Abstract
Natural river floodplains provide key habitats for spawning and as a nursery for many
riverine fish species. Periodic flooding plays a principal role in the ecological
processes in floodplain systems resulting in high productivity and diversity, as
formulated in the Flood Pulse concept (FPC). However, little progress has been made
in exploring the FPC over larger spatial scales due to lack of empirical data. In this
study we aimed at a quantitative assessment of the FPC by analyzing flood pulse
dynamics in response to changes in river flow regime on various spatial and temporal
scales and relating these to recruitment success of riverine fish species that use the
floodplain. This assessment is based on analysis of environmental as well as fish data
(for consecutive life stages; adult spawners, fish larvae, young fish at the end of
growing season) collected in 2006-2008. We confirm that flooding coupled with
suitable temperatures is essential for spawning, nursery and resulting recruitment of
fish species that use the floodplain, as hypothesized in the FPC. The match between
species-specific environmental requirements for spawning and growing with the
environmental conditions occurring during a specific year in terms of timing, duration
and magnitude of the flood pulse and water temperature, results in ‘opportunity
windows’ which are suitable for spawning or growth of young fish of a particular
species. However, since different fish species in the floodplain have different lifehistory
strategies, this results in complex and diverse recruitment responses. In this
study the potential for fish recruitment, depending on floodplain topography, flood
pulse magnitude and other environmental factors in the Volga-Akhtuba are discussed
in the scope of the ‘opportunity windows’ concept. In addition, implications for
management are considered, in order to sustain successful fish recruitment in
temperate floodplains.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | International conference on the Status and Future of the World's Large Rivers, Vienna, Austria, 11-14 April 2011 |
Editors | H. Habersack, B. Schober, D. Walling |
Place of Publication | Vienna, Austria |
Publisher | Tribun EU |
Pages | 220-220 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Event | International conference on the Status and Future of the World's Large Rivers, Vienna Austria - Duration: 11 Apr 2011 → 14 Apr 2011 |
Conference
Conference | International conference on the Status and Future of the World's Large Rivers, Vienna Austria |
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Period | 11/04/11 → 14/04/11 |