European Large Lakes – Ecosystem changes and their ecological and socioeconomic impacts

Large lakes are important because of their size and ecological distinctiveness, as well as their economic and cultural value. Optimal management of them requires a proper understanding of anthropogenic impacts, both on the lake ecosystems, as such and on the services they provide for society. The specific structural and functional properties of large lakes, e.g. morphology, hydrography, biogeochemical cycles, and food-web structure, are all directly related to their size. These vulnerable ecosystems often suffer from accelerated eutrophication, over-fishing, toxic contamination, and invasive species. Large lakes offer socio-economic benefits and could be used in many ways, and are often areas in which economic, cultural and political interests overlap.Thesemultiple uses create potential risks for the health and...