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Research Document - 2016/043

Habitat Modelling in Support of the Recovery of Channel Darter (Percina copelandi) Populations along the Trent River, Ontario

By Scott M. Reid, Stan Brown, Tim Haxton, James Luce and Bob Metcalfe

Abstract

A habitat modelling study was undertaken to inform the setting of minimum flow levels for the Trent River (Trent-Severn Waterway, Ontario) during the spawning period of the Threatened Channel Darter. Flow recommendations are required for all populations along the Trent River and for tailwater habitat below the Lock 5 dam.

The study included the following components:

  1. habitat suitability curves developed for water depth and water velocity;
  2. regression relationships between river discharge and water depth and water velocity developed for three Channel Darter populations (Glen Ross, Lock 5 dam, Sonoco);
  3. a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model (River2D) calibrate to predict local water depths and velocities downstream of the Lock 5 dam; and,
  4. habitat suitability curves coupled with the River2D model’s hydrodynamic predictions used to provide site-specific guidance for releasing flow through dam control gates at Lock 5.

Channel Darter were generally associated with shallow water depths (0.1 - 0.4 m), water velocities greater than 0.2 m/s, and coarse river bed material (gravel, cobble, boulder). River discharge and habitat suitability relationships differed among the three Channel Darter populations. Water depth and velocity were significantly and positively correlated to discharge only at Glen Ross. Predicted improvements to habitat suitability at Sonoco occur at discharges twice as high (> 80 m3/s) as that expected to be optimal at Glen Ross (30 to 50 m3/s). Water depth, water velocity, and habitat suitability downstream of the Lock 5 dam were predicted to be strongly influenced by river discharge, the amount of water released through the eastern-most gate (spill discharge) and downstream water elevation. River2D model output predicted that most improvements in habitat suitability would occur with spill discharges between 5 and 7.5 m3/s.

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