Enhancing ecosystem restoration efficiency through spatial and temporal coordination

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1423812112
• Publication Date: 2015-04-30T21:24:52Z
• Authors: Thomas M. Neeson; Michael C. Ferris; Matthew W. Diebel; Patrick J. Doran; Jesse R. O’Hanley; Peter B. McIntyre
• Keywords: Restoration Ecology; Habitat Fragmentation

In many large ecosystems, conservation projects are selected by a diverse set of actors operating independently at spatial scales ranging from local to international. Although small-scale decision making can leverage expert knowledge, it also may be an inefficient means achieving large-scale objectives if piecemeal efforts poorly coordinated. Here, we assess the value coordinating in both space and time maximize restoration aquatic ecosystem connectivity. Habitat fragmentation is leading driver declining biodiversity services rivers worldwide, simultaneously evaluate optimal barrier removal strategies for 661 tributary Laurentian Great Lakes, which fragmented least 6,692 dams 232,068 road crossings. We find that removals across entire basin nine times more efficient reconnecting fish headwater breeding grounds than optimizing each watershed. Similarly, one-time pulse investment up 10 annual allocations totaling same amount. Despite widespread emphasis on as key barriers river networks, improving culvert passability essential efficiently restoring connectivity Lakes. Our results highlight dramatic economic ecological advantages during ecosystems.