Scientists stunned by unexpected side effects in rivers after knocking down dams: ‘The other experts in the field were also surprised’

By Nicole Westhoff – Yahoo News

There are times when a dam has a purpose and then times when that becomes a burden. Dams effectively store water for flood control, irrigation, and other functions. However, dammed rivers disrupt the natural habitat of existing fish and wildlife.

“Rivers are a transport system, and if they are to fulfill their ecological function, they need to move water, sediments, nutrients, and living beings,” explained researcher Askoa Ibisate in a EurekAlert news release.