrates environmental concerns with social and economic needs.
2.0 Organizing Framework
The ReefLink Database utilizes a systems approach to integrate ecosystem services into the decision
process, including elucidating the linkages between decisions, human activities, and provisioning of reef
ecosystem goods and services. The database employs an overarching framework to ensure that critical
concepts are not overlooked. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) scheme is a flexible
framework which characterizes causal links between five broad categories (EEA 1997, UNEP 2007, Maxim
et al. 2009, Ojeda-Martinez et al. 2009).
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Within DPSIR, Drivers (D) are social and economic forces which lead to human activities which create
Pressure (P) on the State (S) of the environment, and Impact (I) the availability and value of ecosystem
services. Decision-makers may enact a Response (R) to reduce the impacts on environmental resources
through regulations, policies, and other decisions, which may alter Drivers (D) or Pressures (P), or
directly affect the State (S) of the ecosystem. For more information, see the Tutorial on Systems Thinking
using the DPSIR Framework.
The DPSIR framework is being employed to catalog, categorize, and organize a database of information
including visual conceptual models illustrating relationships between concepts, scientific information,
laws, and management options. Although our focus is on Caribbean reefs, keywords, concept maps, and
database information were developed to capture broad ideas with widespread applicability to other
reefs.
create
modify
& control
modify
& control
benefit
elicit
maintain
& restore
affect
condition of
impacts
availability of
Responses &
Decisions
Ecosystem
Services
Reef
Ecosystem
Socio-Economic
Drivers
Pressures through
Human Activities
2.1 Hierarchy of Topics
The topics in the ReefLink Database were derived from literature searches and assembling focus groups
of experts in reef ecology, economics, and decision-making. The DPSIR framework was employed to
ensure key ecological, social, and economic topics were not overlooked. The five DPSIR categories are
Socio-Economic Drivers (D), Pressures (P), the state of the Reef Ecosystem (S), the impact on Ecosystem
Services (I), and Responses (R).
Broad sub-categories were developed within each of the five DPSIR categories. More specific topics are
contained within each sub-category, often with more detailed sub-sub-categories or examples provided
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for each sub-category. Database information is provided for topics across all levels of the hierarchy
(categories, sub-categories, or examples).
Categories and sub-categories are intended to serve as headings to organize a suite of related
information. Categories are defined to reflect their usage within this database, rather than a strict
definition of the term. Examples within each sub-category are provided, but the user should be aware
that these are not intended to be all inclusive.
Hierarchy Topic
DPSIR Category Pressures
Sub-Category Discharges
Sub-sub-category Atmospheric Emissions
Example Greenhouse Cas Emissions
Socio-Economic Drivers were derived from the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS).
the government standard which defines a comprehensive list of sectors of the economy. NAICS
categories were slightly modified to reflect broad categories of human need, as well as to emphasize
certain sub-sectors that were particularly relevant to reef management, while collapsing less relevant
sectors. Some sectors may fall under more than one category (recreational fishing for food & culture).
Pressures were largely derived from information on stressors, including coastal pollution and
development, from the Environmental Protection Agency. Focus groups and literature searches were
used to identify key stressors on reefs (Burke and Maidens 2004).
The pressures exerted by society may lead to unintentional or intentional changes in the state of the
Reef Ecosystem, including the concentration and quantity of physical and chemical variables through
inputs of contaminants or sediments, or climate change, as well as altering the abundance, size, and
diversity of biological variables by causing mortality or altering interactions among species, topics
describing the state of the Reef Ecosystem were largely derived from literature searches and focus
groups.
Changes in the condition of the reef ecosystem impact the welfare or well-being of humans through the
provisioning of reef Ecosystem Services. Categories of Ecosystem Services were largely derived from the
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA 2005).
Humans make decisions in Response to the impacts on ecosystem services or their perceived value.
Responses are actions taken by groups or individuals in society and government to prevent,
compensate, ameliorate or adapt to changes in the state of the environment. Categories of Responses
were derived from reviewing possible actions described by the Environmental Protection Agency,
existing reef management plans for Guanica Bay, Puerto Rico and the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA 2005), as well as focus groups.
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B.O Concept Maps
Concept maps are a visual way to represent relationships between ideas. Concept Mapping is a useful
tool for visualizing a shared understanding of knowledge, communicating complex ideas, and detailing a
single topic within the context of a larger system (Heemskerk et al. 2003). Development of concept
maps is highly subjective and the models presented here are intended to stimulate thought and provide
examples. Users are encouraged to develop their own conceptual models for their specific situation.
Concept mapping diagrams illustrate the links between socio-economic sectors and the pressures they
create on the reef ecosystem and consequently, the availability of reef goods and services. Decision-
makers may enact responses to reduce impacts on environmental resources through regulations,
policies, and other decisions.
Concept maps are read essentially as a sentence where boxes represent concepts which are linked by a
phrase to form a preposition.
Concepts can be further added and linked to represent a complex system. The ReefLink Database
includes two types of concept maps: a whole systems conceptual model and more detailed concept
maps for each topic.
The Whole Systems Conceptual Model provides an overview of all topics and their connections.
3.1 Whole Systems Model
The Whole System Concept Map provides an overview of all topics, and connections between them,
within the DPSIR framework. Connections are not intended to be all-inclusive (every possible connection
between pairs of words), but are instead intended to represent general patterns.
The Whole Systems Model essentially provides a visual Table of Contents to topics contained within the
database. Clicking on topics within the Whole Systems Model will direct users to expanded concept maps
and database information for individual topic areas.
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Manufacturing
a Trade Policies
Corporate
Responses
f utiittv 1
Polioes j
Construction
Codes a
Projects
/
Economic
Markets
a Pottcies
[ Transportation j
[ Policies
FOOD a
ENERGY
POLICIES
Agriculture,
Aquacutture, a
Forestry PoMoes
Energy Policy a
Development
Fisheries 8
Hunting Polities
[ Mining Policies
CULTURAL POLICIES
SECURITY
& PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION
POLICIES
& Partnering
Deciswn Support
MCUriCV Pol cm
Fill,: .1! mi r. i >u*r. .it'.
Tourram a
R.-, r < .->: um
& Partnering
Food a R3w
¦ hbum ' "iii
f Military
Building
I Home
Construction
Textiles a
'"I >
Ovil Engineering
Ik Construction
Ol ft Gas Industry
RESOURCE USE
MANAt-f Mf NT
^ Boating Regulations j
^ Dredging Regulations^
8. Trade
Tourism &
I" --j-.r¦¦
MM I <7' CRM
^ Special Use Permitting j q-
fcduistio- i*.
Dnnk.ng Water
Suppfy
Organizations Information
f Maone Protected Areas
^ Designated uses j
Fishing & Harvesting
Management
( City Planning j
CONTACT USeS
DISCHARGES [
,>!rf..na
4 Soil
DisturtKjrvre
unpcapq
Conservation
Bi Restoration
Cleaner a
Solvent Use
1 ml
Impervious
Surfaces
Rmnr
Pesticide Use
Deforestation
B Oev*«jetatton
Efpa ft
Release of
Non-natives
Accidental
& Illegal
Harvest
OHIHIWHI
^5 rii*iiiini
Chemical Use
Regulations
DISCHARGE
LIMITATIONS
Non-Greenhouse
Gas Emtsswns
Point Source
Discharges
Non-pent
Source Controls
WV I DSN
NaRMMIMM
Dredging
Draining.
& Fining
¦Point & Mobi»e|
Source Controls
lead to inputs
.ill.! . t.T
mortality a
"ll'Mltni"'.
PHYSICAL a CHEMICAL
ENVIRONMENT
Physical variables
worn Lin
NM I Dm
^ Microorganisms j Invasive
I Water Depth
[ a Sea Level
Seawater |
Ftow I
Ocean Acidity
Surface a
Groundwater
Anemones a
Zooanthids
[ Invertebrates j [ Plankton j
levels a attribution
gra.re a
/
influence levels
a knowledge
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
consnouM to
SUPPORT ING SERVICES
Environmental
Mon^oriM,
Mopping
a Scientific
h
Carbon
Storage
81 Cycling
Nutrient a
Contaminant
Processing
Complex
Habitat a
Resources
Water Quality
Criteria
contributes to
*
Educational a
Research
Opportunities
Fmfish a
SheWflsh
Stock
Biochemical
a Genetic
Resources
Non-Monetary
Valuation
Beach a Land
Existence
Value a
Sense of Place
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3.2 Concept Maps by Topic
From the Whole Systems Model, individual concept maps (Cmaps) are expanded and elaborated for given
topic areas into individual, more detailed concept maps. Each individual concept map provides examples
within the focal topic, and elaborates on the Socio-Economic Drivers, Pressures, Reef Ecosystem state,
Ecosystem Services, and Responses associated with that particular focal topic.
Individual Cmaps also provide information on the definition of the topic. Categories and sub-categories
are intended to serve as headings to organize a suite of related information. Definitions reflect this
usage as a category, sub-category, or example, rather than a strict definition of the term.
A verbal description of each Cmap is also provided, to aid users in interpreting the visual diagram.
Concept map diagrams were drawn to capture major ideas, while maintaining some degree of simplicity,
and may not represent an all-inclusive visualization of all possible interactions between concepts.
Each Cmap also provides links to database information, including laws, management options, websites,
and scientific information associated with a given topic area.
Socio-Economic
Drivers
benefit
elicit
Ecosystem Services
Provisioning
Services
Cultural
Services
Regulating
Services
Supporting
Services
modify &
maintain
provide
Responses
Landuse
Management
Discharge
Limitations
Resource Use
- lead to
control.
Pressures
Landscape
Changes
Development
ion
ft Devegetation
Ditching ft
Soil I
m
Contact
Uses
Physical
Reef Ecosystem
affect survival,
growth, ft
reproduction
Physical ft
Chemical
Environment
I Discharges
V
«» . U, 1
Waterborne
Applied
Discharges
>
/
/-
/
alter
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3.3 Navigation between Concept Maps
Individual Concept Maps elaborate on the Socio-Economic Drivers, Pressures, Reef Ecosystem state,
Ecosystem Services, and Responses associated with the particular focal topic. Keywords are organized
within a hierarchical classification system.
Users can quickly navigate between topics by clicking on each concept within a concept map, to provide
additional or more detailed elaborations on connected concepts. For example, from within the Pressures
concept map, click the boxes labeled Discharges, Reef Life, or Supporting Services to obtain more
information on discharges that affect the reef, reef biota, or services provided by the reef.
4.0 Information Database
The ReefLink Database is an organizing framework for compiling information that may enhance the
decision process, including laws, management options, websites, and scientific literature. Database
information is organized by DPSIR keyword topics.
Because topics are organized within a hierarchy, users may access specific information or more general
information by navigating through the keyword hierarchy.
Database information may be three ways:
Whole Systems Model: provides a visual table of contents for the topic areas in the database and
how they are connected. Select topic keywords to navigate to more detailed database
information on individual Topic pages.
Topic List and Glossary: provides a list of topic areas in the database, and the definitions used to
build the database. Topics may be sorted hierarchically by DPSIR category, or alphabetically.
Select any topic to navigate to more detailed database information.
Information by Topic: provides the database information for each topic keyword. Click the tabbed
pages to see more information including i) topic-specific cmaps, ii) scientific literature
citations, iii) management options, and iv) laws. Select concepts within the cmap to explore
connected topics or see more detailed examples.
4.1 Scientific Literature Citations
The Citations database gives scientific literature associated with each Topic keyword. Scientific literature
was compiled using keyword searches in scientific literature databases and reviewed to assign DPSIR
topic keywords to each article. Because of the immense number of records (>20000), we used a
computer algorithm to assign topic keywords. Each topic keyword was assigned a list of synonyms,
which could include examples, more detailed sub-categories within a category, or alternative spellings.
The algorithm search through the abstract, title, and keywords of each citation looking for the
synonyms, and if the synonym was found, assigned the topic keyword to that article.
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Sorting: Click the arrows in each column heading to sort the records. Citations can be sorted by
author name, study location, or the type of study.
Filtering: Records can be searched or filtered by any search term. The filter searches the article
titie, study location, study type, and database topic keywords.
Navigating Pages: Records are separated into pages. Click Next page to navigate between pages.
Show 10 v entries
Citation
Year Study
* Location
Search:
Study Type Database Topics
Author, A. 2010. A scientific study of coral
reefs. Journal of Reefs 1:1-10.
Scientist, B.A. 2010. Scientific research on
reef fish. Journal of Reefs 1:11-21.
Read More
2010 Global; South &
Central
Ar
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Filtering: Records can be searched or filtered by any search term. The filter searches the legal
citation, purpose of the law, application to reefs, legislative actions, management organization,
jurisdiction, and database topic keywords.
Navigating Pages'. Records are separated into pages. Click Next page to navigate between pages.
5.0 How can I use the ReefLink Database?
5.1 Public
Learn how factors in your community may affect coral reefs
o Example: How might different socio-economic sectors affect the reef?
Click on different Socio-economic drivers to learn more about each.
Click on different Pressures to learn more about how human activities may affect reefs.
o Example: How might agriculture on land affect the reef?
Identify which Pressures might be derived from Agriculture.
o Example: What socio-economic factors may be contributing to physical damage of the
reef?
Click on Socio-economic drivers which may cause Physical Damage to learn more about
each.
Learn about beneficial goods and services the reef provides
o Example: What are ecosystem goods and services?
Click on different examples of Ecosystem Services to learn more about each,
o Example: How can we put a value on reefs?
Click on Valuation alternatives to learn about different methods,
o Example: What socio-economic sectors may benefit from natural products provided by
the reef?
See different Marine products and learn which socio-economic drivers they may benefit.
Learn how decisions may affect the reef and your community
o Example: How might coastal development policies affect the reef?
Click on alternative Land management options to see what Pressures they may help
control.
o Example: What are different options to manage fishing activities?
Read through the table to see different Management options and resources where they
have been described.
5.2 Scientists
Learn how your research fits into the bigger system
o Example: What is the role of sponges in the system?
Learn about interactions between Sponges and other organisms in the reef ecosystem,
ecosystem services sponges provide, and pressures which may affect sponges.
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o Example: What are the connections between wetlands and the reef?
Identify supporting services that Wetlands provide,
o Example: How might excess nutrients affect the reef?
Identify the role of Nutrients in the reef ecosystem and organisms which may contribute
to processing excess nutrients.
Identify decision scenarios for which your research may be relevant
o Example: What might be causing high sediment levels and what options are available to
reduce levels?
Identify Socio-economic drivers which may contribute to Sediment discharge and
potential Responses to reduce sediment,
o Example: Can water quality criteria be used to limit contaminants?
Read about Water quality criteria.
Find scientific literature relevant to your research
o Example: What research has been done linking elevated sea temperatures on sponges?
Co to the Sea temperatures citations table and type "sponge" in Search box.
o Example: How many studies have attempted to place a monetary value on coral reefs?
Scroll to bottom of Monetary valuation table and see number of entries.
Learn how systems thinking might be applied to research
o Example: How can a conceptual framework like DPSIR aid in systems thinking?
Read the Tutorial on systems thinking
o Example: What keywords might go into a conceptual framework?
See the list of DPSIR Keywords for coral reefs.
o Example: Can I see an example using systems thinking organize information on coral
reefs?
5.3 Managers
Learn how systems thinking can aid in decision-making
o Example: How can a systems framework help to anticipate unintended consequences?
Read the Tutorial on systems thinking
o Example: Can I see an example of a conceptual systems model for coral reefs?
Examine the complexity of relationships between humans and Cora! reefs.
Learn about alternative management options
o Example: What might be causing high nutrient levels and what options are available to
reduce levels?
Identify Socio-economic drivers which may contribute to Nutrient loading and potential
Responses to reduce nutrients.
o Example: What are different options to manage fishing activities?
Read through the table to see different Management options and resources where they
have been described.
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Learn which stakeholders which may be positively or negatively impacted by decisions
o Example: What socio-economic sectors may be affected if discharge limitations are
implemented?
Click on different types of Discharges to see which industries may be creating them.
o Example: What socio-economic sectors benefit from goods & services reefs provide?
Click on different types of Ecosystem services to see which socio-economic sectors may
benefit from them.
6.0 References
Burke, L. and J. Maidens 2004. Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean. Washington D.C.: World Resources
Institute.
EEA (European Environment Agency). 1999. State and pressures of the marine and coastal
Mediterranean environment. Environmental assessment series. Copenhagen, Denmark:
European Environment Agency.
Heemskerk, M., K. Wilson, and M. Pavao-Zuckerman. 2003. Conceptual models as tools for
communication across disciplines. Conservation Ecology 7: 8
Maxim, L; Spangenberg, JH; O'Connor, M. 2009. An analysis of risks for biodiversity under the
DPSIR framework. Ecological Economics 69:12-23
Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Current State
and Trends, Volume 1. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.
Ojeda-Martinez, C; Casalduero, FG; Bayle-Sempere, JT; Cebrian, CB; Valle, C; Sanchez-Lizaso, JL;
Forcada, A; Sanchez-Jerez, P; Martin-Sosa, P; Falcon, JM; Salas, F; Graziano, M; Chemello, R;
Stobart, B; Cartagena, P; Perez-Ruzafa, A; Vandeperre, F; Rochel, E; Planes, S; Brito, A. 2009. A
conceptual framework for the integral management of marine protected areas. Ocean & Coastal
Management 52:89-101
UNEP 2007. Global Environment Outlook. GE04, Nairobi & Valletta, 540 p.
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