On the use of stressor-response relationships in the management of lake eutrophication

Since the 1960s, theoretical and empirical advances in limnology have offered lake managers different approaches to address lake eutrophication problems. The Vollenweider input–output model and the Scheffer model of alternative stable states are 2 well-known applications of the stressor–response (S-R) models. The 2 applications each utilise particular S-R relationship shapes. However, lake eutrophication response variables and shapes of S-R relationships may vary greatly from lake-to-lake, highlighting a key question for lake managers: What is the appropriate shape of the S-R relationship for a given lake eutrophication problem? This study develops an S-R lake framework that embraces multiple functional forms of S-R relationships. First, 3 New Zealand lake eutrophication case studies are presented in which different S-R relationships were used to inform management actions. Then, the different usages of the S-R framework illustrated by the case studies are discussed, including the different types of data used and how information about feedbacks and other mediating factors helped identify the S-R relationships. Finally, a lake typology is presented, linking specific lake types to specific S-R relationship shapes, to assist with managing lake eutrophication under conditions of changing stressors and stressor levels.