Freshwater ecosystems in major droughts: summary of existing research

Professor Sam Lake of Monash University was selected by Land & Water Australia for Senior Research Fellowship to read and digest available literature on drought and aquatic ecosystems.   In undertaking this project, Sam found that some information exists on the impact of drought on flowing waters, but little work has been done on the long-term impacts of drought in standing water, lakes and wetlands.  Sam’s review of research and literature on drought and aquatic ecosystems is now complete and published in at least two important publications in 2007:

• Lake, S, Bond, N., Reich, P., Floods Down Rivers: From Damaging to Replenishing Forces, Advances in Ecological Research Vol 39. Pages 41-62. and
• Lake, P.S., Bond, N., Reich, P., Linking ecological theory with stream restoration, Freshwater Biology Vol 52. Pages 597-615.

Sam has gone on to contribute to a global view in the 2008 article titled ‘Climate change and the world’s river basins: anticipation management options’, Frontiers in Ecology and Environment Vol 6. Pages 81-89. 

A discussion paper prepared by Professor Lake will be available soon.