Author(s): Jamie D. Anderson; Gerald T. Orlob; Ian P. King
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: A mechanistic ecosystem response model is being developed by incorporating an ecological model into an existing hydrodynamic and water quality modeling framework. The ecosystem response model provides a methodology for quantifying impacts of environmental stresses, singly or in combination, on sensitive aquatic species. The Sacramento River and San Francisco Bay/Delta system has been selected for preliminary calibration, sensitivity testing and application of the hydrodynamic, water quality, and ecological models. Environmental stresses, such as those imposed by modified flow regimes and excessive water temperatures, have contributed to declining salmonid populations normally supported by this system. Impacts of flow regime, water temperature, and salinity on juvenile chinook salmon survival, growth, and migration are being investigated as an initial application of the ecosystem response model. Progress is reported on the development and application of this methodology for determining the relationship between stress changes and responses of ecological components of the aquatic ecosystem.
Year: 1997