Impacts of hydroelectric dams on fishes and fisheries in tropical rivers through the lens of functional traits

By C. Arantes, Daniel B. Fitzgerald, D. Hoeinghaus, K. Winemiller. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 2019

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We summarize observed and expected impacts of hydroelectric dams on tropical fishes and fisheries through the lens of fish functional traits and consequences of shifting functional diversity for social-ecological systems. Following impoundment, stocks respond to environmental changes differently according to their functional traits, resulting in fairly predictable shifts in assemblage functional structure. The most vulnerable species are those with traits adaptive for habitats with fast flowing water, structural complexity, flood pulsing or those requiring connectivity across basins to complete their life cycle. Shifts in assemblage functional trait distributions are accompanied by reduced fishery yields and impacts to other ecosystem services. Research employing a functional traits approach should enhance assessment of impacts of impoundments on biodiversity, fisheries and ecosystem services, especially for data-deficient systems.

Subfields: Aquatic Science, Nature and Landscape Conservation

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/7b392e5d5e70cd795fcec037fddc0e34e6e6bf05