Published in BioScience · View the paper (DOI)
A new study by the USGS reveals that hydropeaking, a widespread practice in hydroelectric dam operations, can disrupt river food webs and harm aquatic insects. Alternative hydropower practices, such as leaving river levels low and stable during periods of minimal power production, may help mitigate these negative effects.
Coverage from 3 institutions
- River food webs threatened by widespread hydropower practice U.S. Geological Survey · May 2, 2016 · first to report
- Hydropeaking of river water levels is disrupting insect survival, river ecosystems Oregon State University · May 2, 2016
- Hydroelectric dams kill insects, wreak havoc with food webs American Institute of Biological Sciences · Jul 13, 2016