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What is Novel About Novel Ecosystems: Managing Change in an Ever-Changing World

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Abstract

Influenced by natural climatic, geological, and evolutionary changes, landscapes and the ecosystems within are continuously changing. In addition to these natural pressures, anthropogenic drivers have increasingly influenced ecosystems. Whether affected by natural or anthropogenic processes, ecosystems, ecological communities, and ecosystem functioning are dynamic and can lead to “novel” or “emerging” ecosystems. Current literature identifies several definitions of these ecosystems but lacks an unambiguous definition and framework for categorizing what constitutes a novel ecosystem and for informing decisions around best management practices. Here we explore the various definitions used for novel ecosystems, present an unambiguous definition, and propose a framework for identifying the most appropriate management option. We identify and discuss three approaches for managing novel ecosystems: managing against, tolerating, and managing for these systems, and we provide real-world examples of each approach. We suggest that this framework will allow managers to make thoughtful decisions about which strategy is most appropriate for each unique situation, to determine whether the strategy is working, and to facilitate decision-making when it is time to modify the management approach.

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Acknowledgments

This paper developed out of class discussions and research conducted during a graduate seminar on Novel Ecosystems at Portland State University, Department of Environmental Science and Management. We thank the following classmates for insightful thoughts and conversations that contributed to the development of this paper: Sara Copp, Tim Elder, Laura Hill, Felipe Ferreira, and Brianna Tarnower. The paper has been much improved based on comments by three anonymous reviewers.

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Environmental Science and Management, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR, 97201, USA

      Amy M. Truitt, Elise F. Granek, Kaitlin A. Goldsmith, Meredith P. Jordan & Kimberly C. Yazzie

    2. Harvard Forest, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA

      Matthew J. Duveneck

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    1. Amy M. Truitt
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    Correspondence to Elise F. Granek.

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    A. M. Truitt and E. F. Granek have contributed equally.

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    Truitt, A.M., Granek, E.F., Duveneck, M.J. et al. What is Novel About Novel Ecosystems: Managing Change in an Ever-Changing World. Environmental Management 55, 1217–1226 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-015-0465-5

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