Title: The return of degraded stream ecosystems by using positive impacts from near‐natural sections: a new practical guide for restorations
Abstract: Abstract Streams in N orth R hine‐ W estphalia ( G ermany) are frequently impacted by hydromorphological degradation leading to a loss of sensitive species and a reduction in diversity. These findings mean that the final objective of the E uropean W ater F ramework D irective to achieve the good ecological status will be failed for a large number of streams. In a holistic approach, a new concept, considering the cost efficiency, has been developed to enhance habitats by morphological changes. This guide serves as a basis for stream restoration projects. The theoretical background is that near‐natural sections influence adjacent sections of medium habitat quality positively by migration of type‐specific sensitive organisms. The preconditions are a local taxa richness in the catchment area, the reduction of nutrients and organic matter, and the guarantee of free movement. This so‐called ‘spreading effect’ can be measured upstream and downstream. The length of by these means valourized sections depends on the stream type and on the biological quality component.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-02-20
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 7
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