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October 12, 2000     Cape Gazette
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October 12, 2000
 
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ii ii,: ¸¸ ¸ 7 By Keri Mauil Program Assistant "Biological diversity is the key to the maintenance of the world as we know it." - E.O. Wilson Science is always developing new and in- novative ways to describe the natural world and the processes that take place within it. New terms and ideas usually stem from these innovations. Biodiversity is one such idea. Although the term biodiversity has been around for quite some time, it wasn't until recently that Delaware decided to do some- thing about the loss of biodiversity in our state. In this short article, I will explain what biodiversity is, why it is important, what causes biodiversity loss, and what is being done in Delaware to stop and reverse this loss. So what is biodiversity? Biodiversity is a way of thinking about the richness and va- riety of the natural world. Biological diver- sity (the longer term) is the variety of life and its processes. This includes the abun- dance of living organisms, their genetic dif- ferences, and the communities and ecosys- tems in which they live. In order to main- tain biodiversity, the requirements are for the conservation of many types of land- scapes and native plant and animal species, as well as conservation of healthy, diverse genetic stocks. This term biodiversity means a great deal. It really is the "whole picture." Bio- diversity does not entail just one frog, one fish, or one fern in one area; it is instead, every frog, fish, and fern in every area. 00Odi00rsiW 101 This can be a tough concept for people to grasp. It is difficult to think in terms of the big picture. It is much easier to thinlbout saving one organism, but mes ¢dier when the grand rn comes illto ttiew. You are probablyesldng; W im- portant about biodiversity? What does bio- diversity do for me?" Biological diversity provides benefits economically, socially, and environmentally. It provides a wide array of food, fiber, fu- el, and other products. There are many other products still not discov- ered in the form of med- icines from plant and an- imal species. Hunting, fishing, wildlife obser- vation and photography bring people to our area MAUI every year. This brings money into the state. The diversity of life also provides ecologi- cal services such as photosynthesis, water purification, and flood control. This" is just the tip of the iceberg. All of these benefits and numerous ones I haven't mentioned de- pend on healthy forests and aquatic habitats to maintain this biodiversity. There are many things that contribute to the loss of biodiversity around the world and here in Delaware, but I will focus on three major ones. Habitat loss and frag- mentation is the first. This may be attrib- uted to a variety of human activities. For instance, land and water may be converted to agriculture and industrial uses or resi- dential and commercial developments. The result of this conversion is little or no habi- tat for organisms and reduced biodiversity. Fragmentation is not a complete loss of habita, t but rather a separation of habitats. These fragments of sometimes-suitable habitats o isolated by very different landscapes" sUel'as roads, ditches, dams, or fences. With these'barriers in place, organ- isms can not move freely between isolated fragmented areas. Habitat degradation is another threat to biodiversity. It results when a habitat is changed for the worse from what was once the natural condition. Pollution and chemi- cal contamination contribute to habitat degradation. Many human activities cause habitat degradation either directly or indi- rectly. Another threat to biodiversity is exotic species. This one may be new to you. Ex- otic species are not native to an area and may come from another region of the world. Some have been intentionally intro- duced to a new location for a particular rea- son and others have been accidentally transplanted. Most of these species fail to become established in their new environ- ment. However, many actually have a great chance for survival. Because their natural predators do not exist in the new area, they are able to thrive and quite possibly, dis- place native species: Exotics disrupt natu- ral communities. Phragmites is one such exotic, invasive species. Phragmites domi- nates marshes, thereby, reducing the biodi- versity of that marsh. At present, people are starting to consider biodiversity and its implications in Delaware. A Biodiversity Implementation Strategy Workgroup has been established. This Terrapin update A huge "Thank You!" to the many people who took the time to complete and return the terrapin sighting forms provided in the last newsletter. The in- formation you provided helps identify and locate important Diamondback Ter- ravin areas around the Inland Bays. Thanks again for your responses and please keep them coming. Another sighting form has been in- cluded in this newsletter (see page 2), or you can email me at terrapin@dca.net. group includes members from state agen- cies, county agencies, and private groups. The group is charged with reviewing a list of 76 recommendations to maintain biodi- versity in Delaware and designing a plan for implementing these recommendations. The effort is in its initial stages, but there is action being taken by concerned partici- pants. A Biodiversity Conference is being planned to discuss some of these issues. This conference hopes to generate Public awareness to the need to maintain biodiver- sity in Delaware. If youare interested in learning more about biodiversity, please plan to attend the conference or visit a web- site focusing on this important concept. Information from: "Protecting Delaware's Natural Heritage: Tools for Biodiversity Conservation, 1999, Environ- mental Law Institute." Aquaculture project The aquaculture project is waist deep in activity once again. The oysters are growing like weeds! Sep- tember and October are important growing (and eating) times for oysters. The water temperature stays warm allowing the shellfish to really "beef up.  This is just a preview of what is to come in the next newsletter. Stay tuned for more aquaculture news in the winter edition of the Inland Bays Journal. Aquaculture work can only be done at low tide. A view of the gear from above. At right, a look into one of the oyster bags.