Protection of U.S. streams is insufficient to safeguard stream diversity and prevent habitat impairment

Abstract

Despite covering a small portion of Earth’s surface, streams support a disproportionate amount of biodiversity. Here, we measure progress against the Global Biodiversity Framework 30×30 protection target for streams within the conterminous U.S., in terms of quantity, representation, and effectiveness of habitat protection under primarily land-based protection strategies. We evaluated the geophysical and biogeographical diversity of streams falling under protection measures. Additionally, we expose a paradox of streams being protected yet simultaneously impaired from human disturbances. Without considering impairment, approximately 30% of streams are currently protected through land-based conservation of their local or upstream watersheds; when considering impairment, only 9% to 28% of streams are truly protected from disturbances depending on impairment thresholds and protection criteria. Furthermore, despite protection approaching 30×30 targets, only 5% of the most prevalent physical stream habitat types are protected. We provide a targeted protection strategy, overcoming the impairment paradox and ensuring adequate representation of streams.