Strengthening the ‘bio’ in biome: Living river biomes as a concept to leverage public engagement for river health

Abstract

This Perspective argues for an expansion of conventional concepts of river biomes to better encapsulate the emerging social understanding of ‘biomes’ as living systems with unique macro- and micro-biotic ecological and biological signatures. We approach this by firstly examining recent interpretations of river biomes that have evolved from original zonal conceptions. We then postulate on the social/public understanding on ‘biomes’ through the popularity of two rich debates: human health via gut microbiomes and soil health via the soil microbiome. With these concepts in mind, we define the river biome as ‘A living flowing aquatic ecosystem, indicative of its environmental context, comprising unique biological, ecological, hydrologic and health characteristics that shape and are shaped by macro- and micro-biotic signatures and functions’. With this definition the term river biome is more aligned with ideas of river health and ecosystem functioning, which we believe may evoke greater public understanding of rivers as complex living systems. Enhanced public understanding of complex natural systems should be encouraged as a means by which to propel policy, funding and research as well as to improve specialist to non-specialist communication and relations.