Aquatic ecosystems, from lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams in freshwater settings to oceans, coral reefs, coastal estuaries, and the deep sea, provide habitats for the full range of life on Earth. From the tiniest phytoplankton to the largest whales, all organisms have an important role to play in ensuring the FocusingOnWildlife News of these water-based environments and their ability to offer essential services such as nutrient recycling, food, and shelter.
The Role of Biodiversity in Aquatic Ecosystem Health
They are also veritable treasure troves of biodiversity, displaying an impressive diversity of plant and animal species. From microscopic algae to towering kelp forests, and from symbiotic relationships to predator–prey interactions, aquatic organisms contribute to the richness of our planet’s natural heritage.
Human activities exert diverse pressures on aquatic ecosystems. They can influence the ecological functioning and structure of aquatic ecosystems by affecting biodiversity, for example through harvesting or introduction of living species; by impacting water quality (e.g., eutrophication, acidification and nutrient deposition); and by impacting the hydrological dynamics of ecosystems such as lake sediment transport.
In addition, human activities are interlinked with the aquatic environment through a variety of pathways, ranging from local changes in environmental variables to global changes in biotic and abiotic factors that affect the habitat, such as climate change, land use, and pollution. The interlinked nature of aquatic environments and the diversity of human activities requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to risk assessment and management. The harmonization effort described in this article aims to promote such an approach and help bridge the gap between different research communities and policies that often focus on isolated aspects of aquatic ecosystems.