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The impacts of power boating and water skiing on lakes and reservoirs
Author(s) -
Mosisch Thorsten D.,
Arthington Angela H.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
lakes and reservoirs: research and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.296
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1440-1770
pISSN - 1320-5331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1770.1998.tb00028.x
Subject(s) - recreation , biota , ecosystem , environmental science , environmental planning , freshwater ecosystem , recreational use , environmental resource management , environmental impact assessment , geography , environmental protection , ecology , biology
Over the last 30 years, the use of motorised recreational craft on inland waters has increased significantly, and it is likely that this trend will continue. This growing use of rivers, lakes and water storage reservoirs for recreational purposes has led to concerns about increasing anthropological pressures on freshwater environments. As a result, numerous studies focusing on the possible impact of power boats on inland waterbodies have been undertaken since the early 1970s, when attention started to be drawn to environmental impacts associated with this type of recreation. This paper presents an overview of identified and documented physical, chemical and biological impacts as a result of motorised recreational activities on lakes and reservoirs. Relevant literature, including research papers, government reports and bibliographies, was consulted in the preparation of this review. It has become obvious that in the past, biological impacts have been underestimated. Thus, there is a need for further, more focused, research into the impacts on not only freshwater ecosystems but on terrestrial biota surrounding recreational waters.