Over fifty ecologists gathered in Seville recently to establish an Iberian observatory aimed at delivering new data and tools to protect river health and curb the impacts of climate change.
The assembly occurred in a mixed setting at the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) on March 21-22. It brought together researchers from centers across Spain, Portugal, and France, along with basin managers who oversee various hydrographic regions, according to CSIC’s statement.
Current assessments point to a troubling trend: more than half of the Iberian rivers are degraded. Drought conditions and rising temperatures driven by climate change are expected to worsen freshwater health, compounding the effects of pollution and invasive species on river ecosystems.
The CSIC notes that this inaugural meeting marks the launching point for the Iberian Fluvial Observatory. It aims to lay the groundwork for an innovative approach to evaluating the health of Iberian waterways across the peninsula.
In practical terms, the project will blend traditional taxonomic expertise with modern molecular techniques. This integration will enable a comprehensive portrayal of river biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula, spanning microbes, algae, invertebrates, fish, and birds. The observatory will also assemble a dedicated team to quantify the ecological functions that rivers support, such as fish production, water treatment, and climate regulation.
“The project is new and distinctive in scale, with the potential to become one of the first large-scale observatories that reveals how climate change and human influences affect river health and benefits for communities,” stated Cayetano Gutiérrez Cánovas, a researcher and observatory coordinator at EBD-CSIC.
The observatory will operate across six study zones, reflecting the diverse climate of the Iberian Peninsula. From southern arid landscapes to the Cantabrian foothills, the initiative will implement annual monitoring to chart the long-term dynamics of stream ecosystems.
“Improving river health directly influences public well-being and regional economies. It aligns with legal obligations under the Water Framework Directive. Healthier rivers and richer biodiversity can attract more visitors to rural towns, thanks to improved bathing quality and diverse fish populations. Moreover, better river health can lower water treatment costs, reduce flood risks, and mitigate heat stress during hot seasons,” the plan notes.