Reservoir ecosystems support large pools of fish biomass

Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 24;14(1):9428. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-59730-z.

Abstract

Humans increasingly dominate Earth's natural freshwater ecosystems, but biomass production of modified ecosystems is rarely studied. We estimate potential fish total standing stock in USA reservoirs is 3.4 billion (B) kg, and approximate annual secondary production is 4.5 B kg y-1. We also observe varied and non-linear trends in reservoir fish biomass over time, thus previous assertions that reservoir fisheries decline over time are not universal. Reservoirs are globally relevant pools of freshwater fisheries, in part due to their immense limnetic footprint and spatial extent. This study further shows that reservoir ecosystems play major roles in food security and fisheries conservation. We encourage additional effort be expended to effectively manage reservoir environments for the good of humanity, biodiversity, and fish conservation.

Keywords: Environmental change; Food security; Freshwater fisheries; National Reservoir Research Program; Reservoir and lake classification; Sustainability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biodiversity
  • Biomass*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / methods
  • Ecosystem*
  • Fisheries*
  • Fishes*
  • Fresh Water*
  • Humans
  • United States