Moving Large River Ecology from Past Theories to Future Actions: A Review

Abstract

Large river ecology has evolved through time, from perceiving rivers as big streams to accepting rivers as spatiotemporally diverse and complex ecosystems spanning terrestrial, aquatic, and socio-political realms. This review summarizes past and present concepts in large river ecology and highlights uncertainties facing the science and management of large rivers, and provides examples of tools (river restoration and adaptive management) that may be used to continue the advancement of large river ecology into the future. We need to ask, “Where do we go from here?” and, “How do we get there?” The science, management, and policy of large rivers are inseparable and decisions formulated by river stakeholders today will inevitably shape how rivers are studied and managed into the future.