loading page

Exploring sensitivities to hydropeaking in Atlantic salmon parr using individual based modelling
  • +2
  • Richard Hedger,
  • Line Sundt-Hansen,
  • * Juarez,
  • Knut Alfredsen,
  • * Foldvik
Richard Hedger
Norsk Institutt for Naturforskning

Corresponding Author:richard.hedger@nina.no

Author Profile
Line Sundt-Hansen
Norsk Institutt for Naturforskning
Author Profile
* Juarez
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Author Profile
Knut Alfredsen
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Author Profile
* Foldvik
Norsk Institutt for Naturforskning
Author Profile

Abstract

Hydropeaking (the release of water pulses at hydropower plants) results in temporary reductions in river channel water-covered area downstream, which may cause fish mortality through stranding. We used a mechanistic modelling approach to examine how, both, the form of the hydropeaking cycle, and the characteristics of the affected fish, control how hydropeaking may cause stranding mortality of fish. We modelled the response of Atlantic parr to hydropeaking in a regulated watercourse in central Norway (the River Nidelva) using an individual-based population model designed explicitly to examine fish behavior and stranding mortality during hydropeaking. A response to hydropeaking, involving migration from the river banks toward the mid-channel on down-ramping, and a return to the river banks on up-ramping, was based on individuals being parameterized to migrate to habitat properties that spatially changed throughout the hydropeaking cycle. We found that stranding mortality was strongly dependent on both the form of the hydropeaking cycle and on the fish response. Total stranding mortality was more dependent on the down-ramping speed than the duration of the minimum flow period. Total stranding mortality was greatest when there was a low movement speed, leading to individuals being stranded, combined with a high probability of dying per unit of time when stranded. Given the sensitivity of mortality to the fish response, and the lack of detailed field studies quantifying this, we conclude that this area requires further controlled studies for parameterizing models used to predict effects of hydropeaking on fish.
21 Mar 2022Submitted to Ecohydrology
21 Mar 2022Submission Checks Completed
21 Mar 2022Assigned to Editor
23 Mar 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Mar 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
14 Mar 20231st Revision Received
14 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
14 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
14 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Accept