Exploring Uncharted Waters: The Role of Artificial Aquatic Ecosystems in Freshwater Science

Abstract

Artificial aquatic ecosystems (AAEs) are human-made environments in managed landscapes that encompass a spectrum from straightened streams to newly constructed ponds. Research on AAEs is now expanding into diverse environmental science fields in response to ongoing pressures threatening freshwater ecosystems. Yet AAEs remain sidelined in the traditional study of freshwaters, limiting their recognition in catchment and atmospheric processes. We advocate for increased recognition of AAEs in freshwater science on four key points: (1) their ubiquity across human-impacted landscapes; (2) their contributions to biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem services; (3) as sources of insights to fundamental questions on pressures facing freshwater ecosystems; and (4) their lack of inclusion in policy. We call for a paradigm shift from viewing AAEs as low in the hierarchy of natural sciences to recognizing them as critical components of the modern hydroscape that offer opportunities for interdisciplinary research and improvement of water resources.