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Effects of Flow Regulation on Shallow-Water Habitat Dynamics and Floodplain Connectivity
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Our study examined the effects of flow regulation on the spatiotemporal availability of shallow habitat patches with slow current velocity (SSCV patches) and floodplain inundation in the unregulated Yellowstone River and the regulated Missouri River in Montana and North Dakota. We mapped representative sites and used hydraulic models and hydrograph data to describe the frequency and extent of floodplain inundation and the availability of SSCV habitat over time during different water years. In the Yellowstone River the distribution, location, and size of SSCV patches varied but followed an annual pattern that was tied to the snowmelt runoff hydrograph. There was less variation in patch distribution in the Missouri River, and the pattern of habitat availability was influenced by flow regulation. Regulated flows and their effects on channel mor- phology and patterns of vegetation establishment resulted in 3.0–3.5 times less area of inundated woody vegetation during normal and dry years in the Missouri River compared with the Yellow- stone River. The differences we observed in SSCV patch dynamics between rivers may have implications for fish populations and community structure through affecting the survival of early life stages. At a larger scale, the smaller area of vegetation inundated in the Missouri River suggests that nutrient cycling and the ecological benefits associated with a moving littoral zone are reduced by the altered flow and sediment regime in that river. Accurate assessments of the effects of flow alteration and successful efforts to restore riverine ecosystems will require consideration of physical and biotic processes that operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales.
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American Fisheries Society Newsletter
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The AFS recently put out their newsletter for the month of October. See what the headlines are over at the American Fisheries Society...
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approximately 37,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 130 countries worldwide.
With environmental sustainability as a guiding principle, the Corps team strengthens our Nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure and providing military facilities where our servicemembers train, work and live. They research and develop technology while protecting America’s interests, promoting stability, and improving quality of life.
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Southeast Aquatic Barrier Prioritization Tool
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The Southeast Aquatic Barrier Prioritization Tool aims to build aquatic connectivity in rivers and streams. The Tool provides inventory data on aquatic barriers (like dams and road-related culverts) and helps practitioners to describe, understand, and prioritize these barriers for removal, restoration, and mitigation.
Aquatic connectivity in rivers and streams is essential for fish and other aquatic organisms.
The Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) developed the tool with support from partners and funders.
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Aquatic and Freshwater Spatial Data
