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Functional assessment of wetlands: Towards evaluation of ecosystem services

Edited by E Maltby, University of Liverpool, UK

Finally we have a clearly written and well organized book that provides wetland scientists and managers with an in-depth analysis of the hydrogeomorphic unit (HGMU) approach and its application to wetland functional assessment. Maltby provides not only the background on the application of functional analysis, but gives the reader a step-by step blueprint for wetland database establishment, field work preparation, and delineation, and importantly provides key indicators of hydrologic, biogeochemical and ecological functions that can be combined into a model to evaluate ecosystem services. This volume will be extremely valuable to land use managers, geographers and wetland ecologists looking for a rapid approach to assess wetland ecosystem services on the landscape.
Professor Curtis J Richardson, Director Duke University Wetland Center

 - provides a systematic methodology to evaluate how wetlands function
 - allows non-experts to assess wetland functioning rapidly and cost-effectively
 - automates aspects of the functional assessment through the accompanying CD-ROM
 - gives users the information they need to understand wetland ecosystem services and manage wetlands more effectively

Wetlands perform functions that deliver benefits to society, often referred to as ecosystem services. These ecosystem services include water supply, flood regulation, water purification, climate regulation, biodiversity, agriculture (e.g. grazing land), and amenity. A functional approach to wetland assessment enables a holistic view to be taken of the wide range of services wetlands can provide. The functional assessment procedures (FAPs) in this volume translate best available scientific knowledge into reasonable predictions of how component parts of wetlands function in different landscape contexts. They can be used to indicate the potential and priorities for management options in such areas as flood control, pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation.

Functional assessment enables the user to predict the functioning of a wetland area without the need for comprehensive and expensive empirical research The FAPs therefore provide a methodology that can be used by both experts and non-experts to assess wetland functioning relatively rapidly. The volume includes an electronic version of the FAPs on CD which automates aspects of the assessment once the initial recording stage is completed. It is anticipated that the FAPs will be used by a range of individuals or organisations concerned with wetland management who wish to gain a better understanding of the processes, functions, services or benefits and potential of the wetlands for which they have responsibility.

ISBN 1 85573 834 1
ISBN-13: 978 1 85573 834 8
April 2009
712 pages  297 x 210mm  hardback + Free CD-ROM  
£210.00 / US$355.00 / €250.00

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An e-book version of this title is available to purchase as part of a Collection or Pick n Mix or by Chapter. Visit Woodhead Publishing Online

About the editor

Edward Maltby is Professor of Wetland Science, Water and Ecosystem Management and Director of the Institute for Sustainable Water, Integrated Management and Ecosystem Research (SWIMMER) at the University of Liverpool, UK. Professor Maltby has an internationally-recognised reputation for his research and policy advice on wetlands and their management.

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Contents

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
SECTION 2 WETLAND DATABASE ESTABLISHMENT
SECTION 3 FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
SECTION 4 SCORING AND APPENDICES

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

Introduction to wetlands and functional assessment
 - Introduction
 - What is a wetland?
 - The importance of the wetland resource
 - Realising the benefits of wetland functioning
 - Threats and impacts on the wetland resource
 - Challenges for the future of wetlands and their management
 - What is a functional approach?
 - Introduction to the functional analysis procedures (FAPs)
 - The Functional Assessment Procedures CD-ROM
 - The application of functional analysis
 - Further reading and references

SECTION 2 WETLAND DATABASE ESTABLISHMENT

Introduction
 - Objectives
 - Method
 - Output from database establishment
 - Data recording and references
 - Further reading and references

Fieldwork preparation
 - Introduction
 - Assessment Area (AA) delineation and map preparation
 - Contributory Area (CA) delineation and map preparation
 - Collection of desk information on assessment area (AA) and contributory area (CA)
 - Confirmation of rights of access
 - Selection of required field equipment
 - Further reading and references

Hydrogeomorphic (HGMU) delineation
 - Introduction
 - Check and enhance prepared assessment area AA MAPS
 - Subdivide AA into its main components
 - Subdivide AA landscape components into HGMUs: preparation and procedure
 - Further reading and references

HGMU Characterisation
 - Introduction
 - Recording of geomorphic indicators
 - Recording of hydrological indicators
 - Recording of ecological indicators
 - Habitat and vegetation identification
 - Part 1: land-use and site management, field indicators
 - Part 2: collection of HGMU information
 - Assignment of hydrological codes
 - Estimation of HGMU area
 - Nutrient input characterisation
 - Trace element input characterisation
 - Further reading and references

Recording sheets
 - Recording sheet 1
 - Recording sheet 2a
 - Recording sheet 2b
 - Recording sheet 2c
 - Recording sheet 2d
 - Recording sheet 2e
 - Recording sheet 3
 - Recording sheet 4

SECTION 3 FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT

Introduction
 - Method
 - The syntax for combinations of answers in look-up tables
 -  An example of how to use the assessment charts
 - Further reading and references

Hydrological functions
 - Introduction
 - Floodwater Detention (function)
 - Groundwater Rrecharge (function)
 - Groundwater Discharge (function)
 - Sediment Retention (function)
 - Rapid quantification of hydrological function
 - Further reading and references

Biogeochemical functioning
 - Introduction
 - Nutrient Retention (water quality function)
 - Nutrient Export (water quality function)
 - In situ Carbon Retention (function)
 - Trace Element Storage (function)
 - Trace Element Export (function)
 - Organic Carbon Concentration Control (function)

Ecological functioning
 - Introduction
 - Ecosystem Maintenance (function)
 - Food Web Support (function)

SECTION 4 SCORING AND APPENDICES

Functional analysis summary
 - Functional Analysis Summary Table
 - When the functional assessments have been carried out
 - Ecosystem services
 - References
 - Scoring the functions: Hydrological functions, Biogeochemical functions, Ecological functions

Appendix 1 Glossary and alternative terminology
 - Glossary
 - Glossary of scientific terms
 - Alternative terminology

Appendix 2 Information sources (United Kingdom)

Appendix 3 Reference list for codes

Appendix 4 Publications and theses produced during FAPs development

Appendix 5 Conversion of process outcomes to functional scores - electronic version
 - Hydrological functions
 - Biogeochemical functions
 - Ecological functions