Effect of aquatic mosses on juvenile fish density and habitat use in the regulated River Suldalslågen,western Norway

Two morphologically distinct moss communities were found in the River Suldalslågen. The liver moss community consists of species which form a dense mat on the bottom, while the river moss (Fontinalis) community forms long tufts. Moss growth has increased since hydropower regulations due to reduced floods and increased winter flows. Increased moss cover affects the bottom structure, as well as intra‐gravel and near‐bottom hydraulics. We studied densities of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) by electrofishing and habitat selection by direct underwater observation, in areas with natural moss cover compared with areas where mosses were experimentally removed. Areas with dense mats of liver mosses held lower densities of young of year (YoY) and older salmon parr than areas where liver moss had been removed. No differences in densities of YoY salmon were found between areas with and without Fontinalis. For older salmon, parr results were inconclusive. In some samples more and in others fewer fish were found in areas with Fontinalis moss removed. For trout, densities were higher in areas with Fontinalis, while results for liver moss were inconclusive. No major differences were found with regard to microhabitat selection between areas with and without river moss, suggesting that habitat quality in these areas was similar during summer, except with respect to substrate. Salmon held more exposed positions in areas without liver moss, but this is mainly attributed to different habitat availabilities. It is concluded that the relative increase in liver mosses in the River Suldalslågen has a negative impact on juvenile Atlantic salmon fish density. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rivers need floods: Management lessons learnt from the regulation of the Norwegian salmon river,Suldalslågen

The Norwegian river Suldalslågen, known for its population of large‐sized Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), has been regulated for hydropower in 1966–1967 and in 1980. The initial regulation increased winter flows and reduced summer flows and major floods. The second regulation, involving abstraction of water to a power station in an adjacent fjord, led to a strong reduction in flow. In addition to implementing different flow regimes, many remedial actions have been taken, often concurrently, making it almost impossible to detect the effect of single measures. In addition, the monitoring data have not always been consistent as regards methods and scope, and also, few data are available for preregulation conditions. This highlights major challenges in the long‐term management of regulated rivers. The absence of major floods after regulation led to increased sedimentation and encouraged carpet mosses. This reduced interstitial spaces, creating a poor habitat for salmon fry and benthic invertebrates. The knowledge gained from the wide‐ranging studies of the different flow regimes have enabled the environmental authorities to devise a final regulation regime from 2012. The final flow regime focused on biological values and functions to sustain the strain of wild, large adult salmon. The catch of wild salmon >7 kg has in fact increased since 2010 and stabilized between 1 and 2 metric tons, although the yield of large salmon prior to 1994 is unknown. In addition, the increase in the catch of large salmon is based on hatchery fish. Hatchery fish have also to a large extent contributed to the increase in the total salmon catch in recent years. Thus, that the catches in Suldalslågen are now at an all‐time high is not due to improved conditions in the river but likely to hatchery fish.     

MULTIPLICATIVE LOSS OF LANDLOCKED ATLANTIC SALMON Salmo salar L. SMOLTS DURING DOWNSTREAM MIGRATION TROUGH MULTIPLE DAMS

Relatively little is known about the downstream migration of landlocked stocks of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. smolts, as earlier migration studies have generally focused on upstream migration. However, in watersheds with many hydroelectric plants (HEPs), multiplicative loss of downstream‐migrating salmon smolts can be high, contributing to population declines or extirpations. Here we report the results from a study of wild landlocked Atlantic salmon smolts in the River Klarälven. Salmon smolts, tagged with acoustic transmitters, were released at different locations and followed as they passed 37 receivers along a 180‐km‐long river segment, including eight dams as well as free‐flowing control stretches. We found that 16% of the smolts successfully migrated along the entire river segment. Most losses occurred during HEP passages, with 76% of the smolts being lost during these passages, which contrasts with the 8% smolt loss along unregulated control stretches. Migration speed was 83% slower along regulated stretches than along unregulated stretches. The observed lower migration speed at regulated stretches was dependent on fish size, with large fish moving slower than small fish. Discharge affected migration speed but not losses. As previously shown for anadromous populations, our study of landlocked salmon demonstrates similar negative effects of multiple passages of HEPs by downstream‐migrating smolts. On the basis of this and previous migration studies, we advocate using a holistic approach in the management and conservation of migratory fish in regulated rivers, which includes safe passage for both upstream‐ and downstream‐migrating fish. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Naturalised Atlantic salmon smolts are more likely to reach the sea than wild smolts in a lowland fjord

The survival rates of three groups of seaward‐migrating Salmo salar smolts were investigated in 2005, 2016, and 2017 in the River Skjern and River Omme, as well as in the Ringkøbing Fjord using acoustic telemetry. Ringkøbing Fjord extends for approximately 300 km², and has a narrow, regulated outlet to the sea. Smolts of three different origins: (a) wild smolts, (b) hatchery‐reared smolts previously released at half‐year‐old, and (c) hatchery‐reared smolts previously released at 1‐year‐old were captured in rotary screw traps and surgically implanted with acoustic transmitters. The progress during seaward migration was monitored with a network of automatic listening stations deployed in the river estuary, fjord mouth and sea opening. The smolts' probability of survival in the river was related to their length, with larger smolts being more likely to reach the fjord. Once in the fjord, the probability of reaching the sea was related with the smolt's group, with smolts previously released at half‐year‐old being more likely to succeed than wild smolts. However, none of the biometric or behavioural variables explained the difference between the studied smolt groups, masking the potential reasons behind this difference in survival probability. Overall, approximately 47% of the tagged smolts were registered at the last array of automatic listening stations (i.e., entered the sea), demonstrating the early migration as a critical bottleneck for the local Atlantic salmon population. Ultimately, this limits the number of Atlantic salmon that survive to adulthood and return to River Skjern and River Omme for spawning.     

Causes of mortality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) smolts in a restored river and its estuary

During October 2000 to August 2002, the River Skjern Nature Project was implemented by removing dykes and re‐meandering 20.5 km of the lower canalized river. As a consequence the length of the river stretch increased to 23 km. A lake of 250 ha developed in the river valley 5 km upstream from the river mouth because of subsiding soils caused by reclamation and drainage since the 1960s. Using radiotelemetry, the mortality of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) smolts in the River Skjern and its estuary was investigated prior to and after the implementation of the project. Altogether, 77 Atlantic salmon and 66 brown trout smolts were caught, tagged and released in the river upstream of the restoration project during the spring of 2000 and 2002. The in‐river smolt mortality was more than double in 2002 for both Atlantic salmon and brown trout compared with 2000. This was primarily due to bird predation in 2002 which was not observed in 2000. The in‐river bird predation in 2002 was mediated by the new lake, which quickly became an important bird rest area. Estuarine mortality mainly caused by cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) differed significantly between species, but was high for both Atlantic salmon (39%) and brown trout (12%) in both years of investigation. The aggregated smolt mortality in the river and in the estuary (48%) may threaten an indigenous self‐sustaining Atlantic salmon population in the River Skjern. When planning river restoration projects, caution should be used, especially where permanently flooded floodplains (lakes) develop due to subsiding soil. In situations where rivers pass directly through newly developed lakes, migratory species such as Atlantic salmon and brown trout may be severely affected due to increased exposure to predation from predatory fish and birds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Low potential for restraint of anadromous salmonid reproduction by beaver Castor fiber in the Numedalslågen River catchment,Norway

After a long absence, beaver Castor fiber are rapidly returning to Europe. Their dam‐building and tree‐felling behaviour may have consequences for salmon Salmo salar and sea trout Salmo trutta management. In 2003 we investigated the parallel use of stream sections by beaver, sea trout and salmon and determined the potential hindrance that beaver dam‐building presented for reproducing salmon and sea trout along 65 km of the Numedalslågen River and tributaries, a major Norwegian catchment. We also surveyed landowner attitude to having beaver on salmon and sea trout streams. Most salmon spawned in the river and most sea trout in 51 tributaries. Nine of these tributaries also hosted spawning salmon. 15 (29%) of the 51 tributaries with spawning sea trout and six (67%) of the nine with spawning salmon had intermittently been occupied by beaver. Though beaver preferred to colonize the same sections of stream used for spawning, only 15% of the stream length navigable by salmon and sea trout on the 51 tributaries had actually been used by beaver, and only three colonies were occupied autumn 2003 (1 colony/25.0 km). Five dams were functioning during autumn 2003 on the 51 tributaries (1 dam/14.3 km). These potentially hindered sea trout and salmon from reaching 18% and 3%, respectively of their potential spawning habitat, though all dams were low (≤0.5 m). Though the autumn density of occupied beaver colonies along the river (1 colony/2.5 km) was 10.0 times the density on the 51 tributaries, no dams were built on the river. Thus most salmon reproduction in the catchment was unhindered by beaver. Nine of 14 landowners were unequivocally positive about having beaver together with salmon and sea trout. We conclude that the presence of beaver on similar catchments will likely have only an insignificant negative impact on the reproduction of sea trout and salmon. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biotic and abiotic determinants of the ascent behaviour of adult Atlantic salmon transiting passable waterfalls

The spawning migration of Atlantic salmon has been characterized by tracking salmon carrying electronic tags as they ascend rivers, but still little is known about how natural obstacles such as waterfalls influence migratory behaviour and how such behaviours are mediated by various biotic (e.g., fish size) and abiotic (e.g., discharge, water temperature, and barometric pressure) factors. The Norwegian river Numedalslågen is interrupted by natural waterfalls ranging in height from 2 to 6 m. We tagged 113 Atlantic salmon with radio transmitters in the estuary and used stationary radio telemetry stations to track fish. Ninety‐one salmon were recorded in Numedalslågen, 39 of which remained in the river for spawning. Large salmon moved farther and faster upriver but also delayed longer and had lower daily probability to pass the second waterfall. Delay below and passage probability at the final, largest waterfall was affected by water discharge, wherein passage occurred when discharge was declining. Barometric pressure also influenced daily probability of ascent, albeit in opposite directions for each waterfall. Importantly, we also found that salmon with surgically implanted radio transmitters moved farther upriver on average and delayed less time below one of the waterfalls than those with externally attached transmitters. Although there is variance in timing arising from individual decision‐making, we showed that natural waterfalls delay progress of Atlantic salmon on their spawning migration and that both biotic (i.e., size) and abiotic (i.e., barometric pressure and discharge) factors influenced the salmon's decisions to pass waterfalls that they encounter.     

IMPACT OF CHANGING HYDROLOGY ON NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN HIGH ARCTIC RIVERS

Despite the importance of river nutrient retention in regulating downstream water quality and the potential alterations to nutrient fluxes associated with climate‐induced changes in Arctic hydrology, current understanding of nutrient cycling in Arctic river systems is limited. This study adopted an experimental approach to quantify conceptual water source contributions (meltwater, groundwater), environmental conditions and uptake of NO₃^?, NH₄⁺, PO₄^3? and acetate at 12 headwater rivers in Svalbard and so determine the role of changing hydrology on nutrient uptake in these Arctic river systems. Most rivers exhibited low demand for NO₃^? and PO₄^3?, but demand for NH₄⁺ and acetate was more variable and in several rivers comparable with that measured in sub‐Arctic regions. The proportion of meltwater contributing to river flow was not significantly related to nutrient uptake. However, NH₄⁺ uptake was associated positively with algal biomass, water temperature and transient storage area, whereas acetate uptake was associated positively with more stable river channels. Mean demand for NH₄⁺ increased when added with acetate, suggesting NH₄⁺ retention may be facilitated by labile dissolved organic carbon availability in these rivers. Consequently, nutrient export from Arctic river systems could be influenced in future by changes in hydrological and environmental process interactions associated with forecasted climate warming. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Thermal Stratification on Phytoplankton and Nutrient Dynamics in a Regulated River (Saar,Germany)

The weir pool Serrig is the deepest one along the impounded river Saar. Damming caused massive changes in the river's hydrodynamics. We analyzed the spatio‐temporal variability of thermal density stratification in the weir pool and its effect on phytoplankton and nutrient dynamics. In the analysis, continuous measurements from the years 2014 and 2015 were combined with three two‐day sampling campaigns in spring 2015. Thermal stratification occurred regularly in the downstream section of the weir pool during spring and summer and showed a diurnal rhythm. Temperature differences >1 K between the 1 and 2 m water layer were observed during 34 out of 217 days (16%) in 2014, with maximum temperature gradients up to 3.71 K. Whereas the influence of thermal stratification on phytoplankton biomass and distribution was low during the algal bloom in early spring, stratification events between May and July promoted temporary algal blooms in the surface layer with chlorophyll a concentrations up to 98 µg Chla l^?1 and a maximum difference between the 1 and 2 m water layer of 36 µg Chla l^?1. Some of the stratification events resulted in reduced concentrations of dissolved nutrients in the surface layer as a result of increased uptake by algae, with maximum gradients between the surface and the 8 m water layer of 0.070 mg ortho‐PO₄^3‐‐P l^?1, 0.136 mg NH₄⁺?N l^?1 and 0.24 mg NO₃¯?N l^?1. These vertical gradients should be considered in sampling protocols for the assessment of the water quality of temporarily stratified river sections. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Distribution and geochemical processes of boron in the multimedia of Lake Qinghai,China

Lake Qinghai on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau is the largest lake in China. This study investigated the concentration and geochemical processes of boron (B) in lake water, lake sediment and river samples collected from Lake Qinghai and the Buha River. In addition, lake sediment pore water samples were analyzed. The concentrations of B and major ions, including K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^? and SO₄^2?, were analyzed in all the water samples. The average concentration of B was 0.07?mg?L^?1, 6.37?mg?L^?1, 12.79) mg?L^?1 and 59.42?mg?kg^?1 for river water, lake water, pore water, and sediment, respectively. There were significant (p?<?0.05) and positive (r?=?0.70) relationships between the B concentrations in bottom water of the lake and in lake sediment, indicating that B diffusion from the sediment plays an important role in the concentration of B in bottom lake water. The differences in B concentrations and B/major ion molar ratios of the river water, lake water, and pore water indicated the following geochemical processes: 1) B is enriched in the lake water through evaporative concentration; 2) B is removed from the lake water through mineral precipitation as well as sorption onto colloids; 3) Solid-phase B in sediments was released through dissolution driven by organic matter mineralization. B/Cl and Na/Cl molar ratios alone are not enough to identify the sources of B in the water of inland closed-basin saline lakes because of these processes.     

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.     

Effect of stream regulation on population parameters of atlantic salmon [Salmo salar L.] in the river Lærdalselva,western Norway

The river Lærdalselva, West Norway, was regulated in the autumn of 1974. Regulation led to an increase in winter flow and a decrease in summer flow in a section where there was natural production of salmon. A slight decrease in summer temperature was also recorded in the uppermost part of this section. No data existed on juvenile Atlantic salmon before regulation and the regulation effect on juvenile fish population parameters is therefore based on samples taken from adult salmon in the period 1969 to 1984. No differences in growth, smolt age, and smolt size which could be related to the regulation of the river were found. The smallest mean sizes of yearlings (0+) were found in 1964 and 1967. After regulation the mean size was never lower than before. Mean smolt age was between 3–1 and 3–9 years, but after regulation never exceeded that found before. River growth was slow, three year old smolts growing faster than four year old smolts. However, there were no differences in river growth before and after regulation.     

Storm effects on nitrogen flux and longitudinal variability in a river–reservoir system

Sustainable management of the nitrogen (N) cycle remains a considerable global challenge that has major implications for aquatic ecosystems. Dams play a critical yet often neglected role in addressing this challenge as they increase hydraulic residence time and denitrification potential. However, during storm events when the majority of N loading occurs, less is known about the effects dams have on N fate and transport processes. Here, we examined the flux of N species and phosphorus (P) and longitudinal profiles of nitrate (NO₃^?) along a sixth‐order river–reservoir system at baseflow and across the falling limb of a multiday, 1‐year storm hydrograph. During the storm event, the reservoir reduced total NO₃^? flux by 19.1% and P flux by 12.7%. On the contrary, ammonium (NH₄⁺) fluxes were 200% higher downstream of the dam in comparison with fluxes into the reservoir, indicating that there was a substantial net export of NH₄⁺ from the reservoir during the storm event. Longitudinally along the river to reservoir transition, a breakpoint of statistical significance was identified, highlighting the sharp contrast between NO₃^? concentrations within the river and reservoir. Results suggest that frequent storm events such as the one presented here can greatly alter N removal processes in river–reservoir systems. Overall, this study highlights the need to better understand the role that storm events play in river–reservoir N cycling dynamics.     

Behavioural responses of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to presence of boulders

The influence of boulder presence on the behaviour of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was investigated experimentally in an indoor flume fed by a 16 l s^?1 flow of natural river water. The flume was divided into 16 arenas (each 1 m²) that were landscaped with river gravel and standardized boulders, to represent relative ‘complex’ or ‘simple’ habitats. Each arena housed three wild‐caught fish. In a three‐week trial, the effects of landscape on aspects of individual behaviour were recorded. Food intake was highest in the simple landscape and directly related to social status and time spent in the water column. The fish in the complex chambers actively maintained station in the water column significantly more than fish in simple landscapes and therefore partially compensated for reduced foraging rates associated with complexity. Fish in simple chambers spent more time orientated upstream than those in complex landscapes. There was no evidence that habitat complexity influenced levels of aggression, average aggressive distance, ‘constrained’ territory size, or dominance. Activity and space use varied with social status. Overall, this study illustrates that addition of boulders can result in costs to Atlantic salmon parr, which can be expected to offset to some extent benefits brought about by increased stream complexity. Work is now needed to evaluate the balance of costs and benefits at different life stages and under various environmental conditions. © Crown copyright 2005. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SIZE‐FRACTIONATED PHYTOPLANKTON GROWTH AND MICROZOOPLANKTON GRAZING RATES IN THE UPPER ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

Chlorophyll‐a‐specific growth and grazing rates of phytoplankton in three size fractions (0.2 to 2 µm, 2 to 20 µm, and 20 to 153 µm) were determined using dilution assays (n = 38) that were conducted from May to December 2009 in the St. Lawrence River (discharge approx. 7135 m³ s^?1) from its headwaters at Lake Ontario to 180 km downstream. There was no discernible difference in phytoplankton growth or grazing rates as a function of river reach sampled. At water temperatures below 20°C specific rates of growth and grazing were closely matched (0.43 day^?1), suggesting tight coupling of phytoplankton grazing in the water column. However, specific phytoplankton growth rates exceeded specific grazing rates by 0.29 day^?1 when river water temperature exceeded 20°C. Nevertheless, the greater specific growth rate did not manifest in greater phytoplankton biomass with transit downstream suggesting the importance of grazer organisms on benthic surfaces that graze phytoplankton in this reach of a large river. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Importance and seasonal availability of terrestrial invertebrates as prey for juvenile salmonids in floodplain spring brooks of the Kol River (Kamchatka,Russian Federation)

Energy and resource fluxes between terrestrial and aquatic habitats of river flood plains can have reciprocal influences on food webs. Floodplain spring brooks may contain high densities (>1 m⁻²) of juvenile fish even when aquatic food resources appear to be low. A likely explanation is the allochthonous energy subsidy from riparian vegetation (e.g. leaves, invertebrates). To quantify this relationship in a rich salmon river ecosystem, we measured the temporal and spatial flux of terrestrial invertebrate and aquatic food resources in relation to diets of the two most abundant salmonid species in two spring brooks within early (<20 years) and late (>50 years) successional riparia on an expansive coastal flood plain of the Kol River, Kamchatka. Standing crops of benthic invertebrates and density of drifting invertebrates (dry mass) were fairly low (<4 g m⁻² and <1 mg m⁻³, respectively) at both sites, but annual average terrestrial invertebrate input among sites was 22.2 ± 0.1 mg m⁻² day⁻¹. On average 68% of the coho salmon diet was of terrestrial origin, contrasting with 13% for Dolly Varden char at both sites, thus showing resource partitioning. Diet varied temporally and spatially with prey availability. Specifically, larvae of a weevil (Curculionidae) feeding on willow catkins were a dominant diet item for coho in the spring but only at the early successional site; Dolly Varden also ate these weevils but aquatic invertebrates continued to dominate their diets, further demonstrating behavioural segregation. The results show the importance of channel‐floodplain connectivity to management and conservation of salmon rivers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Contrasting temperatures,waterflows, and light: seasonal habitat selection by young Atlantic salmon and brown trout in a boreonemoral river

Habitat use and habitat selection by young Atlantic salmon and brown trout were investigated by direct underwater observation. We sampled during winter and summer water temperatures (low: 3–7°C; high: 9–12°C) coinciding with low and high waterflows (12–20 and 60–80 m³ s^?1), and during day and night in winter, and on six selected stations in the river. Observations of 396 salmon and 120 trout indicated a distinct seasonal pattern in behaviours and habitat selection. Feeding was the dominant behaviour at high water temperatures during summer. In winter, there was a diurnal pattern in behaviour; both species sheltered in interstitial spaces in the substrate during daylight, but during night held positions on or close to the substrate in slower flowing stream areas. Coarse substrate providing cover was therefore an important habitat factor during daylight at low water temperatures, while slow‐flowing water was important during night. Although spatial niche overlap was considerable both in summer and winter, salmon and trout segregated with respect to meso‐ and microhabitat selection, and relatively more at low temperatures. Both species changed their use of mesohabitats towards more slow‐flowing glide/flat habitats in winter. Irrespective of season, trout preferred in general more slow‐flowing water than salmon did, but the difference was more pronounced in winter. Salmon used a wider range of water depths and in particular water velocities, than did trout. Both species were less tolerant of high water velocities at low water temperatures. The seasonal and diurnal pattern in habitat selection reported have important implications for habitat research and habitat‐hydraulic modelling. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

HIGH RATES OF PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY IN A SEMI‐ARID TAILWATER: IMPLICATIONS FOR SELF‐REGULATED PRODUCTION

Reservoir‐river systems in desert environments may provide the optimal combination of environmental conditions (e.g. light, nutrients, temperature, and flow) that maximizes primary production in downstream reaches. Stream metabolism was measured using an open‐system approach each month during spring‐summer in a semi‐arid tailwater (South Fork Humboldt River) in the central Great Basin, USA. Spatial and temporal differences in metabolic rates were evident despite tailwater reaches sustaining comparable standing stocks of periphyton (>10 µg chla cm^?2) during this growing season. Primary productivity was highest (15 to 36 g O₂ m^?2 day^?1) in July, supporting previous studies that have described arid regulated/unregulated streams as ultra‐productive. Substrate availability when combined with self‐shading and hypoxic conditions created a system that was likely near the maximal productivity that stream systems can achieve because of the self‐regulating attributes that thick periphyton mats impose upon themselves as they reach high biomass and maximal production rates. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of a surface oriented travelling screen and water abstraction practices on downstream migrating salmonidae smolts in a lowland stream

Downstream migration of immature salmonids (smolts) may be associated with severe mortalities in anthropogenically altered channels. In Pacific salmon, several investigations have suggested the use of the dominating surface orientation of smolts to improve fish by‐pass structures in large and deep hydroelectric reservoirs. The present study tested the use of a surface orientated travelling screen to guide Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) smolts past a water abstraction site in a shallow lowland stream. The percentage of total discharge abstracted from the stream was included in the analyses. Indigenous migrating smolts were trapped, PIT tagged and subsequently released upstream of the water abstraction site. Releases shifted between a present or absent travelling screen. The migration success of the released smolts was evaluated using a trap situated downstream of the water abstraction site. There was no evidence that the surface oriented travelling screen had any influence on the probability of fish passing the water abstraction site. However, for both species, the probability of successful migration past the water abstraction site correlated negatively with the abstracted percentage of the total daily stream discharge. These findings may have important management implications because they suggest that short term changes in the percentage of total stream discharge abstracted may have consequences for the downstream migration success of smolts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The influence of hydroelectric power generation on the body composition of juvenile Atlantic salmon

The fat and protein content, and thus energy resources of young (parr) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were examined in a temperate river. Juvenile salmon exhibited distinct seasonal patterns of energy storage and use. The lowest levels of energy were found towards the end of winter (mean mass specific energy about 4.3 kJ·g^?1). There was a rapid accumulation of fat in spring/early summer in spite of low‐water temperatures (highest mean content of mass specific energy of about 5.0 kJ·g^?1 in June). By early autumn (August) there was a rapid depletion of fat and energy resources. The decline in specific energy during late summer was of the same magnitude as the corresponding winter decline. Furthermore, total fat and protein content, and thus energy resources of juveniles below a hydroelectric power plant (hydrostation (HS)) differed from those at a (lower) reference station (RS). The younger fish exhibited higher gains, but also larger losses of energy resources compared to corresponding values at the RS. Specifically during the summer, young of year (YOY) had 31% lower total energy content at the regulated site (mean 1.27 kJ per individual) than the RS (mean 1.84 kJ). Higher mortality may occur at the site most affected by the hydroelectric plant, where energy resources on average were higher, but where depletion was also most severe. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.