Principle: 1. Accounting for Species Diversity

Species diversity is a measure of the number and types of species that occupy an area. Highly diverse ecosystems tend to be more productive and resilient, and numerous studeis have documented the connection between the loss of species diversity and the loss of ecosystem functioning.

Related Actions

1.1 Identify the numbers and types of species impacted by the project

Different species may be vulnerable to different impact types. Therefore, it is important to consider the impacts associated with the project and if species present in the proposed area may by sensitive to those impacts. Species identification should also highlight species that are listed as vulnerable, threatened, or endangered.
1.2 Identify the numbers and types of impacts on species

Most human activities that occur in the ocean have multiple impacts and species may be negatively affected by multiple impacts. Consider the number and types of impacts associated with the proposed activity and how many impacts affect each species in order to assess the likely impacts to ecosystem structure and functioning.
1.3 Map and analyze the spatial distribution of impacted species

(e.g., rare vs. common species, population size, location)
Species distribution can be patchy and some species and habitats may be rare but fundamentally important to the system.
1.4 Evaluate the duration and frequency of each impact to species

(e.g., short vs. long term impacts; light vs. heavy impacts):
Quantify the duration and frequency of each impact to species;
Assess appropriate levels of duration and frequency of each impact to species
1.5 Analyze the seasonal characteristics of the impacted species

(e.g., spatial and temporal characteristics of breeding, spawning, and migration)
Species and habitats can exhibit different characteristics throughout the year. For instance, there are specific breeding, spawning, and migration periods for many species and increased growth periods for many habitat-forming species. Impacts to species during these vulnerable times should be avoided if possible.
1.6 Evaluate the life history characteristics of the impacted species

(e.g., spatial movement of larvae, juveniles, and adults; lifespan; reproductive potential)

Applying ecological principles

Ecological principles represent the core attributes of natural systems that must be maintained or restored in order to support healthy marine and coastal ecosystems, and include maintaining, restoring, or accounting for:

These principles are explained in a reference guide for agencies in California, called the Ecological Principles Guide . This guide also includes a series of case studies and checklists that demonstrate how the principles can be applied to day-to-day decision making.

The EcoPrinciples Connect tool provides a way for coastal managers to improve the effectiveness of planning decisions regarding the ecosystems they are mandated to protect. Using this tool will help coastal managers identify and apply ecological data to link relevant plans and policies to key ecological principles.

State GeoPortal

The EcoPrinciples Connect tool links to data from the California Geoportal, which offers an easy and convenient way to search, discover and use authoritative geospatial data resources. This one-stop geospatial shop is helping to improve access to California’s geographic data portfolio and expand the use of those data resources in decision making processes.