The spatial arrangement of Neritina virginea (Gastropoda: Neritidae) during upstream migration in a split‐channel reach

This paper relates differences in flow hydraulics between a main channel (MC) and a side channel (SC) of a river to patterns of upstream migration by Neritina virginea (Neritidae: Gastropoda), a dominant diadromous snail in streams of Puerto Rico (Greater Antilles). Near‐bed water velocity, snail density and shell size were measured on a weekly basis between August and December 2000 along cross‐sections in a main channel (MC) and an adjacent channel (SC) under a bridge crossing of the Río Mameyes of Northeastern Puerto Rico. Near‐bed velocity and water depth were used to compute Reynolds (Re) and Froude (Fr) numbers, and to classify flows within each channel. During base flow conditions (<2 m³ s⁻¹), flow was chaotic and supercritical (Fr > 1) in the MC, and non‐chaotic and subcritical (Fr < 1) in the SC. Higher mean densities (>100 ind m⁻²) of relatively small snails (mean ± s.d., 6.3 ± 2.8 mm) were consistently recorded in the MC. Conversely, the SC had lower mean densities (<20 ind m⁻²) and significantly larger snails (7.6 ± 2.4 mm). Within the MC, migratory groups preferred near‐bed velocities > 0.8 m s⁻¹. Within the SC, they preferred the channel thalweg and depths > 30 cm. The spatial arrangement that was observed between and within the channels may be related to food resources, predation pressure or biomechanics. Characteristics of preferred upstream migration pathways of N. virginea must be accounted when building road crossings in coastal streams with diadromous fauna. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Size‐Mediated Effects of Water‐Flow Velocity on Riverine Fish Species

We applied species sensitivity distributions (SSDs), commonly used in chemical risk assessment, to quantify the impact of water‐flow velocity on the presence of fish species in a river. SSDs for water‐flow velocity were derived from observational field data (maximal velocity at which species occur, V_max) and laboratory measurements (critical swimming velocity, V_crit). By calculating the potentially affected fraction of the fish species of the river Rhine, effects of water‐flow velocity on different life stages and guilds were estimated. V_max values for adults were significantly higher than those for juveniles and larvae. At water‐flow velocity of 60 cm s⁻¹, half of the adults were affected, while half of the non‐adult life stages were affected at velocities of 25 to 29 cm s⁻¹. There was a positive correlation between body size and fish tolerance to water‐flow. As expected, rheophilic species tolerated higher water‐flow velocities than eurytopic and limnophilic species. Maximal velocities measured in littoral zones of the Rhine were, on average, 10 cm s⁻¹, corresponding to an affected fraction of 2%. An increase in water‐flow velocity up to 120 cm s⁻¹ as a result of passing vessels caused an increase in affected species to 75%. For a successful ecological river management, the SSD method can be used to quantify the trait‐mediated effects of water‐flow alterations on occurring species enabling to compare and rank the effects of chemical and physical stress. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydropower Development,Riverine Connectivity,and Non‐sport Fish Species: criteria for Hydraulic Design of Fishways

Hydropower barriers are among the most conspicuous anthropogenic alterations to natural riverine connectivity, resulting in species‐specific effects linked to dispersal abilities, especially swimming performance. They may present a particular problem for small‐bodied ‘non‐sport fish’, such as those that characterize the freshwater communities of temperate regions in the Southern Hemisphere. Recent studies have suggested that nature‐like fishways could ensure passage of diverse fish assemblages through hydropower barriers. Through experiments performed in a swim tunnel, we present, for the first time, fishway design criteria for two non‐sport species endemic to Chile, a country experiencing rapid hydropower development. In`cremental velocity tests showed that Cheirodon galusdae and juveniles of Basilichthys microlepidotus were capable of very similar standardized critical swimming speeds of 69.7 and 69.6 cm s^?1, respectively. When expressed in units of body lengths, C. galusdae was capable of very high critical speeds of 16.2 bl s^?1, whereas for B. microlepidotus, this was 7.6 bl s^?1. However, fixed velocity tests revealed that the swimming endurance of the latter species was slightly higher. Dimensionless analysis showed a clear relationship between fatigue time and fish Froude number, similar to that already described for subcarangiforms. Based on these results, we present fishway design curves indicating a transition from sustained to prolonged swimming at a fishway length of 15 m. Our results show that the swimming capacity of these species is well‐suited to the mean flow velocity field described for nature‐like fishways. However, more work is required to understand the effects of turbulence on the passage of non‐sport species. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydraulic assessment of environmental flow regimes to facilitate fish passage through natural riffles: Shoalhaven river below Tallowa Dam,New South Wales,Australia

Proposed environmental flow regime changes downstream of a major water supply dam have been assessed in terms of effects on depth, velocity and fish passage across natural, gravel‐bed riffles and rapids. This study focussed on passage requirements for Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes, Percichthyidae), a catadromous fish of considerable ecological and recreational fishing importance. Some 23 major riffles and rapids occur between the dam and the tidal limit over a river length of 25 km. Reconnaissance investigations of riffle slope, length, width, depth and morphologic characteristics indicated that wide‐shallow, steep‐turbulent and bifurcating riffle morphologies were most likely to cause problems for upstream bass passage under low flow conditions. Two approaches were used to investigate riffle depths and velocities over a range of flows. A rapid assessment approach directly measured thalweg depths and velocities under two controlled flow release rates in riffles identified as being potentially problematic to upstream bass passage. Detailed topographic surveys and two dimensional hydraulic modelling with River2D was undertaken for two riffles identified as ‘worst case’ examples of wide‐shallow and steep‐turbulent morphologies. Results from both approaches were consistent and complementary. Both approaches identified riffles where minimum depths and maximum velocities were likely to be problematic for upstream passage by Australian bass at a flow rate of 130 MLd^?1 (the current regulated flow release) but were mitigated at flow rates above 300 MLd^?1. Assessment of environmental flow regime transparency and translucency threshold options with regard to a 300 MLd^?1 target flow indicated that options where the transparency threshold was set at the 80th flow duration percentile (flows equalled or exceeded for 80% of time), and varied according to the monthly pattern of natural flows, improved hydraulic conditions for upstream bass migration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantifying the behavioral response of spawning chum salmon to elevated discharges from Bonneville Dam,Columbia river,USA

Chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta that spawn in main‐stem habitats below Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, USA, are periodically subjected to elevated discharges that may alter spawning behaviour. We investigated behavioural responses of spawning chum salmon to increased water velocities associated with experimental increases in tailwater elevation using acoustic telemetry and a dual‐frequency identification sonar. Chum salmon primarily remained near their redds at base tailwater elevations (3.5 m above mean sea level), but displayed different movement and behavioural responses as elevations were increased to either 4.1 or 4.7 m for 8‐h periods. When velocities remained suitable (<0.8 m s^?1) during elevated‐tailwater tests, female chum salmon remained near their redds but exhibited reduced digging activity as water velocities increased. However, when velocities exceeded 0.8 m s^?1, the females that remained on their redds exhibited increased swimming activity and digging virtually ceased. Female and male chum salmon that left their redds when velocities became unsuitable moved mean distances ranging from 32 to 58 m to occupy suitable velocities, but returned to their redds after tailwaters returned to base levels. Spawning events (i.e. egg deposition) were observed for five of nine pairs of chum salmon following tests indicating any disruptions to normal behaviour caused by elevated tailwaters were likely temporary. We believe a chum salmon's decision to either remain on, or leave, its redd during periods of unsuitably high water velocities reflects time invested in the redd and the associated energetic costs it is willing to incur. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

箱形涵洞对河床水沙特性影响的试验研究

以漳河的穿河涵洞为对象,采用物理模型的方法,就3年一遇和50年一遇洪水工况时箱形涵洞所在河道的沿程水位、上下游各断面流速及其下游河床局部冲淤变形等问题进行了试验观测,探讨了箱形涵洞对河床水沙特性的影响。试验表明:在3年一遇和50年一遇洪水工况下,箱形涵洞对上游河床的壅水较少,最大壅水高度分别为0.57m和0.3m;涵洞上游各断面的平均流速较无涵洞时有所减小,且断面横向流速分布曲线更平坦。在迎水面出现了河中心流速较左右岸流速大的现象;在涵洞下游较远的CS8断面的平均流速分别为1.8m/s和3.7m/s,与无涵洞时相差不大;在3年一遇洪水工况下,箱形涵洞洞后能形成Fr=4.52的稳定水跃,使得箱形涵洞下游CS6断面的河床局部冲刷较少,其平均冲刷深度约为0.5m。由此可见,箱形涵洞具有较优的水力条件。     

Evaluation of the Missouri River shallow water habitat using a 2D‐hydrodynamic model

Many of the Upper Missouri River dikes have been notched to create additional shallow water habitat (SWH, operationally defined as areas in the stream with depth < 1.5 m, and velocity < 0.75 m s^?1) for fish populations. The goal of this study was to quantify the additional SWH gained from notching these dikes and to evaluate their performance under different flow conditions. A coupled field and numerical study was performed on a reach of the Missouri River, near Nebraska City, NE, which contains a number of dikes notched in 2004. The numerical simulations showed that the SWH criterion for depth was more difficult to satisfy in the study reach than the SWH criterion for velocity. Notching the dikes resulted in a slight shift of the bankline due to local erosion in the vicinity of the dikes and the formation of scour holes downstream of the notches. Results from the study suggested that notching the dikes had limited impact on the SWH because the area gained from the bankline shift was offset by the area lost from the scour holes formation. The performance of the notched dikes in sustaining the minimum habitat suitability conditions for the Missouri River ecosystem was also investigated. These conditions corresponded to discharges < 709 m³ s^?1 for the period from mid‐July to mid‐August, or equivalently SWH areas > 5225 m² dike^?1 during the same period. Analysis of the Missouri River annual discharge records at the study site showed that the dikes can provide the minimum required SWH for mean annual discharges < 667 m³ s^?1. For mean annual discharges > 667 m³ s^?1, new alternative structures or restoration facilities were needed, in addition to the existing dikes, to sustain the minimum required SWH. The dikes were not effective in providing any SWH for mean annual discharges > 2000 m³ s^?1. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of pulsed flows on nuisance periphyton growths in rivers: a mesocosm study

Rivers regulated by dams are typically characterized by altered biotic communities and habitat structure in downstream reaches. In the Jackson River (Alleghany Co., VA), a relatively constant flow regime below Gathright Dam and anthropogenic nutrient loading have apparently contributed to nuisance levels of periphyton (>300 mg chlorophyll a m^?2). These nuisance growths cause low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the water column and altered benthic habitats in the Jackson River. The use of periodic pulsed flows has been suggested as a restoration practice that could potentially reduce periphyton biomass. We investigated the effects of increased flow on periphyton chlorophyll a (chl a), ash‐free dry mass (AFDM), % organic matter (%OM) using streamside channels in which periphyton‐colonized tiles were subjected to near‐bed velocities ranging from 20 (control) to 240 cm s^?1. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression were used to examine periphyton responses to velocity treatments. There was a significant decrease in chl a and AFDM, and significant increase in %OM in velocity treatments of 150, 180 and 240 cm s^?1 (p < 0.001), but not in lower velocity channels. Regression analyses showed a significant positive relationship with %OM (r² = 0.88) and significant negative relationship with chl a (r² = 0.77) and AFDM (r² = 0.63). Algal taxa were dominated by Cladophora glomerata, Melosira varians and Pleurosira laevis. There was a significant positive relationship between treatment velocity and % C. glomerata (p = 0.007, r² = 0.87) as diatoms were differentially removed with increasing treatment velocity. Our results demonstrate that pulsed flows can reduce periphyton standing crops in the Jackson River, but the discharge required to achieve this reduction would probably need to produce near‐bed velocities >100 cm s^?1. Further study is needed to establish specific flow targets and evaluate the direct and indirect effects of pulsed flows on ecological conditions in the Jackson River. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical investigation of velocity distribution of turbulent flow through vertically double-layered vegetation

The velocity structures of flow through vertically double-layered vegetation(VDLV) as well as single-layered rigid vegetation(SLV) were investigated computationally with a three-dimensional(3D) Reynolds stress turbulence model,using the computational fluid dynamics(CFD)code FLUENT.The detailed velocity distribution was explored with a varying initial Froude number(Fr),with consideration of the steady subcritical flow conditions of an inland tsunami.In VDLV flows,the numerical model successfully captured the inflection point in the profiles of mean streamwise velocities in the mixing-layer region around the top of short submerged vegetation.An upward and downward movement of flow occurred at the positions located just behind the tall and short vegetation,respectively.Overall,higher streamwise velocities were observed in the upper vegetation layer due to high porosity,with P_r=98%(sparse vegetation,where P_r is the porosity),as compared to those in the lower vegetation layer,which had comparatively low porosity,with P_r=91%(dense vegetation).A rising trend of velocities was found as the flow passed through the vegetation region,followed by a clear sawtooth distribution,as compared to the regions just upstream and downstream of vegetation where the flow was almost uniform.In VDLV flows,a rising trend in the flow resistance was observed with the increase in the initial Froude number,i.e.,Fr=0.67,0.70,and 0.73.However,the flow resistance in the case of SLV was relatively very low.The numerical results also show the flow structures within the vicinity of short and tall vegetation,which are difficult to attain through experimental measurements.     

Reconstruction of pristine morphology,flow, nutrient conditions and submerged vegetation of lowland river spree (Germany) from palaeomeanders

The European Water Framework Directive requires the definition of reference conditions for each type of surface waters as a base to establish a classification system in which deviations from this high quality status must be determined. In order to reconstruct pristine conditions in the lower river Spree we investigated palaeomeanders using palaeohydrological and palaeolimnological methods. The settlement history of this region suggests low anthropogenic impact for all periods before ～700 cal AD. Three palaeomeanders representing the conditions of the late Sub‐boreal/early Sub‐atlantic were investigated. River width and depth at bankfull stage were reconstructed using cross‐sections of the meanders. Based on these data and experiments on the recent river, a parametric model was developed to calculate the bankfull palaeodischarge. Reconstructions show narrower and shallower channels for the undisturbed lower Spree (～20 m mean width and 0.8 m mean depth at bankfull stage) as compared to recent conditions (35 m and 1.6 m, respectively). Flow velocities and discharge at bankfull stage have been smaller in reconstructed sub‐fossil channels (0.5 m s^?1 and 8 m³ s^?1 in the pristine lower Spree as compared to 0.9 m s^?1 and 52 m³ s^?1 in the recent lower Spree) and flow variability was higher. The increase in bankfull discharge was mainly attributed to deforestation and drainage of the catchment as well as channelization, bank protection and river regulation measures. The organic silt at the base of the sediment cores contained well‐preserved fossil diatom assemblages. Diatom‐inferred total phosphorus (DI‐TP) concentrations of 59–73 µg L^?1 (median 62 µg L^?1) indicate eutrophic to hypertrophic conditions and suggest naturally slightly lower nutrient levels than today. These past nutrient conditions, morphology and large numbers of macrofossil remains indicate optimum growth conditions for submerged macrophytes growth. The combination of palaeohydrological and palaeolimnological parameters proved to be a useful approach for the determination of pristine conditions in a lowland river. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of artificial ecological floating beds on river hydraulic characteristics

The artificial ecological floating bed is widely used in rivers and lakes to repair and purify polluted water. However, the water flow pattern and the water level distribution are significantly changed by the floating beds, and the influence on the water flow is different from that of aquatic plants. In this paper, based on the continuous porous media model, a moveable two-layer combination model is built to describe the floating bed. The influences of the floating beds on the water flow characteristics are studied by numerical simulations and experiments using an experimental water channel. The variations of the water level distribution are discussed under conditions of different flow velocities（ v= 0.1 m/s, 0.2 m/s, 0.30 m/s, 0.4 m/s）, floating bed coverage rates（20%, 40%, 60%） and arrangement positions away from the channel wall（ D= 0 m, 0.1 m, 0.2 m）. The results indicate that the flow velocity increases under the floating beds, and the water level rises significantly under high flow velocity conditions in the upstream region and the floating bed region. In addition, the average rising water level value（ARWLV） increases significantly with the increase of the floating bed coverage rate, and the arrangement position of floating beds in the river can also greatly influence the water level distribution under a high-flow velocity condition（v ？0.2 m /s）.     

The influence of discharge and temperature on the ability of upstream migrant adult river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) to pass experimental overshot and undershot weirs

The efficiencies of fish passes specifically designed and constructed to facilitate the movement of a limited number of species and life‐stages past structural barriers are likely to decline as site‐specific conditions shift with a changing climate. There is a need to develop realistic fish passage criteria based on understanding swimming capability and behaviour of multiple species in relation to temperature and flow. The influence of temperature and discharge on behaviour and ability of groups of migrating adult river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), a threatened species, to pass a small overshot or undershot weir at night was investigated using a large experimental flume. Lamprey approached the weirs less, and more often maintained station by using the oral disk to attach to structure, under high flows. Oral disk attachment was more commonly observed during tests employing the undershot weir. Upstream movement tended to be in close proximity to the channel walls and floor where, compared to the mid‐channel, velocities were generally lower and velocity vectors more likely to be in a direction other than the bulk flow. Upstream movement was positively related to temperature, and was higher for the overshot weir. Weir passage rate was higher for undershot than overshot weirs, and negatively related to the maximum velocity at the weir. Passage rate was low when maximum velocities at the weir exceeded 1.5 m s^?1, although some fish passed at c. 1.7 m s^?1. Passage efficiency, the number of weir passes as a percentage of the number of approaches, was also higher for the undershot weir, but was not affected by discharge because lamprey approached less frequently at high flows. This study provides fish passage criteria under realistic conditions for an infrequently studied anguilliform species of conservation concern and provides a methodological perspective by which to improve fishway suitability for a wider range of species subject to changing climate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article was published online on March 3, 2010. An error was subsequently identified in the Article title. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [April 12, 2010].     

Swimming behaviour and ascent paths of brook trout in a corrugated culvert

Culverts may restrict fish movements under some hydraulic conditions such as shallow flow depths or high velocities. Although swimming capacity imposes limits to passage performance, behaviour also plays an important role in the ability of fish to overcome velocity barriers. Corrugated metal culverts are characterized by unsteady flow and existence of low‐velocity zones, which can improve passage success. Here, we describe swimming behaviour and ascent paths of 148 wild brook trout in a 1.5‐m section of a corrugated metal culvert located in Raquette Stream, Québec, Canada. Five passage trials were conducted in mid‐August, corresponding to specific mean cross‐sectional flow velocities ranging from 0.30 to 0.63 m/s. Fish were individually introduced to the culvert and their movements recorded with a camera located above the water. Lateral and longitudinal positions were recorded at a rate of 3 Hz in order to identify ascent paths. These positions were related to the distribution of flow depths and velocities in the culvert. Brook trout selected flow velocities from 0.2 to 0.5 m/s during their ascents, which corresponded to the available flow velocities in the culvert at the low‐flow conditions. This however resulted in the use of low‐velocity zones at higher flows, mainly located along the walls of the culvert. Some fish also used the corrugations for sheltering, although the behaviour was marginal and did not occur at the highest flow condition. This study improves knowledge on fish behaviour during culvert ascents, which is an important aspect for developing reliable and accurate estimates of fish passage ability.     

Variability of mesohabitat characteristics in riffle‐pool reaches: Testing an integrative evaluation concept (FGC) for MEM‐application

This paper investigates the variability of mesohabitat characteristics in various riffle‐pool reaches. The tested river sections (n = 13) feature clear variation in slope (0.0004–0.0132) and low flow discharge (0.05–915 m³s^?1) in different river types (straight to meandering). Mesohabitat characteristics (water depth, flow velocity, bottom shear stress) were calibrated according to the MEM‐concept (MEM—Mesohabitat Evaluation Model). Statistical analysis clearly revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) for the same mesohabitats (e.g. riffles) in different rivers concerning the tested abiotic habitat parameters. A comparative analysis of hydromorphological parameters (width‐depth variance, Froude number) showed no correlation to mesohabitat variability based on 2D/3D numerical modelling related to a range of flows (n = 10) (low flow to annual flood). Only an increasing hydraulic radius (R_hy) was correlated to an increase in fast run and a decrease in run habitats. In a case study, a Fish Guild Concept (FGC) is presented which links mesohabitats to the rheophilic fish guild (12 fish species grouped) at the Sulm River. Mesohabitat suitability (preferred, useable and avoided) for the FGC was determined for spawning, juveniles (0+, 1+), sub‐adult and adult stages based on meso‐unit and point abundance electro‐fishing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article was published online on March 3, 2010. An error was subsequently identified in Figure 1 . This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected [March 10, 2010].     

Study of Flow Over Side Weirs Under Supercritical Conditions

The present study focuses on the application of momentum principle to the analysis of spatially varied flow under supercritical conditions. Experimental studies were conducted on rectangular side weirs of different lengths and sill heights fitted in the test section of a rectangular aluminium channel that was built in a tilting flume. Measurements of discharges in the main channel and through the side weir were done separately. A pitot tube with direction finder was used to determine the velocities and angle of spill flow with the side weir. Depths of flow were measured both in longitudinal and transverse directions at regular intervals and their profiles were studied. Experiments were conducted with different test plates and flow conditions in the main channel. Coefficients of discharge were computed using momentum principle for different Froude numbers (between 1.5 and 3). The variation of discharge coefficient of the side weir as a function of Froude number was found to exhibit a non-linear relationship. Discharges over side weirs were computed using the computed coefficients of discharge for different Froude numbers and it was verified with the observed discharges. Coefficients of discharge were also computed using energy principle for different Froude numbers. Chi-square test was done between observed discharges over side weirs and discharges computed using momentum and energy principles, it was found that momentum principle is fitting better. Variation of the ratios of longitudinal components of velocity vector of spill flow to the mean velocity of the main channel flow at upstream end of the side weir with Froude number was found to exhibit a non-linear relationship. Variation of the discharge ratios of spill flow and main channel discharges with Froude number was also studied.     

Experimental and theoretical study of density jumps on smooth and rough beds

Hydraulic jumps in density currents are technically referred to density jumps. These jumps significantly influence the dynamic and quality characteristics of the gravity currents. The density jump is studied theoretically and experimentally in this study by considering the bed roughness. Experiments were performed in a rectangular laboratory flume (0.4 m width; 0.9 m depth; 8.3 m length). Four rough beds comprised of closely packed gravel particles glued onto the horizontal part of the bed were examined. For both smooth and rough beds, a simple relationship was obtained for estimating the conjugate depth ratio as a function of the relative roughness and the upstream densimetric Froude number. The conjugate depth ratio was found to decrease with increasing relative roughness. The results also indicated that, if the entrainment ratio is specified, the minimum value of the upstream densimetric Froude number increases with increasing relative bed roughness. An equation for calculating the maximum possible value of the relative roughness was also determined. The spatial development of the density current for smooth beds was analysed in both super‐critical and sub‐critical flow regimes. Good similarity collapses of velocity and concentration profiles were obtained for the super‐critical section just upstream of the jump. The concentration distributions located just downstream of the jump, however, exhibited a large scattering of measured data, especially near the bed. It was found that this scattering decreases with the distance from the end of the jump. The results of the experimental runs also indicated that, at a distance about nine times the post‐jump current thickness from the end of the jump, the non‐dimensional vertical profile of mean velocity has a shape similar to that at the pre‐jump section. A new reliable relationship was also proposed for calculating the local velocity inside both the wall and jet regions.     

Quantification of Freshwater Pearl Mussel Entrainment Velocities and Controlling Factors; a Flume Study

Increased flood frequency and magnitude are predicted for Scotland, and the country contains several of the world's largest recruiting populations of freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). This study provides a unique flume experiment to measure the near‐bed velocities required for freshwater pearl mussel entrainment and factors affecting their movement. It represents the first quantitative attempt at examining the precise water velocities at which freshwater pearl mussel become vulnerable to displacement during high flow events. Measurement of the near‐bed velocities at which the mussels moved was undertaken using an indoor recirculating flume. The effect of the different parameters (bed substrate, mussel burial depth, mussel curvature, mussel alignment, shell curvature and the presence of a simulated foot) on entrainment velocity was tested in the flume and their significance was verified using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann Whitney tests. Bed substrate was found to have the biggest influence on mussel entrainment velocities with averages of 0.86 ms^?1, 0.95 ms^?1, 1.01 ms^?1 and 1.42 ms^?1 for sand, gravel, mixed bed and boulder beds respectively. Stepwise logistic regression showed that bed substrate, foot presence, mussel length, mussel burial depth and shell curvature were sufficient to explain mussel entrainment velocity. These findings provide valuable information for the modelling of freshwater pearl mussel dynamics in streams systems and assessing the vulnerability of endangered mussel populations to higher flows associated with climate change in Scotland. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mesohabitat use by brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a small groundwater‐dominated stream

Groundwater‐dominated streams have particular flow regimes that commonly support populations of trout. Meso‐ and micro‐habitat surveys were carried out on a reach of the river Tern that drains a Triassic sandstone aquifer in the English West Midlands, to investigate brown trout (Salmo trutta) habitat use with varying flows. Mesohabitats were mapped over a range of summer and autumn flows and coupled with direct underwater observation (snorkelling) of fish locations together with point measurements of velocity and depth. The number of habitat types recorded was low and dominated by glides, runs, and backwaters. Brown trout showed a strong association with glides and runs with adults being more associated with runs and parr with glides. General habitat use curves showed brown trout to favour depths between 0.30 and 0.40 m and velocities below 0.40 m s^?1. A clear preference was shown for sand and gravel bed materials. However, the differentiation of hydraulic habitats was weak and there was no trend in mesohabitats or change in trout use of mesohabitats with discharge. The study raises limitations of the mesohabitat survey approach when linking fish ecology, flow and physical habitat in small streams with low flow variability and low habitat diversity. In these situations, other factors (especially cover features) appear to strongly influence brown trout distribution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.