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Mesohabitat modelling in fish ecology: A global synthesis
Author(s) -
Wegscheider Bernhard,
Linnansaari Tommi,
Curry R. Allen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
fish and fisheries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.747
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1467-2979
pISSN - 1467-2960
DOI - 10.1111/faf.12477
Subject(s) - mesoscale meteorology , river ecosystem , habitat , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , process (computing) , environmental resource management , linkage (software) , relevance (law) , computer science , environmental science , geography , fishery , biology , meteorology , biochemistry , gene , political science , law , operating system
Modelling the linkage between physical habitat and aquatic organisms on multiple spatial scales has become an important tool in the management of rivers. The mesoscale (10 0 –10 2 m) represents an intermediate resolution in modelling that bridges the gap between available resources and conservation efforts for riverine species. However, existing mesohabitat classification schemes for lotic systems vary significantly in the definition of habitat types as well as in their application in the field. This article aims to provide an overview of current attempts to model the mesoscale pattern of physical habitats with a focus on fish. First, we outline descriptive, qualitative as well as objective, quantitative classification methods that are available in the literature. Next, the ecological relevance of the mesohabitat concept is being discussed, using single‐species and community‐level approaches as examples. Different modelling approaches that describe and quantify riverine mesohabitats are presented, and finally, limitations and uncertainties in the modelling process are discussed, followed by an outline of future perspectives in mesohabitat modelling.