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Identifying the Influence of Channel Morphology on Physical Habitat Availability for Native Fish: Application to the Two-spined Blackfish (Gadopsis bispinosus) in the Cotter River, Australia.

Maddock, Ian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5072-8700, Thoms, M.C., Jonson, K., Dyer, F. and Lintermans, M. (2004) Identifying the Influence of Channel Morphology on Physical Habitat Availability for Native Fish: Application to the Two-spined Blackfish (Gadopsis bispinosus) in the Cotter River, Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research, 55 (2). pp. 173-185. ISSN 1323-1650

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Abstract

The impact of channel morphology and flow on physical habitat availability for the two-spined blackfish (Gadopsis bispinosus) was assessed in the Cotter River, ACT, Australia. Physical habitat requirements for three life stages were identified based on previous field sampling in the Cotter River. Two sites were selected with contrasting channel morphology: Spur Hole, with a moderate gradient and runs and glides, and Vanity’s Crossing, with a steeper gradient, rapids, and fast-flowing pools. Physical Habitat Simulation System (PHABSIM) was used to simulate the flow v. physical habitat availability relationship for each life stage at both sites. Clear differences were apparent between sites, with Spur Hole characterised by increasing habitat with increasing flow and Vanity’s Crossing showing the opposite relationship. The nature of the channel morphology determined this difference, with Spur Hole characterised by marginal zones becoming inundated at higher flows and providing additional suitable physical habitat as discharge increases. Vanity’s Crossing does not contain similar marginal zones. Further analysis demonstrated that high water velocity was the most important factor limiting physical habitat availability at both sites. This approach demonstrates the importance of channel morphology in determining physical habitat availability and an alternative use of PHABSIM to highlight limiting factors for target species.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information:

This jointly authored articled with Dr Couper is an example of UW staff assisting and nurturing (former) postgraduate research students. Dr Maddock redrafted the paper, provided theoretical, conceptual and statistical advice and hence had a major input to the article.

Uncontrolled Discrete Keywords: channel geomorphic units, hydraulic habitat, upscaling, SERG
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography
Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Divisions: College of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences > School of Science and the Environment
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Ian Maddock
Date Deposited: 18 Dec 2007 09:00
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2020 14:10
URI: https://eprints.worc.ac.uk/id/eprint/214

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