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The Effects of Artificial Lakes on Plants or Animals

The creation of artificial lakes is quite controversial in environmental groups because a habitat is created to protect animals and plants, but it involves a large amount of destruction as well. The most common man-made lakes are created by the building of hydroelectric dams to supply electricity, although others have been made with no practical objective in mind. There are some key benefits to the creation of these lakes, but some serious drawbacks also exist.

Construction
- The main issue with artificial lakes is that they are artificial and so have to be constructed. The construction of a dam requires stopping the river flowing downstream, involves building access roads and necessitates a large amount of human activity both during construction and operation of the dam. The animals and plants that used to live farther down the river, especially fish and marine plants, suddenly no longer have a habitat.
Ecosystem
- Hydroelectric dams, despite the reasons set out previously, have been praised for at least creating an alternative environment for animals and plants. Mining, for example, leaves behind no alternative ecosystem. Artificial lakes can be great habitats for a range of animals since they are commonly protected by law and have the benefit of the security added to protect the dam.
Green Energy
- Hydroelectric dams provide an efficient source of carbon-free electricity. The water contained in the artificial lake flows though the turbines, which spin and create electricity. This means there is less need for coal-, oil- and gas-fired power stations that pump pollution into the atmosphere and in the long run may do more harm to the animals and plants living in the area.
Migratory Patterns
- A key disadvantage is that damming a river stops its natural flow. Many fish, such as salmon, travel up and down rivers to mate and lay eggs. With the creation of an artificial lake, this is no longer possible since all animals are contained within its concrete walls. The long-term effects of this contained migration are not known, but could be devastating to the number of fish in rivers and lakes.
Human Activity
- Although these artificial lakes do create a suitable environment for animals and plants, it is not just them using it. Man-made lakes are often also tourist attractions. They are used for water sports, such as wakeboarding and jet skiing. This amount of human activity may be detrimental to the animals and plants that used to inhabit a secluded and quiet stretch of river. The presence of humans may also lead to garbage being left in the lake, which may damage the water quality and, in the long term, erode the lake beaches and banks.

Nature