That's Predictable Discussion Questions

Background:

There are many abiotic and biotic factors that can influence an aquatic system. For more information about each of the factors, see the Utah Stream Team, specifically the chemical properties, biological properties, and physical properties sections.

 

Discussion Questions:

1.  Do you think that ecosystems will always be changed if there are small changes in abiotic or biotic factors?

Change is a natural part of ecosystems, and all healthy ecosystems are to some extent “self-correcting.” For  example, an early snowstorm may cause many trees or branches to fall, but in a healthy riparian system or healthy forest the trees will eventually regrow and any openings in the forest canopy will fill again. In fact, many       ecosystems depend on some degree of disturbance. For example, sprouting young cottonwoods in riparian areas often depend on a flood event. 

Some disturbances in ecosystems are more important than others. For example, the accidental introduction of a tiny mussel into the Great Lakes has led to extremely clear waters from these efficient filter feeders, but also to changes in food availability for other organisms, and economic impacts when huge mats of these mussels attach to intake pipes, docks and boats.

2.  What could be done to protect aquatic ecosystems from these changes?

Protecting through laws and regulations: Some potential problems are so severe that we regulate them with laws. A few examples are:

•  “Point source” water pollution: EPA and Utah’s Division of Water Quality regulate how much and what kind of pollutants can be dumped into our lakes and rivers from factories, municipal treatment plants, and large animal feeding operations.   All point sources must have a “discharge permit” in Utah.
  
• Modification of a stream channel: No one in Utah can modify a stream channel (e.g., take gravel from the channel or channelize the stream banks) without a permit from the state Division of Water Rights.

Protecting through voluntary approaches: In many cases, rather than regulating behavior with laws, we depend on people making the right decisions on how to best manage their own lands and activities. These are often called “Best Management Practices.” Because these practices are voluntary, it becomes especially important that citizens are well educated on how their activities affect the environment and why. 

For aquatic systems, some Best Management Practices include:

• Healthy riparian areas and buffer strips along streams and canals that shade the water, protect the banks from erosion, and filter runoff of pollutants. 
• Grassy swales or retention basins that slow the flow of urban runoff and promote infiltration rather than surface runoff.
  
• Lawn care practices that avoid over fertilizing lawns and gardens and watering lawns only when needed.
  
• Cleaning up pet waste so it is not washed into streams.