title: Spatio-temporal modeling of benthic biological species.
abstract: The spatial and temporal distribution of the number of benthic species located in an important area under ecological stress (Puerto CALICA, Quintana Roo, Mexico) is analyzed by means of Gaussian Spatial Linear Mixed Models. Following a model-based approach we derive spatial predictions taking into account temporal variations between May 1996 and June 1999. The proposed models were evaluated in terms of their ability to detect the underlying spatial structure for further interpolation. Uncertainty in the prediction could be evaluated by using the Bayesian paradigm. The results can be used as a guide for further environmental management policies in the region.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km 6, C.P. 97310 A.P. 73 Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Axis-Arroyo
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mateu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004777:Environment; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D020387:Food Chain; D005544:Forecasting; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D007448:Invertebrates; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011157:Population Dynamics; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants