Medieval water power initiated collapse of salmon stocks

Date:

July 20, 2016

Source:

Radboud University

Summary:

Salmon largely disappeared from our waters due to the construction of water mills, ecologists now conclude. The construction of water mills caused the destruction of the gravel beds in streams, making them unsuitable for salmon to spawn. Whereas it was previously thought that water contamination was the most likely explanation, archival research demonstrates that salmon stocks had already dwindled prior to the invention of the steam engine.

 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160720094432.htm

 

Story Source:

The above post is reprinted from materials provided by Radboud University.Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

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Journal Reference:

1.    H. J. R. Lenders, T. P. M. Chamuleau, A. J. Hendriks, R. C. G. M. Lauwerier, R. S. E. W. Leuven, W. C. E. P. Verberk. Historical rise of waterpower initiated the collapse of salmon stocks. Scientific Reports, 2016; 6: 29269 DOI: 10.1038/srep29269