Forecasting risks to fish and their available...
URL: https://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/forecasting-risks-to-fish-and-available-habitat-from-low-flows-and-hypoxia_1.pdf
Authors: Ryan Shojinaga and David P Hamilton
The rivers and streams of the Basin frequently experience low or no flow. During these times, the threats to native fish are heightened due to the potential for poor water quality to diminish habitat quantity and quality.
The aim of this project was to develop a predictive model to assess risks to native fish species and their critical habitats during low flow, cease-to-flow, and/or high flow events in the Barwon–Darling River.
Key findings / recommendations
The study found:
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climate change to be a major driving factor on fish habitat, with potential to create less than ideal conditions for water temperature and quality
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low flow has impacts on water quality and risks to fish habitat in the Basin
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near stream vegetation is an important influence on surface water temperature and therefore dissolved oxygen, however the results were mixed in terms of exacerbating or mitigating the risks to fish habitat.
The results highlight the need to achieve optimal water quality conditions using different levels like flow and riparian vegetation cover to preserve fish habitat. Temperature and DO are critical parameters for such optimal conditions.
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