Author(s): Daniel S. Hayes; Stefan Auer; Simon Fuhrer; Franz Greimel; Diego Tonolla; Nico Batz; Christine Weber; Gunther Unfer; Bernhard Zeiringer; Kevin Merl; Luiz Silva; Robert Naudascher; Lorenzo Gorla; Stefan Schmutz
Linked Author(s): Kevin Merl
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The scientific and management discourse on hydropeaking flow-ecology relationships has largely focused on assessing biotic effects related to flow metrics of single hydropeaking events. The ecological effects of reoccurring peaking have been rarely studied to date, albeit this being a key issue due to the deregulation of the energy market and increased share of volatile energy sources, causing an increase in hydropeaking frequency. Particularly regarding stranding, an increase in hydropeaking frequency might be disastrous, leading to adverse ecological effects ranging from individual organisms and upscaling to entire populations. Therefore, this study endeavors to advance the discourse on hydropeaking frequency, particularly in the context of fish stranding. We explore the effects of stranding due to repeated hydropeaks on both individual fish and their populations. Our synthesis draws from a comprehensive review of both the peer-reviewed and grey literature, enriched with insights from empirical fieldwork and experimental datasets.
Year: 2024