Environmental and social aspects of underwater logging |
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| Institution: | 1. Oregon State University, 400A Bexell Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States;2. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, PO Box 0843-03092, Panama, Panama;1. Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada;2. Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada;3. Department of Geography, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada;4. Heritage Program, Capital Planning Branch, National Capital Commission, Ottawa, Canada;1. UFRGS - Institute of Hydraulic Research, 9500, Bento Gonçalves Av., Porto Alegre, Brazil;2. PUCRS - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Post-Graduation Program in Materials Engineering and Technology, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, Brazil;1. Eastern Washington University, Department of Geography & Anthropology, 103 Isle Hall, Cheney, WA 99004, USA;2. Rocky Mountain College, Environmental Management & Policy, Tyler Hall 304, Billings, MT 59101, USA;3. Montana State University, Department of Earth Sciences, P.O. Box 173480 – Traphagen Hall #208, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;4. Montana State University, Billings, Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, Liberal Arts Building, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101, USA;5. Center for Sustainability, Saint Louis University, Des Peres Hall 203E, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA |
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| Abstract: | Underwater logging is a relatively new concept in forestry that has significant economic benefits but also consequences for the environment and local communities. Underwater logging has traditionally been undertaken by divers. However, safety concerns mean that conventional harvesting methods using divers need to be replaced by more sophisticated mechanized harvesting techniques. This paper outlines the environmental and social aspects of underwater logging, highlighting issues that must be considered before any underwater harvesting operations are executed. While the economic reasons for harvesting underwater logs seem compelling, as do the associated social benefits, such as employment generation, there are significant environmental impacts of removing trees from reservoirs, as submerged trees serve as important ecological habitat for aquatic life. Due to the absence of any regulatory regimes encompassing underwater logging, we propose best-practice guidelines for underwater logging operations and suggest the need for a comprehensive sustainability framework based on internationally recognized criteria and indicators to ensure underwater logging operations are environmentally safe, socially beneficial and economically viable. |
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| Keywords: | Underwater logging Rediscovered wood Submerged forests Reservoirs Large woody debris |
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