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Are large‐scale flow experiments informing the science and management of freshwater ecosystems?
Author(s) -
Olden Julian D,
Konrad Christopher P,
Melis Theodore S,
Kennard Mark J,
Freeman Mary C,
Mims Meryl C,
Bray Erin N,
Gido Keith B,
Hemphill Nina P,
Lytle David A,
McMullen Laura E,
Pyron Mark,
Robinson Christopher T,
Schmidt John C,
Williams John G
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/130076
Subject(s) - scale (ratio) , environmental resource management , legislature , limiting , abiotic component , environmental planning , environmental science , ecology , engineering , geography , biology , mechanical engineering , cartography , archaeology
Greater scientific knowledge, changing societal values, and legislative mandates have emphasized the importance of implementing large‐scale flow experiments (FEs) downstream of dams. We provide the first global assessment of FEs to evaluate their success in advancing science and informing management decisions. Systematic review of 113 FEs across 20 countries revealed that clear articulation of experimental objectives, while not universally practiced, was crucial for achieving management outcomes and changing dam‐operating policies. Furthermore, changes to dam operations were three times less likely when FEs were conducted primarily for scientific purposes. Despite the recognized importance of riverine flow regimes, four‐fifths of FEs involved only discrete flow events. Over three‐quarters of FEs documented both abiotic and biotic outcomes, but only one‐third examined multiple taxonomic responses, thus limiting how FE results can inform holistic dam management. Future FEs will present new opportunities to advance scientifically credible water policies.