River Food Webs Threatened by Widespread Hydropower Practice (1 of 3) (IMAGE)
Caption
Grand Canyon Youth river trip participants collect a sample of aquatic insects along the Colorado River.
The decline of aquatic insects downstream from some hydroelectric dams has been linked to a widespread practice known as hydropeaking, whereby river flows are increased during the day when electricity demands are large, according to a new study led by the US Geological Survey, along with researchers from Oregon State University, Utah State University and Idaho State University. Findings show it may be possible to mitigate these negative effects by using alternative hydropower practices.
The research was based in part on a large citizen science project with more than 2,500 insect samples taken on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, downstream of Glen Canyon Dam. This dataset was collected almost entirely by river guides, educational groups, and other citizen scientists.
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David Herasimtschuk © Freshwaters Illustrated
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Credit David Herasimtschuk © Freshwaters Illustrated
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