Environmental factors (pressures)

Components of the physical, chemical, ecological or human environment that may be influenced by natural events or anthropogenic activity (Tyler-Walters & Jackson, 1999).

Physical factors

  • Substratum loss
  • Suspended sediment
  • Smothering
  • Desiccation
  • Changes in emergence regime
  • Changes in water flow rate
  • Changes in temperature
  • Changes in turbidity
  • Changes in wave exposure
  • Noise disturbance
  • Visual presence
  • Physical disturbance and abrasion
  • Displacement

Chemical factors

  • Synthetic compound contamination
  • Heavy metals contamination
  • Hydrocarbon contamination
  • Radionuclide contamination
  • Changes in nutrient levels
  • Changes in salinity
  • Changes in oxygenation

Biological factors

  • Introduction of microbial pathogens / parasites
  • Introduction of non-native species
  • Selective extraction of this species
  • Selective extraction of other species