Monday, June 4, 2007 - 1:00 PM
28

Dimensions of the conservation problem in fresh water

David L. Strayer, Institute of Ecosystem Studies, P.O. Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545

The world’s fresh waters contain a diverse, endemic biota and provide a wide range of essential ecological services.  Because of intensive human use of fresh waters and their watersheds, >10,000 freshwater species are now imperiled, and ecological functions of many fresh waters have been compromised.  Major threats to the freshwater biota in the 21st century include habitat destruction and degradation (dams and other hydrologic changes, destruction of wetlands and riparian zones, etc.); pollution (nutrients, organic matter, and toxins), introductions of alien species, and global climate change.  All of these threats already produce strong effects around the world, and are likely to intensify as a result of human population and economic growth in the coming decades.  Because it will be difficult simply to eliminate these threats or even keep them at present-day levels, it is important that we harness our scientific knowledge to manage freshwater resources and ecosystems as best we can to meet human needs while retaining as much ecological function and biodiversity as possible. The talks in this session will explore a wide range of issues associated with the application of benthic science to the conservation of fresh waters and their biota in this challenging environment.

See more of Special Session - Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in Freshwater Conservation I
See more of Special Sessions

See more of The NABS 55th Annual Meeting