Potential River Watershed Contaminant Monitoring Indicators | Chapter 8 | Emerging Challenges in Environment and Earth Science Vol. 4

In a One Health approach, we investigate frameworks and methods for coordinating stakeholder values with potential bioindicators of change that might be seen at various spatial scales. One of Alaska's most intricate terrestrial features, river watersheds carry out significant biological functions while also serving human needs. Both aquatic and estuarine biota, as well as biogeochemical and physical processes, depend on rivers. Communities have numerous opportunities to monitor the environment, manage resources, and participate in the development of stewardship policies through the Yukon watershed. Environmental and socioeconomic resilience vulnerability indicators have been used with watershed functions. Local efforts to feed, house, and clothe rural people have far less of an environmental impact than today's economically driven businesses (agricultural, forestry, and textile, to name a few) that serve major urban centres. The Yukon River has not received the same extensive and diversified investigation as the other great American river systems, despite its long history of human involvement. By implementing hypothesis-based monitoring of crucial watershed functions, we can gain knowledge about stressors that can change the regime, such as fire, toxins, and the emergence of invasive species. By combining adaptive risk management techniques with place-based education, notably on pollution and nutrition, community resilience can be preserved. Tracking resiliency changes across the Yukon watershed begins with keystone species monitoring and local initiatives like citizen science. Maintaining resilience during times of stress brought on by development is facilitated by creating a policy environment that encourages local experimentation and innovation.

Author (s) Details

Lawrence Duffy

Resilience and Adaptation Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

La’Ona De Wilde

Resilience and Adaptation Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

Katie Spellman

International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

Kriya Dunlap

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

Bonita Dainowski

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

Susan McCullough

Interior Alaska Campus, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

Bret Luick

School of Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

Mary Van Muelken

Resilience and Adaptation Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

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