Exploring the role of aquatic biodiversity in providing ecosystem services to human societies

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems are essential hotspots for numerous species, where biodiversity performs various ecological functions that provide valuable ecosystem services to human societies. However, the associations between various facets of aquatic biodiversity and the ecosystem services that provide human non-market benefits have not been sufficiently evaluated, particularly within anthropogenically pressured coastal and freshwater ecosystems. This research seeks to measure the contribution of biodiversity across freshwater and brackish water systems in Lake Victoria to biodiversity-driven ecological benefits within the various provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. As part of the research design and systematic biodiversity assessment, the species, abundance, and functional diversity of freshwater fishes, macroinvertebrates, and emergent aquatic vegetation were evaluated, including ecosystem services such as fish production, water-quality regulation (nutrient removal and water clarity), and recreational use value. The relationships between the biodiversity attributes and ecosystem service outcomes were examined using multiple regression and redundancy analysis. Systems characterized by greater functional diversity and species richness demonstrated higher fish yields (R² = 0.45, p < 0.01) and greater fish yields (average 25 % reduction in water turbidity). Stakeholder scores indicated that recreational enjoyment was positively associated with aquatic plant diversity (ρ = 0.63, p < 0.05). The undeniable positive association between aquatic biodiversity and various ecosystem services that impact human well-being remains. To address the socio-economic impacts of biodiversity loss, we recommend conserving and restoring aquatic species. Integrating these findings in the development of management strategies will balance the socio-economic and ecological components of water biodiversity. We urge management strategies to include biodiversity as a metric in ecosystem service valuations to create efficiencies between aquatic conservation and human benefits.