Effects of instream enhancement structures on brown trout, Salmo trutta L., habitat availability in a channelized boreal river: a PHABSIM approach

Abstract

Stream channel morphology and hydraulic conditions were measured before and after channel modification and boulder structure placements in a channelized boreal river to determine whether more favourable rearing habitat for brown trout, Salmo trutta L., was created. The assessment was performed using physical habitat simulation (PHABSIM) procedures based on summer and winter habitat preferences of brown trout for depth, velocity and substrate. The results showed that the availability of potential physical trout habitat can be increased in the study river at simulated low and moderate flow conditions by reconstruction of the river bed and placing instream boulder structures. The resulting diversity of depth and velocity conditions created a spatially more complex microhabitat structure. Improved habitat conditions were able to sustain a larger trout population. Hydraulic habitat models, like the PHABSIM framework, seem to be a suitable procedure to evaluate the benefits of physical habitat enhancement.