Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy

Abstract:

Small inland water bodies (streams and ponds) are abundant in most European countries. Eighty per cent of the millions of kilometers of river network in Europe consist of small rivers, commonly known as headwaters, creeks, streams, brooks or wadeable rivers, and there are many hundred thousands of small lakes and ponds. Small water bodies are ecologically very important. They support specific and important hydrological, chemical and biological processes. Unfortunately, due to human activities, the ecological condition of small water bodies is poor in many places in Europe. There is now an urgent need to raise awareness about their ongoing destruction and their many beneficial functions to society. This will increase political recognition of their importance for maintaining a healthy and diverse aquatic environment. Coordinated activities with the protected habitats under the nature directives and EU Water Framework Directive activities should help to ensure the protection of these valuable small water bodies.