Populations and Sustainability

Question 1

Why do population numbers remain constant?

Answer 1

 Reached carrying capacity ;
‐ The maximum size of population ;
‐ That can be supported by habitat/environment ;
 Competition for food  food supply limiting ;
 Competition for nesting sites  nesting sites limiting ;
 Increased predation as population size of doves increases ;
‐ Density dependent ;
 Pathogens pass from one individual to another easier as population size of doves increases ; ‐ More doves die due to disease ;
 Death rate equals birth rate ;

Question 2

A change in environmental factors could account for the sudden rise and fall of this unicellular population between May and September…

Answer 2

• Rise in temperature ;
‐ Increased rate of metabolism ;
‐ Enzymes work more efficiently ;
• Greater light intensity ;
‐ Increased photosynthesis ;
• Increased day length / more light ; ‐ Increased photosynthesis ;
• More minerals in water ;
‐ From increased rate of decomposition ;
‐ From agricultural run‐off / sewage ;
• Increased cell division / growth/ reproduction ;
‐ Increased number of algae (algal bloom) ;
• Algae population falls ;
‐ Overshoots carrying capacity ;
‐ Decreased photosynthesis ;
i. Shading / lack of light / colder ;
ii. Minerals exhausted ;
‐ Eaten by consumers ;
‐ Build‐up of toxins ;
• Use data:
‐ Rises from 400 – 500 dm‐3 to 5200 to 5600 dm‐3 ;
‐ Falls from 900 to 1200 dm‐3 ;

Question 3

Describe predator-prey relationships.

Answer 3

An interaction between two organisms of unlike species in which one of them acts as predator that captures and feeds on the other organism that serves as the prey. In ecology, predation is a mechanism of population control. Thus, when the number of predators is scarce the number of preys should rise. When this happens the predators would be able to reproduce more. As the number of predators rises, the number of preys decline. This results in food scarcity for predators that can eventually lead to the death of many predators.

Question 4

Explain changes in the population of a certain species, during the experiment.

Answer 4

• Predator introduced at day 18 – 19 ;
• Population Y increases due to feeding on X / prey ;
• Increased reproductive rate ;
• Reproductive rate greater than ‘death rate’ ;
• Predator Y increases until day 37‐38 / numbers 31 ‐ 32 ;
• Food /prey shortage causes decline ;
• Death rate greater than ‘birth rate’ ;
• Predators die out day 54 – 55 ;
• Population Y peaks after population X i.e. time lag
between populations ;

Question 5

Describe and explain the changes which occur in the lemming and stoat populations.

Answer 5

• Four year cycles ;
• Stoat population peaks after lemming ;
• Lemmings increase (low numbers of stoats) ;
• More food for stoats, so numbers increase ;
• More predation reduces lemming numbers;
• Number of stoats decreases (lack of food) ;

Question 6

Define biodiversity.

Answer 6

• The variety of living organisms present in an area ;

* Can be studied at different levels (habitat, species & genetic) ;

Question 7

Define conservation.

Answer 7

• The management of the environment to maintain and, where possible, increase biodiversity ;
• It is an active, dynamic process and not simply preservation ;

Question 8

Define preservation.

Answer 8

• Protecting an environment to keep things as they are ;

* Not an active or dynamic process ;

Question 9

What is the aim of conservation programmes?

Answer 9

• Tend to focus on maintaining a ‘healthy’ level of biodiversity. However, this does not mean that an ecosystem which is being conserved is in its natural form (in fact this can be far from it).
• The process of conservation must be distinguished from preservation, which aims to protect areas of land which are currently untouched by humans, therefore keeping them preserved in their natural forms.
• Conservation is a dynamic process involving management and reclamation of land.
• Effective conservation requires consideration of the social and economic costs to the local community, as well as effective education and liaison with the community.
• It can involve establishing protected areas, such as SSSIs (sites of special scientific interest) or National Parks, and can provide legal protection for endangered animals or plants.
• Conservation can also take place ex‐situ in places such as zoos or botanical gardens.

Question 10

Some management strategies are outlined below, but which strategies are adopted depends upon the specific characteristics of the ecosystem and the species involved.

Answer 10

• Raise carrying capacity by providing extra resources (i.e. food) ;
• Move individuals to enlarge populations / encourage natural dispersion of individuals between fragmented
habitats / provide wildlife corridors to link two or more habitats ;
• Restrict dispersion of individuals by fencing ;
• Control predators and poachers ;
• Vaccinate individuals against disease ;
• Projection of habitats from pollution or disruption ;

Question 11

What is the ecological / economic / ethical / agricultural importance of conservation?

Answer 11

Ecological:
• Species are interdependent;
• Prevents disruption of food chains; maintains habitats & ecosystems ;
Economic:
• Eco‐tourism ;
• Important to maintain a large gene pool ;
• Undiscovered species may be of use in the future; for medicinal purposes ;
• Wild species could be crossed with existing agricultural species/strains ;
‐ To improve yield; increase hardiness ;
‐ To increase resistance to disease ;
Ethical:
• Reduction in biodiversity is a result of human activity, so have a moral responsibility to try to put things right ; (for future generations ; )
Agriculture:
• Source of food ;
• Source of natural predators to pests ;
• Source of crop pollinators ;
• Source of plant varieties for cross breeding ;
• Wild species could be crossed with existing agricultural species/strains ;
‐ To improve yield; increase hardiness ;
‐ To increase resistance to disease ;

Question 12

Explain how you would estimate the population size of a fish species.

Answer 12

• Catch fish sample / AW ;
• Suitable markers or tags ;
• Idea of tags not interfering with fish behaviour ;
• Release sample (back into habitat) ;
• Second sample caught after given period of time ;
• Calculation of population using correct formula (mark‐release‐recapture / Lincoln index) ;

Question 13

Which factors that have contributed to overfishing in British coastal waters in recent decades?

Answer 13

• Too many boats ;
• Fleet vessels able to stay at sea for longer periods ;
• Increased operational radius of boats / larger areas fished ;
• Factory ships / fish processed at sea ;
• Young fish removed from populations ;
• Technological developments in fishing industry ;
‐ Use of drift nets ;
‐ Sonar/satellite detection ;

Question 14

Describe the long term ecological effects of overfishing.

Answer 14

• Disrupts food chains/webs ;
• Loss of species biodiversity ;
• Removal of reproductive adults ;
• Decreasing reproduction rates leading to decrease in population size ;
• Seabed damaged by trawling / alteration of habitats ;
• Disruption to nutrient recycling/abiotic factors ;

Question 15

If a carnivorous fish, such as cod, were to disappear from the marine ecosystem there would be an ecological imbalance. Describe the possible effects of imbalance in the marine ecosystem.

Answer 15

• Population numbers controlled by feeding / predators ;
• Food chains / webs disrupted ;
• Some populations / species will increase (out of control) ; +example from diagram ;
• Other populations will decrease / disappear ; +example from diagram ;
• Ref. to predator‐prey relationships ;
• Removal of cod has a ‘knock‐on’ effect throughout web ;
• Balance of producers to consumers is upset ;
• Ref. to other interactions which are not shown on diagram (e.g. seabirds) ;

Question 16

Aquaculture (fish farming) is often seen as a long‐lasting solution to the problem of over‐fishing. Outline the factors that need to be considered when setting up a fish farm.

Answer 16

 Position of farm/damage to existing ecosystems ;
 Costs of chemicals/pesticides/hormones/antibiotics ;
 Risk of pollution ;
 Risk of eutrophication ;
 Risk of fish lost to disease ;
 Risk of escapees and effects on natural populations ;

Question 17

Describe, using examples, how fish stocks are conserved so that a sustainable resource can be maintained.

Answer 17

• e.g. North sea ‐ cod ;
• e.g. Pacific – tuna ;
• e.g. Baltic – sturgeon ;
Conservation of fish stocks:
• Precise scientific counts for fish species ; (mark‐release‐recapture / Lincoln index ; )
• Maximum sustainable yield calculated ;
• Idea of setting of quotas ;
• Idea of policing ;
• Ref. to regulation on mesh / net sizes ;
• Regulation of fish sizes landed ;
• Fishing bans in specific areas / exclusion zones / marine nature reserves ;
• Ref. to bans during breeding times ;
• Boat decommissioning / decrease in fleet size / licenses ;
• Restriction in fishing effort (e.g. days at sea) ;
• Co‐operation between countries to adhere to laws / policy agreements ;
• Use of aquaculture (to conserve wild stock) ;
• AVP ; e.g. penalties and fines
• AVP ; e.g. consumer pressure / marketing new species

Question 18

How is timber sustainably produced?

Answer 18

‐ Economic definition of sustainable e.g. similar quantities of timber can be harvested year on year ;
‐ Pollarding ‐ branches cut higher up ;
‐ Prevents deer eating new shoot ;
‐ Coppicing ‐ deciduous trees regrow from base when their trunks are cut down ;
‐ Rotational coppicing ‐ each year a different area is coppiced ;
‐ Coppice with standards ‐ large trees not coppiced ;
‐ Encourages biodiversity / maintains or increases biodiversity ;
‐ Coppicing ;
‐ Reduces soil erosion & nutrient loss ;
‐ Plant softwood species (e.g. conifers) which are fast growing ; ‐ To ensure sustainable harvest rate ;
‐ Deciduous broadleaved species around edges ;
‐ Aesthetic reasons ;
‐ Encourages biodiversity / maintains or increases biodiversity ;
‐ Selective cutting (i.e. only mature trees removed) ;
‐ Helps to prevent soil erosion on steep slopes ;
‐ Some clearings (e.g. glades in woodland) ;
‐ Creates different habitats ;
‐ Encourages biodiversity / maintains or increases biodiversity ;
‐ Some fallen trees left to rot ;
‐ Decomposition increases mineral content of soil (e.g. nitrates) ;
‐ Clear felling has negative effects ;
‐ Soil erosion ;
‐ Nutrient loss / leaching of nutrients ;
Efficiency improved by:
• Trees not planted too closely together ;
• Species planted that are suitable for climate, topography and soil type ;
• Control of pests / diseases ;
• Grants for planting forests / management schemes ;
• Support young trees ;
• Prevent damage from grazing animals ;
• Fire prevention ;

Question 19

Describe the management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities in Masai Mara.

Answer 19

Wildlife:
• All members of the Big Five (lion, leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo, and black rhinoceros) are found in the Maasai Mara. Also includes white rhinoceros, wildebeest, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffe and hippopotami.
Threats:
• Water shortages:
‐ Water levels and quality have changed significantly over the past few decades because of agriculture,
industrial activity, population growth, tourism etc.
‐ Illegal logging and agriculture increases the likelihood of flash floods, soil erosion and silted rivers.
• Conflict between people and wildlife:
‐ As demand for land increases there’s less space for wildlife. Elephants, rhinos and wildebeest need wide areas
to roam, and when crops or homes encroach on traditional migration routes, the animals can cause damage.
‐ Lions bring their own challenges – they might attack domestic cattle if natural prey is scarce.
• Uncontrolled tourism:
‐ Tourism is one of the most important sources of income for Kenya, but the millions of visitors all need food,
water, roads and transportation, all adding to the pressure on natural resources and wildlife habitats.
• Poaching and illegal wildlife trade:
‐ Elephants and rhinos are particularly at risk, poached for their tusks or horns – for which there’s been a
booming demand from parts of Asia in recent years.
Management:
• Keeping the Mara flowing and healthy:
‐ E.g. protecting riverbanks to help reduce sediment, pesticides and other pollutants entering the river.
‐ Introduce more sustainable practices, e.g. building terraces on sloping farmland to stop soil washing away.
• Supporting community conservation:
‐ Balance environmental protection with social and economic development, by supporting community‐owned
and run conservancies (the wild animals there tend to be more valued and better protected).
‐ Conservancies can also attract millions of visitors, creating much‐needed jobs and income for local people.
• Preventing conflict between people and wildlife:
‐ E.g. building lion‐proof cattle enclosures / using collars to track the lions’ movements so Maasai herdsmen
know when they’re nearby and move their cattle out of danger.
• Protecting wildlife and tackling poaching:
‐ Train and equip the rangers who protect wildlife from threats such as human‐wildlife conflict and poaching.
Deter poachers by microchipping rhino horns, or if necessary moving animals to safer locations.

Question 20

Describe the management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities in the Terai region.

Answer 20

Wildlife:
This ecoregion contains the highest densities of tigers, rhinos, and ungulates in Asia. The ecoregion is habitat for a huge number of mammalian and bird species. Notable are the large numbers of the endangered greater one‐horned rhinoceros and Bengal tigers as well as Asian elephants, sloth bears, Indian leopards.
Threats:
• This landscape faces several threats like loss of wildlife and its habitat at an alarming rate:
‐ Habitat degradation and fragmentation due to developmental activities are causing immense damage.
‐ The Terai is Nepal’s major area for logging. Sawmilling is the largest wood‐based industry.
‐ Water diversion, especially for irrigation projects, poses another significant threat.
‐ Livelihoods of millions of people are also at risk, as the natural resources in the region provide a means of income,
which are being lost as the landscape is further degraded.
‐ There are direct threats to wildlife in terms of poaching and conflicts with humans. When the wild animals move
out of the forest areas due to shrinking of natural habitat and come in conflict with the local people.
These pressures are compounded by political instability, including the long standing Maoist rebellion in the country.
Management:
• Links between Livelihoods and Wildlife:
‐ Ensuring that rural communities have access to healthy forests provides them with a sustainable source of
fuel, fodder, wild foods, building materials, agricultural and household tools and medicine.
• Good Governance through Resource Management:
‐ Community Forestry which gives forest user groups clear cut forest rights and responsibilities that provide
them access, use and economic gains from the forests that they manage.
• Strengthening human and social assets:
‐ Diversifying on and off‐farm economic activity and local ability to sustainably manage natural resources.
• Supporting basic infrastructure and equipment:
‐ Includes small irrigation schemes and micro‐hydro schemes.
‐ The provision of alternative energy sources such as biogas plants and energy saving devices such as fuel wood
efficient stoves ensures that communities are less reliant on illegal and exploitative resource extraction.
• Community based anti‐poaching units:
‐ Originally set up to reduce the level of poaching of tigers and rhinos, but have quickly become involved in
monitoring trafficking of other wild flora and fauna.
‐ Today, there are more than 400 units working throughout the country, patrolling critical areas like wildlife
corridors and providing vital information sources on illegal activity.

Question 21

Describe the management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities in peat bogs.

Answer 21

Wildlife:
Peatlands are amazingly wild places, teeming with birds, insects and unusual plants. There are many highly specialised animals and plants associated with bog habitat. Most are capable of tolerating the combination of low nutrient levels and waterlogging. The white‐faced darter dragonfly and other species like the carnivorous round‐leaved sundew are known to directly benefit from peatland restoration work. Some of our rarest insects, including the large heath butterfly, mire pill beetle and several species of dragonfly thrive in the wet conditions of raised bogs. Mossy hummocks and pools also provide vital nesting and feeding grounds for wading birds, and birds of prey such as hen harriers and merlins which congregate on larger bogs to feed and roost during winter.
Threats:
• Peatlands have diminished in the UK by 90% in the past 100 years! Peatlands are a fragile and endangered ecosystem.
‐ Peat has been cut and used as a fuel for many centuries, but hand‐cutting of peat is a slow, labour‐intensive
process (which can allow the bog partially to recover).
‐ Agriculture and forestry have historically damaged large areas of peatland. But today, commercial peat
extraction to supply gardeners and nursery growers is the major threat.
‐ Industrialised, mechanical extraction practised by peat companies, which drain and damage whole bogs
(deep‐draining peatlands and stripping all vegetation from vast expanses of bog surface).
‐ Peatlands will also disappear from many regions of the UK due to climate change. Blanket bogs are sensitive
to climate because their existence is dependent on a strict set of particularly cool and wet climate.
Management:
• Working to prevent further loss of blanket bogs by establishing areas of as nature reserves.
• Using traditional management techniques, such as grazing and burning, to maintain peatlands.
• Restoring areas that have deteriorated (e.g. felling trees and damming plough furrows to raise the water table).
• Provide advice and guidance for landowners and farmers on wildlife‐friendly practices in these areas.
• Encourage gardeners to buy peat‐free products for their garden (e.g. making their own compost).

Question 22

Describe the management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities in the Galapagos Islands.

Answer 22

Wildlife:
The sheer number and variety of wildlife both on land and in the water of the Galápagos is quite remarkable. Because of the islands’ isolation and remoteness, many of these species are found only in the Galápagos and have not changed much since prehistoric times. The Galápagos’ famous marine iguanas, albatross and giant tortoises continue to amaze scientists and delight tourists. Many unique species occur in great concentrations.
Threats:
• Illegal fishing and overfishing:
‐ The Galápagos Marine Reserve is one of the largest marine protected areas in the world, which makes
monitoring and patrolling expensive and challenging.
‐ Its rich diversity of marine life also makes it attractive to illegal fishing interests. Overfishing and illegal
industrial fishing are serious threats to the islands’ delicate marine ecosystem.
• Unsustainable tourism:
‐ Worldwide fame has turned the Galápagos Islands into one of the most popular global tourist destinations.
‐ Increased visitors as well as rapid human development bring higher demand for imported goods and fossil
fuels, introduction of invasive species, and more demand for migratory labour / infrastructure.
‐ Increasing human pressure on the fragile archipelago becomes a potential threat to conservation and local
sustainable development.
• Pollution:
‐ Increased generation of waste and improper management continue to threaten the land and waters of the
Galápagos. Litter and poorly managed waste become marine debris (affects the fragile marine ecosystem).
Management:
• Innovative fisheries management:
‐ Encourage fishermen to catch quality products rather than large volumes and eliminate the intense
competition, overfishing and dangerous conditions that happen as a result.
• Improved monitoring of the Marine Reserve:
‐ Create more efficient ways to monitor vessels in the marine reserve, using the latest technology such as
satellite, radio and radars. Such systems have been very effective at detecting illegal fishing activities and
minimizing the risk of vessel accidents, which could lead to oil spills.
‐ Support training of park wardens on these technologies to better equip them to handle such threats against
the Reserve’s natural resources.
• Ecotourism:
‐ Improving local governance, designing new ecotourism activities, promoting an ecotourism‐oriented culture
and monitoring the impact of the tourism sector (and reducing the ecological footprint caused by visitors).
• Conservation training:
‐ Scholarships to outstanding Galápagos students to pursue training in environmental management, tourism and business administration

Question 23

Describe the management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities in Antarctica.

Answer 23

Wildlife:
The Antarctic is so dry it’s classed as a polar desert. There are no trees or even shrubs and only two species of flowering plant. The wildlife of Antarctica are extremophiles, having to adapt to the dryness, low temperatures, and high exposure. Antarctic animals include penguins, whales, seals, albatrosses, other seabirds and a whole range of invertebrates (such as krill which form the basis of the Antarctic food web).
Threats:
 Climate change:
‐ Temperatures have risen by nearly 3°C in the last 50 years – about five times the global average.
 Illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing:
‐ ‘Pirate’ fishing happens in the Southern Ocean as it is so difficult to enforce regulations over such a large area.
‐ Illegal fishing causes the death of huge numbers of seabirds by drowning on long lines of baited fishing hooks.
 Human impacts (including tourism and scientific research):
‐ The number of tourists visiting Antarctica has quadrupled since the mid‐1990s, to a peak of over 46,000 in
2007‐08. Tourism is generally well managed and regulated. However, human activity can result in chemical
and sewage pollution, disturbance to wildlife and the introduction of non‐native species.
‐ Increased shipping in remote and vulnerable Antarctic waters brings a greater risk of shipping accidents
which may result in oil spills as well as collisions with and disturbance to sea life.
Management:
• Research:
‐ E.g. attaching miniature, lightweight tracking devices temporarily to some penguins to determine their
movements, feeding and breeding behaviour. This helps identify important habitats that need protection.
• Helping limit climate change:
‐ Global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Heavy oil ban:
‐ In 2011 regulations come into place that stopped vessels using or carrying heavy fuel oil in Antarctic waters.
Spills of lighter fuels could still happen, but at least will disperse more easily and pose less danger to wildlife.
• The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was adopted in 1991 by the Antarctic Treaty nations. It provides for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment, and sets out tightly drawn rules governing human activities there. The most important obligations the Protocol imposes are:
‐ Antarctica is designated as a “natural reserve devoted to peace and science”.
‐ Mineral activities are prohibited for at least 50 years, except for scientific minerals research.
‐ All activities are to be conducted so as to limit adverse environmental impacts.

Question 24

Describe the management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities in Snowdonia National Park.

Answer 24

Wildlife:
A sanctuary for countless plants and animals – from the crags of Cwm Idwal, home of the exquisite Snowdon lily, all the way to Bardsey Island off Snowdonia’s coast and its teeming colonies of Manx shearwater. The sheer diversity of habitats in Snowdonia makes the region something of a wildlife lover’s paradise. Birdwatchers are among the many visitors who flock to Snowdonia. There’s also an array of mammals living in there (including feral goats, otters and polecats).
Threats:
• Invasive species impairing the natural habitat is a big problem in Snowdonia:
‐ Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron & Himalayan balsam list are among the invasive plants of most concern.
Factors causing the spread of plants in Snowdonia include:
o New introductions arriving as stowaways on boots, cars and traded goods.
o Sale as ornamental plants in garden centres and / or deliberate planting in gardens. o Lack of specific natural enemies such as herbivorous animals and pathogens.
o Dispersal by watercourses.
• Climate change:
‐ It is highly likely that the climate of Snowdonia by the end of the 21st century will have altered significantly.
‐ The risk of wild fire is predicted to rise between 30% and 50% by the 2080s (compared to 1980s baseline
levels), putting woodlands and associated wildlife under threat.
• Renewable energy (both domestic and large scale) has grown significantly over the last decade:
‐ Many feel that structures associated with renewable energy schemes, especially large scale ones, often intrude on the landscape (i.e. wind turbines, power lines) whilst infrastructure associated with such
developments can damage vulnerable habitats or other ecological interests.
Management:
• The Snowdonia Society was established in 1967 in response to a growing number of serious threats:
‐ Its work continues to protect the Park from over development, but also enhances and celebrates the National
Park as a home for native flora and fauna, and as a top outdoor visitor destination.
‐ The project improves understanding of Snowdonia’s environment and countryside through voluntary conservation opportunities, minimising the spread of problematic non‐native invasive plant species, and
maintaining and repairing footpaths on some of Snowdonia’s most heavily used routes.
• Snowdonia Ecosystem Project:
‐ Help control invasive species e.g. Himalayan balsam and Rhododendron.
‐ Maintain mountain and low‐level footpaths.
‐ Clear litter from Snowdon, fly‐tipping and other eyesores.
‐ Manage woodlands and habitats.
‐ Conduct mammal surveys.

Question 25

Describe the management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities in the Lake District.

Answer 25

Wildlife:
Cumbria is the best place to live in the UK if you love wildlife, according to BBC Wildlife magazine. The magazine has surveyed wildlife records across the UK, as well as the percentage of land protected and the variety of habitats to come to its decision. According to BBC Wildlife “When it comes to variety, beauty and abundance of wildlife, Cumbria is the county with everything”. The Lake District National Park is home to rare wildlife including red deer, the Peregrine falcon, Arctic Char fish and Britain’s only nesting pairs of Golden Eagles and Ospreys.
Threats:
• Water pollution:
‐ Agriculture, washing machines, dishwashers, increased population and visitor numbers all contribute to the enrichment on the
lake by increased nutrients ‐ such as phosphates which stimulate greater growth of algae.
• Dwindling reed beds:
‐ Reed beds are declining around the lake (e.g. due to boating). Reed beds offer essential secure resting places for overwintering
birds and breeding birds in the spring and summer.
‐ Reed fringes also help break up wave energy from wind and boat wakes and slow down the shoreline erosion.
• The threat from alien species:
‐ Alien species compete with native species for space, light and food and alter the ecological balance of the lakes.
‐ Canadian pondweed was the first to have a major impact and now New Zealand pigmyweed is spreading.
‐ On river banks Himalayan balsam is a particular problem.
• Negative impacts of tourism:
‐ Large numbers of tourists damage the environment (e.g. more traffic congestion, pollution and litter).
• Fell erosion:
‐ Intensive grazing in the high fells has damaged vegetation and increased soil erosion. There has also been a reduction in tree
cover. The sediment eroded from the soil is washed down slopes where it settles in waters.
Management:
• Lake users asked to clean equipment and clothing after using any lake to prevent the spread of alien species to other waterways.
• Lake users asked not to land boats on shoreline areas with reed beds or take or drag boats through reed beds (and are also asked to
avoid boating in the Wildlife Refuge areas as marked).
• New initiatives such as a bike‐friendly bus (carries 12 bikes and for an extra £1.50 each) to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Electric car hire is also being encouraged for tourists from strategic locations.
• Future flood protection plans include advice to landowners on the effective management of run‐off along with more sustainable land use systems – Countryside Stewardship grants are available for this.
• Over 10 million feet tread the upland fell paths every year, which adds up to a lot of wear and tear. Fix the Fells is a partnership project to repair and maintain eroded paths in the Lake District (preventing trampling across fells).
• Love Your Lakes aims to reduce harmful phosphates in the lake by encouraging people to use phosphate free laundry and dishwashing products.