Long‐term performance of in‐stream restoration measures in boreal streams

Marttila, Maare; Louhi, Pauliina; Huusko, Ari; Mäki‐Petäys, Aki; Yrjänä, Timo; Muotka, Timo

doi:10.1002/eco.1634

Cited by 12 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 50 publications

(117 reference statements)

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“…In‐stream restoration typically uses heavy machinery to conduct the restoration work, usually with the desired outcome of increasing streambed heterogeneity (Marttila et al. ). On a negative side, restoration operations may eradicate macrophytes, causing a massive reduction of macrophyte biomass across large spatial scales (Muotka and Laasonen , Louhi et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined effects of local habitat, anthropogenic stress, and dispersal on stream ecosystems: a mesocosm experiment

Turunen

Louhi

Mykrä

et al. 2018

Ecological Applications

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The effects of anthropogenic stressors on community structure and ecosystem functioning can be strongly influenced by local habitat structure and dispersal from source communities. Catchment land uses increase the input of fine sediments into stream channels, clogging the interstitial spaces of benthic habitats. Aquatic macrophytes enhance habitat heterogeneity and mediate important ecosystem functions, being thus a key component of habitat structure in many streams. Therefore, the recovery of macrophytes following in-stream habitat modification may be prerequisite for successful stream restoration. Restoration success is also affected by dispersal of organisms from the source community, with potentially the strongest responses in relatively isolated headwater sites that receive a limited amount of dispersing individuals. We used a factorial design in a set of stream mesocosms to study the independent and combined effects of an anthropogenic stressor (sand sedimentation), local habitat (macrophytes, i.e., moss transplants), and enhanced dispersal (two levels: high vs. low) on organic matter retention, algal accrual rate, leaf decomposition, and macroinvertebrate community structure. Overall, all responses were simple additive effects with no interactions between treatments. Sand reduced algal accumulation, total invertebrate density, and density of a few individual taxa. Mosses reduced algal accrual rate and algae-grazing invertebrates, but enhanced organic matter retention and the number of detritus and filter feeders. Mosses also reduced macroinvertebrate diversity by increasing the dominance by a few taxa. Mosses reduced leaf mass loss, possibly because the organic matter retained by mosses provided an additional food source for leaf-shredding invertebrates and thus reduced shredder aggregation into leaf packs. The effect of mosses on macroinvertebrate communities and ecosystem functioning was distinct irrespective of the level of dispersal, suggesting strong environmental control of community structure. The strong environmental control of macroinvertebrate community composition even under enhanced dispersal suggests that re-establishing key habitat features, such as natural stream vegetation, could aid ecosystem recovery in boreal streams.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined effects of local habitat, anthropogenic stress, and dispersal on stream ecosystems: a mesocosm experiment

Turunen

Louhi

Mykrä

et al. 2018

Ecological Applications

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“…For example, Gardeström et al (2014) noted that the stakeholders were concerned about returning boulders into the stream channel because they expected water to disappear and fishing to become difficult. Their results, as well as those of many others (e.g., Marttila et al 2015), have shown, however, that restoration typically decreases flow velocity and increases water depth.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 66%

“…As a result, channel and hydraulic complexity, channel width, and mean water depths will generally increase, whereas flow velocities will decrease (Marttila et al 2015). These changes are expected to increase species diversity and the production of the target fish species.…”

Section: Study Sitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A number of studies evaluating the ecological and hydromorphological restoration success have been carried out (e.g,. Vehanen et al 2010, Marttila et al 2015, but the systematic evaluation of social, cultural, and economic aspects is generally lacking in this context. Thus far, how the different users of rivers perceive the success of restoration and the changes in ecosystem services is largely unknown.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social success of in-stream habitat improvement: from fisheries enhancement to the delivery of multiple ecosystem services

Marttila¹,

Kyllönen²

2016

E&S

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ABSTRACT. Stream restoration often aims to enhance fisheries by improving stream conditions for target fish species. However, river restoration has a potential impact on a variety of ecosystem services. Among stakeholders, the emerging expectations about restoration attain different priorities. How well these expectations are met influences social perceptions of success or failure. Although public support for restoration is known to have a significant impact on the sustainability and overall success of restoration, social aspects are rarely considered in this context. To address these issues, we conducted a questionnaire study among the residents and fishermen of three recently restored rivers in Finland. Results indicate that both user groups highly supported the restoration goals, but they were not always satisfied with the restoration outcomes. The changes in landscape value and amenity and fish provisioning had the highest influence on the user groups' attitudes. Restoration-induced changes in ecosystem services showed clear variation between the different locations, but the differences in the perceptions of the two user groups were less evident. Comparing perceptions between the user groups and locations and applying the ecosystem services approach are a novel contribution to the debate on restoration success. Our study highlights the importance of perspective, social-ecological context, and adequate communication for success.

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“…However, more information may not address the larger ‘field of dreams’ problem that seems to be occurring at this site and is noted elsewhere (e.g. Boreal forest stream in Finland, Marttila et al, ). Although legislation in Ontario, Canada, requires species‐at‐risk habitat availability be included in designs, it may not be successful for (re)establishing populations in these restored channels.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Assessing instream habitat suitability and hydraulic signatures of geomorphic units in a reconstructed single thread meandering channel

Cockburn

Villard²,

Hutton³

2015

Ecohydrology

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Stream channel reaches consist of a series of geomorphic units (e.g. pools, runs and riffles) that mitigate flow velocity and provide a variety of aquatic habitat. The hydraulic signature of each geomorphic unit is unique and should remain so during variable flow conditions in order to satisfy habitat requirements. We use the hydraulic signatures measured at different geomorphic units in a recent channel realignment project to evaluate suitability of reaches and geomorphological units for target fish species. In 2009, 650 m of creek and valley were realigned in Brampton, Ontario, to facilitate development. In 2013, water velocity, depth, temperature and channel substrate were measured at cross-sections between 1 May and 15 October. The assessment illustrated that while geomorphic units have unique signatures during moderate to low-flow conditions, at high-flow conditions the boundaries between geomorphic units blurred. Furthermore, our findings suggest that suitable water depth, velocity and temperature conditions existed at least 68% of the time over the entire study period but was reduced during the estimated spawning period for the target species. Specifically, water depth was only ideal for approximately 38% of the spawning period. Finally, in cases where both geomorphic and ecologic systems interface (e.g. channel restoration), it is important to view the whole picture. This study contributes to the on-going discussion on restoration and success and is particularly useful in light of recent stream restoration trends in rapidly expanding urban regions around the globe.

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Long‐term performance of in‐stream restoration measures in boreal streams

Cited by 12 publications

References 50 publications

Combined effects of local habitat, anthropogenic stress, and dispersal on stream ecosystems: a mesocosm experiment

Combined effects of local habitat, anthropogenic stress, and dispersal on stream ecosystems: a mesocosm experiment

Social success of in-stream habitat improvement: from fisheries enhancement to the delivery of multiple ecosystem services

Assessing instream habitat suitability and hydraulic signatures of geomorphic units in a reconstructed single thread meandering channel

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