Spatial and temporal water quality in the River Esk in relation to freshwater pearl mussels

Riverine systems provide networks of habitats, resources and biodiversity. Globally, riverine biodiversity is under threat due to a variety of human activities; diffuse pollution, particularly in agricultural catchments, raises challenges to river environments. This work addresses the water quality in the River Esk (North York Moors National Park) and its impact on biodiversity, namely the rare, declining population of freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera). Water quality parameters were monitored both spatially and temporally and the drivers of water quality were investigated. Monthly sampling was undertaken at twenty sites within the Esk catchment. High-resolution monitoring was enabled by three autosamplers and two pressure transducers, which allowed for assessment of the water quality at both baseflow and stormflow. Anion and cation analysis were conducted on all samples and field-based characterisation furthered by use of a YSI multi-parameter probe. Results revealed a number of concentration hotspots with values of nitrate that are thought unsuitable for freshwater pearl mussels. Other water quality variables were all within acceptable limits. Concentrations of nitrate in sub-catchments with smaller upstream areas proved to be more variable than in larger catchments. Land cover was found to be a key driver of concentration: high upstream percentage of improved pasture resulted in high nitrate concentration; high upstream percentage of moorland resulted in low nitrate concentration. During storm events, concentrations of key parameters were greater than limits suggested for pearl mussels (nitrate up to approximately 3.0 mg l-1 as opposed to limit of 1.0 mg l-1 proposed by Skinner et al. (2003)); this raised the fundamental question of exposure time. The process of connectivity was considered by the application of the risk-based hydrological model SCIMAP. This highlighted a number of areas that could adversely affect the pearl mussel population; these results will require further validation. Empirical work provided a foundation for future management recommendations. A case is made for the importance of expansion or addition of riparian buffer zones. This study demonstrates the importance of obtaining high-resolution data sets to understand habitat quality. The worth of these data is demonstrated in planning interventions in catchments to enable the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) standards to be met

Marine renewable energy: potential benefits to biodiversity? An urgent call for research

The evidence for anthropogenically induced climate change is overwhelming with the production of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels being a key driver. In response, many governments have initiated programmes of energy production from renewable sources. 2. The marine environment presents a relatively untapped energy source and offshore installations are likely to produce a significant proportion of future energy production. Wind power is the most advanced, with development of wave and tidal energy conversion devices expected to increase worldwide in the near future. 3. Concerns over the potential impacts on biodiversity of marine renewable energy installations (MREI) include: habitat loss, collision risks, noise and electromagnetic fields. These factors have been posited as having potentially important negative environmental impacts. 4. Conversely, we suggest that if appropriately managed and designed, MREI may increase local biodiversity and potentially benefit the wider marine environment. Installations have the capacity to act as both artificial reefs and fish aggregation devices, which have been used previously to facilitate restoration of damaged ecosystems, and de facto marine-protected areas, which have proven successful in enhancing both biodiversity and fisheries. 5. The deployment of MREI has the potential to cause conflict among interest groups including energy companies, the fishing sector and environmental groups. Conflicts should be minimized by integrating key stakeholders into the design, siting, construction and operational phases of the installations, and by providing clear evidence of their potential environmental benefits. 6. Synthesis and applications. MREI have the potential to be both detrimental and beneficial to the environment but the evidence base remains limited. To allow for full biodiversity impacts to be assessed, there exists an urgent need for additional multi and inter-disciplinary research in this area ranging from engineering to policy. Whilst there are a number of factors to be considered, one of the key decisions facing current policy makers is where installations should be sited, and, dependent upon site, whether they should be designed to either minimize negative environmental impacts or as facilitators of ecosystem restoration.</p

Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable

Brazil, home to one of the planet's last great forests, is currently in trade negotiations with its second largest trading partner, the European Union (EU). We urge the EU to seize this critical opportunity to ensure that Brazil protects human rights and the environment