In regulated rivers, instream habitats are under the most stress during high and low flows. Our research aims to better understand the impacts of extreme flows on the most sensitive indicator species commonly affected by impoundment schemes. The aim is to determine ecologically suitable flow regimes, in support of ongoing site management and the requirements of European Directives (Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive).
Our study site is regulated by a long-established HEP scheme. We have been gathering baseline information on hydromorphology and ecology since 2008 and are currently undertaking a detailed study of the effects of extreme flows on the system. A range of physicochemical, hydromorphological and ecological measurements are being made in order to:
To find out more about this work contact Susan Cooksley [1].
Links:
[1] https://www.hutton.ac.uk/staff/susan-cooksley