Compliance with and ecosystem function of biodiversity offsets in North American and European freshwaters |
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Authors: | Sebastian Theis Jonathan LW Ruppert Karling N Roberts Charles K Minns Marten Koops Mark S Poesch |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 751 General Services Building, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2R3 Canada;2. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G5 Canada;3. Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (GLLFAS), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1 Canada |
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Abstract: | Land-use change via human development is a major driver of biodiversity loss. To reduce these impacts, billions of dollars are spent on biodiversity offsets. However, studies evaluating offset project effectiveness that examine components such as the overall compliance and function of projects remain rare. We reviewed 577 offsetting projects in freshwater ecosystems that included the metrics project size, type of aquatic system (e.g., wetland and creek), offsetting measure (e.g., enhancement, restoration, and creation), and an assessment of the projects’ compliance and functional success. Project information was obtained from scientific and government databases and gray literature. Despite considerable investment in offsetting projects, crucial problems persisted. Although compliance and function were related to each other, a high level of compliance did not guarantee a high degree of function. However, large projects relative to area had better function than small projects. Function improved when projects targeted productivity or specific ecosystem features and when multiple complementary management targets were in place. Restorative measures were more likely to achieve targets than creating entirely new ecosystems. Altogether the relationships we found highlight specific ecological processes that may help improve offsetting outcomes. |
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Keywords: | compensation conservation development evaluation lake management mitigation river stream wetland arroyo compensación conservación desarrollo evaluación humedal lago manejo mitigación río |
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