The Natural Flow Regime: A paradigm for river conservation and restoration

The Natural Flow Regime: A paradigm for river conservation and restoration

December 1997 | N. LeRoy Poff, J. David Allan, Mark B. Bain, James R. Karr, Karen L. Prestegaard, Brian D. Richter, Richard E. Sparks, and Julie C. Stromberg
The chapter "The Natural Flow Regime" by N. LeRoy Poff et al. discusses the importance of maintaining the natural flow regime of rivers for ecological integrity and biodiversity. It highlights the negative impacts of human activities, such as dam construction, land-use changes, and water management practices, on river ecosystems. The authors argue that the natural flow regime, characterized by its magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change, is crucial for sustaining aquatic and riparian species. They emphasize that altering these natural processes can lead to significant ecological degradation, including the loss of native species, reduced water quality, and increased flooding. The chapter also provides examples of the ecological functions of different flow regimes and the ecological responses to altered flow conditions. Finally, it suggests that managing and restoring rivers towards their natural flow regimes can be a effective strategy for conservation and restoration, but acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties involved in achieving this goal.The chapter "The Natural Flow Regime" by N. LeRoy Poff et al. discusses the importance of maintaining the natural flow regime of rivers for ecological integrity and biodiversity. It highlights the negative impacts of human activities, such as dam construction, land-use changes, and water management practices, on river ecosystems. The authors argue that the natural flow regime, characterized by its magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change, is crucial for sustaining aquatic and riparian species. They emphasize that altering these natural processes can lead to significant ecological degradation, including the loss of native species, reduced water quality, and increased flooding. The chapter also provides examples of the ecological functions of different flow regimes and the ecological responses to altered flow conditions. Finally, it suggests that managing and restoring rivers towards their natural flow regimes can be a effective strategy for conservation and restoration, but acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties involved in achieving this goal.
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[slides and audio] THE NATURAL FLOW REGIME. A PARADIGM FOR RIVER CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION