From the perspective of science and practice, participants discussed the effects of climate change on submerged aquatic plants. | Photo: IGB
For example, it was discussed whether macrophyte monitoring in the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) would also have to be adapted in the course of progressing climate change — and whether the need for management measures, both for the restoration of disturbed stocks and use problems, will change as a result of mass developments of aquatic plants.
Everyone agreed that climate change is not imminent, but is already ongoing — which is why new knowledge on the effects on submerged macrophytes is urgently needed. Both the declines in stonewort algae populations observed in recent years in lime-rich lakes, the potential spread of heat-loving species, and due mass developments of submerged plants are of interest to researchers and practitioners alike. For a better testing of hypotheses on climate change impacts on macrophytes in German inland waters, it would be particularly helpful to pool and evaluate raw data from existing WFD monitoring activities from different German states (Bundesländer).
The workshop results will now be used to include findings achieved in research into practice - and to integrate questions from practice into research. In two years, the participants will meet again to discuss, inter alia, the complex topic of possible effects of altered fish communities on underwater plants.
