Improving reservoir ecology with constructed wetlands

The construction of a dam for hydropower, irrigation or water supply results in the creation of a reservoir converting a natural free-flowing river with a number of different habitats into a slow moving or almost stagnant lake environment with a more restricted number of habitats. This paper reports on the potential enhancement of the diversity of habitats and productivity in a reservoir in Lao PDR by introducing constructed wetlands within the drawdown area and by maintaining access for fish to spawn in the tributary rivers.