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The importance of fluvial hydraulics to fish‐habitat restoration in low‐gradient alluvial streams
Author(s) -
RABENI CHARLES F.,
JACOBSON ROBERT B.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
freshwater biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.297
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2427
pISSN - 0046-5070
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2427.1993.tb00758.x
Subject(s) - habitat , streams , fluvial , stream restoration , hydraulics , hydrology (agriculture) , environmental science , channel (broadcasting) , ecology , fish habitat , fish migration , hydrograph , alluvium , restoration ecology , stream bed , geology , surface runoff , geomorphology , biology , structural basin , computer science , computer network , geotechnical engineering , aerospace engineering , engineering
SUMMARY1 A major cause of degradation and loss of stream fish is alteration of physical habitat within and adjacent to the channel. We describe a potentially efficient approach to fish restoration based upon the relationship between fluvial hydraulics, geomorphology, and those habitats important to fish. 2 The aquatic habitat in a low‐gradient, alluvial stream in the Ozark Plateaus physiographical province was classified according to location in the channel, patterns of water flow, and structures that control flow. The resulting habitat types were ranked in terms of their temporal stability and ability to be manipulated. 3 Delineation and quantification of discrete physical spaces in a stream, termed hydraulic habitat units, are shown to be useful in stream restoration programmes if the ecological importance of each habitat unit is known, and if habitats are defined by fluvial dynamics so that restoration is aided by natural forces. 4 Examples, using different taxa, are given to illustrate management options.