Aquatic Habitat Conservation Research Articles

FlowingLife: AI Enhancing Environmental and Economic Benefits for Aquatic Ecosystems Based on Optimizing Altered Flow Regimes

This proposed FlowingLife framework addresses the challenges of optimizing altered flow regimes in Irish plans and programs to improve Irish aquatic ecosystems' economic and environmental outcomes. The framework uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to revolutionize flow regime management and decision-making processing, providing sustainable resource allocation, climate change adaptation, and aquatic habitat conservation. The potential of identifying optimization guides thoroughly evaluating Irish Plans, including development plans, river basin management, biodiversity, and climate action. Fish population restoration, protection of biodiversity, optimization of agricultural techniques, and management of water resources are some of the critical uses. AI-empowered FlowingLife framework creates real-time monitoring and assessment in Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), enabling adaptive management. The FlowingLife evaluates and adaptively manages fish populations and flow regimes by combining Deep Learning (DL) for image and sensor analysis, knowledge graphs for intricating ecological linkages, and predictive modeling. The results show that the proposed paradigm using AI improves environmental management and supports evidence-based decision-making, sustainable resource management, and the preservation of Irish aquatic ecosystems.

Year-round monitoring of chloride releases from three zero-exfiltration permeable pavements and an asphalt parking lot

Winter deicers, though essential for maintaining safe pavement conditions in winter, increase chloride (Cl−) concentrations in receiving water bodies above recommended environmental guidelines. Zero-exfiltration or lined permeable pavement is an important technological innovation for controlling particulate-bound pollutants at the source. As stormwater does not infiltrate into the ground, soluble pollutants like Cl− are ultimately discharged into receiving water bodies. Our aim was to examine Cl− concentrations in effluents from three zero-exfiltration permeable pavement cells (Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP), Pervious Concrete (PC), Porous Asphalt (PA)) and compare them with runoff from a Conventional Asphalt (ASH) cell. The study conducted at a parking lot in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, from January 2016 to May 2017 observed that the permeable pavements provided only temporary attenuation of Cl− during winter but exhibited a quick release during spring melt. Cl− concentrations and loadings were different for each permeable pavement system in terms of timing and magnitude. Cl− concentration in ASH runoff frequently had very high spikes (21,780 mg/L); however, the median winter Cl− concentration in ASH runoff was lower than Cl− levels in the permeable pavements' effluents and later declined drastically after spring melt, but in few instances, was above the chronic water quality guideline (120 mg/L). The average event mean concentration (EMC) of Cl− was 1600 and 120 mg/L in the permeable pavements’ effluents during salting and non-salting season, respectively. In one year, each permeable pavement system released approximately 67–81 kg of Cl− with significant differences being observed in Cl− loads between the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Therefore, a multi-year data collection and monitoring plan captured the variability in winter conditions. The study provided insights into the behaviour, retention and release of Cl− from traditional and permeable hardscape surfaces and possible avenues for Cl− attenuation, source control and aquatic habitat conservation.

Novel insights into habitat suitability for Amazonian freshwater mussels linked with hydraulic and landscape drivers.

Novel insights into habitat suitability for two Unionida freshwater mussels, Castalia ambigua Lamarck, 1819 (Hyriidae) and Anodontites elongatus (Swainson, 1823) (Mycetopodidae), are presented on the basis of hydraulic variables linked with the riverbed in six 500‐m reaches in an eastern Amazonian river basin. Within the reaches, there was strong habitat heterogeneity in hydrodynamics and substrate composition. In addition, we investigated stressors based on landscape modification that are associated with declines in mussel density. We measured hydraulic variables for each 500‐m reach, and landscape stressors at two spatial scales (subcatchment and riparian buffer forest). We used the Random Forest algorithm, a tree‐based model, to predict the hydraulic variables linked with habitat suitability for mussels, and to predict which landscape stressors were most associated with mussel density declines. Both mussel species were linked with low substrate heterogeneity and greater riverbed stability (low Froude and Reynolds numbers), especially at high flow (low stream power). Different sediment grain size preferences were observed between mussel species: Castalia ambigua was associated with medium sand and Anodontites elongatus with medium and fine sand. Declines in mussel density were associated with modifications linked to urbanization at small scales (riparian buffer forest), especially with percent of and distance from rural settlements, distance to the nearest street, and road density. In summary, the high variance explained in both hydraulic and landscape models indicated high predictive power, suggesting that our findings may be extrapolated and used as a baseline to test hypotheses of habitat suitability in other Amazonian rivers for Castalia ambigua and Anodontites elongatus and also for other freshwater mussel species. Our results highlight the urgent need for aquatic habitat conservation to maintain sheltered habitats during high flow as well as mitigate the effects of landscape modifications at the riparian buffer scale, both of which are important for maintaining dense mussel populations and habitat quality.

An Experimental and Numerical Approach to Modeling Large Wood Displacement in Rivers

AbstractLarge wood (LW) is used for river restoration, aquatic habitat conservation, and flood control; however, it can pose a threat to human life and the built environment. The formation of LW jams, river management strategies, and design of mitigation measures crucially all depend on how the large wood is transported along a river. This paper experimentally analyses at laboratory scale the motion of natural sticks in a long stretch of a straight channel (16 m), when LW is released at different locations and with different flow conditions. Results show that instream large wood, following a transient motion shortly after being released at the water surface, tends to follow preferential patterns along the channel. Froude number and location of large wood input may provide an estimation of the LW location in downstream reaches. Several mechanisms of motion were observed, some of which were very common, including a frequent tendency to assume a tilted position with respect to the direction parallel to the flow. The experiments also suggest that theories on secondary cells responsible for channeling LW in preferential directions are incomplete. A new model, based on acceleration induced by hydrodynamic actions, has been established and proposed in this work, showing promising results and paving the way for the development of a comprehensive model for transport of large wood at the river surface in full‐scale applications.

A multilinear discrete Nash-cascade model for stage-hydrograph routing in compound river channels

ABSTRACTStream gauge-based information is the foundation for many hydrological applications in a river basin including the aquatic-habitat conservation. A simple two-parameter model for routing streamflow depth (alternatively, stream–stage) hydrographs and estimating corresponding discharge hydrographs in river channels is proposed using the multilinear approach, based on Nash-type discrete-cascade model. The applicability of this model is investigated by extending its framework to the realm of compound cross-section trapezoidal channels for both in-bank and overbank flows by using 20 flood events of the Tiber River in the Umbria region of Central Italy, and subsequently comparing the simulated results with the corresponding simulations of the HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center – River Analysis System) hydrodynamic model and observed flow depth hydrographs. The field application, comparative study, and uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of the results demonstrate that the proposed multilinear discrete Nash-cascade stage-hydrograph (MDNS) routing model has the potential for routing floods in real-world rivers and canal irrigation systems, especially in operational mode.

Macrophyte assemblages in fishponds under different fish farming management

Seasonal and inter-annual macrophyte assemblage dynamics were surveyed in ten nursery and ten main fishponds stocked primarily with common carp Cyprinus carpio fry and with common carp being reared to market size, respectively. The results indicate a significant difference in macrophyte species number and abundance between the nursery and main fishponds, with up to 24.5% of the variation in macrophyte species distribution patterns explained by fishpond management type (nursery or main) and up to 6.7% by water transparency. Fish biomass used as a fish stock proxy explained up to 13.9% of variability. Although not significant, differences in species number and abundance were found (i) between spring and summer survey periods during the growing season with both species number and abundance usually decreasing in summer, and (ii) between years of the farming production cycle with a higher species number and abundance typically found in the first year of the farming cycle in the nursery fishponds. The results increase knowledge of fishpond macrophyte assemblages and may be of interest for conservation of aquatic habitats.

Quantification of Environmental Flow Requirement of the Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam Using Hydrological-Hydraulic-Habitat Simulation Methods

With increased water demand, reservoir operation has become more complex with the need to quantify the exact amount of water needed for each demand sector. The environmental flow requirement, also known as instream flow is regarded as the first-prioritized objective of the multipurpose water resources projects in Thailand. The capability of reservoirs in Thailand to allocate water for environmental needs depends on available supply, strategies and operating policy. Therefore, this study aims to assess the environmental flow requirements of Khun Dan PrakanChon Dam using three methods; 1) the hydrological method (Tennant, Tessmann, 7Q10, FDC, and VMF), 2) hydraulic method (R2CROSS and wetted perimeter) and 3) habitat simu-lationmethod, using the PHABSIM model for physical habitat simulation of aquatic organisms in the Nakhon Nayok River. The hydrological approach was performed under the historically-naturalized flow data of the NY.1B station and established hydrologic flow regime during low flow and high flow months. The environmental flow rates obtained from two hydraulic methods were based upon field observations at the NY.1B station significantly. However, the biological conditions and interactions of aquatic organisms in the river were not principally characterized in hydrologic and hydraulic approaches. In addition, the estimated results performed by habitat simulation model gave an additional meaning of ecological flow needs mainly for aquatic habitat conservation in the river. By integrating the conditions of hydrologic and hydraulic flow regimes as well as the habitat conservation objectives, environmental flow rates of 8-10 cm were recommended to determine the downstream release of Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam; these recommendations were very close to those derived using the Tessmann, 7Q10 and PHABSIM methods-Tennant and flow duration curve methods.

Inland Fisheries Habitat Management: Lessons Learned from Wildlife Ecology and a Proposal for Change

The habitat concept in inland fisheries has been less studied than wildlife ecology. Since 1950, the cumulative number of publications about “freshwater or inland habitat and fisheries management” has been 60%–95% less than those considering “habitat and wildlife management.” The number of publications about “marine, river, and stream habitat and fisheries management” has also generally exceeded those for “lake habitat and fisheries management.” We provide a perspective comparing inland fish and wildlife habitat management systems and highlight lessons from wildlife ecology that could benefit inland fisheries. We reason that wildlife habitat management has become widespread and accepted because humans share habitats with wildlife and positive/negative responses to habitat restorations/loss are directly observable. We recommend that inland fisheries habitat studies and restorations include opportunities for humans to directly observe the ecological benefits of such practices. To support aquatic habitat management efforts, we suggest that dedicated funding solutions be considered to mitigate aquatic habitat loss. In theory, such a system would provide benefits to inland fish populations that parallel those provided to wildlife through state and federal stamps. Although aquatic habitat conservation and restoration may not solve management issues as rapidly, it will promote long‐term sustainability and resiliency of diverse inland fish populations.

Integrating ecosystem services into conservation strategies for freshwater and marine habitats: a review

Abstract Over the last two decades, there has been increasing public and political recognition of society's dependency upon natural habitat complexity and ecological processes to sustain provision of crucial ecosystem services, ranging from supplying potable water through to climate regulation. How has the ecosystem‐services perspective been integrated into strategies for aquatic habitat conservation? Literature on conservation of diverse freshwater and marine habitats was reviewed to assess the extent to which past and current strategies specifically targeted ecosystem services, and considered ecosystem functions, potential trade‐offs and social issues when formulating protection measures for conserving aquatic habitats. Surprisingly few published examples exist where comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services supported development of conservation plans. Seldom were aquatic habitat conservation objectives framed in terms of balancing trade‐offs, assessing social values and evaluating suites of ecosystem services under different strategies. Time frames for achieving these objectives were also rarely specified. There was no evidence for fundamental differences between marine and freshwater habitats with respect to their ecosystem services that should be considered when setting targets for their conservation. When an ecosystem‐service perspective is used for setting objectives in aquatic habitat conservation, the following actions are recommended: (1) explicitly listing and evaluating full suites of ecosystem services to be conserved; (2) identifying current and future potential trade‐offs arising from conservation; (3) specifying time frames within which particular strategies might protect or enhance desired services; and (4) predicting how different proposed strategies might affect each ecosystem function, service flow and public benefit. This approach will help ensure that less‐apparent ecosystem services (e.g. regulating, supporting) and their associated ecosystem functions receive adequate recognition and protection in aquatic conservation of freshwater and marine habitats. However, conservation objectives should not focus solely on protecting or enhancing ecosystem services but complement current strategies targeting biodiversity and other conservation goals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Diet of Tadpoles of Microhyla ornata (Dumeril and Bibron,1841) from a Freshwater System in Rosekandy Tea Estate, Cachar, Assam and Significance of Conservation of Aquatic Habitats

Anuran tadpoles are gregarious in nature and knowledge of food and feeding behavior of the tadpoles is very essential for their successful breeding and survival. Dramatic declines in amphibian populations have been noted since 1980 from all over the world and are thus perceived to be one of the most critical threats to global biodiversity. Microhyla ornata commonly known as Ornamented Pygmy Frog, belongs to Family- Microhylidae and is widespread species occurring throughout South Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka as well as in Japan. Considering the occurrence of tea plantation in the region and the presence of aquatic bodies in tea estates it is necessary to know the feeding habit of the anuran tadpoles and impact of unavailability of suitable food items which will affect the survival and completion of life cycle of the tadpoles. In the present study it was observed that Microhyla ornata tadpoles feed mainly on various algal (25 genera) and detrital material. Hence, it may be concluded that aquatic habitats must be conserved and maintained so that conservation of anurans can be ensured.

Biogeography and conservation of aquatic fauna in spring-fed tropical canyons of the southern Sonoran Desert, Mexico

In arid regions, spring-fed habitats are frequently the only year-round source of surface water and are essential habitats for aquatic organisms and primary water sources for terrestrial animals and human settlements. While these habitats have been relatively well-studied in some regions, those of the southern Sonoran Desert have received little attention. In 2008 and 2009, we documented the biodiversity of aquatic animals at 19 sites across three arid mountain ranges in Sonora, Mexico, characterized macrohabitat types, examined seasonal variation in aquatic invertebrate communities, and explored the effects of an exotic fish (tilapia) on native communities. We documented >220 aquatic animal species, including several new species and range extensions for others. Macrohabitat type (oasis, tinaja, riffle, and seep) was more important than geographic location in structuring aquatic invertebrate communities at the scale of our study area (~9,000 km2). We found little evidence of predictable seasonal variation in invertebrate communities, despite dramatic hurricane-induced flooding. Aquatic vertebrates were not diverse across the study region (4 amphibian species and 2 species each of fishes and reptiles), but were often locally abundant. Presence of non-native tilapia at one site was associated with reduced abundances of native leopard frogs and reduced richness and density of native aquatic invertebrates. The most pressing aquatic habitat conservation concerns in the region, as in other deserts, are groundwater withdrawal, unmanaged recreational visitation, and the introduction of exotic species. Spring-fed habitats around the world have been called hotspots of freshwater biodiversity, and those of the Sonoran Desert are no exception.

Diel and temporal habitat use of four juvenile fishes in a complex glacial lake

Weber NJ, Brown ML. 2012. Diel and temporal habitat use of four juvenile fishes in a complex glacial lake. Lake Reserv Manage. 28:120-129. Juvenile fishes may use multiple habitats during early life stages, and habitat use may change based on diel period, temporally, or ontogenetically, with patterns of habitat use being species specific. To better understand habitat use of juvenile fishes, we evaluated relative abundance of juvenile black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) among nearshore open water, emergent vegetation, submergent vegetation, flooded timber, and open water offshore habitats in a glacial lake. In August, catch rates of common carp were highest in emergent vegetation, yellow perch and black crappie catch rates were highest in submergent vegetation, and bluegill catch rates were highest in nearshore open water, submergent vegetation, and flooded timber. In September, submergent vegetation was no longer available due to senescence, and catch rates of all species did not differ among habitats, except for common carp where catch rates were highest in emergent vegetation and flooded timber. Within a species, fishes were generally of similar size among habitats. Abundance of invertebrate prey was highly variable and was generally similar among habitats. Our results provide information about the habitat use of juvenile fishes that can be useful to the management of these species and aquatic habitat conservation.

Fish and aquatic habitat conservation in South America: a continental overview with emphasis on neotropical systems

Fish conservation in South America is a pressing issue. The biodiversity of fishes, just as with all other groups of plants and animals, is far from fully known. Continuing habitat loss may result in biodiversity losses before full species diversity is known. In this review, the main river basins of South America (Magdalena, Orinoco, Amazon and Paraná-La Plata system), together with key aquatic habitats (mangrove-fringed estuaries of the tropical humid, tropical semi-arid and subtropical regions) are analysed in terms of their characteristics and main concerns. Habitat loss was the main concern identified for all South American ecosystems. It may be caused by damming of rivers, deforestation, water pollution, mining, poor agricultural practice or inadequate management practice. Habitat loss has a direct consequence, which is a decrease in the availability of living resources, a serious social and economic issue, especially for South American nations which are all developing countries. The introduction of exotic species and overfishing were also identified as widespread across the continent and its main freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems. Finally, suggestions are made to find ways to overcome these problems. The main suggestion is a change of paradigm and a new design for conservation actions, starting with integrated research and aiming at the co-ordinated and harmonized management of the main transboundary waters of the continent. The actions would be focused on habitat conservation and social rescue of the less well-off populations of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. Energy and freshwater demands will also have to be rescaled in order to control habitat loss.

Public Values for Biodiversity Conservation Policies in the Oregon Coast Range

Abstract This study uses a choice experiment framework to estimate Oregonians' willingness to pay (WTP) for changes in levels of biodiversity protection under different conservation programs in the Oregon Coast Range. We present biodiversity policy as an amalgam of four different conservationprograms: salmon and aquatic habitat conservation, forest age-class management, endangered species protection, and large-scale conservation reserves. The results indicate substantial support for biodiversity protection, but significant differences in WTP across programs. Oregonians indicatethe highest WTP for increasing the amount of forest devoted to achieving old-growth characteristics. On average, respondents indicate an annual household WTP of $380 to increase old-growth forests from 5% to 35% of the age-class distribution. Conversely, WTP for increasingconservation reserves peaks at $45 annually to double the current level to 20% of the landscape, whereas WTP is negative for any increase over 32%. We also find resistance to any change in conservation policy, which substantially offsets WTP for increases in all four conservationprograms. FOR. SCI. 50(5):589–602.