PATTERNS OF ICHTHYOFAUNAL DISTRIBUTION AND CONNECTIVITY IN NAVIGABLE AND FREE‐FLOWING REACHES OF A MAJOR RIVER SYSTEM: THE ALLEGHENY RIVER IN PENNSYLVANIA

Connectivity throughout large riverine networks is often compromised by lock and dam (L/D) structures designed to facilitate year‐round navigation. The resultant interruption of flow inhibits free passage of aquatic biota potentially isolating mainstem and tributary communities. Our objectives were (i) to evaluate the impact of a series of navigational L/D structures on two targeted fish assemblages (TFAs): large‐bodied (>250 mm total length) pelagic and benthic (darter) communities and (ii) to examine patterns of tributary and mainstem connectivity. We systematically captured fishes utilizing gillnets, benthic trawls and backpack electrofishers from an impounded and a free‐flowing reach extending over 203 km of the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. Species richness among the large‐bodied targeted fish assemblage was distributed somewhat evenly throughout each pool, peaking near dams and in an undredged pool. Depauperate darter assemblages of low species richness characterized most of the navigable reach with diversity and abundance concentrated in L/D tailrace areas. By contrast, darter communities inhabiting the free‐flowing reach were more diverse, abundant and evenly distributed, indicating the influence of uninterrupted connectivity. Community similarity at mainstem/tributary junctions increased with increasing tributary size with 50% of the mainstem species complement also inhabiting the largest tributary. This study underscores the importance of dams as barriers to ichthyofaunal connectivity, particularly to those benthic fishes which are relatively immobile and habitat specific, and the importance of mainstem/tributary junctions as avenues of riverine connectivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tributary confluences are dynamic thermal refuges for a juvenile salmonid in a warming river network

As rivers warm, cold‐water fish species may alleviate thermal stress by moving into localized thermal refuges such as cold‐water plumes created by cool tributary inflows. We quantified use of two tributary confluence plumes by juvenile steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss, throughout the summer, including how trout positioned themselves in relation to temperature within confluence plumes. At two confluences, Cedar and Elder creeks, along the South Fork Eel River, California, USA, we monitored temperatures using in situ logger grids throughout summer 2016. Fish were counted within confluences via snorkel surveys five times a day on 5 days at each site. We found diel and seasonal dependence on confluence use by steelhead, especially at the Cedar Creek confluence, where mainstem temperatures exceeded 28°C. At this site, fish moved into the confluence on the warmest days and warmest times of the day. Fish observed within the Cedar Creek confluence plume were most common in locations between 20–22°C, rather than the coldest locations (14.5°C). At Elder Creek, where mainstem temperatures remained below 24°C, there was little relationship between mainstem temperature and steelhead presence in the confluence plume. At both sites, steelhead distribution within plumes was influenced by spatial variation of temperature and mean temperature in surveyed grid cells. Our results show that cool tributaries flowing into warmer mainstem reaches (over 24°C) likely create important thermal refuges for juvenile steelhead. As mainstem rivers warm with climate change, cool‐water tributary inputs may become more important for sustaining cold‐water salmonids near the southern end of their range.     

Colorado river benthic ecology in Grand Canyon,Arizona, USA: dam,tributary and geomorphological influences

The serial discontinuity concept (SDC; Ward and Stanford, in Ecology of River Systems, 1983) predicts that recovery of large regulated rivers over distance downstream from a dam is limited by relative tributary size; however, channel geomorphology may also influence the recovery process. We examined the spatial variation in water quality, benthic composition and ash-free dry standing biomass (AFDM) among the bedrock-defined geomorphological reaches in three turbidity segments of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Diamond Creek, Arizona, including most of the Grand Canyon. This 387-km long study area supported virtually no Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera or Trichoptera, probably because cold, stenothermic, hypolimnetic releases limited maximum aestival warming to 17·1°C. The benthos displayed abrupt, physically related decreases in AFDM over distance from the dam and in the varial zone. The 26-km long clear water segment between the dam and the Paria River supported a depauperate Cladophora glomerata/epiphyte/chironomid/Gammarus lacustris/lumbricine/Physella sp. assemblage, and ooze-dwelling oligochaetes. This segment contained 6·9% of the aquatic habitat below the 140 m³/s (normal minimum) discharge stage of the Colorado River study area, but supported 63·5% of the benthic primary producer AFDM and 87% of the benthic consumer AFDM in the entire study area. Turbidity increased and light penetration decreased immediately downstream from the confluence of the small, turbid Paria River, and further downstream from the Little Colorado River confluence. The benthos downstream from the Paria River was abruptly replaced by an Oscillatoria/Simuliium assemblage with a mean AFDM of <0·12 g C/m². Dam-related effects on water clarity, varial flow and water temperature overrode geomorphological influences on habitat availability. These results generally support the SDC, in that recovery of the benthos did not take place over distance in this large river ecosystem; however, geomorphological differences in substratum availability between reaches mediated dam and tributary effects on water clarity and benthic AFDM. Interactions between flow regulation and geomorphology produce a pattern of circuitous recovery of some physical river ecosystem characteristics over distance from the dam, but not of the benthos. Improving discharge management for endangered native fish populations requires detailed understanding of existing and potential benthic development, and trophic interactions, throughout the geomorphological reaches and turbidity segments in this river. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Recovery of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages downstream of the Canning Dam,Western Australia

Macroinvertebrate assemblages downstream from the Canning Dam, on the Canning River, Western Australia, were sampled to assess the impact of long-term impoundment and the role of a major tributary in community recovery. Kick samples and associated physical measurements were taken from riffle zones in three reaches in March and July 1989. The lower reach was located immediately downstream of the confluence with Stinton Creek, the first major tributary below the dam, with the middle and upper reaches positioned between the tributary and the dam. Reduced concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the upper and middle reaches in March, compared to the lower reach were attributed to significantly higher levels of organics, high summer water temperatures, and a proposed increase in microbial activity. The build-up of organics was probably related to reduced flushing, as a result of impoundment. Stinton Creek increased the discharge of the Canning River below the confluence, particularly in winter, which presumably prevented the build-up of organics in the lower reach. Significant differences in the aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna between reaches were detected. A total of 68 taxa was recorded from the lower reach, 88 per cent of which were also present in the middle and upper reaches. However, the middle and upper reaches contained a greater number of taxa (112 and 90 respectively), approximately 50 per cent of which were not recorded from the lower reach. The additional taxa were more typical of lowland rivers or lentic (standing water) systems, suggesting that physical conditions in the middle and upper reaches were more like a lowland river than an upland stream. More collectors and shredders occurred in the upper and middle reaches, associated with the accumulation of particulate organic matter. Ordination and classification procedures based on macroinvertebrate assemblages clearly separated samples from the upper and middle reaches from the lower reach. There was also a distinct seasonal separation. These observations support a hypothesis that while the reduced flow below Canning Dam had an impact on the macroinvertebrate fauna, confluence with a major tributary (Stinton Creek) allowed recovery of the macroinvertebrate community, through the tributary acting as a source of increased discharge. The implications for the management of impounded rivers in southwestern Australia are discussed.     

长江上游干支流汇合口河道特征研究

采用遥感卫星影像资料、实测河道地形图、地理信息系统和AutoCAD软件等相结合的方法,从河道平面形态和河床地貌形态对长江上游宜宾至重庆主城区河段9个主要干支流交汇河口的河道特征进行了分析。主要研究了交汇河段干支流河型特征、干支流交汇角和交汇位置、干流弯曲度、干支流河宽比及面积比、河道断面形态和滩地形态等。结果表明:在交汇河段长江干流主要呈弯曲型河道的特征,而支流入汇段基本为顺直河道;干支流交汇角一般在30°~90°范围内,且大多数支流在长江干流凹岸弯顶上游侧入汇;大部分干流河弯的弯曲度大于1.2,属于典型的弯曲型河道;长江干流河宽和面积远大于支流河宽和面积,干流河宽沿程变化相对平缓,河弯比较规顺;汇合口河段的河床地貌形态复杂,河谷断面形态往往发育为"偏V"字形或不完整的"U"形,存在碍航的江心滩或浅滩。研究成果对港口及航道工程、水利工程、市政工程和生态环境工程等的规划和建设具有重要的指导价值。     

Effects of flow regulation and sediment flushing on instream habitat and benthic invertebrates in a New Zealand river influenced by a volcanic eruption

I sampled five sites above and below a dam in the central North Island of New Zealand on five to six occasions to examine the effects on benthic substrates, periphyton and invertebrate communities of (i) degree of flow regulation and (ii) flushing of sediment stored behind a dam. A series of volcanic eruptions during the course of this study provided the opportunity to investigate the effects of a period of high sediment delivery on this regulated river. The operation of the dam prior to sluicing of stored sediment appeared to have little impact on substrate size distribution or fine suspendable sediment levels. Periphyton biomass was markedly higher below than above the dam when sampling was preceded by a period of stable baseflow, but over all sampling dates biomass and inorganic content of periphyton did not appear to be related to degree of flow regulation. The taxonomic richness, biomass and density of invertebrate communities were lowest directly below, rather than above, the dam on most dates, and the site below the dam differed significantly from some of the downstream sites. However, changes in invertebrate abundance and diversity generally did not follow the expected gradient of flow regulation impacts except for the mayfly Deleatidium. Multiple regression analyses implicated substrate size and the biomass and inorganic content of periphyton as significant predictor variables for invertebrate density, biomass and taxonomic richness on sampling dates not influenced by recent sediment flushes, whereas degree of flow regulation was a significant predictor for densities of the dominant chironomid Cricotopus. The volcanic eruption led to deposition of fine silt that had passed through the dam with the residual flow and coarser sediments released during subsequent dam flushes. Flushing of stored sediment during large floods increased levels of sand and gravel directly below the dam and upstream of a large island in the middle reaches of the river, and also appeared to increase scouring of periphyton and associated invertebrates downstream. Overall, invertebrate communities in the study reach appeared to be structured more by periphyton accrual patterns, changes in substrate composition, the occurrence of large floods and natural longitudinal gradients than degree of flow regulation. These findings suggest that site‐specific and large‐scale factors can obscure generalized reach‐scale patterns expected along regulated rivers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fish assemblages and stream hydraulics: consistent relations across spatial scales and regions

General relationships between organisms and their habitat, consistent across spatial scales and regions, suggest the existence of repeatable ecological processes and are useful for the management of stream networks. From published data, we defined four guilds of European fish species with contrasting preferences for microhabitat hydraulics within stream reaches. At the scale of stream reaches and across 139 French sites (590 460 fishes sampled), we analysed how fish guild proportions were related to reach hydraulics (proportion of pools vs. riffles %POOL; median discharge by unit width Q50/W). The strongest correlations were observed between two fish guilds and %POOL (p < 0.001, r² ≥ 0.41) and between one fish guild proportion and Q50/W (p < 0.001, r² = 0.10). These reach–scale relationships were consistent across six large French basins, and consistent with the analyses made at the microhabitat scale. Therefore, microhabitat preferences for hydraulics are strong enough to generate consistent reach‐scale community responses to hydraulics across regions, despite the influence of other filters such as temperature, nutrient levels or history. The distribution of basic geomorphic features (pools, riffles) in streams and their modification (by dams, weirs and dikes) can modify the proportion of fish guilds by up to 80%, probably contributing to the long‐term decline of riffle‐dwelling species in Europe. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A NEW APPROACH TO ASSESS BED STABILITY RELEVANT FOR INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN UPLAND STREAMS

Composition and structure of lotic ecosystems can be affected by substrate instability. Consequently stream ecologists have used various methods to determine bed stability characteristics. However, the link between community composition and these measurements varies because benthic biota often responds to combinations of bed stability characteristics. This paper presents a protocol to determine reach‐scale stream bed stability in mountain streams which is relevant for invertebrate communities (Stream Bed Stability for Invertebrates, SBSI). The approach is calibrated on community composition response to bed stability but does not measure any single bed stability characteristic per se. It consists of 13 parameters that are assessed once at each reach with minimal instrumentation and low interference with the substrate. These 13 parameters cover aspects of sediment supply from banks, transport capacity and substrate erodibility as well as effects of particle transport on channel bottom structures, substrate assemblage and single grains. Application of the SBSI protocol improved the relationship between bed stability and community diversity compared to when conventional bed stability measures were employed. The SBSI protocol provides a cost‐effective and time‐effective assessment method for bed stability and its application can facilitate research on invertebrate community response to physical disturbance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spatial effects of reservoirs on fish assemblages in Great Plains streams in Kansas,USA

Reservoirs are important components of modern aquatic ecosystems that have negative impacts on native aquatic biota both up‐ and downstream. We used a landscape‐scale geographic information system (GIS) approach to quantify the spatial effects of 19 large reservoirs on upstream prairie fish assemblages at 219 sites in Kansas, USA. We hypothesized that fish assemblage structure would vary with increasing distance from a reservoir and that the abundance of reservoir fishes in upstream reaches would decline with distance from a reservoir. Ordination of sample sites showed variation in fish assemblage structure occurred primarily across river basins and with stream size. Variance partitioning of a canonical ordination revealed that the pure effect of reservoir distance explained a small but significant (6%; F = 4.90, P = 0.002) amount of variability in fish assemblage structure in upstream reaches. Moreover, reservoir species catch per unit of effort (CPUE) significantly declined with distance from a reservoir, but only in fourth‐ and fifth‐ order streams (r² = 0.32, P < 0.001 and r² = 0.49, P < 0.001, respectively). Finally, a multivariate regression model including measures of stream size, catchment area, river basin, and reservoir distance successfully predicted CPUE of reservoir species at sites upstream of Kansas reservoirs (R² = 0.45, P < 0.001). Overall, we found significant upstream effects of reservoirs on Kansas stream fish assemblages, which over time has led to a general homogenization of fish assemblages because of species introductions and extirpations. However, characteristic reservoir species are present throughout these systems and the importance of spatial proximity to reservoirs is probably dependent on the availability of suitable habitat (e.g. deep pools) in these tributary streams. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using United States Geological Survey stream gages to predict flow and temperature conditions to maintain freshwater mussel habitat

Habitat conditions necessary to support freshwater mussels can be difficult to characterize and predict, particularly for rare or endangered species such as the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. In this study, we evaluate flow and temperature conditions in three areas of the mainstem Delaware River known to consistently support A. heterodon, and we develop predictive models using the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gages and thermal stations in order to identify conditions under which habitat alteration could threaten the species. Flow and temperature prediction models based on nearby existing USGS gage and thermal stations were predictive for all three sites. Both discharge prediction and water depth profile models indicate one location (Site 3) was the most vulnerable to low‐flow conditions as it requires the highest discharge rate (26.3 cms) at the USGS Callicoon gage to maintain both the full wetted perimeter (P_full) and minimal wetted perimeter (P_min) and prevent occlusion of areas that contain A. heterodon. Flow management targets aimed at protecting Site 3 should also protect Sites 1 and 2. Although analyses indicated significant benthic habitat available in all three sites even under low discharge rates, specific mussel locations could be vulnerable to dewatering and thermal stress if only P_min values were maintained. Results indicate the magnitude of site temperature deviations from thermal stations varied by site and river temperature. In general, our results suggest that existing temperature and stream gage infrastructure may be used predictively to evaluate the effects of different flow targets on mainstem Delaware River A. heterodon habitat.     

五道水库入库净流量的分析研究

本文通过朝阳河干流及支流上各站历年水文资料的综合分析，得出流域产汇流特性及径流量的年际变化规律，为水库管理和调度提供了科学依据。     

Comparison of macroinvertebrate assemblages across a gradient of flow permanence in an agricultural watershed

In the south‐eastern United States and globally, increasing human water demand coupled with climate change is diminishing stream flows and increasing stream intermittency in many watersheds. We characterized benthic invertebrate assemblages across a stream flow gradient ranging from intermittent to perennial following a multiyear drought by examining the functional traits that can influence assemblage response to drying. We sampled 13 reaches within the Lower Flint River Basin in south‐western Georgia, from September to December 2013. Reaches included perennial, near‐perennial (ceased flowing but maintained a wetted channel during drought), intermittent‐dry (seasonally dry), and intermittent‐frequent (frequently dry). Distinct assemblages were documented across this gradient. Reaches that dried during the drought had a lower richness of aquatic insects, especially Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa, partly due to inadequate time for life cycle completion and lack of adaptations to avoid drying. Intermittent reaches also included abundant and unique noninsect taxa such as Gammarus spp. and Isopoda. Projected trends towards increased water demand and drought severity and frequency in the south‐eastern United States will magnify shifts towards dominance by drought‐tolerant taxa as greater portions of stream networks become intermittent.     

Removal of the Invasive Shrub,Lonicera Maackii,from Riparian Forests Influences Headwater Stream Biota and Ecosystem Function

Riparian forests and streams are interlinked by cross‐system subsidies and alterations of the terrestrial environment can have substantial effects on aquatic biota and ecosystem function. In the Midwestern USA, the exotic shrub Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) has successfully invaded many riparian habitats, creating near‐monocultures in some locations. This terrestrial invasion has strong potential to modify cross‐system subsidies and impact stream ecosystems. We removed L. maackii from a riparian forest to assess impacts on the aquatic environment. In August 2010, removal occurred along a 150 m stream reach, 10 m downstream of a non‐removal reach, before natural leaf senescence. Over 74 days, in‐stream leaf litter [organic matter (OM)] was collected weekly from plots located in riffles (five/reach). Benthic algal biomass, above stream canopy cover, and macroinvertebrate density were measured for 18 months. L. maackii removal was associated with decreased canopy cover and a significant increase in total in‐stream leaf OM in early autumn (P < 0.05). Removal also differentially influenced the timing and abundance of specific leaf litter genera within the stream (P < 0.05). Macroinvertebrate density was significantly higher in the removal reach, especially during autumn 1 year after removal (P = 0.0294). In both reaches, macroinvertebrate density peaks lagged behind benthic algal biomass peaks. In summary, the removal of an invasive riparian shrub influenced the timing, deposition, quality and abundance of leaf litter habitat into a headwater stream, ostensibly driving bottom‐up effects on aquatic primary producer biomass and the macroinvertebrate community. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A MODEL INCORPORATING DISTURBANCE AND RECOVERY PROCESSES IN BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE HABITAT—FLOW TIME SERIES

We describe and demonstrate a model (Benthic Invertebrate Time Series Habitat Simulation) for calculating the effect of changes to flow regimes on benthic invertebrate habitat and population dynamics. The following inputs are required: a hydrograph (discharge time series), habitat–discharge relationship, disturbance–discharge relationship, wetted width–discharge relationship and a recolonization time series. Habitat–discharge, disturbance–discharge and wetted width–discharge relationships are common outputs from instream hydraulic habitat models (e.g. Physical Habitat Simulation, River Hydraulic Habitat Simulation and River2D). Hydraulic habitat models calculate a combined habitat suitability index from physical habitat suitability curves for water depth, velocity and substrate composition and weight this by area to give a weighted usable area (WUA). Because conventional invertebrate habitat suitability curves are based on density estimates, the combined habitat suitability index can be treated as an index of density and WUA treated as an index of potential relative abundance (at the reach scale) in the absence of disturbance due to flow variation (flooding and drying) and biotic processes. Our approach begins with WUA and calculates realizable suitable habitat (i.e. relative abundance) by taking into account the resetting of benthic invertebrate densities by floods and drying and recovery (or accrual) rates and times. The approach is intended mainly to compare the relative amounts of productive invertebrate habitat sustained by natural and modified flow regimes, but it also has the potential for investigating the influence of flow variation on invertebrate population dynamics. We anticipate that the model will be particularly useful for assessing effects of changes in flow regimes caused by diversions, abstractions or water storage on annual benthic invertebrate productivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fish and Macroinvertebrate Communities in Tributary Streams of Eastern Lake Erie with and without Round Gobies (Neogobius melanostomus, Pallas 1814)

Round gobies have had significant impacts on benthic fish and invertebrate communities in nearshore habitats of the Great Lakes. As round gobies have become more abundant in lake habitats, there has been an expansion of their populations into tributary streams and rivers. We compared stream invertebrate and fish communities in New York tributaries to Lake Erie with round gobies present and absent. Four of six benthic invertebrate metrics differed between streams with and without round gobies. Streams with round gobies present had reduced Shannon diversity, EPT richness, and EPT/chironomid ratios, and increased macroinvertebrate density relative to streams without round gobies, but there was no difference in non-Diptera density, or total taxa richness. None of the four fish metrics examined differed between streams with and without round gobies. However, darters occurred in all streams lacking round gobies, but did not occur in any streams with round gobies. Comparisons with historical fish and macroinvertebrate distributional data support our suspicion of goby-induced community changes. In these New York streams, round gobies seem to have had significant impacts on invertebrate communities via their consumptive behavior, whereas the impacts on fish communities are less evident. If round gobies continue to expand their distribution inland, the resultant alterations in macroinvertebrate communities may impact the suitability of tributary streams as spawning and nursery habitat for several sport fish species and for energy dynamics in tributary streams.     

Historical Changes in Fish Assemblage Composition Following Water Quality Improvement in the Mainstem Trinity River of Texas

The Clean Water Act of 1972 is credited with improving water quality across the USA, although few long‐term studies tracking hydrologic, chemical, and biological responses to cleanup efforts exist. The Trinity River of Texas was plagued by poor water quality for more than a century before passage of legislation to reduce point source pollution from the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex. We tracked changes in components of flow regime; concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, phosphorus, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); and fish assemblage composition in three mainstem reaches during a 40‐year period (1968–2008) following implementation of a large‐scale cleanup initiative. Results suggest little change in flow regime components such as magnitude, timing, and rate of change among the three reaches during 1968–2008. Concentrations of water quality parameters declined through time and with greater distance from DFW, including the lowest concentrations in the reach downstream of a mainstem reservoir (Lake Livingston). Fish assemblage composition shifts correlated with attenuated nutrient and BOD concentrations, and species richness generally increased among all reaches. Native and intolerant fishes consistently increased through time among all three reaches, although lentic and non‐native species also increased downstream of Lake Livingston. Our findings suggest a revitalization of the Trinity River fish assemblage associated with reduced nutrient pollution in DFW (even among distant reaches) and also illustrate potential confounding factors such as stream impoundment and continued nutrient deposition that likely preclude complete recovery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Point source effects on density,biomass and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in a Mediterranean stream

We sampled benthic macroinvertebrates above and below a point source effluent in La Tordera stream (NE, Spain) over 2001–2002 to assess the effects of nutrient enrichment on the structure, and taxonomic composition of the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Below the point source, discharge, specific conductance and nutrient concentrations were higher than at the upstream reach, while dissolved oxygen (DO) decreased. Macroinvertebrate density was higher at the downstream reach than at the upstream reach on most dates but the two reaches did not differ in macroinvertebrate biomass. On average, taxa richness at the upstream reach was 20% higher than at the downstream reach. Several taxa, especially mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies, were present only at the upstream reach. Shannon diversity was similar between the two reaches on 50% of the dates. Ordination analysis clearly separated the samples of the upstream reach from the samples of the downstream reach in the first axis and corroborated the effect of the point source on the benthic community. The two reaches followed a similar temporal pattern with respect to the distribution of taxa along the second axis of the ordination analysis. Higher similarities between the two reaches in taxa composition, densities and biomass after the spates of April and May 2002, suggest that flooding events may act as a reset mechanism for benthic communities and play an important role in stream restoration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydropeaking effects on movement patterns of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

Radiotelemetry was used to investigate seasonal movement and home range of brown trout Salmo trutta (size range 188–420 mm fork length, N = 30) in two reaches of the Noguera Pallaresa River (Ebro Basin, north‐east Spain) subjected to different flow regulation schemes. NP‐1 reach is a bypassed section with near natural flow conditions, whereas the downstream reach NP‐2 is subjected to daily pulsed flow discharge (i.e., hydropeaking) from an upstream hydropower station. Significant differences in home range size (95% kernel estimates) and seasonal movement pattern between study reaches were found. Mean home range size was (μ ± SE) 112.1 ± 11.5 m in the bypassed reach NP‐1 and increased significantly in the hydropeaking reach NP‐2 up to 237.9 ± 37.2 m. There was a large individual variability in fish home range size within reaches. Most of the seasonal differences in fish movement among reaches were associated with the spawning season. Pulsed discharge events in NP‐2 during daytime in summer (lasting about 3 hr and increasing water flow from 1 to 20 m³/s) did not cause significant displacements in either upstream or downstream direction during the duration of the event. Our results highlight the importance of habitat connectivity in hydropeaking streams due to the need of brown trout to move large distances among complementary habitats, necessary to complete their life cycle, compared with unregulated or more stable streams.     

Disturbance by aquatic plant management in streams: Effects on benthic invertebrates

The effect of aquatic plant removal on benthic invertebrates and their habitat was studied in two macrophyte-rich streams of the Swiss Plateau. In each stream, habitat conditions (macrophyte biomass, current velocity, water depth) and invertebrate densities were monitored in a control reach and in a reach where plants were removed by cutting. Biological samples were taken and physical parameters measured on three dates before and six dates after plant removal in both reaches. Responses to plant removal were similar in both streams; macrophyte cutting initially decreased mean plant biomass (ca. 85%) and total number of invertebrates (ca. 65%). Variation between replicates was, however, higher in one of the streams, causing fewer effects on plants and invertebrates to be statistically significant. Plant cutting affected mainly taxa that used macrophytes as habitat (e.g. Simuliidae, Chironomidae), whereas highly mobile taxa (e.g. Ephemeroptera) and taxa living on or within the bed sediments (e.g. Trichoptera, Bivalvia) were less affected. Taxa that decreased after plant removal recovered within 4–6 months, although recovery of macrophytes was quite different in both streams. Invertebrate recovery also seemed to be seasonally dependent, with cutting having a less severe impact during summer than spring. Our results suggest that macrophytes in streams should be removed only in summer, preferably leaving some plant beds to act as refugia for phytophilous invertebrates. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

WATER TEMPERATURE PATTERNS BELOW LARGE GROUNDWATER SPRINGS: MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS FOR COHO SALMON IN THE SHASTA RIVER,CALIFORNIA

Elevated stream temperature is a primary factor limiting the coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population in California's Shasta River Basin. Understanding the mechanisms driving spatial and temporal trends in water temperature throughout the Shasta River is critical to prioritising river restoration efforts aimed at protecting this threatened species. During the summer, the majority of streamflow in the Shasta River comes from large‐volume, cold‐water springs at the head of the tributary Big Springs Creek. In this study, we evaluated the initial character of this spring water, as well as the downstream fate and transport of these groundwater inflows during July and August 2008. Our results indicated that Big Springs Creek paradoxically provided both cool and warm waters to the Shasta River. During this period, cool groundwater inflows heated rapidly in the downstream direction in response to thermal loads from incoming solar radiation. During the night time, groundwater inflows did not appreciably heat in transit through Big Springs Creek. These diurnally varying water temperature conditions were inherited by the Shasta River, producing longitudinal temperature patterns that were out of phase with ambient meteorological conditions up to 23 km downstream. Findings from this study suggest that large, constant temperature spring sources and spring‐fed rivers impart unique stream temperature patterns on downstream river reaches that can determine reach‐scale habitat suitability for cold‐water fishes such as coho salmon. Recognising and quantifying the spatiotemporal patterns of water temperature downstream from large spring inflows can help identify and prioritize river restoration actions in locations where temperature patterns will allow rearing of cold‐water fishes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.