A latest European study looked at the impacts of changes in human demand for different water-based ecosystem services during the COVID-19 in the Netherlands. The study could provide lessons for management, for example, restricting boat traffic in canals may improve underwater habitat, say researchers.
Researchers noted that while some shifts in human activities caused positive changes for water-based ecosystems, such as reduced fishing pressure, others had negative impacts, such as an increase in disinfectants reaching surface waters. Some other factors showed that ad outdoor physical activities were not restricted in the Netherlands, an increase in recreational fishing, use of bathing waters and national parks, posed risks of heightened ecosystem degradation.
The study is split in four aspects of interaction from the period following 15 March 2020, when strict measures came into force including social distancing and episodic closing of schools and non-essential businesses.
Read the full study to learn more.
