Anderson E, Pringle C, Rojas M (2006) Transforming tropical rivers: an environmental perspective on hydropower development in Costa Rica. Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 16: 679–693
Abstract:
1. Tropical rivers are increasingly being altered by hydropower dams. In Costa Rica, more than 30
hydropower plants were built during the 1990s and more dams are being proposed. Hydropower
dams currently provide more than 80% of electricity consumed by the country’s 4 million residents,
yet most of Costa Rica’s hydropower potential remains untapped.
2. Ecological consequences of dams in Costa Rica stem primarily from river fragmentation, stream
de-watering, and downstream hydrological alterations. Dams affect distribution and abundance of
aquatic biota, especially migratory species. Cumulative effects of multiple dams on individual river
basins, especially in the northern part of the country, are also of concern but have not been
adequately documented.
3. In light of recent hydropower development, we recommend conservation strategies that protect
remaining free-flowing rivers, call for assessment of ecological impacts of dams on a broader scale,
encourage research on aquatic systems and sustainable hydropower technologies, and promote the
development of methods for estimating environmental flows for Costa Rican rivers.
Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.