Research

Hydropeaking is associated with rapid and frequent changes in stream discharge. This rapid mode of operation is closely linked to the production and demand of energy. However, hydropeaking operation is associated with significant impacts on rivers, including stranding of fish. Stranding has been studied experimentally at the level of single hydropeaks. However, the ecological effects of hydropeaking frequency (multipeaking) have hardly been considered to date, although hydropeaking can influence the choice of restoration measures. Thus, this literature review aims to encompass the topic to the best of our knowledge and to perform initial mortality calculations using existing data to advance the scientific discussion in the field.

Restore4Life’s Overall Objective is to develop an online long-lasting wetland restoration service that will allow large-scale holistic wetland restoration activities in the Danube basin and Europe through extensive dialogue and co-creation with multiple actors (knowledge holders, policy actors, citizens) as part of the Danube basin lighthouse of the Mission “Restore our ocean and waters by 2030”. Restore4Life will: 1) foster a digital water knowledge system to better understand, monitor, and forecast the health of the hydrosphere, based on existing and planned European infrastructures and services; 2) stimulate EU-wide, large-scale holistic restoration of Danube wetlands, floodplains and coastal wetlands to restitute their ecosystem functions services; 3) promote a participatory governance system based on the mobilisation and engagement of the public, civic and private sectors 4) Demonstrate and evaluate holistic wetland restoration approach and compile, test and optimise ecosystems’ and ES assessment indicators to enable their applicability in associated regions and their integration in the wetland restoration service and 5) Support local revenue and business activities in restored ecosystems

One of the core competences of BOKU is science communication. The DCNA as an actor in the field of research, networking and knowledge transfer is supported by this project. The focus of the cooperation is the dissemination of research results in the scientific as well as in the popular science area. The optimization of communication between experts, scientists and laypersons plays a special role in risk and crisis communication.