Title: Impacts of riverine sand mining on freshwater ecosystems: A review of the scientific evidence and guidance for future research
Authors: Koehnken, L., Rintoul, M.S., Goichot, M., Tickner, D., Loftus, A-.C., & Acreman, M.C.
Journal: River Research and Applications
Year: 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.3586
Species or groups: Crayfish, dobsonflies, fishflies, Heelsplitter mussel, fish (trout, bass)
Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2070
Abstract: Sand mining (used here as a generic term that includes mining of any riverine aggregates
regardless of particle size) is a global activity that is receiving increasing media
attention due to perceived negative environmental and social impacts. As calls grow
for stronger regulation of mining, there is a need to understand the scientific evidence
to support effective management. This paper summarizes the results of a
structured literature review addressing the question, “What evidence is there of
impacts of sand mining on ecosystem structure, process, and biodiversity in rivers,
floodplains, and estuaries?” The review found that most investigations have focused
on temperate rivers where sand mining occurred historically but has now ceased.
Channel incision was the most common physical impact identified; other physical
responses, including habitat disturbance, alteration of riparian zones, and changes to
downstream sediment transport, were highly variable and dependant on river characteristics.
Ecosystem attributes affected included macroinvertebrate drift, fish
movements, species abundance and community structures, and food web dynamics.
Studies often inferred impacts on populations, but supporting data were scarce. Limited
evidence suggests that rivers can sustain extraction if volumes are within the
natural sediment load variability. Significantly, the countries and rivers for which
there is science-based evidence related to sand mining are not those where extensive
sand mining is currently reported. The lack of scientific and systematic studies
of sand mining in these countries prevents accurate quantification of mined volumes
or the type, extent, and magnitude of any impacts. Additional research into how
sand mining is affecting ecosystem services, impacting biodiversity and particularly
threatened species, and how mining impacts interact with other activities or threats
is urgently required.
Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)
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