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Feature ‐ Fish Habitat ‐ The Wyoming Habitat Assessment Methodology (WHAM): A Systematic Approach to Evaluating Watershed Conditions and Stream Habitat
Author(s) -
Quist Michael C.,
Hubert Wayne A.,
Fowden Mark,
Wolff Steven W.,
Bower Michael R.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
fisheries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1548-8446
pISSN - 0363-2415
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8446(2006)31[75:ffhtwh]2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - habitat , watershed , river ecosystem , environmental resource management , channel (broadcasting) , fish habitat , fish <actinopterygii> , streams , environmental science , ecology , geography , computer science , fishery , computer network , machine learning , biology
Assessment of habitat and fish assemblages to determine the extent of anthropogenic alterations and define conditions relative to management goals is an important activity of management agencies. Assessment activities have been traditionally conducted at relatively small spatial scales (e.g., reaches and channel units), but many problems facing managers occur at larger spatial scales (e.g., watersheds and stream segments). A single methodology that can encompass all spatial scales is unrealistic; therefore, agencies need systems where assessment techniques focusing on several spatial scales can be integrated. A successful system requires a framework that uses a logical organizational structure and focuses on an assessment process. We describe such a conceptual framework, termed the Wyoming Habitat Assessment Methodology (WHAM), currently used by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The WHAM consists of three organizational levels that parallel the hierarchical structure of lotic systems. Level I focuses on habitat characteristics at watershed and stream‐segment scales, and provides a foundation for other assessments. Level II focuses on habitat and fish at the reach and channel unit scales. Level III assessments are project‐specific evaluations that may entail one or more scales. The WHAM is integrative in that progressing levels of assessment are dependent on previous levels, and it facilitates use of data when making management decisions.