Fresh Water Biodiversity Recovery in Europe Requires More Effort to Save Vital Ecosystems, Study Shows

The latest study emphasized the additional effort and measures to restore and recovery of fresh river biodiversity systems in 22 European countries.

Freshwater and river biodiversity is a vital ecosystem for marine species. In a new study in Nature, freshwater ecosystems are essential to humans and marine environments.

However, pollution, invasive species and climate change can threaten the freshwater biodiversity and rivers. The European Centre for River Restoration explained the importance of restoring rivers to help species, plans and even humans.

Researchers looked into the river system biodiversity in 22 European countries. They discovered that biodiversity recovery has slowed down since 2010.

Protecting and recovery of river system biodiversity in Europe

In the Queen Mary University of London report, pollution and climate change threaten river systems. As a result, the researchers analyzed the functional diversity of river systems and freshwater invertebrate communities from the said countries between 1968 and 2020. 

Researchers explained that freshwater invertebrates are highly essential to terrestrial ecosystem processes and water filtering.

Besides pollution, the study found that human pressures and stressors played a significant role, including increasing temperatures.

Urgent efforts and no time for complacency

(Photo : by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Main River, western Germany. A new study raised concerns about slowing down European biodiversity river recovery. Researchers emphasized urgent measures to save and improve vital ecosystems from climate change and pollution threats.

According to Professor Iwan Jones, improving and protecting freshwater biodiversity is vital to protect essential ecosystems. Professor Jones is the head of the River Communities Group at the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences of the said university.

Professor Jones added the urgent efforts to help river ecosystems against climate change and other threats.

Based on the report, the research can help save biodiversity loss, as the EU prepared looked forward to Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The researchers aimed that the recent findings can assist policymakers in developing better solutions for saving freshwater ecosystems.

According to Professor Jones and Dr. John Murphy, the report noted the importance of river systems in adapting to climate change's impacts.

Furthermore, wastewater treatment is essential to avoid possible river overflows during extreme weather events, helping European river systems and biodiversity.

Also Read: Climate Change Threatens Sea Urchin Survival That Can Devastatingly Affect Coral Reef Growth

Harmful pollutants on coastal areas

Plastic pollution has been a concern affecting oceans and other bodies of water. Microplastics can look like food for marine or aquatic animals, which could become life-threatening for them.

The recent research published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials emphasized that plastic can harm seabirds.

When plastic breaks into smaller parts, it can become deadly for seabirds. In Australia, plastics impact flesh-footed shearwaters. Seabirds can struggle to survive because sharp plastics damage their digestive tracts.

The birds can likely die from starvation or find survival more challenging. Seabirds' health is affected by plastic consumption, which could result in reduced growth.

As a result, efforts to reduce plastic pollution and waste on beaches help prevent the impact of plastic pollution on animals.

Related Article: Incubating Sea Turtles Likely to Suffer from Microplastics Impact on Sand Temperatures

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