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Advancing Environmental Flow Science: Developing Frameworks for Altered Landscapes and Integrating Efforts Across
Shannon K Brewer1, Ryan A McManamay2, Andrew D Miller3
1U.S. Geological Survey, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078-3051, USA. skbrewer@usgs.gov.
Environmental Management
|May 15, 2016
Summary
Environmental flow science needs advancements to manage water use and ecological health. Research should focus on altered landscapes, water quality, native species, and socioeconomic factors for better implementation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
- Ecology
Background:
- Environmental flows are crucial for balancing water uses and sustaining non-use values.
- Current environmental flow science faces challenges in highly modified landscapes and integrated assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify challenges in environmental flow science.
- To suggest research advances for improving environmental flow science and implementation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current challenges.
- Identification of key research areas for advancement.
Main Results:
- Need for approaches in modified landscapes.
- Integration of water quality and ecological needs (native vs. non-native species).
- Improved understanding of non-use economic values and stakeholder perceptions.
Conclusions:
- Environmental flow science is an emerging interdisciplinary field.
- Integrating socioeconomic factors and developing new frameworks are essential for advancing the science and successful implementation of flow standards.
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