From salmon to sewage, and back again: can ecological history inform future management?

Dr P H Warren, Prof L Maltby, Dr S Molyneux-Hodgson

Keywords: ecosystem services; river; restoration; history; management

Rivers, and their associated wetlands, have always played a major role in determining human movement, settlement and urban development; human activities, in turn, have profoundly influenced the hydrological and biological characteristics of rivers. These mutual influences are complex and result from the changing values we place on the ‘ecosystem services’ provided by rivers (e.g., food, recreation, flood regulation, waste disposal, biodiversity). One important influence on the way we value rivers, and view their potential, is our understanding of their ecological history - the perceived ‘baseline’ against which we make judgements about quality. This project will investigate how understanding the valuation of the river environment in the past can inform our future decisions.
The project will focus on the River Don, in South Yorkshire, which has experienced dramatic changes in its ecological fortunes taking the river from being a renowned salmon habitat, to being at one time one of the most acutely polluted waterways in Europe. Using the Don as a case study, the aims of the project are to: (i) combine current ecological knowledge and historical records to compile an account of the past ecological and environmental changes in the river; (ii) assess the links between the values attached to river-derived ecosystem services and the management and treatment of the river at key points in its history; (iii) assess how an historical perspective on the ecosystem services delivered by the river can inform future restoration and management.

For more information about how to apply, or the application process, please contact Mrs S Carter (s.a.carter@sheffield.ac.uk).

To apply now go to: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/online