The recovery of European freshwater biodiversity has come to a halt

Nature, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 620(7974), С. 582 - 588

Опубликована: Авг. 9, 2023

Owing to a long history of anthropogenic pressures, freshwater ecosystems are among the most vulnerable biodiversity loss

Язык: Английский

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Fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages reveal extensive degradation of the world's rivers

Global Change Biology, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 29(2), С. 355 - 374

Опубликована: Сен. 22, 2022

Rivers suffer from multiple stressors acting simultaneously on their biota, but the consequences are poorly quantified at global scale. We evaluated biological condition of rivers globally, including largest proportion countries Global South published to date. gathered macroinvertebrate- and fish-based assessments 72,275 37,676 sites, respectively, 64 study regions across six continents 45 nations. Because were based differing methods, different systems consolidated into a 3-class system: Good, Impaired, or Severely following common guidelines. The sites in each class by area was calculated region assigned Köppen-Geiger climate type, Human Footprint score (addressing landscape alterations), Development Index (HDI) social welfare), % with good ambient water quality, protected freshwater key biodiversity areas; forest net change rate. found that 50% macroinvertebrate 42% fish Good condition, whereas 21% 29% respectively. poorest conditions occurred Arid Equatorial climates best Snow climates. Impaired associated (Pearson correlation coefficient) higher HDI scores, poorer physico-chemical lower proportions areas. quality increased forested It is essential implement statutory bioassessment programs Asian, African, American countries, continue them Oceania, Europe, North America. There need invest fish, as there less information globally strong indicators degradation. Our highlights increase extent number river catchments, preserve restore natural areas treat wastewater discharges, improve connectivity.

Язык: Английский

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Notable shifts beyond pre-industrial streamflow and soil moisture conditions transgress the planetary boundary for freshwater change

Nature Water, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 2(3), С. 262 - 273

Опубликована: Март 4, 2024

Abstract Human actions compromise the many life-supporting functions provided by freshwater cycle. Yet, scientific understanding of anthropogenic change and its long-term evolution is limited. Here, using a multi-model ensemble global hydrological models, we estimate how, over 145-year industrial period (1861–2005), streamflow soil moisture have deviated from pre-industrial baseline conditions (defined 5th–95th percentiles, at 0.5° grid level monthly timestep 1661–1860). Comparing two periods, find an increased frequency local deviations on ~45% land area, mainly in regions under heavy direct or indirect human pressures. To humanity’s aggregate impact these important elements cycle, present deviation occurrence regional to scales. Annually, now occur 18.2% 15.8% respectively, which 8.0 4.7 percentage points beyond ~3 point wide variability envelope. Our results signify substantial shift reference persistently increasing change. This indicates transgression new planetary boundary for change, defined quantified our approach, calling urgent reduce disturbance

Язык: Английский

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Reviving Europe's rivers: Seven challenges in the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law to restore free‐flowing rivers

Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Water, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 11(3)

Опубликована: Янв. 30, 2024

Abstract The EU Nature Restoration Law represents an important opportunity for freshwater habitat restoration and, consequently, biodiversity protection. However, a number of challenges must be anticipated in its implementation, which may compromise success. Some aspects, particularly those relating to ecosystems, require more clarification. We use riverine ecosystems illustrate existing ambiguities the proposed legislation and potential consequences leaving these aspects open interpretation during implementation process. also discuss solutions problems could help ensure that law's objectives are met. argue river network structure connectivity dimensions, result into meta‐ecosystems, explicitly considered. For purpose, we ask clear definitions critical terms “free‐flowing rivers,” “barriers,” “reference areas.” In addition, recommend developing methods integrated assessment across networks. As key property this used prioritize actions increase length free‐flowing rivers. Adequate planning at larger spatial scales will benefit from meta‐ecosystem perspective accurate representation aquatic‐terrestrial linkages, significantly improve efficacy efforts. Furthermore, stakeholder citizen engagement offer opportunities local, national, European scales, should fostered inclusive decision‐making. conservation outlined here rivers, but they have implications other ecosystems. These considerations useful policymakers, conservationists, stakeholders involved related policy initiatives. This article is categorized under: Water Life > Stresses Pressures on Ecosystems Conservation, Management, Awareness Human Governance

Язык: Английский

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Hydrography90m: a new high-resolution global hydrographic dataset

Earth system science data, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 14(10), С. 4525 - 4550

Опубликована: Окт. 17, 2022

Abstract. The geographic distribution of streams and rivers drives a multitude patterns processes in hydrology, geomorphology, geography, ecology. Therefore, hydrographic network that accurately delineates both small large rivers, along with their topographic topological properties, equal precision would be indispensable the earth sciences. Currently, available global hydrographies do not feature headwater great detail. However, these headwaters are vital because they estimated to contribute more than 70 % overall stream length. We aimed fill this gap by using MERIT Hydro digital elevation model at 3 arcsec (∼90 m Equator) derive globally seamless, standardised network, “Hydrography90m”, corresponding information. A central is minimal upstream contributing area, i.e. flow accumulation, 0.05 km2 (or 5 ha) initiate channel, which allowed us extract channels By employing suite GRASS GIS hydrological modules, we calculated range-wide accumulation direction delineate total 1.6 million drainage basins extracted 726 unique segments sub-catchments. In addition, computed variables comprising slope, gradient, length, curvature attributes as well allow for routing various order classifications. validated spatial accuracy Hydrography90m against NHDPlus HR, an independent, national high-resolution dataset United States. Our validation shows newly developed has highest contains compared three other datasets. This comprehensive approach provides long-overdue baseline assessing actual streamflow opens new research avenues studies surface water worldwide. thus offers significant potential facilitate assessment freshwater quantity quality, inundation risk, biodiversity, conservation, resource management objectives manner. layers https://doi.org/10.18728/igb-fred-762.1 (Amatulli et al., 2022a), while can used directly standard applications, recommend seamless integration modules open-source QGIS software further customise data optimal utility from it.

Язык: Английский

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Progress and opportunities in advancing near‐term forecasting of freshwater quality

Global Change Biology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 29(7), С. 1691 - 1714

Опубликована: Янв. 9, 2023

Abstract Near‐term freshwater forecasts, defined as sub‐daily to decadal future predictions of a variable with quantified uncertainty, are urgently needed improve water quality management ecosystems exhibit greater variability due global change. Shifting baselines in land use and climate change prevent managers from relying on historical averages for predicting conditions, necessitating near‐term forecasts mitigate risks human health safety (e.g., flash floods, harmful algal blooms) ecosystem services water‐related recreation tourism). To assess the current state forecasting identify opportunities progress, we synthesized papers published past 5 years. We found that is currently dominated by quantity fewer number early stages development (i.e., non‐operational) despite their potential important preemptive decision support tools. contend more critically poised make substantial advances based examples recent progress methodology, workflows, end‐user engagement. For example, systems can predict temperature, dissolved oxygen, bloom/toxin events days ahead reasonable accuracy. Continued will be greatly accelerated adapting tools approaches machine learning modeling methods). In addition, effective operational require substantive engagement end users throughout forecast process, funding, training opportunities. Looking ahead, provides hopeful face increased risk change, encourage scientific community incorporate research management.

Язык: Английский

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Shortfalls in our understanding of the causes and consequences of functional and phylogenetic variation of freshwater communities across continents

Biological Conservation, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 282, С. 110082 - 110082

Опубликована: Апрель 23, 2023

Freshwater ecosystems harbour a disproportionately high biodiversity relative to their area, being also one of the most threatened ecosystem types worldwide. However, our capacity design evidence-based conservation plans for this realm is restricted by all shortfalls that have been recognized so far. In context, paucity comparable field data and information on traits phylogenies freshwater organisms should be emphasized. Here, we highlight how increased knowledge could gained where aim at in research functional phylogenetic features communities. First, attempts combine datasets from different sources pay careful attention harmonization. Second, more effort focused natural history observations species habitats life histories, providing backbone multi-trait databases. Third, fully resolved would required deciphering evolutionary relationships organisms. Provided these three hurdles can overcome, conducting studies local communities across continental spatial extents pave way mapping functionally important evolutionarily valuable areas habitats.

Язык: Английский

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Global freshwater fish invasion linked to the presence of closely related species

Nature Communications, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 15(1)

Опубликована: Фев. 15, 2024

Abstract In the Anthropocene, non-native freshwater fish introductions and translocations have occurred extensively worldwide. However, their global distribution patterns factors influencing establishment remain poorly understood. We analyze a comprehensive database of 14953 species across 3119 river basins identify hotspots for exotic translocated fishes. show that both types fishes are more likely to occur when closely related native This finding is consistent measures phylogenetic relatedness, biogeographical realms, highly invaded countries, even after accounting influence diversity. contradicts Darwin’s naturalization hypothesis, suggesting presence close relatives often signifies suitable habitats than intensified competition, predicting species. Our study provides assessment correlates, laying groundwork understanding future invasions in ecosystems.

Язык: Английский

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Towards harmonized standards for freshwater biodiversity monitoring and biological assessment using benthic macroinvertebrates

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 918, С. 170360 - 170360

Опубликована: Фев. 2, 2024

Monitoring programs at sub-national and national scales lack coordination, harmonization, systematic review analysis continental global scales, thus fail to adequately assess evaluate drivers of biodiversity ecosystem degradation loss large spatial scales. Here we the state art, gaps challenges in freshwater assessment for both biological condition (bioassessment) monitoring ecosystems using benthic macroinvertebrate community. To existence nationally- regionally- (sub-nationally-) accepted protocols that are put practice/used each country, conducted a survey from November 2022 May 2023. Responses 110 respondents based 67 countries were received. Although responses varied their consistency, clearly demonstrated being done levels lakes, rivers artificial waterbodies. Programs bioassessment more widespread, some cases even harmonized among several countries. We identified 20 challenges, which classed into five major categories, these (a) field sampling, (b) sample processing identification, (c) metrics indices, (d) assessment, (e) other challenges. Above all, identify harmonization as one most important gaps, hindering efficient collaboration communication. IUCN SSC Global Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Sampling Protocols Task Force (GLOSAM) means address globally-harmonized protocols.

Язык: Английский

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The relationships between biotic uniqueness and abiotic uniqueness are context dependent across drainage basins worldwide

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 39(4)

Опубликована: Апрель 5, 2024

Abstract Context Global change, including land-use change and habitat degradation, has led to a decline in biodiversity, more so freshwater than terrestrial ecosystems. However, the research on freshwaters lags behind marine studies, highlighting need for innovative approaches comprehend biodiversity. Objectives We investigated patterns relationships between biotic uniqueness abiotic environmental drainage basins worldwide. Methods compiled high-quality data aquatic insects (mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies at genus-level) from 42 spanning four continents. Within each basin we calculated (local contribution beta diversity, LCBD) of insect assemblages, types heterogeneity, LCEH), categorized into upstream land cover, chemical soil properties, stream site landscape position, climate. A mixed-effects meta-regression was performed across examine variations strength LCBD-LCEH relationship terms latitude, human footprint, major continental regions (the Americas versus Eurasia). Results On average, LCBD LCEH were weak. direction varied among basins. Latitude, footprint index, or location did not explain significant variation relationship. Conclusions detected strong context dependence Varying conditions gradient lengths basins, historical contingencies, stochastic factors may these findings. This underscores basin-specific management practices protect biodiversity riverine systems.

Язык: Английский

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