Author(s): D. Teschlade; A. Niemann
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Keywords: No keywords
Abstract: The European Union and Germany aims to increase the share of renewables. Thus, new and sustainable hydropower solutions are discussed in detail. Simultaneously, the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) prohibits the degradation of rivers, which leads to the need of river continuity concepts and new fish friendly hydropower concepts that do not (significantly) impact connectivity and continuity. Migratory obstacles, particularly in the form of hydropower plants, have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems. In order to ensure efficient energy production that does not interfere with river ecology, but provides a reasonable contribution to the power supply, fish and water protection measures are indispensable. However, there is a need for comprehensive research, in the areas of fish protection and fish decline, particularly in the fields of behavioral and population biology of both diadromous and potamodromous species. These knowledge gaps have significant consequences for the acceptance of measures for fish protection, fish migration and consequently as well for the extension or upgrading of hydropower. This paper presents an innovative assessment approach by development of a model that links physical habitat conditions and ecological requirements of species communities and different life stages using a habitat modelling software (Max Ent) and a dispersal modelling software (FIDIMO) to derive priorities for protected reaches. As a first step we demonstrate that reliable spatial predictions for key fish species can be achieved by modelling habitat suitability with species occurrence data and public available hydromorphological variables.
Year: 2016