Title
A Methodology for Evaluating the Effects of Different Streamflows on Salmonid Habitat
Publication Date
1976
Publication Title
Proceedings of the Symposium and Specialty Conference on Instream Flow Needs
Start Page
254
End Page
266
Publication Place
Bathesda, MD
Publisher
American Fisheries Society
Abstract
Stream resource managers need to be able to determine the relationships between flows and various fish habitat parameters in order to evaluate the effects of a present or proposed project which can alter flow regimes. A technique was developed which uses field measurements and a digital computer to quantitatively express the relationships between streamflow and available food producing, spawning, resting microhabitat, and cover areas for trout. Changing a few weighting factors can adapt the program to various species of salmonids. An example of a plot of study results utilizing this methodology is presented. A discussion of the benefits from application of the methodology to release flow evaluations is given.