ECOLOGICAL FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTANT AQUATIC BIOTA
Because of various reasons, we find that the number of dams on free-flowing rivers is getting increased throughout the world. River-linking projects will further enhance this number. Obviously questions have been asked by the environmentalists regarding ecology of fish habitat, fish-passage for their movement and breeding, and most importantly minimum ecological-flow required in the downstream. However, we do not have clear knowledge about the minium water-depth and flow rate required for specific varieties of commercially important fishes in different regions.
This argument has been going on for some time. Much work has been done on environmental flows especially in the temperate zones but little work has been carried out on tropical systems. The problem is that is is not merely a quastion of base flows but of the form of the flood curve and the timing of such. See attachments. I have many others.
Dear Robin, many thanks for your attach. I'm very interested in this topic. Could you attach the others? many thanks. Stefano
What of effect of flow on other organisms in river system apart from fish
Hello. I research development in fish in Parana river, in a section modified by Yacyreta reservoir Argentina -Paraguay. Excuseme my language mistake. Thank you Robin by pdf.
I do appreciate the question and the responses. My answer to the initial question would be - there is not standard minimum flow figures for free-flowing rivers. The Environmental flow requirements (EWR) is a function of the natural flows, rainfall, drought severity and the water use (as the natural environment has been altered). Data availability with regards to flow in a particular catchment is therefore very important and since each catchment is unique, these attributes might differ. I am sure this helps. I see Robin has attached some files for readers to peruse. Thanks.
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