Author(s): Paulo Branco; Pedro Segurado; Maria Teresa Ferreira
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Abstract: Longitudinal connectivity is the most important d imension of connectivity for the majority of freshwater fish species. It is paramount for the completion of the life cycle of potamodromous and diadromous fish and it is the guarantee of healthy viable populations of resident fish species. Longitudinal connectivity allows fish to expand their distribution, escape predators, augment foraging areas, avoid competition and to promote gene flow along a river basin which effectively avoids bottlenecks. This connectivity dimension is increasing being imperiled by the continuous construction of transversal barriers, such as dams and weirs, that reduce the system’s overall connectivity.
Year: 2018