Freshwater Ecosystems: Revitalizing Educational Programs in Limnology

Limnology, the integrative science of inland aquatic ecosystems, is making fundamental scientific advances and playing a critical role in management of inland water while suffering from fragmentation and lack of identity at North American universities. Educational programs at undergraduate and graduate levels require substantial improvement. In light of such concerns, the U.S. National Research Council commissioned a study on the nature and future of the academic teaching of limnology in North America. As is expected from such endeavors, the committee's report, published to high professional standards, combines scholarly background on the development of limnology with recommendations for actions. University professors and graduate students teaching limnology and related fields, as well as managers of water resources, will find the committee's report valuable.