Physical Habitat Simulation System Research Articles

Assessing and Optimizing Ecological Flow Rates for the Habitat of Zacco platypus in the Tan River

As rivers face growing environmental challenges due to climate change and the construction of artificial structures, it is essential that we improve river ecosystems to maintain their ecological functions and preserve the health of aquatic habitats. The aim of this study was to assess the aquatic ecosystem health of the lower reaches of the Tan River. We employed the Physical Habitat Simulation System and Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System to calculate the ecological flow rate based on the weighted usable area (WUA) of Zacco platypus, which is a representative fish species in the Tan River, and the flow rate relationship curves. By analyzing the flow rates in the Tan River across different seasons from 2012 to 2021, we determined that the seasonal optimal ecological flow rate was 10.21–10.27 m3/s. Meanwhile, the WUAs for spring, summer, and autumn and winter were 90–100%, 95–100%, and 75–100%, respectively. Despite meeting the ecological flow criteria for summer, fall, and winter over 50% of the time, spring fell short at 41%; hence, the Tan River flow rates should be secured particularly in spring. This study highlights the urgency of addressing seasonal variations to ensure the overall health of the Tan River ecosystem.

PHABSIM/SEFA Application for Minimum Flows and Levels Development in Florida

Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM) or System for Environmental Flow Analysis (SEFA) are typically used to simulate the relationship between river flow and physical habitat of various life stages of a fish species. They are a component of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) and are widely used across the globe for deductive estimation of biological effects of stream flow alteration. These models have been applied at various spatial and temporal scales corresponding to the objectives of the specific applications. The objectives of this work effort are to review spatial and temporal scales of previous habitat modelling applications and to recommend a best practice approach for the application of physical habitat simulation software. Two leading software packages are considered-PHABSIM and SEFA, both are improvements of IFIM framework. Specifically, this research paper recommends best practices that can be used in environmental flows development. The review was focused on literature related to selecting species, and the time steps for developing and applying Area Weighted Suitability (AWS) vs. discharge curves used for developing environmental flows. The term AWS in SEFA replaces the original weighted usable area (WUA) in PHABSIM because it is a more accurate description of the physical meaning of the variable.

Monitoring Trout Response to Instream Flow

Run‐of‐river hydropower reduces streamflow between diversion and powerhouse, potentially impacting fish. Hydropower license conditions include instream flows to protect fish, but monitoring instream flow effectiveness to protect fish is rarely reported. Monitoring a trout population before construction (baseline) and during operation of a small hydropower project with instream flows for spawning and incubation, summer rearing, and winter rearing based on a Physical Habitat Simulation System in the state of Washington indicated the instream flow protected the trout. The monitoring plan included decision points based on monitoring results. Increasing or stable population trends would trigger locking in an instream flow for the remainder of the license, while declines would trigger incremental increases in the instream flow, followed by additional monitoring and decision points. Three years of monitoring following beginning of the project indicated an apparent increase in the trout population over baseline, suggesting that the instream flow was protective, triggering finalization of instream flows. An additional year of monitoring conducted after several more years of project operation was consistent with the finding of the first 3 years of operation.

Differences in physical habitat simulation system modelling results using benthic or pelagic fish species as indicators in Peruvian Andes–Amazon rivers

AbstractAquatic organisms with different adaptations are used as indicators in physical habitat simulation system models. Those adaptations are critical for determining the shape of the weighted usable area/width curve and for recommending values of environmental flows. The main objective of this study is to compare the use of benthic native species (Astroblepus taczanowskii and Astroblepus vanceae) versus the introduced Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) as target indicators for PHABSIM modelling in the Andean–Amazon piedmont rivers. We used adjusted probability distribution functions with L‐moments analyses for developing curves of use and preference to evaluate the efficiency of each indicator. Two hydraulic modelling sections were established in the Ulcumayo River with 21 and 27 cross sections, respectively. Native benthic species are usually dominant but scarcely used as focus organisms for environmental flows modelling. These species are associated with fast running and shallow waters, which makes them potentially more sensitive to the effects of flow reduction. Our results indicated that the native species were more restricted to velocity and depth than O. mykiss. Using selection curves in PHABSIM modelling, it is required between 10% to 94% of the mean monthly flow to preserve 90% of the available habitat for Astroblepus during the dry season (May to November). In contrast, rainbow trout requires 5% to 88% of the mean monthly flow. We conclude that a multispecies approach is useful for determining the required environmental instream flows contributing to a better sustainable condition for the Neotropical mountain rivers.

History and review of the habitat suitability criteria curve in applied aquatic ecology

AbstractHydraulic microhabitat assessment is a category of environmental flow tools (e.g., Physical Habitat Simulation system and other methodologically similar software) that, at its core, uses habitat suitability criteria (HSC) to link values of point hydraulic variables (usually depth, velocity, and substrate/cover) to habitat values for target life stages. Although this assessment tool has been used worldwide for decades, the history of the HSC curve is relatively unknown because the foundational information is predominantly contained in obscure and often unpublished reports. We review the history of the HSC concept in applied aquatic ecology to clarify its scientific pedigree, ensure its proper use, and build a foundation for future research. We begin the review with the formative decades of the 1950's through the 1970's, when consumptive‐based western USA water law conflicted with conservation traditions and natural resource management objectives, although water allocation issues date back at least to the 19th century. By analysing the history of the HSC concept, we aim to establish the biological, hydrologic, and geomorphological conditions that must be met for the HSC concept to be successfully employed. In spite of its documented assumptions and limitations, the HSC concept will likely continue to be a useful tool to help address water resources allocation issues in defined hydrologic and geomorphic settings. We conclude that HSC‐based methodologies should be considered as one of several environmental flow approaches involved in sustainable water resources management.

Multi-Objective Assessment of the Ecological Flow Requirement in the Upper Yangtze National Nature Reserve in China Using PHABSIM

Many dams have been constructed or are planned all around China. These dams significantly change the hydrological regime and sand concentration downstream, and subsequently affect the river habitat and riverbed substances. Therefore, a good understanding of the river habitat is urgently required to undertake efficient measures for fish diversity conservation. A multi-objective assessment method based on the Physical Habitat Simulation system (PHABSIM) was utilized to calculate the ecological river flow demand using maximum weighted usable area (WUA) and minimum river discharge as the main objectives. The study employed this method to assess ecological water flow demand in the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fish in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Multiple factors such as the degree of endangerment, fish value (ecological value, economic value and scientific research value), data acquisition difficulty, and species representativeness were taken into consideration during selection of indicator fish for coupled habitat analysis. Requirements for both growth and breeding during the study period were considered. Ten species of fishes were chosen as indicator fishes, including floating egg and sinking egg fishes. Additionally, we applied the principle of “minimization of habitat demand and maximization of ecological demand” to include the needs of all indicator fishes. Further, this method comprehensively considered requirements for ecological flow and economic development. The results highlighted that an optimal ecological river flow demand of 2395 m3/s was needed to satisfy the needs for habitat protection and 1890 m3/s was required to meet the needs of social and economic development. The methods used in this study and results obtained, provide a valuable reference for water resources planning and ecosystem protection in other rivers and lakes.

Comment 2: Don't Throw Out the Baby (PHABSIM) with the Bathwater: Bringing Scientific Credibility to Use of Hydraulic Habitat Models, Specifically PHABSIM

Railsback (2016) raises valid points directed toward inadequate use of habitat selection models (HSMs) and Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM) specifically. Although Railsback (2016) notes...

Why It Is Time to Put PHABSIM Out to Pasture: Response to Comments 1 and 2

I appreciate these thoughtful comments on my recent article, which suggested that we stop using the Physical Habitat Simulation system (PHABSIM) as the way we think about and model instream flow ef...

Analysis of environmental flow requirements for macroinvertebrates in a creek affected by urban drainage (Prague metropolitan area, Czech Republic)

The habitat suitability index and environmental flow requirements were assessed for ten species of macroinvertebrates in a 2 km length section of the urban Botic creek (average flow 0.4 m3 s−1) in Prague. Botic creek has been affected by two combined sewer overflows (CSO). Spring, summer and fall seasonal environmental flow requirements were identified using the Physical HABitat SIMulation System (PHABSIM) approach for the whole macroinvertebrate community: Spring – optimal flow 0.32–0.38 m3 s−1, minimal flow 0.20–0.21 m3 s−1 and maximal acceptable flow 0.91–0.93 m3 s−1; Summer - optimal flow 0.42–0.45 m3 s−1, minimal flow 0.19–0.21 m3 s−1 and maximal acceptable flow 0.95–1.00 m3 s−1; Fall - optimal flow 0.38–0.48 m3 s−1, minimal flow 0.22–0.23 m3 s−1 and maximal acceptable flow 0.95–0.98 m3 s−1. The seasonal variability of environmental flow for all three categories is approximately 10%. Environmental flow requirements of the studied species and their life stages vary with depth, velocity and bottom substratum. Due to inflow from the CSOs, the optimal and maximal acceptable flow are not maintained and the maximal flow is exceeded by more than twice its value. Although the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) was primarily designed for large impounded rivers, the study proved its applicability in small streams affected by urbanization and urban drainage.

Why It Is Time to Put PHABSIM Out to Pasture

The Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM) was developed in the 1970s to fill an important void in instream flow assessment. Although considerable progress has been made in ecological modeling since the 1970s, there has been little change in instream flow assessment. PHABSIM has two general problems. First, PHABSIM is a habitat selection model (HSM)—but not a good one: it no longer conforms to standard practices in the wider fields of ecological and wildlife modeling, especially by using inappropriate spatial scales and outdated methods for modeling habitat preference and by producing output that lacks clear meaning. Second, HSMs, in general, are not well suited for many instream flow decisions. HSMs cannot consider variation in flow over time, whereas dynamic flow regimes are now considered essential, and HSMs do not make testable predictions of fish population responses. Alternatives to PHABSIM include analyses based on explicit understanding of species ecology, individual‐based models, and more powerful modern habitat selection modeling methods.

ONE- AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL ECOHYDRAULIC MODELING OF FORMOSO RIVER (MG)

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare ecohydrological simulations from a one-dimensional model (PHABSIM - Physical Habitat Simulation System) and a two-dimensional model (River2D) in order to indicate a reliable tool that could be used to determine public policies for the sustainable management of the water resources of the FormosoRiver basin(MG). The results from the calibration of hydraulic variables, namely, water depth and velocity, as well as habitat predictions for three fish species of the river were compared. The results showed that River 2D was best suited to simulate ecohydrological features for the studied river stretch. Although PHABSIM presented a better fit of the hydraulic variables at the calibration process, the use of only three monitoring cross sections to compose the biotic model database compromised its habitat modeling. PHABSIM model was not able to accurately assess the actual characteristics of the physical habitat in the segments of the river located between the monitoring cross sections.

Minimum instream flow requirement for the water-reduction section of diversion-type hydropower station: a case study of the Zagunao River, China

Diversion-type hydroelectric exploitation can reduce instream flow and destroy river ecosystem continuity. Maintaining instream flow is considered an effective way to remediate the damages. The Physical Habitat Simulation (PHABSIM) system still probably remains as the most widespread habitat method used to establish instream flow standards or to link habitat variations with fish population dynamics. This study applies the PHABSIM models, which create a habitat–flow relationship, describing the physical habitat suitability of alternative instream flow releases. Selecting the water-reduction section of the Sangping Power Station on the Zagunao River as the research object, the hydraulic pressure at a cross section was obtained through habitat simulation. The Cyprinidae family of fish, dominant in this region, was targeted using velocity and depth suitability curves. The quantitative relationship between flow and suitable habitat area was established, with the minimum instream flow of the study area calculated as 30.0 m3/s, according to the weighted usable area–flow curve. The minimum instream flow of the study area was also estimated through common hydrologic and hydraulic methods. The resulting comparison indicated that the habitat simulation model achieved very similar results to those of the wetted perimeter method and achieved between “good” and “very good” levels using the Tennant method. The result indicates that the PHABSIM model is useful for optimizing the flow release schemes of hydropower stations in southwestern China. Moreover, it helps to analyze trade-offs between human and environmental water needs, resulting in solutions that minimize ecological integrity disturbances.

A review of environmental flow assessment: methodologies and application in the Qianhe River

Environmental flow is of great significance for maintenance of ecological services in the riverine ecosystem. The paper reviews present methodologies for environmental flow assessment on the basis of three classifications, including the Hydrological Index Methodologies, the Hydraulic Rating Methodologies and the Habitat Simulation Methodologies. Both advantages and disadvantages of each classification are fully analysed, as well as applicable conditions. Moreover, representative methods of different classifications are applied to prescribe environmental flow in the Qianhe River of north China with consideration of hydrological series, hydraulic characteristics and habitat suitability of targeted species. The results of environment flow by the Montana Method, Wetted Perimeter Method and Physical Habitat Simulation System are 1.23 m3/s, 2.07 m3/s and 0.52 m3/s for the Qianyang section in middle reach of the Qianhe River. In view of seasonal variation of the Qianhe River, the paper recommends 1.23 m3/s as the minimum runoff in the dry season and 2.07 m3/s in the wet season. For further improvement of environmental flow assessment, studies of quantitative correspondence relationship between each component of instream flow and its ecological functions of riverine ecosystem, and the development of Holistic Methodologies by combination of various methodologies and multi-disciplinary information have great potential.

Ecohydraulics exemplifies the emerging “paradigm of the interdisciplines”

ABSTRACTThe basic premise underlying ecohydraulics is deceptively simple: create a new discipline focused on the effects of water movement in aquatic ecosystems by melding principles of aquatic ecology (including aspects of fluvial geomorphology) and engineering hydraulics. However, advancing ecohydraulics as a synthetic, organized field of study is challenging because hydraulic engineers and ecologists (1) study processes that differ substantially in spatial and/or temporal scale; (2) have very different approaches to modelling; (3) utilize different sets of mathematical formulations, concepts, and assumptions; and (4) address problems with vastly different patterns of complexity and uncertainty. The differences between engineering and ecology must be reconciled within a set of concepts and practices applicable to ecohydraulics. This reconciliation is essential if ecohydraulics is to achieve the scientific esteem of its parent disciplines. First, we review how the competing paradigms of determinism and empiricism structure engineering and ecology, respectively. We then derive two guiding principles that facilitate the integration of ecology and hydraulics, the single reference framework and the multiple reference framework guiding principles. Third, we provide illustrative examples of these principles using a simple hydraulic fish habitat analysis based on physical habitat simulation (PHABSIM) system of the instream flow incremental methodology (IFIM) and a detailed fish movement model using Eulerian–Lagrangian–Agent methods (ELAMs). Based on these examples, we develop insights and conclusions to guide further advances in ecohydraulics and, perhaps even serve as a template to aid development of other interdisciplinary fields.

Physical habitat simulation system (PHABSIM) 을 이용한 금강의 두드럭조개 (Lamprotula coreana) 서식지 평가

본 조사는 2013년 6월부터 8월까지 금강 상류에서 멸종위기야생생물 I급인 두드럭조개 (Lamprotula coreana)의 서식지를 조사하였다. 서식지 평가를 위하여 하천의 물리적 구조인 여울, 소 및 유수역이 모두 포함된 다양한 서식환경에서 서식상태를 조사하였으며, 하천단면, 수심, 유속, 하상재료 및 서식지 유형 등을 현장에서 측정 하였다. 서식 확인된 두드럭조개는 크기, 무게 및 연령을 기록하고 서식지에 재살포하였고, 서식지적합도지수 (Habitat suitability index, HSI)와 PHABSIM (physical habitat simulation system)에 의한 최적 생태유량 산정을 위하여, 각각의 채집 장소에서 수심, 유속 및 하상재료 등을 기록하였다. 서식지 평가는 수위, 유량 및 하천단면의 현장조사 결과와 두드럭조개의 HSI를 PHABSIM에 적용하여 가용서식지면적 (weighted usable area, WUA)과 유량의 관계 곡선을 작성하였다. 금강 상류에서 채집된 두드럭조개는 각장 <TEX>$73.1{\pm}18.4mm$</TEX> 및 전중 <TEX>$131.6{\pm}72.3g$</TEX> 이었으며, 연령은 2-7년생까지 서식하는 것으로 확인되었다. 두드럭조개의 HSI는 수심 0.4-0.5 m, 유속 0.3-0.5 m/s, 하상재료는 모래-호박돌로 나타났다. PHABSIM에 의해 모의된 최적유량은 2.1 cms였으며, WUA는 <TEX>$3,730m^2$</TEX>/1000 m로 나타났다. 두드럭조개의 서식지 평가 결과는 최근 각종 하천 공사 및 생태적 교란 등으로 서식 범위가 감소하고 있는 시점에서 서식지 복원 및 관리를 위한 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이다. This study sampled endangered species, Lamprotula coreana, and surveyed its habitat at the Guem River with three times from June to August 2013. To assess the habitat, this study conducted field survey considering diverse physical conditions of stream, such as pool, run and riffle, and measured transect, water depth, water velocity, substrate structure, and habitat type. When L. coreana collected, length, weight and age were measured. Water velocity, water depth and substrate structure were recorded to develop HSI (habitat suitability index) and performed PHABSIM (physical habitat simulation) to estimate the optimum flow discharge. Water level, flow discharge and transect data were used for habitat assessment, and PHABSIM was applied to calculate WUA (weighed usable area). Shell length was <TEX>$73.1{\pm}18.4mm$</TEX> (28.5-102.0 mm), shell weight was <TEX>$131.6{\pm}72.3g$</TEX> (28.0-281.0 g) and age was two to seven years from L. coreana collected at the upstream of the Guem River. Developed HSI indicated that the optimal habitat for L. coreana was 0.4-0.5 m for water depth, 0.3-0.5 m/s for water velocity and sand to boulder for substrate structure. The optimum ecological flow discharge for L. coreana was 2.1 cms and WUA was <TEX>$3,730m^2$</TEX>/1000 m by the result of PHABSIM. Recently, river construction work and habitat disturbance have caused negative impact on the distribution of L. coreana. The result of this study would provide fundamental data for habitat restoration and management of L. coreana.

초강천에서 어류의 최적 생태유량 산정

하천복원과 환경유량을 위한 기초자료를 확립하고자 금강수계의 초강천에서 생물학적 건강성 및 최적 생태유량에 대하여 조사하였다. 출현한 어종은 총 9과 36종 4,669개체였으며, 잉어과가 66.7%(24종)로 가장 높았다. 참갈겨니가 1,588개체로 34.0%로 우점종이었으며, 아우점종은 피라미로 22.6%, 우세종은 쉬리 13.3%로 나타났다. IBI와 QHEI는 상류로부터 하류로 내려갈수록 값이 감소하는 것으로 나타났으며, IBI 값은 27.9~38.6으로 평균 32.2로 양호상태를 나타냈다. 참갈겨니, 쉬리 및 감돌고기에 대하여 서식도적합도지수(HSI) 및 최적 생태유량을 산정하였다. 참갈겨니의 경우, 유속과 수심의 HSI 값은 각각 0.1~0.4 m/s와 0.2~0.4 m 였다. 감돌고기는 유속이 0.2~0.5 m/s, 수심이 0.4~0.6 m 및 하상재료가 가는자갈~호박돌로 나타났다. 이를 기초로 하여 각 지점의 최적 생태유량은 하류로 내려갈수록 값이 증가하는 것으로 나타났으며, 이에 따라서 WUA 값도 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. In order to establish fundamental data for stream restoration and environmental flow, we investigated optimal ecological flowrate (OEF) and riverine health condition in the Chogang Stream, a tributary to Geum River, Korea. The number of fish individuals sampled in this period were 4,669 in 36 species of 9 families. The most abundant species was Korean chub (Zacco koreanus, 34.0%) followed by pale chub (Z. platypus, 22.6%) and Korean shinner (Coreoleuciscus splendidus, 13.3%). Index of biological integrity (IBI) and qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI) values decreased from upstream to downstream along the stream. The estimated IBI value ranged from 27.9 to 38.6 with average 32.2 out of 50, rendering the site ecologically fair to good health conditions. OEF was estimated by the physical habitat simulation system (PHABSIM) using the habitat suitability indexes (HSI) of three fish species Z. koreanus, C. splendidus and Pseudopungtungia nigra selected as indicator species. In Z. koreanus, HSI for flow velocity and water depth were estimated at 0.1 to 0.4 m/s and 0.2 to 0.4 m, respectively. In P. nigra, HSI for flow velocity, water depth and substrate size were estimated at 0.2 to 0.5 m/s and 0.4 to 0.6 m and fine gravel to cobbles, respectively. OEF values increasing from up to downstream was found to increase, weighted usable area (WUA) values increased accordingly.

횡성댐 상·하류의 어류군집 구조와 최적 생태유량 산정

In this study, a comprehensive field monitoring was conducted to understand habitat conditions of fish species in up and downstream of Hoengseong Dam. Based on the monitoring data, riverine health conditions such as composition ratio of fish species, bio-diversity (dominance index, diversity, evenness and richness), index of biological integrity (IBI) and qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI) were assessed, and optimal ecological flowrates (OEF) were estimated using the habitat suitability indexes (HSI) established for three fish species Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Pungtungia herzi and Microphysogobio longidorsalis selected as icon species using the physical habitat simulation system (PHABSIM). The total number of species sampled was 20 species, and two species of Zacco platypus (30.4%) and C. splendidus (20.9%) dominated the fish community. As a result, it was revealed that IBI and QHEI values decreased from upstream to downstream along the river. The estimated IBI value ranged from 24 to 36 with average being 30.9 out of 50, rendering the site ecologically fair to good health conditions. HSI for C. splendidus were determined according to three different month in terms of season: Spring (April), Summer (August) and Autumn (October). HSI for flow velocity were estimated at 0.7 to 0.8 m/s for the Spring, 0.5 to 1.0 m/s for the Summer and 0.8 to 0.9 m/s for the Autumn. HSI for water depth were estimated at 0.3 to 0.5 m for the Spring; 0.3 to 0.5 m for the Summer; and 0.3 to 0.4 m for the Autumn. OEF was estimated at 4.2 and 6.5 m 3 /s for the Spring and Autumn, and 12.0 m 3 /s for the Summer. Overall, it was concluded that the Hoengseong Dam has been relatively well protected from the anthropogenic disturbance for the legally protected species including the endemic species studied in this study.

Determination of Ecological Flow for Macroinvertebrate Communities in Streams Affected by Urban Drainage – Case Study of Prague

This article is focused on definition and identification of optimal ecological flow for macrozoobenthos commu- nities in small urban creeks affected by urban drainage using the Physical HABitat Simulation (PHABSIM) system. It de- scribes the process of determination of ecological flows, from field measurement to determined values. Results show that combine sewer overflows and storm water drains negatively affect urban creeks and theirs diversity. In the end it com- pares determined ecological flows with measured and given values. Results show that minimum ecological flows are not reached in one third of a year and determined optimal flows are not abided.

Assessment of brown trout habitat suitability in the Jucar River Basin (SPAIN): Comparison of data-driven approaches with fuzzy-logic models and univariate suitability curves

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive implies the determination of an environmental flow (E-flow) in each running water body. In Spain, many of the minimum flow assessments were determined with the physical habitat simulation system based on univariate habitat suitability curves. Multivariate habitat suitability models, widely applied in habitat assessment, are potentially more accurate than univariate suitability models. This article analyses the microhabitat selection by medium-sized (10–20cm) brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) in three streams of the Jucar River Basin District (eastern Iberian Peninsula). The data were collected with an equal effort sampling approach. Univariate habitat suitability curves were built with a data-driven process for depth, mean velocity and substrate classes; three types of data-driven fuzzy models were generated with the FISH software: two models of presence–absence and a model of abundance. FISH applies a hill-climbing algorithm to optimize the fuzzy rules. A hydraulic model was calibrated with the tool River-2D in a segment of the Cabriel River (Jucar River Basin). The fuzzy-logic models and three methods to produce a suitability index from the three univariate curves were applied to evaluate the river habitat in the tool CASiMiR©. The comparison of results was based on the spatial arrangement of habitat suitability and the curves of weighted usable area versus discharge. The differences were relevant in different aspects, e.g. in the estimated minimum environmental flow according to the Spanish legal norm for hydrological planning. This work demonstrates the impact of the model's selection on the habitat suitability modelling and the assessment of environmental flows, based on an objective data-driven procedure; the conclusions are important for the water management in the Jucar River Basin and other river systems in Europe, where the environmental flows are a keystone for the achievement of the goals established in the European Water Framework Directive.

Assessment of ecological flow rate by flow duration and environmental management class in the Geum River, Korea

This study attempted to analyze flow duration in a basin using a method to estimate environmental flow developed by the International Water Management Institute, and simulate the effects of runoff characteristics unique to a river and flow variability due to basin developments on aquatic ecosystems. To do so, KModSim, a simulation model for basin-wide water distribution, was used to assess flow duration in the Geum River basin, one of the four major river basins in Korea, by environmental management class (EMC). Flow duration curves by EMC at Sutong and Gongju sites were derived on the basis of natural flow in the Geum River basin. As a result, they were found to be consistent with the results of previous studies. Time series of mean monthly flow data by EMC were plotted together with those of simulated flow data by reservoir operation scenario; Sutong and Gongju points both showed flow behaviors corresponding almost to “A” in EMC. In addition, the characteristics of habitats by species of fish were identified through monitoring fish habitat at the Sutong site, so that optimal ecological flow rate was estimated. For this purpose, relations between flow discharge and weighted usable area for Coreoleuciscus splendidus and Pseudopungtungia nigra were projected using physical habitat simulation system, and EMCs consistent with flow duration curves (estimated taking in-stream flow) were assessed. The results or findings reported in this study are expected to serve as basic data for making a plan to efficiently monitor and manage aquatic ecosystems in the Geum River basin.