UofW researchers tackle ‘alarming crisis’ facing local aquatic species
UofW researchers tackle 'alarming crisis' facing local aquatic species Windsor Star
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University of Windsor biology professor Trevor Pitcher, left, student Bri Curtis, and professor Catherine Febria explore a stream in the Greater Toronto Area, which is home to the redside dace, an endangered member of the minnow family.
Photo by Courtesy Shayenna Nolan/University of Windsor /Windsor Star
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An $850,000 grant spread over four years is allowing researchers at the University of Windsor to troubleshoot “an alarming crisis” in freshwater ecosystems, according to a professor leading the effort.
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Focusing on the “invisible collapse” of freshwater biodiversity — the reduction in the variety of fish and mussels in freshwater lakes and streams — Trevor Pitcher is leading a team of researchers partnered with staff from conservation authorities.
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Around Canada and North America, the loss of biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems is actually “significantly higher than marine systems, the oceans,” said Pitcher, a researcher with the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) and a professor in the department of integrative biology.
“The reason we call it the invisible collapse is because this is a biodiversity crisis that goes almost unnoticed by most people because they are so focused on the ocean. They miss all this loss
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the decline in freshwater biodiversity, specifically the reduction in the variety of fish and mussels in freshwater lakes and streams. This issue is directly connected to SDG 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. It is also connected to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
The article highlights the need to address habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and invasive species that are causing the decline in freshwater biodiversity. These issues align with Target 14.1 of SDG 14, which aims to reduce marine pollution and prevent the degradation of marine ecosystems. They also align with Target 15.5 of SDG 15, which focuses on reducing habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and species extinction.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
The article mentions pollution and the presence of invasive species as factors contributing to the decline in freshwater biodiversity. These can be measured using indicators such as the Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density (Indicator 14.1.1) for SDG 14, and the Red List Index (Indicator 15.5.1) for SDG 15. These indicators provide quantitative measures of pollution levels and species extinction risk, respectively.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: windsorstar.com
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