THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THERMAL REGIME ALTERATION AND SPAWNING DELAY OF THE FOUR MAJOR CHINESE CARPS IN THE YANGTZE RIVER BELOW THE THREE GORGES DAM

Large dams often alter flow and thermal regimes downstream, resulting in fish spawning delays and larval abundance declines. Accurate prediction of the delayed spawning period under changed thermal regime is critical for selecting a correct timing to modify dam operation and to release the environmental flow needed to enhance fish spawning. We used correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between thermal regime alteration and spawning delay of the four major Chinese carps (FMCC) below the Three Gorges Dam in the Yangtze River, China, using a 13‐year ecological data series (1997–2009). Eighteen variables were defined to quantify thermal regime and related to two variables representing spawning timing. Our results demonstrate that the start of FMCC spawning has been delayed from early May to middle June since the Three Gorges Dam initiated operation in 2003. Water temperature declines of 2 °C–4 °C in March, April and May (a critical period for gonad development) were the principal reason for the observed spawning delay. The variable most associated with spawning timing was the arrival date of the cumulative temperature needed for gonad development from stages IV to V (D_DegDayIV–V), which describes the long‐term impacts of the timing, magnitude and duration of thermal regime upon gonad development. Only the cumulative temperature for gonad development and the minimum temperature for FMCC spawning (18 °C) are both satisfied, the occurrence of suitable flow conditions, that is, flow increase or flash flood, would produce a successful spawning event. Consequently, we suggest that the experimental flow increase process of the Three Gorges Reservoir aimed at enhancing FMCC spawning should initiate after 15 June when the requisite thermal regime can be met. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of fish habitat suitability using a coupled ecohydraulic model: Habitat model selection and prediction

The selection of an approach to evaluate habitat suitability for a specific fish or life stage has been a matter of concern in habitat quality modelling studies. This study has taken Jinshaia sinensis, a commercially valuable fish endemic to the Jinsha River, China, as the target fish species. One‐ and two‐dimensional hydrodynamic models were coupled and combined with fish habitat models for a middle reach of the Jinsha River. The resulting ecohydraulic model was used to predict the changes in hydrodynamics and spawning habitat suitability that resulted from the operation of an under‐construction reservoir downstream of the study area. The preference function (product, arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and minimum value) and fuzzy logic habitat evaluation methods were compared to predict the spawning habitat suitability of the fish. The model was validated using the numbers of spawning eggs, and the results show that both the arithmetic mean and fuzzy logic method can be used to predict spawning habitat suitability. The model predictions show that the hydrodynamics of the study area would be altered if the impoundment water level exceeded 969 m. During the spawning season, the spawning habitat suitability would increase from April to early June and has little change from early June to July under the impact of the reservoir impoundment. The optimal river discharge rate for fish spawning is ~3,500 m³/s, and this would not change after the reservoir begins operation. This research can benefit other regions that will be affected by planned dams by predicting the impacts of reservoir operation on fish habitat quality, and the results will help decision makers protect the health of rivers and the overall ecosystem.     

Effect of dam removal on habitat use by spawning Atlantic salmon

By impeding migration and degrading habitat downstream, dam construction has caused population declines in many migratory fish populations. As part of the landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) restoration program in Lake Champlain, the Willsboro Dam was removed from the Boquet River, NY in 2015 providing an opportunity to study the effects of dam removal on spawning habitat quality and availability. Spawning habitat surveys were conducted downstream of the dam site in 2014, 2016 and 2017, and in historical spawning grounds upstream in 2016 and 2017. The habitat used was characterized by measuring depth, water velocity, and substrate size at each redd. Mean habitat use did not differ between upstream and downstream sites for any variables in 2016 and only differed for depth in 2017. However, the variance in depth and substrate used for spawning were lower at the upstream site in 2016, likely due to an abundance of habitat. In the downstream site, the mean and variance in depth at redds decreased after dam removal as did the variance in substrate size, increasing the habitat suitability of redds. When compared to literature data, habitat used upstream of the former dam was of medium quality in both 2016 and 2017, and improved downstream from low to medium quality in both column velocity and substrate size after dam removal. This study illustrates that positive shifts in the quality of habitat used can occur rapidly following dam removal by allowing access to suitable spawning habitat upstream and improving habitat downstream.     

Flood management of Dongting Lake after operation of Three Gorges Dam

Full operation of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) reduces flood risk of the middle and lower parts of the Yangtze River Basin. However, Dongting Lake, which is located in the Yangtze River Basin, is still at high risk for potentially severe flooding in the future. The effects of the TGD on flood processes were investigated using a hydrodynamic model. The 1998 and 2010 flood events before and after the operation of the TGD, respectively, were analyzed. The numerical results show that the operation of the TGD changes flood processes, including the timing and magnitude of flood peaks in Dongting Lake. The TGD can effectively reduce the flood level in Dongting Lake, which is mainly caused by the flood water from the upper reach of the Yangtze River. This is not the case, however, for floods mainly induced by flood water from four main rivers in the catchment. In view of this, a comprehensive strategy for flood management in Dongting Lake is required. Non-engineering measures, such as warning systems and combined operation of the TGD and other reservoirs in the catchment, as well as traditional engineering measures, should be further improved. Meanwhile, a sustainable philosophy for flood control, including natural flood management and lake restoration, is recommended to reduce the flood risk.     

Modelling effects of discharge on habitat quality and dispersal of juvenile humpback chub (Gila cypha) in the Colorado River,Grand Canyon

A two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was applied to seven study reaches in the Colorado River within Grand Canyon to examine how operation of Glen Canyon Dam has affected availability of suitable shoreline habitat and dispersal of juvenile humpback chub (Gila cypha). Suitable shoreline habitat typically declined with increasing discharges above 226–425 m³/ s, although the response varied among modelled reaches and was strongly dependent on local morphology. The area of suitable shoreline habitat over cover types that are preferred by juvenile humpback chub, however, stayed constant, and in some reaches, actually increased with discharge. In general, changes in discharge caused by impoundment tended to decrease availability of suitable shoreline habitat from September to February, but increased habitat availability in spring (May–June). Hourly variation in discharge from Glen Canyon Dam substantially reduced the amount of persistent shoreline habitat at all reaches. Changes in suitable shoreline habitat with discharge were shown to potentially bias historical catch per unit effort indices of native fish abundance up to fourfold. Physical retention of randomly placed particles simulating the movement of juvenile humpback chub in the study reaches tended to decline with increasing discharge, but the pattern varied considerably due to differences in the local morphology among reaches and the type of swimming behaviour modelled. Implications of these results to current hypotheses about the effects of Glen Canyon Dam on juvenile humpback chub survival in the mainstem Colorado River are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

淮河流域环境流变化及其对洪泽湖鱼类栖息地的生态影响

为分析淮河流域环境流要素的变化趋势及其对洪泽湖鱼类栖息地的生态影响,以淮河中下游河段为研究区,采用IHA法,将蚌埠水文站1950—2015年径流序列划分为2002年蚌埠闸扩建前后两个时期,采用5种流量事件筛选出32种环境流评价指标,分析了水文变异条件下5种环境事件的生态效应;以鳜鱼为洪泽湖指示鱼类,综合考虑栖息地限制因子,运用PHABSIM模型得到栖息地加权可利用面积-流量曲线,计算了鳜鱼产卵期的生态流量。结果表明:淮河中下游环境流组成趋于单一化,大洪水事件减少,枯水流量增大,高脉冲流量持续时间缩短,出现次数增加,对下游生态环境不利;洪泽湖鳜鱼4—6月产卵期的最小生态流量为300 m~3/s,适宜生态流量为550 m~3/s;需合理调控环境流,增加鱼类补充和物质循环,并采取湖泊生态修复等措施,维持洪泽湖的生态平衡。     

汉江桥闸工程下游河段典型鱼种栖息地模拟研究

探究水利工程干扰下的鱼类生境变化特征是维护河流生态健康的基础性研究。以汉中平川段内汉江三桥桥闸下游10 km为研究河段,利用水文学法和栖息地模拟法计算了生态流量。建立了河段二维水动力学模型,选用宽鳍鱲为目标鱼种,依据其对水深和流速的适宜性曲线确定了流量变化下的生境面积,并采用生境质量分级分析了不同流量响应鱼类生境的变化特征。研究结果表明:两种方法计算出河流生态流量相近,分别为54.3和53.1m~3/s,最终适宜流量为47.8～54.3 m~3/s;在流量8.8～212.7 m~3/s时,相比中等和低质量生境,高质量生境面积随流量的波动更为显著,呈现先升后降的趋势,212.7 m~3/s以上流量的各级生境面积随流量变化较小;高质量生境多分布于两岸和冷水河交汇口,中等质量生境主要分布在河段下游;低质量生境位置相对不固定;研究成果可为桥闸运行和河流鱼类保护提供重要参考依据。     

Population effect of a large‐scale stream restoration effort on Chinook salmon in the Pahsimeroi River,Idaho

Stream habitat restoration is an important tool for fisheries management in impaired lotic systems. Although small‐scale benefits of stream habitat restoration are commonly investigated, it is difficult to demonstrate population effects. The Pahsimeroi River Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha population was previously restricted to the lower portion of the river by multiple irrigation structures. To address fish passage issues, a combination of restoration projects was initiated including barrier removals, instream flow enhancements and installation of fish screens on diversions. The largest barrier was removed in 2009, more than doubling the amount of accessible linear habitat. We hypothesized restoration efforts would expand the distribution of spawning salmon in the Pahsimeroi River watershed, leading to a broader distribution of juveniles. We also hypothesized a broader juvenile distribution would have population effects by reducing the prevalence of density‐dependent growth and survival. Redds were documented in newly accessible habitat immediately following barrier removal and accounted for a median of 42% of all redds in the Pahsimeroi River watershed during 2009–2015. Snorkel surveys also documented juvenile rearing in newly accessible habitat. Juvenile productivity increased from a median of 64 smolts/female spawner for brood years 2002–2008 to 99 smolts/female spawner for brood years 2009–2014. Overall, results suggested increased habitat accessibility in the Pahsimeroi River broadened the distribution of spawning adult and rearing juvenile salmon and reduced the effects of density‐dependent survival. Large‐scale stream restoration efforts can have a population effect. Despite the large‐scale effort and response, habitat restoration alone is likely not sufficient to restore this population.     

The effects on fish spawning and management implications of impoundment water releases in an intermittent South African river

The potamodromous smallscale redfin minnow (Pseudobarbus asper) spawned in the riffle areas of the regulated Groot River, the major tributary of the Gamtoos River system, during controlled releases of water from Beervlei Dam. Water had been released at irregular intervals from this flood control dam solely for irrigating agricultural lands. Flushing flows removed accumulated salts from riverine pools and were followed by reduced flows which initiated spawning of the minnow species. Developing embryos of P. asper were found in the riffle zone of the main river channel during the water releases. Ripe-running males were located under the boulders in the riffles. Several developing embryos of Labeo umbratus were found with the P. asper eggs. Very little is known about the effects of man-made alterations to the river flow regime on the reproductive activity of fishes in the majority of South African river systems. The agriculturally based flooding regime at Beervlei may have increased the recruitment of the redfin minnow species. Water management must give cognizance to the biological and environmental requirements within the regulated river systems. Water release strategies from Beervlei Dam should include instream flow decisions based on the requirements of the aquatic environment as well as for agriculture.     

Flow and water temperature simulation for habitat restoration in the Shasta River,California

Low instream flows and high water temperatures are two factors limiting survival of native salmon in California's Shasta River. This study examines the potential to improve fish habitat conditions by better managing water quantity and quality using flow and water temperature simulation to evaluate potential restoration alternatives. This analysis provides a reasonable estimate of current and potential flows and temperatures for a representative dry year (2001) in the Shasta River, California. Results suggest restoring and protecting cool spring‐fed sources provides the most benefit for native salmon species from a broad range of restoration alternatives. Implementing a combination of restoration alternatives further improves instream habitat. Results also indicate that substituting higher quality water can sometimes benefit native species without increasing environmental water allocations. This study shows the importance of focusing on the limitations of specific river systems, rather than systematically increasing instream flow as a one size fits all restoration approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantitative evaluation of fish alternative habitats in the Luosuo RiverEI北大核心CSCD

针对罗梭江替代生境适宜度及影响因素尚缺乏定量分析的问题,选取澜沧江干流特有经济鱼类中国结鱼(Tor sinensis)为目标物种,基于河流内流量增加法(IFIM),结合二维水动力模型和鱼类栖息地适宜性曲线,建立了罗梭江典型鱼类的栖息地评价模型,分析了替代生境适宜度及其影响因子。结果表明:罗梭江作为澜沧江最大支流,能为中国结鱼提供良好产卵场,产卵场在丰水期(7—9月)数量和质量较优,高质量产卵场主要分布于河流蜿蜒处;罗梭江不适宜成鱼全年栖息,尤其在枯水期(2—4月),成鱼产卵及育肥适宜度最差。在罗梭江替代生境后期管理中,建议优先加强对河流弯道处的生境保护及捕捞管理,同时重视其关联干流的生态保护。     

Coping with hydrogeomorphic variations in a prairie river: resiliency in young‐of‐the‐year fishes

Young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) fish in sand‐bed rivers of grassland ecoregions frequently encounter dynamic habitat conditions produced by highly variable flow and resulting changes in geomorphic complexity of the river. How these vulnerable life history stages cope with changes in habitat condition and location is largely unknown. Therefore, we examined biodiversity and abundance of YOY fish (larvae and juveniles) at two spatiotemporal scales in response to dynamic flow conditions in the Kansas River. During the summer of 2004, we collected and identified 13 745 YOY fish from various moderate to zero‐flow habitats. Patterns of community structure through time were compared with the river's hydrogeomorphic characteristics, as determined by aerial photographs and measurements of instream flow rate and other water quality characteristics. Our initial hypothesis was that species richness and total YOY abundance would be maximized in larger and longer‐lived slackwater habitats. In contrast, our data suggest that dominant fishes in these highly dynamic ecosystems have adapted to hydrological variations with a more generalist lifestyle by either: (i) temporarily using higher flow habitats (except possibly the thalweg) to cope with intermittent loss of prime habitat; or (ii) extending spawning through favourable and demanding conditions. In contrast to current theories, our results suggest that conditions for YOY success are optimized in dynamic prairie rivers during the intermediate flows that maximize habitat heterogeneity and availability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于鱼类栖息地需求的雅鲁藏布江中游环境流量计算

针对水利工程影响下,河道下游天然水文情势改变造成鱼类产卵场面积减小和质量降低等潜在生态问题,通过数值模拟与统计建立拉萨裸裂尻鱼产卵期栖息地适宜度模型,采用栖息地模拟法计算了雅鲁藏布江中游藏木水电站坝下米林—尼洋河汇口处38.9 km河段的环境流量。结果表明:拉萨裸裂尻鱼产卵期适宜水深为0.7～1.0 m,适宜流速为0.4～0.6 m/s;研究河段内拉萨裸裂尻鱼产卵期环境流量为432 m~3/s。     

Two‐dimensional modelling of habitat suitability as a function of discharge on two Colorado rivers

The quantity of water that should be retained in streams and rivers for the benefit of fish during periods of water scarcity is a question of considerable interest to river managers and biologists. Although instream flow methodologies have existed since the 1970s, no single method has been widely accepted for use on large warm‐water rivers because of their high species richness and generalized fish habitat use patterns. In this paper, we present an approach similar to instream flow incremental methodology, but which uses two‐dimensional flow models and biomass estimates derived from multiple sites on two Colorado rivers for predicting the effect of discharge on adult standing stocks of two native fish species. Suitability criteria are developed for bluehead and flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus discobolus and C. latipinnis) by comparing adult biomass in individual meso‐habitat units with modelled depths and velocities. We find that roundtail chub (Gila robusta) biomass is not correlated with depth and velocity, but appears to be positively associated with indices of habitat heterogeneity. Species biomass and total usable habitat area are predicted as a function of discharge for each site and data show good correlation between predicted and measured biomass. Results suggest that the Colorado and Yampa Rivers have similar potential for native fish biomass, but low summer discharges limit native fish biomass on the Yampa River. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of Keepit Dam on the temperature regime of the Namoi River,Australia

Modifications to water temperature caused by the release of hypolimnetic water from thermally stratified reservoirs pose a major threat to the aquatic biota of lowland rivers in Australia's Murray–Darling basin. Keepit Dam is earmarked as one of several deep‐release structures in the basin causing ecologically significant temperature modification over a large length of river. This study utilized discrete and continuously monitored historical water temperature data from stream gauging stations, together with reservoir thermal profile data, to assess the impacts of Keepit Dam on the thermal regime of the Namoi River. Modifications to selected components of the river's annual temperature cycle were quantified in relation to a pre‐dam temperature regime estimated from statistical models incorporating catchment, hydrological and sample attributes. Keepit Dam has modified the thermal regime of the Namoi River. The effect was greatest immediately downstream from the dam where the annual maximum daily temperature was approximately 5.0 °C lower and occurred three weeks later than the pre‐dam condition. This change was sufficient to disrupt thermal spawning cues for selected Australian native fish species. The magnitude of disturbance progressively diminished with distance from the dam. Key aspects of the river's annual temperature cycle were largely restored to the pre‐dam condition within 100 river km downstream from the dam, which is closer than previous estimates. However, there was marked inter‐annual variation in the magnitude of thermal modification and ecological impact as a result of year to year changes in tributary flow and reservoir behaviour. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mitigation,compensation, and future protection for fish populations affected by hydropower development in the upper Columbia system,Montana, U.S.A.

Pursuant to the Northwest Power Planning Council's Fish and Wildlife Program for the Columbia River system, we estimated losses in fish populations and developed mitigation, compensation, and protection alternatives for reservoirs and downstream river reaches affected by hydropower development in the Flathead and Kootenai River systems in northwest Montana, U.S.A. The construction of Hungry Horse Dam has resulted in estimated annual losses of 65500 migratory juvenile westslope cutthroat and 1965 adult migratory bull trout from the Flathead Lake and River system. In addition, operations of Hungry Horse and Kerr dams caused annual losses conservatively estimated at 96300 river-spawning and 131000 lakeshore-spawning kokanee adults. Water level fluctuations caused by dam operations at Libby and Hungry Horse reservoirs result in: (1) altered thermal stratification, (2) indirect losses in phytoplankton and zooplankton production, (3) direct washout of phytoplankton and zooplankton through dam penstocks, (4) reductions in standing crop of benthic organisms and of insects on the water surface, and (5) reduced fish growth in the late summer and fall. Mitigative measures include: (1) 99.2 and 113.3 m³ s^?1 minimum flows in the Flathead and Kootenai rivers respectively, to protect salmonid eggs and juveniles, (2) improvement of fish passage to restore migrations between the Flathead and Swan systems, and (3) biological rule curves for operations at Libby and Hungry Horse reservoirs. To compensate for fisheries losses, we recommend enhancement of spawning and rearing habitat, introductions of hatchery juveniles, and spawning channels. We recommend protection from further hydropower development for 100 stream reaches (1386 km) for fish species of special concern, and for outstanding sport fisheries. These and other measures will be considered by various agencies in developing an overall fisheries restoration plan which should be flexible, and employ principles of adaptive management. Effectiveness of the plan may be limited by heavy reliance on hatchery fish. Although mitigation efforts may not restore fish populations to pre-dam levels, substantial benefits should be realized.     

Comparison of MesoHABSIM with two microhabitat models (PHABSIM and HARPHA)

This study demonstrates how using different habitat models can influence the results of instream habitat assessment and conclusions for river management. We used three models for a portion of the Quinebaug River (Connecticut and Massachusetts, USA): a simplistic microhabitat model with univariate habitat‐use criteria and substrate‐based channel index (the Physical Habitat Simulation Model (PHABSIM)); a microhabitat model using multivariate criteria including a wide range of cover attributes (HARPHA); and a mesohabitat model with multivariate habitat‐suitability criteria (MesoHABSIM). The flow‐habitat rating curves produced by each model were compared at two scales: site and study segment. To investigate the impact of model choice on answering questions such as which location or flow provides more habitat, we applied Spearman's correlation of ranks. The relationship between habitat‐suitability predictions and fish presence at the same location was investigated with dedicated fish observations. The study showed that: (1) of the tested models, only MesoHABSIM predictions correlated with fish observations; (2) the variation within microscale models (PHABSIM and HARPHA) was greater than between micro‐and mesoscale models (HARPHA and MesoHABSIM); and (3) simple univariate habitat‐use criteria provided the largest source of discrepancies among the models. We suggest that these differences may lead to erroneous conclusions, especially if flow‐habitat rating curve analysis is considered an endpoint of instream flow study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

三峡电站流量变率对两坝间通航水流影响的三维计算分析

三峡至葛洲坝两坝间航道曲折多变、水流条件复杂,三峡电站在泄洪和日调节时产生的非恒定流,使得两坝间的航行条件更为复杂。通过建立两坝间通航水流三维数学模型,针对电站机组开启过程下泄流量变率产生的非恒定流对两坝间河段通航水流条件的影响,开展了计算分析研究。计算分析了三峡电站机组不同开启时间和不同开启流量情况对典型河段水面比降、表面流速产生的影响及其变化规律。研究结果表明:机组开启时间变化情况下,通航最困难河段水面比降增幅随机组开启时间缩短而加大,但最大表面流速线性增大;机组开启流量变化情况下,水面比降和最大表面流速随下泄流量线性增大。     

Salmonid habitat modelling studies and their contribution to the development of an ecologically acceptable release policy for Kielder Reservoir,North‐east England

1. Kielder Reservoir regulates the Rivers North Tyne and Tyne. It provides a regular supply of water for downstream users, supports abstractions for a major water transfer scheme and provides hydroelectric power (HEP). Kielder's release regime typically alternates between a 1.3 m³ s⁻¹ compensation flow and 10–15 m³ s⁻¹ HEP releases of between 3 and 7 days in duration. Occasionally releases of up to 30 m³ s⁻¹ are made for the purpose of encouraging fish runs, for recreational events or to help in water quality management. The impacts of this release regime on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (S. trutta) habitat at four sites on the North Tyne are assessed and alternative regimes, designed to minimize impacts, are presented. 2. There is no evidence that the compensation flow results in extreme loss of instream habitat. A discharge of 1.3 m³ s⁻¹ ensures that water is maintained over most of the channel area at sites representative of upper, middle and lower sections of the North Tyne. This discharge lies above breaks in slope of respective site discharge versus wetted area curves; thus, disproportionate increases in discharge would be needed to increase wetted area. Simulations using the Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM) suggest that the compensation flow provides between 50% and 90% of the maximum possible weighted usable area (WUA) for juvenile (0+) salmonids. 3. During HEP releases, juvenile salmonid habitat (WUA) apparently falls to between 20 and 40% of site maxima. Newly emerged juvenile fish (March and April) are most affected by HEP releases because they are relatively small (25 mm in length) and water temperatures are relatively low at this time of year. During March and April, critical near‐bed displacement velocities for newly emerged fish may be exceeded across large parts (80%) of sites up to 8 km downstream from Kielder Reservoir; fish would either be displaced downstream or forced to relocate to flow refuge areas. 4. The availability of Atlantic salmon spawning habitat (WUA) at a key site is limited by the compensation flow; 1.3 m³ s⁻¹ provides approximately one third of the habitat available at the optimum discharge (4 m³ s⁻¹). At this site, a discharge of approximately 2 m³ s⁻¹ is needed to ensure most of the bed is inundated by water. Regulation has reduced the duration of flows exceeding 2 m³ s⁻¹ from 90 to 60% of the spawning season. 5. Simulations suggest that when discharge drops from 30 m³ s⁻¹ to the compensation flow, up to 60% of the optimum spawning habitat available at the former discharge may be left stranded (dry). This could potentially lead to egg or alevin mortality. 6. PHABSIM simulations suggest that increasing the compensation flow to 4 m³ s⁻¹ during the spawning period (November and December) is likely to increase the availability of suitable spawning habitat. Also, increasing the compensation flow to 2 m³ s⁻¹ during the incubation period (January through March) would minimize redd stranding. Reductions in the number of HEP releases in March and April would limit the extent to which newly emerged fish are exposed to velocities that potentially displace them. Such changes to the Kielder release regime may have implications for water resource management. While it is important that the biological instream flow requirements of the North Tyne are incorporated into the Kielder operating policy, these should be integrated along with the need for channel maintenance flows, downstream water supply abstractions and HEP generation, as well as for transfers of water to other catchments. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluating Uncertainty in Physical Habitat Modelling in a High‐Gradient Mountain Stream

Predictions of habitat‐based assessment methods that are used to determine instream flow requirements for aquatic biota are uncertain, but instream flow practitioners and managers often ignore those uncertainties. Two commonly recognized uncertainties arise from (i) estimating the way in which physical habitat within a river changes with discharge and (ii) the suitability of certain types of physical habitat for organisms. We explored how these sources of uncertainty affect confidence in the results of the British Columbia Instream Flow Methodology (BCIFM), which is a commonly used transect‐based habitat assessment tool for small‐scale water diversions. We calculated the chance of different magnitudes of habitat loss resulting from water diversion using a high‐gradient reach of the North Alouette River, BC, as a case study. We found that uncertainty in habitat suitability indices for juvenile rainbow trout generally dominated uncertainty in the results of the BCIFM when large (>15) numbers of transects were used. In contrast, with small numbers of transects, variation in physical habitat among sampled transects was the major source of uncertainty in the results of the BCIFM. Presentations of results of the BCIFM in terms of probabilities of different amounts of habitat loss for a given flow can help managers prescribe instream flow requirements based on their risk tolerance for fish habitat loss. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.