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Diversity
Special Issues
Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring
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Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Freshwater Biodiversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 18157

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alan Christian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ursinus College, 601 E. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426-1000, USA
Interests: freshwater ecology; freshwater mussels; conservation genetics; ecological stoichiometry; restoration ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sean McCanty

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA
Interests: community ecology; ecosystem ecology; restoration ecology; disturbance ecology; freshwater invertebrates

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ecological restoration is the intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity, and sustainability. While humans have practiced restoration for hundreds to thousands of years, the field of restoration ecology was first coined in the 1980s, and restoration activity has increased significantly in recent years. However, the study, monitoring, and documentation of these efforts has lagged until recently. For this Special Issue, we will focus on the observational, experimental, and monitoring projects associated with aquatic (fresh, brackish, and marine) restoration. Topics may include but are not limited to genetic, taxa, and habitat/ecosystem compositional, structural, and functional diversity topics of theoretical foundations of disturbance, succession, fragmentation, and ecosystem structure and function, emerging topics of genetics and genetic diversity, time frame, performance standards, stable states/assembly, and ontogeny, and application of theory for soils and sediments, species interactions, and successional trajectories.

Prof. Dr. Alan Christian
Dr. Sean McCanty
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aquatic restoration ecology
  • disturbance
  • succession
  • ecosystem structure and function
  • biodiversity
  • monitoring
  • observational studies
  • experiments
  • stream restoration
  • wetland restoration

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 1510 KiB  
Article
Biodiversity Monitoring of a Riparian Wetland in a Mixed-Use Watershed in the Central Appalachians, USA, before Restoration
by Darien N. Becker, Jason A. Hubbart and James T. Anderson
Diversity 2022, 14(4), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14040304 - 17 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2503
Abstract
Wetland mitigation efforts have increased in numbers over the past two decades to combat wetland loss in the United States. Data regarding wetland function such as biodiversity are required to be collected 5–10 years after a project is complete; however, pre-restoration data that [...] Read more.
Wetland mitigation efforts have increased in numbers over the past two decades to combat wetland loss in the United States. Data regarding wetland function such as biodiversity are required to be collected 5–10 years after a project is complete; however, pre-restoration data that can inform the effectiveness of mitigation are often not collected. We conducted pre-restoration surveys on various taxa along or within Ruby Run, a tributary of Deckers Creek in north-central West Virginia, USA, from 2016 to 2020 to determine the baseline relative abundance and diversity within the stream and the associated riparian zone. In five years, we observed 237 species (154 plant, 58 bird, 13 fish, 6 small mammal, and 6 anuran) and 25 families of macroinvertebrates. Seasonal fluctuations in diversity were present, but mean diversity was relatively consistent among years across taxa, except in anurans, where there was a decrease each year. Wetland mitigation efforts should continue to be monitored for success using multiple taxa, because land use change can affect taxa in different ways, resulting in well-rounded assessments that can improve wetland management practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring)
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20 pages, 1715 KiB  
Article
Fatty Acid Changes in Nearshore Phytoplankton under Anthropogenic Impact as a Biodiversity Risk Factor for the World’s Deepest Lake Baikal
by Alyona Alexandrovna Nikonova, Sergey Mikhailovich Shishlyannikov, Nadezhda Antonovna Volokitina, Yuri Pavlovich Galachyants, Yuri Sergeevich Bukin, Vadim Vasil’evich Blinov, Ruslan Yur’evich Gnatovsky and Svetlana Semyonovna Vorobyeva
Diversity 2022, 14(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14010055 - 14 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2067
Abstract
In this study, we present results on fatty acid analysis of phytoplankton of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, which differs from other lakes by its oceanic features. Since we used a large-mesh net, the net sample phytoplankton were primarily represented by the [...] Read more.
In this study, we present results on fatty acid analysis of phytoplankton of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, which differs from other lakes by its oceanic features. Since we used a large-mesh net, the net sample phytoplankton were primarily represented by the large elongated diatom Synedra acus. subsp. radians (Kützing) Skabichevskij. The similar algae composition of net samples of spring season phytoplankton collected at different sites of the lake allows us to compare results of the fatty acid analysis of these samples. The phytoplankton diversity of the sedimentation samples was contrary represented by 32 algae species. There are clear changes in the fatty acid composition of net phytoplankton exposed to anthropogenic impacts of varying intensity. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in phytoplankton collected from central stations (pelagic stations at a distance of ~10–30 km from the shoreline) without anthropogenic impact was higher by up to 15% than phytoplankton collected from nearshore stations (littoral stations at a distance of ~0.01–0.05 km from the shoreline) and offshore stations (pelagic stations at a distance of ~3 km from the shoreline). The interlaboratory precision of fatty acid determination of phytoplankton is estimated as ≤10%. We found high content of the lipid peroxidation marker (80–340 μg g−1 of dry weight) in phytoplankton from nearshore and offshore stations with intensive anthropogenic impact. In phytoplankton from central stations, we did not find any lipid peroxidation. Determination of unsaturated fatty acids, coupled with analysis of fatty acid peroxidation products, can be used to evaluate the level of anthropogenic impact in terms of ecological health and biodiversity conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring)
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15 pages, 3035 KiB  
Article
Near-Term Changes to Reach Scale Habitat Features Following Headwater Stream Restoration in a Southeastern Massachusetts Former Cranberry Bog
by Sean T. McCanty, Thomas F. Dimino and Alan D. Christian
Diversity 2021, 13(6), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13060235 - 28 May 2021
Viewed by 1798
Abstract
Land use changes remain one of the leading global change drivers leading to biodiversity loss in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Restoration aims to counteract the development of “natural” (i.e., forested, grassland, or wetland) spaces that alter and fragment the landscape and reduce local [...] Read more.
Land use changes remain one of the leading global change drivers leading to biodiversity loss in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Restoration aims to counteract the development of “natural” (i.e., forested, grassland, or wetland) spaces that alter and fragment the landscape and reduce local biodiversity through direct impacts to the water column and indirect impacts which inhibit adult dispersal of aquatic insects. This case study seeks to determine if a large-scale restoration of a former cranberry bog in Plymouth, MA has resulted in near-term measurable changes to the composition, structure, and function of local-scale in-stream habitat diversity. A three-year observational field study beginning one year prior to reconstruction was conducted at the restored cranberry bog and at two control treatment sites: an active cranberry bog reference and a least impacted reference (i.e., has never been used for modern agriculture). Seasonal inventories of in-stream habitat features including depth, substrate, macrohabitat, and in-stream cover were taken from 2015 to 2017. We found that 2 years post-restoration, there was no significant evidence of compositional or functional change, while there was a significant increase in structural diversity. There is reason to suspect the system is still in flux and longer-term monitoring may detect future habitat heterogeneity alterations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring)
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21 pages, 4969 KiB  
Article
Seasonal and Spatial Patterns of Ecotoxicological Indices of Trace Elements in Superficial Sediments of the Marchica Lagoon Following Restoration Actions during the Last Decade
by Bouchra Oujidi, Mohammed El Bouch, Mounia Tahri, Mostafa Layachi, Soilam Boutoumit, Rachid Bouchnan, Hassan Ouahidi, Moussa Bounakhla, Najib El Ouamari, Mohamed Maanan, Hocein Bazairi, Nadia Mhammdi and Maria Snoussi
Diversity 2021, 13(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13020051 - 29 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2619
Abstract
Marchica Lagoon, a Ramsar site on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is experiencing the impacts of watershed pollution, which includes pollutants from the domestic, agricultural, industrial, and mining sectors. Restoration actions were undertaken around this lagoon during the last decade in order to [...] Read more.
Marchica Lagoon, a Ramsar site on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is experiencing the impacts of watershed pollution, which includes pollutants from the domestic, agricultural, industrial, and mining sectors. Restoration actions were undertaken around this lagoon during the last decade in order to protect its ecological value and to develop tourist activity. To conserve the biodiversity in the lagoon, it is important to assess the environmental state of this ecosystem. This study aims to evaluate the ecotoxicological state of sediments through the post restoration characterization of the trace elements Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, and Ba, as well as their correlation to the major elements, grain size, and total organic carbon, sampled during two campaigns (the wet and dry seasons of 2018) across a sampling network of thirteen stations. Multivariate analysis and ecotoxicological risk assessment of the trace elements using the sediment quality guidelines and five pollution indices (geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution-load index (PLI), and mean effect range median quotient (m-ERM-Q)) revealed contamination of the lagoon by Pb, Zn, and Cu, and minimal pollution by Cr, Co, and Ba. The distribution of the biological-risk index reveals that four zones of the lagoon may present a high probability of toxicity, thus constituting potential risk areas for aquatic organisms: during the wet season, the area in the northwestern sandbar border, the southwest eutrophication zone, and the mouth of the stream valley conveying industrial discharges; and during dry season, the northwestern eutrophication zone. Despite the restoration actions achieved around the lagoon, the lead, zinc, and copper concentrations increased, and their variation was significant between group stations. The biodiversity conservation of Marchica Lagoon requires continuous monitoring and assessment, as well as the implementation of an integrated management plan with restoration actions, not only around the lagoon, but also at its watershed level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring)
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23 pages, 6011 KiB  
Article
Stream Restoration Is Influenced by Details of Engineered Habitats at a Headwater Mine Site
by Robert S. Arkle and David S. Pilliod
Diversity 2021, 13(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13020048 - 27 Jan 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1845
Abstract
A lack of information regarding which ecological factors influence restoration success or failure has hindered scientifically based restoration decision-making. We focus on one headwater site to examine factors influencing divergent ecological outcomes of two post-mining stream restoration projects designed to improve instream conditions [...] Read more.
A lack of information regarding which ecological factors influence restoration success or failure has hindered scientifically based restoration decision-making. We focus on one headwater site to examine factors influencing divergent ecological outcomes of two post-mining stream restoration projects designed to improve instream conditions following 70 years of mining impacts. One project was designed to simulate natural stream conditions by creating a morphologically complex channel with high habitat heterogeneity (HH-reach). A second project was designed to reduce contaminants and sediment using a sand filter along a straight, armored channel, which resulted in different habitat characteristics and comparatively low habitat heterogeneity (LH-reach). Within 2 years of completion, stream habitat parameters and community composition within the HH-reach were similar to those of reference reaches. In contrast, habitat and community composition within the LH-reach differed substantially from reference reaches, even 7–8 years after project completion. We found that an interaction between low gradient and high light availability, created by the LH-reach design, facilitated a Chironomid-Nostoc mutualism. These symbionts dominated the epilithic surface of rocks and there was little habitat for tailed frog larvae, bioavailable macroinvertebrates, and fish. After controlling for habitat quantity, potential colonizing species’ traits, and biogeographic factors, we found that habitat characteristics combined to facilitate different ecological outcomes, whereas time since treatment implementation was less influential. We demonstrate that stream communities can respond quickly to restoration of physical characteristics and increased heterogeneity, but “details matter” because interactions between the habitats we create and between the species that occupy them can be complex, unpredictable, and can influence restoration effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring)
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12 pages, 1338 KiB  
Article
Genetic Differentiation of an Endangered Megalobrama terminalis Population in the Heilong River within the Genus Megalobrama
by Xuesong Hu, Bo Ma, Chitao Li, Zhiying Jia, Xiaona Jiang, Yanlong Ge, Jingou Tong and Lianyu Shi
Diversity 2020, 12(10), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100404 - 18 Oct 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2045
Abstract
Megalobrama terminalis, which inhabits the Sino-Russian Heilong-Amur River Basin, has decreased critically since the 1960s. It has been listed in the Red Book of Endangered Fish Species by the Russian Federation in 2004. To guide the utilization and conservation programs of M. [...] Read more.
Megalobrama terminalis, which inhabits the Sino-Russian Heilong-Amur River Basin, has decreased critically since the 1960s. It has been listed in the Red Book of Endangered Fish Species by the Russian Federation in 2004. To guide the utilization and conservation programs of M. terminalis in the Heilong River (MTH), 3.1 kb of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) concatenated sequences and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers (15 primer combinations) were applied to explore the genetic divergence and population differentiation of MTH within the genus Megalobrama. Clear genetic divergence between MTH and six other populations of the genus Megalobrama was found by haplotype network (mtDNA) and principal component (SRAP) analyses. Moreover, the STRUCTURE analysis based on SRAP data showed that MTH could be assigned to a particular cluster, whereas conspecific M. terminalis in the Qiantang River and Jinsha River Reservoir belonged to the same cluster. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Fst statistics for the mtDNA and SRAP data revealed significant genetic variance and differentiation among all detected populations. Taken together, the results suggest that MTH has a strong genetic differentiation from other populations within the genus Megalobrama, which contributes to effective utilization in artificial cultivation and breeding of MTH. Furthermore, these results also provide a scientific basis for the management of MTH as a separate conservation unit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring)
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9 pages, 462 KiB  
Review
An Overview of DNA-Based Applications for the Assessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates Biodiversity in Mediterranean Aquatic Ecosystems
by Eftychia Tzafesta, Francesco Zangaro, Valeria Specchia and Maurizio Pinna
Diversity 2021, 13(3), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13030112 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4024
Abstract
The loss of aquatic biodiversity is increasing at a rapid rate globally. There is a worldwide effort to protect, preserve and restore aquatic ecosystems. For efficient biodiversity monitoring and reliable management tools, comprehensive biodiversity data are required. The abundance and species diversity of [...] Read more.
The loss of aquatic biodiversity is increasing at a rapid rate globally. There is a worldwide effort to protect, preserve and restore aquatic ecosystems. For efficient biodiversity monitoring and reliable management tools, comprehensive biodiversity data are required. The abundance and species diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates are commonly used as indicators of the aquatic ecosystem condition. Currently, macroinvertebrate species biodiversity assessment is based on morpho-taxonomy, which could be enhanced by recent advances in DNA-based tools for species identification. In particular, DNA metabarcoding has the potential to identify simultaneously many different taxa in a pool of species and to improve aquatic biomonitoring significantly, especially for indicator species. This review is focused on the current state of DNA-based aquatic biomonitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates in the Mediterranean region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Restoration Ecology and Monitoring)
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