Natural Shorelines Support Greater Biodiversity In The Chicago River
Natural Shorelines Support Greater Biodiversity In The Chicago River Eurasia Review
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Introduction
New research highlights the positive effects of maintaining natural shoreline structures on freshwater ecosystems, as opposed to armoring them with steel walls or piles of rocks. This study, conducted by Shedd Aquarium, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, reveals significant trends in fish diversity and abundance along various types of shorelines in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). The findings indicate that both fish species richness and numbers increase with higher proportions of natural shoreline.
Background
Shoreline armoring, the practice of reinforcing shorelines to prevent erosion, is a common alteration to aquatic systems worldwide. While its impact on coastal and estuarine environments is extensively studied, research on its effects on freshwater systems has been sparse. This study addresses this gap by reviewing data collected during a large-scale, long-term fish survey with a new perspective. The correlation between shoreline type and biodiversity aligns with findings from coastal ecosystem studies.
Significance for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Promoting natural shorelines supports aquatic biodiversity.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Enhancing vegetated spaces benefits terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Advocating for policy changes to reduce urban shoreline armoring.
Key Findings
Dr. Austin Happel, a research biologist at Shedd Aquarium, emphasizes the importance of natural shorelines for both aquatic life and human benefit. As urbanization continues to encroach on freshwater systems, exploring alternatives to armoring, restoring or enhancing vegetated spaces, and advocating for policy changes are proactive conservation measures. These actions safeguard the health and biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems, benefiting human health, economies, and climate.
Case Study: Chicago River vs. Little Calumet River
Barge traffic is prevalent in both the downtown portion of the Chicago River and the Little Calumet River. However, only the downtown portion exhibits extreme levels of shoreline armoring. The Little Calumet River supports high barge traffic without extensive armoring. This difference is reflected in the fish communities:
- None of the 15 downtown Chicago samples had more than 6 species.
- 53% of the 336 samples from the Little Calumet River had 10 or more species.
This example illustrates that extensive barge traffic does not necessitate extensive shoreline armoring. More natural shorelines can aid aquatic biodiversity.
Impact on Bird Species
Natural sloping shorelines provide hunting habitats for wading birds like great blue herons (Ardea herodias) and the state-endangered black-crown night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). Reducing steel-walled bulkhead areas in urban waterways in favor of natural and vegetated shorelines would increase biodiversity and ecosystem services within and around aquatic ecosystems.
Recommendations
In areas where de-armoring is not possible, adding new habitats or enhancements could benefit the ecosystem. Floating wetlands with native plants are one example of ways to supplement habitat for aquatic life in urban waterways. Shedd Aquarium has partnered with local nonprofit Urban Rivers to expand floating habitats on the Wild Mile and in the South Branch of the Chicago River.
Policy and Innovation
- Regulatory reviews from municipal, state, and federal agencies are required for any shoreline changes.
- Continued novel approaches and innovations for restoration and reducing reliance on armoring provide benefits to aquatic life and people who rely on freshwater systems.
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of maintaining natural shorelines for promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health in freshwater systems. Aligning these practices with Sustainable Development Goals can lead to more sustainable urban development and healthier aquatic ecosystems.
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SDG Analysis Based on the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6:
- Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers and lakes.
- SDG 14:
- Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
- SDG 15:
- Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and their services.
- SDG 11:
- Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
- SDG 13:
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Fish Species Richness: The number of different fish species present in a given area.
- Fish Abundance: The total number of fish present in a given area.
- Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystems: The variety of life forms within freshwater ecosystems.
- Presence of Wading Birds: The number and diversity of wading birds like great blue herons and black-crown night-herons.
- Extent of Natural Shorelines: The proportion of shoreline that remains natural versus armored.
4. Findings Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers and lakes. | – Fish Species Richness – Fish Abundance – Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystems |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts. | – Fish Species Richness – Fish Abundance – Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystems |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and their services. | – Fish Species Richness – Fish Abundance – Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystems – Presence of Wading Birds |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. | – Extent of Natural Shorelines – Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystems |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Extent of Natural Shorelines – Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystems |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: eurasiareview.com
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