Hydropower dam impacts on the multifunctionality of river-riparian meta-ecosystems - Towards a new decision support system (DAMFUN)

Dams are the primary cause for not achieving good ecological status due to impacts on connectivity and fish diversity.

Although much is known of dam effects on longitudinal connectivity and fish biodiversity less is known of effects on other river organisms and function and, importantly, the terrestrial biodiversity and function that underpins meta-ecosystems and their resilience.

Taking an integrated, ecosystem-based approach and using novel field experiments and innovative modelling, DAMFUN will generate new knowledge of dam effects on river-riparian meta-ecosystems (RRM), with particular focus on the ecological linkages and resource flows that are essential (i) for supporting biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services, (ii) for understanding dam effects on biodiversity and function, (iii) for informed and more science-based management decisions of dams and their impacts and (iv) for ultimately creating resilient social-ecological systems.

The final outcome is a GIS-based decision-support assessment tool to assess dam effects on the ecological status of river networks and catchments, providing science-based support to underpin dam relicensing, construction or decommissioning decisions.