Modelling Mediterranean rivers
Researchers have developed models of rivers and streams that will improve the management and conservation of riverine ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
Careful water management is key to the survival of humans, animals and
plants in populated areas such as the Mediterranean. To manage seasonal
streams and small rivers effectively, there is a need for more reliable
models or rivers and the ecosystems they support.
The EU-funded 'Environmental river management: An innovative
holistic approach for Mediterranean streams' (HOLRIVERMED) project aimed
to provide models and methods to manage Mediterranean streams and
rivers more sustainably.
Project work was divided into two parts: data collection and
modelling. Data was collected from case studies in Greece, Spain and
Italy, and used for building and testing models.
Several different models were constructed to predict the effects of
changes in rivers on species and groups of species living in and around
riverine habitats.
The team chose Mesohabitat models as the most appropriate scale for
environmental planning and management. These models helped researchers
choose the best restoration measures for threatened species and limiting
the negative effects of dams and power plants on the ecosystem.
Researchers then used habitat time series analysis to identify
events that are harmless or stressful to a particular habitat. This
technique was also used to evaluate the best way to release large
quantities of water from a dam without destroying riverine ecosystems.
HOLRIVERMED developed models for river and stream management in the
highly populated Mediterranean area. The project has shown how rivers
can provide ecosystem services while conserving the plants and animals
that rely on them.
published: 2015-03-04