Allen, M. S., Tate, W., Tugend, K. I., Rogers, M., & Dockendorf, K. J. (2003). Effects of
Water-Level Fluctuations on the Fisheries of Lake Tarpon. Management. Clearwater,
FL: Final Report to Don Hicks, Pinellas County Department of Environmental
Management.
Assess effects of water-level fluctuations on habitat quality and recruitment of largemouth bass
and black crappie at Lake Tarpon from 1998-2003. Drop in lake levels due to drought. Positive
trend between spring and summer water levels and largemouth bass recruitment. Low water level
in the Spring and Summer of 2000 was related to a relatively weak 2000 largemouth bass year
class. Black crappie mean catch per minute in trawls was low in all years. Age-0 black crappie
abundance not related to any water level variables. Quantitative= Yes. Fish (abundance).
Magnitude (water level).
Apse, C., Dephilip, M., Zimmerman, J., & Smith, M. P. (2008). Developing Instream Flow
Criteria to Support Ecologically Sustainable Water Resource Planning and
Management. Final Report from The Nature Conservancy to the Pennsylvania
Instream FLow Technical Advisory Committee, Harrisburg, PA.
Document outlines the ELOHA process in relation to PA water policy. Developing hydrologic
baselines, river classifications, appropriate hydrologic statistics. Section 5 talks about flow
alteration and ecological responses. Review of development of environmental flow criterion.
Review of ELOHA-flow-ecology process. Development of hypotheses of expected ecological
responses to flow alteration. PA flow-ecology case study: Richness, EPT, ShannonWeiner (H),
and Ephemeroptera decreased with increasing withdrawal index. HBI and Chironomids
increased with increasing withdrawal index. Different traits had variable responses to
withdrawal. Quantitative = Yes. Withdrawals. Macroinvertebrate (diversity, abundance).
Magntiude.
Averett, A. W., Persinger, J., Chan, M. D., Lozinski, J. L., & Orth, D. J. (2004). Stream
Habitat Modeling to Support Water Management Decisions for the North Fork
Shenandoah River, Virginia. Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission,
North Fork Instream Flow Technical Advisory Committee.
Evaluated the hydraulics, habitat, and water quality of NF Shenandoah River, VA, during low
flow conditions. Used hydraulic, fish habitat, and water quality data in instream flow modles
during periods of extreme drought in 1999 and 2002 to make recommendations for low-flow
thresholds. Developed Habitat Suitability durves for different habitat specialists: Riffle, fast
generalists, pool run, pool cover, and algae&midge. Habitat suitability maximized for most
groups at 50-100 cfs at all sites, expect for algae and midge that maximized at 10-20cfs. Storm
during late summer/early fall causes losses in habitat suitability. Low flow minimums at all sites
were well below maximum habitat suitability. Quantitative=Yes. Fish (habitat). Periphyton
(habitat). Magnitdue (annual minimum flow).
Batsavage, C. F., & Rulifson, R. A. (1998). Life history aspects of the hickory shad (Alosa
mediocris) in the Albermale Sound/Roanoke River Watershed, North Carolina.
Morehead City, NC: ICMR Constripution Series, Report to North Carolina Division
of Marine Fisheries.
Provided information on age, size, sex composition, age at maturity, fecundity, and nursery
grounds for hickory shad. Abundance of hickory shad have increased since 1980 – may be result
of river discharge. Higher flows in late winter/early spring initiates spawning migrations. Steady
river flows >20,000 cfs inundates creeks and backwaters and may provide spawning habitats for
fish. Higher sustained river flows important. Fish (reproduction). Magnitude (high flows,
seasonality). Duration (high flows)
Bulak, J. (2011). April flow and striped bass recruitment in the Congaree River, South
Carolina. Eastover, SC: Freshwater Fishery Section, South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources. Unpublished Data.
Positive relationship between April river discharge (during spawning) and recruitment of age 2
striped bass in Congaree River. One point suggests that relationship could be curvelinear (i.e
too much water may be detrimental to spawning). Quantitative =Yes. Fish (reproduction,
abundance). Magnitude (April Flow).
Chamberlain, R. H., & Doering, P. H. (1998). Preliminary estimate of optimum freshwater
inflow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary: A resource-based approach. In S. F. Treat
(Ed.), Proceedings of the Charlotte Harbor Public Conference and Technical Symposium
(pp. 121-130). Punta Gorda, FL: South Florida Water Management District, West
Palm Beach, Florida.
Used salinity model to evaluate influence of inflows on salinity and effects on submerged
vegetation. Decreased flow could lead to increased salinity and decreased biomass of
submereged vegetation. Quantitative = Yes. Macrophyte (biomass), Magnitude.
Chescheir, G. M., Lebo, M. E., Amatya, D. M., Hughes, J., Gilliam, J. W., Skaggs, R. W., &
Herrmann, R B. (2003). Hydrology and Water Quality of Forested Lands in Eastern
North Carolina. North. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Agricultural Research Service,
North Carolina State University.
Assessed baseline outflow characteristics of 41 forested watersheds in coastal plain of NC. Low
nutrient concentrations compared to other studies of various land-uses. Maximum N and P
exports occured in winter. Strong influence of soils on outflow. Quantitative = Yes. Nutrient
(concentration). Magnitude.
Christensen, J. D., Monaco, M. E., Livingston, Robert L. Battista, Woodsum, G., Battista,
T. A., Klein, C. J., Galeprin, B., & Huang, W. (1998). Potential impacts of reduced
freshwater inflow on Apalachicola Bay, FL oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations:
Coupling hydrologic and biologic models. NOAA/NOS Strategic Environmetnal
Assessments Division, Silver Spring, MD.
Evaluated consequences of reduced freshwater inflow in Appalachicola Bay on oyster mortality
and growth rates under various freshwater inflow scenarios. Modeled temp and salinity under
various fw scenarios and infleunce on oyster growth/mortality. Oyster bar growth positively
correlated with inflow associated variables. Percent mortality increased substantially under low
flow conditions. Quantitative = Yes. Macroinvertebrate (mortality, growth). Magnitude.
Cichra, C. E., Dahm, C. N., Locke, A., Shaw, D. T., & Stewart, M. (2007). A Review of
“Proposed Minimum Flows and Levels for the Upper Segment of the Hillsborough
River, from Crystal Springs to Morris Bridge , and Crystal Springs.” Peer Review
Draft to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, January 30, 2007.
Review of Kelly et al. (2007). Specific arguments in methodology and assumptions used by
Kelley et al. 2007 in light of MFLs. Main concern: Adequacy of the low-flow threshold and the
use of a de facto significant harm criterion based on a 15% reduction in habitat availability has
not been rigorously demonstrated and will remain presumptive until the District commits to
monitoring and assessment necessary to determine whether these criteria are truly protective.
District has taken no visible steps to reduce the uncertainty and subjectivity associated with these
criteria. Quantitative = No.
Coastal Environmental. (1997). An analysis of the effects of freshwater inflows on salinity
distributions, dissolved oxygen conentrations, and habitat characteristics of the
Hillsborough River and Palm River/Tampa Bypass Canal. Tampa, FL: Tampa Bay
National Estuary Program, Technical Publication #08-97.
Effects of freshwater inflows from the Hillsborough River Reservoir on downstream salinity,
oxygen, and habitat characteristics. Modeling. May be good for predictive purposes.
Quantitative= No. No ecological results reported.
Crance, J. H. (1984). Habitat suitability index models and instream flow suitability curves:
Inland stocks of striped bass. Washington, DC: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Report.
Development of HSI for striped bass. Velocity, depth, substrate, Temperature, salinity, and DO
suitability curves for striped bass. Quantitative=No, but can be used as supporting information
for flow requirements.
Crowe, J. B., Huang, W., & Lewis, F. G. (2008). Assessment of Freshwater Inflows to North
Bay from the Deer Point Watershed of the St. Andrew Bay System. System. Havana,
FL: Northwest Florida Water Management District, Water Resources Assessment 0801.
Assesses the current and long term fresh water inflows into the Deer Point Lake Reservoir and
potential impacts of additional withdrawals from the reservoir on North Bay. The report includes
3 components: a biological characterization of North Bay, a watershed hydrologic model
assessment of the Deer Point Lake watershed and a hydrodynamic model analysis of North Bay.
Gives a review of biological information and importance of freshwater flows to estuaries. Shows
relationships between flow and salinity. Good information on biological communities but no
relationship to inflows. Quantitative = No b/c no association with ecology. but could support a
quantitative analysis. Magnitude
Cummins, J., Buchanan, C., Haywood, C., Moltz, H., Griggs, A., Jones, R. C., Kraus, R., et
al. (2011). Potomac Basin Large River Environmental Flow Needs. Current. Bethesda,
MD: Final Report to the The Nature Conservancy of Maryland and the District of
Columbia.
Discuss factors influencing basin hydrology, risk of hydrologic alteration. Riverine Ecological
Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration: Discuss ecological relationships and hypotheses between
flows and riparian vegetation, fish, and mussels in relation to altered magnitude, timing,
duration, and frequency of flows in riverine environments. Discuss ecological relationships and
flow alteration hypotheses for how various flow regimes influence water quality, phytoplankton,
submereged aquatic vegetation, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fishes in
estuaries/tidal environments. Quantitative =No. Conceptual.
DePhilip, M., & Moberg, T. (2010). Ecosystem Flow Recommendations for the
Susquehanna River Basin. Harrisburg, PA: Report of The Nature Conservancy to the
Susquehana River Basin Commission and US Army Corps of Engineers.
Review the hydrology, water use, ecosystem flow needs, and relevant flow statistics for the
Susquehana River basin. Conducted review and developed hypotheses concerning potential
ecological responses of fish, macroinvertebrates (insects, crayfish, and mussels), reptiles,
amphibians, riparian vegetation, physical processes, and waterquality. Discuss seasonal flow
needs for basin. Provide relevant flow statistics. Quantitative =No. Conceptual.
Devine Tarbell & Associates Inc. (2005). Lake Blackshear Project Flint River instream flow
study report. Cordele, GA: Report prepared for Crisp County Power Commission.
Relicensing of the Lake Blackshear Project, Flint River, below Warwick Dam, GA. Provide
WUA curves vs discharge using IFIM appraoches and identify range of operational alternatives.
Multiple species at different life stages – warmwater species. We Current minimum flow
requirements, established during the previous relicensing process, are well suited to protect the
aquatic community. The required instantaneous minimum flow of 600 cfs provides 80-90% of
fish habitat of natural conditions, provides 80-90 % of the maximum achievable fish habitat,
provides adequate flow for protection of benthic fauna and flora (nearly the entire river bed is
fully wetted). Quantitative =Yes. Fish (habitat). Magntiude (minimum flow).
Dial Cordy and Associates Inc. (2010). Evaluation of Shortnose Sturgeon Spawning Habitat
, Savannah River , Georgia and South Carolina. Jacksonsville, FL: Report to the
Savannah District, US Army Corps of Engineers.
Potential impacts to migratory fish species resulting from reduced discharges during the spring
spawning period. Assessed the quantity and quality of shortnose sturgeon (SNS) spawning
habitats downstream of two dams on the Savannah River: the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam
(NSBL&D) and the Augusta Diversion Dam (ADD), near Augusta, GA. Provide total area of
available suitable spawning habitat for sturgeon , given depth, velocity and suitable substrates.
No relationship to varying discharge. Quantitative = No, but may support a analysis.
Duncan, W. W., Freeman, M. C., Jennings, C. A., & Mclean, J. T. (2003).
CONSIDERATIONS FOR FLOW ALTERNATIVES THAT SUSTAIN SAVANNAH
RIVER FISH POPULATIONS. Proceedings of the 2003 Georgia Water Resources
Conference.
Develop flow alternatives below Strom Thurmond Dam by evaluating relations between flow
regimes and life history stages of riverine and diadromous fishes within shoal, floodplain, and
estuary habitats. Conducted literature search to identify flow relationships to fish life history
aspects (e.g. migration, reproduction, survival and growth). (American shad, shortnose sturgeon,
Atlantic sturgeon, American eel, striped bass, and robust redhorse). Habitat for fishes
throughout the lower Savannah River is directly affected by river regulation, and in the case of
the Augusta shoals, by water diversion. Quantitative= No. Fish (abundance, reproduction).
Natural Flow Regime.
Duncan, W. W., Freeman, M. C., Jennings, C. A., & Mclean, J. T. (2003).
CONSIDERATIONS FOR FLOW ALTERNATIVES THAT SUSTAIN SAVANNAH
RIVER FISH POPULATIONS. Proceedings of the 2003 Georgia Water Resources
Conference.
Propose to develop flow alternatives below Strom Thurmond Dam by evaluating relations
between flow regimes and specific life history stages of riverine and diadromous fishes within
shoal, floodplain, and estuary habitats. Provides quantitative assessment of major flow alterations
that occur in into three major sections of Savannha River (shoals, shoals to the estuary, and
estuary). Ecological responses to flow alternative scenarios are hypothetical and based on
existing literature of ecology of Savannah River system. Good list of sources. Quantitative =
No, but could assist in quantitative analysis. Fish. Magnitude (low flows, peak flows.
EA Engineering Science and Technology. (1994). Oconee River Instream Flow Study Main
Report. Atlanta, GA: Sinclair Hydroelectric Project Relicensing Technical Studies,
FERC Project No. 1951.
Evaluate alternative minimum flow scenarios in Oconee River below Sinclair Hydrologic
Project, Milledgeville, GA (new license) by quantifying relationships between flow and habitat
for fish. Developed WUA curves vs discharge for multiple species at various life stages – 6
warmwater species. Survey and analyze oxbows (backwater habitats) and woody debris at
transects. Includes Robust Redhorse. Quantitative = Yes. Magnitude (minimum flow)
Estevez, E. D. (2002). Freshwater inflows to coastal ecosystems. E-Refs, Estuarine Research
Foundation.
List of references for the importance of freshwater inflows to coastal ecosystems. Good source
of information.
Ewing, T. D., Borawa, J. C., & Creed, R. P. (2011). Population fluctuations in two southern
Appalachian rainbow trout populations: magnitude and potential causes. Unpublished
Paper. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC.
Quantified population fluctuations over a 10 year period in two unexploited rainbow trout
populations in 2 western NC streams. Densities of rainbow trout in both streams exhibited
strong, negative correlations with the maximum instantaneous flow occurring during the
incubation and emergence periods. Strong synchrony in fluctuations of both populations which
suggests that the high discharge events may have had similar impacts on multiple trout
populations within this ecoregion. Quantitative = Yes. Magnitude(Spring Maximum).
GeoSyntec Consultants. (2006). Fisheries and aquatic resources. Morgan Falls Project
(FERC No. 2237). Resource Study Report for Morgan Falls Hydro and Georgia Power
Company. March, 2006.
Characterized aquatic communities, developed aquatic resource information for evaluating
effects of project operations, and evaluated the potential for fish entrainment and turbine-induced
mortality at the powerhouse. Area included project impoundment and a 12-mile segment of the
Chattahoochee River. Habitat-discharge relationships for trout show that current Morgan Falls
minimum flow releases maximize habitat for adult brown trout and optimize (balance) habitat
between other trout species and life stages in shoal habitats. High stream flows from peaking
operations limit availability of shoal habitats downstream. Show larval and various size class
entrainment rates for 46 hydroelectric facilities in SE. Show WUA vs discharge for trout.
Quantitative = YES! Subdaily (Magnitude, peaking). Daily: Magnitude (minimum flow).
Gibson, C. A. (2004). Alterations in ecosystem processes as a result of anthropogenic
modifications to streams and their catchments. Dissertation. University of Georgia.
Examine how anthropogenic alterations (climate change, dam operation, urbanization) of streams
or catchments affect ecosystem processes and concomitantly the ability of streams to provide
ecosystem services. Future climate scenarios can cause dramatic shifts in flow regimes in the
Cle Elum and the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee- Flint River systems. Flow alterations would
result in decreased habitat availability and changes in food resources:ecological implications.
The Chattahoochee River below Atlanta, GA is regulated by hydropower dams and receives
most of Atlanta’s wastewater treatment plant effluent. Hydropeaking reduces gross primary
production. FPOM and phosphorus (P) loading increases respiration and overwhelms the effects
of low flow discharge regime on respiration. Overall, P and ammonium uptake velocities in the
Chattahoochee River are lower than those in less modified systems. Urban headwater streams
had lower uptake velocities and higher ambient nutrient concentrations than forest streams in the
Etowah Basin, GA. Relationships between nutrient concentration, uptake, respiration,
productivity, and discharge. Quantitative = Yes. Nutrients. Primary Productivity. Magnitude.
Goodreau, C. (2011). Annotated Bibliography of Cape Fear River Anadromous Fish
References. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
List of references for sources of info for Striped bass, american shad, hickory shad, river herring,
and sturgeon in Cape Fear River. Most are not in relation to flow. Provides yearly CPUE data
that could be matched with hydrologic information or compared to other rivers in temporal or
spatial analyses, respectively. Quantiative = no. But could support quantitative analyses. Fish.
Not much hydrologic information.
Goodreau, C. (2011). Annotated Bibliography of Neuse River Anadromous Fish
References. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
List of references for sources of info for Striped bass, american shad, hickory shad, sturgeon, and
multi-species for Neuse river. Most are not in relation to flow. Provides some yearly CPUE data
that could be matched with hydrologic information or compared to other rivers in temporal or
spatial analyses, respectively. Quantiative = no. But could support quantitative analyses. Fish.
Not much hydrologic information.
Goodreau, C. (2011). Annotated Bibliography of Roanoke Anadromous Literature. North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Alot of references for info on Roanoke River. Most are not in relation to flow. Provides some
yearly CPUE data that could be matched with hydrologic information or compared to other rivers
in temporal or spatial analyses, respectively. Some of studies discuss relationships to flow.
Quantiative = no. But could support quantitative analyses. Fish. Not much hydrologic
information.
Goodreau, C. (2011). Annotated Bibliography: Tar River Anadromous Fish References.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
List of references for sources of info for Striped bass, american shad, hickory shad, sturgeon, and
multi-species for Tar river. Most are not in relation to flow. Provides some yearly CPUE data
that could be matched with hydrologic information or compared to other rivers in temporal or
spatial analyses, respectively. Quantiative = no. But could support quantitative analyses. Fish.
Not much hydrologic information.
Graf, W. L., Allen, J., Bollinger, M. S., Brown, B., Callahan, T. J., Carbone, G., Coull, B.
C., et al. (2009). Minimum Flow Rules for South Carolina Rivers Minimum Flow
Rules for South Carolina Rivers. Letter Report from South Carolina Independent
Science Review Panel for Minimum Instream Flows to Senator Daniel B. Verdin III
Chairman Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources South Carolina Senate.
Effective rule is one that produces minimum flow requirements that vary seasonally and
geographically. A key component of any successful rule is the selection of a reference time
period. Quantitative=No. No ecological information.
Greenlee, B. (Virginia D. of G. and I. F. (2011). Largemouth bass catch-per-unit effort in
relation to flow in the lower James River, VA. Unpublished Data.
Catch per unit effort of bass YOY increase with increasing April flow in lower James. Possible
curvelinear relationship between bass YOY in Chickahominy and mean April-May flow.
Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance, reproduction). Magnitude (April, May).
Greenwood, M. F. D., Peebles, E. B., Burghart, S. E., MacDonald, T. C., Matheson, R. E. J.,
& McMichael, R. H. J. (2008). Freshwater inflow effects on fishes and invertebrates in
the Chassahowitzka River and Estuary. Brooksville, FL: Report to The Southwest
Florida Water Management District.
Identify patterns of estuarine habitat use and organism abundance under variable natural
freshwater inflow conditions in order to predict responses to withdrawals. Development of
regressions that describe variation in organism distribution and abundance as a function of
natural variation in inflows. Many, Many relationships between fishes and invertebrates and
inflow. Some positive, some negative responses. Quantitative = Yes. Macroinvertebrate
(abundance). Fish (abundance). Magnitude. Duration (1-21 day flows).
Hagler, M. M. (2006). Effects of natural flow variability over seven years on the occurrence of
shoal-dependent fishes in the Etowah River. University of Georgia.
Increasing variability in summer stream flow (the number of days that stream flow exceeded the
long-term average plus one standard deviation) reduced the odds of occurrence of most species.
Need for stable summer flows in warmwater rivers to allow for strong species recruitment.
Quantitative=Yes. Fish (occupancy). Duration (High flow, summer), Frequency (High flows,
summer).
Haitjema, H. M., Rumbaugh, J. O., & Shafer, J. M. (2000). Proposed minimum water level
criteria for the Lower West Coast Aquifer System within the South Florida Water
Management District. Final Panel Report-Version 2, South Florida Water
Management District, October 11, 2000.
Review of document by South Florida Water Management District (2000). Concerns dealt with
the lack of information relevant to management decisions. Also, the lack of substantiation of the
impact of withdrawals on groundwater table. Needs to include more relevant data and possibly
groundwater modeling. Also may need more documentation and field work. Quantitative =No.
Hill, J. E., & Cichra, C. E. (2002a). Minimum flows and levels criteria development:
Evaluation of the importance of water depth and frequency of water levels / flows on fish
population dynamics (Literature review and summary) The Effects of Water Levels on
Fish Populations. Gainesville, FL.
Summarizes published and unpublished literature concerning the effects of water flow and level
changes on fish populations, with an emphasis on freshwater fishes in FL. Over 10,000 potential
citations were examined and about 300 were obtained and annotated. Discussed how alterations
in water levels affects growth, mortality, recruitment, assemblage structure, reproduction,
feeding, habitat, movement/habitat use, nutrients and water quality. Great source of literature.
Quantitative=No. Fish. The Natural Flow Regime.
Hill, J. E., & Cichra, C. E. (2002b). Minimum flows and levels criteria development.
Evaluation of the importance of water depth and frequency of water levels / flows on fish
population dynamics Literature review and summary Annotated bibliography for water
level effects on fish populations. Methodology. Gainesville, FL.
Annotated bibliography of the effects of water levels on fish populations, with special reference
to Florida fishes, habitats, and systems. Provides 290 references to primary and gray literature.
Coverage is primarily 1980 to 2000. Focus primarily on water levels but other hydrologic factors
as well. Quantitative=No. Fish. Mangitude (water level, CV). Duration (flooding). The Natural
Flow Regime.
Hill, J. E., & Cichra, C. E. (2005a). Biological synopsis of five selected florida centrarchid
fishes with an emphasis on the effect of water level fluctuations. Palatka, Florida.
Review of the habitat, feeding, nesting, dispersal/migration, and age/growth of 4 centrarchid
species: largemouth bass, dollar sunfish, redbreast sunfish, and spotted sunfish. Discuss
implications of water level fluctuations on each species. Each species may be positively or
negatively associated depending on the magnitude and direction of the water level fluctuation.
Quantitative=No. Fish. Magnitude (water level, CV). Duration (flooding). The Natural Flow
Regime.
Hill, J. E., & Cichra, C. E. (2005b). Biological synopsis of six selected florida non-game,
littoral fishes with an emphasis on the effects of water level fluctuations. Palatka,
Florida.
Review of the habitat, feeding, nesting, dispersal/migration, and age/growth of 6 non-game
species: redfin pickerel, golden shiner, lake chubsucker, flagfish, and bluespotted sunfish.
Discuss implications of water level fluctuations on each species. Each species may be positively
or negatively associated or resilient to water level changes depending on the magnitude and
direction of the water level fluctuation. Quantitative=No. Fish. The Natural Flow Regime.
HSW Engineering Inc. (2004). Evaluation of the effects of the proposed minimum flows
and levels regime on water resource values on the St. Johns River between SR 528 and
SR 46. Palatka, Florida: Report to the St. Johns River Water Management District,
November 2004.
Determined that 50 million gallons per day (mgd) could be withdrawn from two locations
upstream of SR 50 without exceeding the MFLs. Mostly qualitative assessments of potential
effects of withdrawal. HSW found that 50 mgd would not be protective of all 10 Water Resource
Values (not protective of fish passage, recreation and navigation). Looks at flow duration curves
and relates to river access, inundated habitats, etc. Great source of biological information & Fish
species information. Quantitative = No. Fish (habitat). Nutrients. Sediment. Organic (detrital).
Duration. Magnitude.
Instream Flow Council. (2011). Instream flow and stream ecology literature. Instream Flow
Council, May 24, 2011. doi:10.1002/rra.720.Abbe
327 pages of literature on flow and associations with ecology. Wealth of information.
Quantitative = No.
Jackson, C. R., & Long, S. L. (2011). EVALUATION OF SEDIMENT PARTICLE SIZE
DYNAMICS AT GRAVEL BARS USED BY ROBUST REDHORSE ( Moxostoma
robustum ) FOR SPAWNING IN THE UPPER SAVANNAH RIVER. North (pp. 1-24).
Quantified sediment size distribution of mid-channel spawning bars on the Savannah River and
to evaluate whether flow variation (during 12 mo.) affected particle size distributions. During the
winter high flow period, the sand fraction higher and lower D50. Winter high flows transport
sands from upriver deposited over the bar during high flows. During subsequent medium and
low flows, sands transported, leaving the armoring gravel layer over the sand/gravel mix. Once
the winter high flows subside, particle size variation seemed to be mostly random. Observed
repeated dewatering of common spawning locations by Grabowski and Isely (2007b). Flow of
6200 cfs in April-June was necessary to keep 0.3 meters of water over the top of the upper bar.
Under current operations, daily average flows drop below this level during the spawning and
larval development period. In the pre-dam period, normal and wet years would typically provide
flows exceeding 6200 cfs during the spawning and larval development period. Quantitative =
No. Sediment; Fish (reproduction). Magnitude (April-June).
Kauffman, J. (2009). American Shad Recruitment Linked to Summer Flows: Extending
Data to the Outer Limits. Nashville, TN: 2009 Southern Instream Flow Commitee
Meeting, Southeastern Aquatic Resources Partnership.
Curvelinear relationship between CPUE of Age4-6 american shad and July-August mean flow in
Pamunkey. Low flows and above-average flows led to lower CPUE. Moderate flows were best.
Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance, reproduction). Magnitude (July-August).
Kauffman, J. (2011). Relationships between largemouth bass recruitment and flow in
James River. Unpublished Data.
Positive linear relationship between CPUE of LMB YOY in lower James and lower
Chickahominy in relationship to mean April and mean April-May flow, respectively. YOY
CPUE was also positively related to Nitrogen load in April and Phosphorus load in October –
April. Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance, reproduction). Magnitude (April-May).
Kelly, M. (2004). Florida river flow patterns and the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation.
Draft Report to the Southwest Florida Water Management District,August 10, 2004.
Discussion of river flow patterns in FL: south to north difference in the timing or seasonality of
flows. Changes in stream flow due to differences in rainfall as influenced by the Atlantic
Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) showing how this causes a significant multidecadal south to
north difference in river flow volumes across Florida. Significant differences in flows are
discussed for a select number of sites in the Southwest Florida Water Management District with
emphasis on how climate and anthropogenic factors have affected these river flows. Not many
relations to Ecology. But oscillations will influence setting minimum flow standards, especially
in relation to baseline conditions. Quantitative = No.
Kelly, M., Muson, A., Morales, J., & Leeper, D. (2005). Proposed Minimum Flows and
Levels for the Middle Segment of the Peace River, from Zolfo Springs to Arcadia.
Brooksville, FL: Draft Report to the Southwest Florida Water Management District,
February 18, 2005.
Minimum flows are proposed for the middle segment of the Peace River. Based on climatic
oscillations on regional river flows, identified 2 benchmark periods for evaluation flows.
Identified seasonal blocks corresponding to periods of low, medium and high flows. Low flow
threshold was determined to be 67 cfs for Acadia site and 45 cfs for Zolfo Springs site. LOW
FLOWS: PHABSIM most limiting factors were fry of spotted sunfish and largemouth bass.
Simulated reductions in historic flows greater than 10% resulted in more than a 15% loss of
available habitat. Prescribed flow reduction for both gage sites during the low flow period was
defined as a10% reductions as long as low-flow threshold was maintained. HIGH FLOWS:
stepped flow reduction of 13% and 8% of historic flows, with the step occurring at the 25 %
exceedance flow (1362 cfs) resulted in a 15 %decrease in days of floodplain inundation at
Arcadia gage. A stepped flow reduction of 11% and 8% of historic flows, with the step occurring
at the 25 % exceedance flow (783 cfs) was established at the Zolfo Springs gage. MEDIUM
FLOWS: 15% of historically available habitat would be lost for specific species life-stages if
flows were reduced by more than 18% at Arcadia or more the 10% at Zolfo during the medium
flow period. Linear relationships with nutrientsQuantitative = Yes. Fish (habitat). Nutrients.
Magnitude. Duration.
Kelly, M., Muson, A., Morales, J., & Leeper, D. (2007). Proposed Minimum Flows and
Levels for the Upper Segment of the Hillsborough River, from Crystal Springs to
Morris Bridge, and Crystal springs. Brooksville, FL: Southwest Florida Water
Management District Peer Review Draft, January 30, 2007.
For development of MFLs for the Hillsborough River, the District identified seasonal blocks
corresponding to periods of low, medium and high flows. Used long-term declines in flow and
associated with anthropogenic sources. For the Hillsborough River gage site, the low flow
threshold was 52 cfs. USED PHABSIM. LOW FLOWS: Adult spotted sunfish exhibit a 15%
loss of historical habitat when flows are reduced by 10% (PHABSIM site on the Hillsborough
River). HIGH FLOWS: stepped flow reductions of 13% and 8% of historic flows, with the step
occurring at the 15% exceedance flow (470 cfs) resulted in a decrease of 15% or duration of
floodplain inundation at Morris Bridge gage. MEDIUM FLOW: more than 15% of historical
habitat lost for specific species life-stages if flows were reduced by more than 11% ( Morris
Bridge gage). Quantiative = Yes. Withdrawal. Theoretical. Nutrient. Fish (habitat). Magnitude
(reduction). Duration (exceedence flows).
King County and Parametrix Inc. (2003). Annotated Bibliography : Effects of Flow
Alteration on Aquatic Ecosystems Normative Flow Studies Project. Management. King
County, FL, Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Water and Land Resources
Divising.
Alot of literature on flow alteration studies. Some include abstracts and notes – some don’t.
Good source of literature information. Quantitative=No.
Klein, C. J., Monaco, M., Orlando, S. P., Harris, M., Holliday, S., Ives, R., Moulton, B., et
al. (1995). Historical freshwater inflow alteration and its potential effect on estuarine
biota in Gulf of Mexico estuaries. Penascola Beach, FL: National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, Strategic Environmental Assessments Division
Workshop Summary.
Summarizes the discussion and recommendtions of attendees at a workshop to examine
relationships between freshwater inflow alteration, habitat and biological resources using
information derived from National Estuarine Inventory (NEI). 5 estuaries chose for high priority
needs. Evaluating long term patterns in min/max flows for suite of estuaries. Quantitative=No,
but could support an analysis. Most conceptual.
Lewis, F. G. (2010). EAST BAY / BLACKWATER BAY / LOWER YELLOW RIVER
PRELIMINARY BASELINE RESOURCE CHARACTERIZATION. Water Management
(pp. 1-101). Havana, Florida.
Provide a detailed description and characterization of water resources and natural systems within
the Blackwater/East Bay system. Provide a summary of salinity tolerances for dominant species
found in both bays. Focuses on resources potentially affected by altered surface water discharges
into East and Blackwater Bays, including the lower portion of the Yellow River. Ecological
system function in estuaries depends on freshwater inflows (salinity, temperature). Primary
productivity linked to dissolved inorganic input from river. Habitats vulnerable to changes in
fresh water inflow include palustrine forests, freshwater and brackish marshes, tidal salt marshes
and submerged aquatic vegetation beds. Assess this potential vulnerability of changes in salinity
by evaluating salinity tolerance ranges thru compiling from the literature for the dominant
organisms observed in both riverine and estuarine portions of the system. Quantitative=No.
Conceptual. Ecosystem. The natural flow regime.
Light, B. H. M., Darst, M. R., & Grubbs, J. W. (1995). Hydrologic Conditions, Habitat
Characteristics, and Occurrence of Fishes in the Apalachicola River Floodplain,
Florida : Second Annual Report of Progress, October 1993-September 1994. U.S.
Geological Survey, Open-File Report 95-167.
Quantify the amount of habitat inundated by the river at various stages. Results used to
determine possible effects of altered flows on floodplain habitats and their associated fish
communities. Fish habitat, in terms of depth, substrate availability, and amount of vegetative
structure were related to river stage and flow. Collected fish species = 81% of species in the main
channel of the Apalachicola River are known to occur in floodplain habitats of eastern rivers.
Quantitative= No. Mostly conceptual. Support some analyses. Fish (habitat). Magnitude (stage).
Light, H. M., Darst, M. R., & Grubbs, J. W. (1998). Aquatic habitats in relation to river
flow in the Apalachicola River floodplain, Florida. U.S. Geological Survey Professional
Paper 1594.
Quantitative estimates of the amount of aquatic habitat in the floodplain in relation to river flow.
Very low flows in the Apalachicola River, defined as flows < 6,000 cfs occurred in 15 of the 74
years of record from 1922 to 1995. Relate flows of various magnitude (very low, low, medium,
medium-high) to amount of floodplain habitat available. Low flows cause much habitat to be
unavailable to fish popluations because of channel incision. Quantitative= Yes, in terms of
habitat available. Fish (habitat). Magntiude.
Mace, J. (2005). Preliminary Minimum Flows and Levels Determination: St Johns River at
State Road 50, Orange and Brevard Counties. Draft Report to the St Johns River
Water Management District, March 17, 2005.
Defines the method, provides information on the transects, and provides results in determining
the Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for the St. Johns River at high, average, and low flow
levels. Mostly based on keeping exceedence flows using flow-duration curves that maintain soil
and vegetation types. Defines different ecological communities (vegetation types, soils,
moisture) with various hydrologic connectivity across transects. Recommended Minimum
Frequent High level of 8.1 ft NGVD would be equaled or exceeded for 30 days on average
approximately 70 out of 100 years (1950 cfs). Thus, the recommended Minimum Frequent High
flow for the St. Johns River at State Road 50 equals 1950 cfs. Other studies report that the
minimum average flow equals 580 cfs and the Minimum Frequent Low flow equals 140 cfs
(Robison 2005). Great description of soils and plant species found within each community type.
Good source of information. Quantitative = Maybe – but not obvious. Riparian vegetation.
Magnitude. Duration.
Maceina, M. J., Johnston, C. E., & Stormer, D. G. (2007). Distribution , abundance , biology
and habitat use of shoal bass and species associates in selected tributaries of the
Chattahoochee River , Alabama by (pp. 1-64). Montgomery, Alabama.
In Uchee Creek watershed, human population increased from about 125,000 to 211,000
residents, a 69% (1950 to 2006). A long-term decline in flow at Uchee Creek has occurred since
1949. Since 1949, 32% (January to December) and 43% (May to October) reduction in flow
between 1949 and 2006. Rainfall amounts in Lee and Russell counties did not any show either a
decreasing or increasing trend during this same time period. Reduction in flow at Uchee Creek
may be related to the occurrence and decline of fish species and changes in faunal composition
that has occurred over the past 30-35 years. Quantitative = Yes. Water Consumption. Fish
(abundance, diversity). Magnitude.
Magowan, K. J. (2008). Use of split-beam sonar to estimate anadromous fish runs in the
Roanoke River, North Carolina. North Carolina State University.
Estimate the numbers of anadromous fishes returning to the Roanoke River in 2006 and 2007
using fixed-location split-beam sonar in conjunction with drift gill netting and boat electrofishing
to estimate run size of alewife, American shad, blueback herring, hickory shad, striped bass and
white perch near Williamston, NC. Upstream migrating fish responded to changes in flow, with
fish being evenly distributed across the river channel during flows < 4,000 ft3s-1 (113 m3s-1),
but closer to shore during periods of higher flows. Quantiative = Yes. Fish (behavior).
Magnitude.
Mitchell, W. A. (2006). Estimating run size of anadromous fishes in the Roanoke River,
North Carolina, using hydroacoustics. North Carolina State University.
Estimate the number of adult spawners (American shad Alosa sapidissima, striped bass Morone
saxatilis, and hickory shad Alosa mediocris) returning to the Roanoke River using
hydroacoustics. Less fish migrating during high flows. Fish migrating closer to bottom and bank
during higher flow year. Quantitative = Maybe. Fish (behavior). Magnitude.
Morrison, D., Malsi, J., Renault, P., Light, P., & Marx, C. (1990). Effects of freshwater
discharge from finer canals on estuarine seagrass and mangrove ecosystems in
southwest Florida. 17th Annual Conference on Wetlands Restoration and Creation (pp.
115-126). Hillsborough Community College, Plant City, FL.
Effects of channelized freshwater flows on salinity and seagrass and invasive cattail into
Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, FL. Seagrass may be negatively affected thru decreases in
salinity whereas cattail have invaved areas where channelized freshwater flows inter the
mangrove. Quantitative = No. Aquatic Vegetation (abundance). Magnitude.
Mosely, D. L. (2006). HABITAT SELECTION OF ROBUST REDHORSE MOXOSTOMA
ROBUSTUM: IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING SAMPLING PROTOCOLS.
North. University of Georgia.
Juveniles exposed to 4, flow-based habitats (eddies = - 0.12 to -0.01 m/s, slow flow = 0.00 to
0.15 m/s, moderate flow = 0.16 to 0.32 m/s, and backwaters). Location data were recorded for
each fish, and overall habitat use was evaluated with a Log-Linear Model. In winter, the fish
preferred eddies and backwaters. In early spring the fish preferred eddies. Quantitative=No, but
supporting information. Fish (habitat use, movement). Magnitude.
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. (1960). The minimum river discharges
recommended for the protection of the Roanoke River anadromous fishes. Raleigth,
NC.
In 1959, NCWRC attempted to clarify uncertainties regarding adequate minimum river
discharges for striped bass left unanswered by Roanoke River Cooperative Study conducted in
1955. Sustained river discharges of 20,000 cfs attract striped bass to rapids. Entry to rapids less
likely with rapid fluctuations of 18-25 ft or under instantaneous maximums of 10,000 cfs with
intervening instantaneous minimums and maximums of 3900 and 5600 cfs. Once attracted to
rapids, bass are not driven downstream by 7ft fluctuations or constanct 5600 cfs conditions for
40 hrs (but are not attracted to rapids by these conditions). A 3900 cfs for 6 hrs drove fish out of
rapids. Thus sustained minimum flows for spawning should be 5,500 cfs, not 3900.
Recommendations for minimum flow were made. Quantitative = No. Fish (behavior,
reproduction). Magnitude. Subdaily: Rate of Change (Rise Rate).
Orth, D. J., Newcomb, T. J., Dolloff, C. A., Diplas, P., Krause, C. W., Anderson, M.,
Hunter, A., et al. (2003). Influences of Fluctuating Releases on Stream Habitats for
Brown Trout in the Smith River below Philpott Dam. Richmond, VA: Annual Report
to Fred Leckie, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Age-0 density estimates for brown trout in 2003 significantly lower than in May 2001 and 2002.
Reduced population density is potentially due to increased occurrence, magnitude, and duration
of peak- flow during the emergence period in 2003. Peak-flows were more prevalent in 2003 due
to frequent rain-events which caused the US Army Corps of Engineers to release more water to
maintain a normal reservoir levels. In 2002, the number of age-0 brown trout (2002 year class)
was significantly higher than in previous sampling years. The reduction in generation peaking
flows may have lead to the increase in the number of age-0 brown trout. Quantitative=Yes. Fish
(abundance, reproduction). Frequency, Magnitude, Duration (peak flows).
Payne, T. R., & Berger, L. (2007). APPALACHIAN POWER COMPANY SMITH
MOUNTAIN PROJECT NO . 2210 INSTREAM FLOW NEEDS STUDY. Power.
Appalachian Power Company.
PHABSIM study for Roanoke River, VA between Leesville and Clarkton for striped bass,
walleye, channel catfish, american shad, smallmouth bass, northern hogsucker, chub, rebreast
sunfish, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse, golden redhorse, and quillback. Habitat (WUA)
assessed from 220-5,000 cfs at 5 sites. Quantitative= Yes. Fish (habitat). Magnitude.
Peebles, E. (2004). An analysis of fish and invertebrate data related to the establishment of
minimum flows for the Tampa Bypass Canal. Brooksville, FL: Report to The
Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Biological databases were analyzed to investigate fish and invertebrate responses to established
minimum inflows from the Tampa Bypass Canal (TBC) into the Palm River and McKay Bay.
Species of interest: (bay anchovy, rainwater killifish, Menidia spp, snook, spotted seatrout, sand
seatrout, spot, southern kingfish, red drum, striped mullet, clown goby and hogchoker) and three
crustaceans (pink shrimp, blue crab and daggerblade grass shrimp). Change in invertebrate
plankton composition caused by washout during high-inflow events. Average densities of small,
truly planktonic organisms such as calanoid copepods tended to decrease during high-inflow
months. High flows yielded more estuarine-dependent and estuarine-resident species in shallow
habitats. 60% of the shifts of 25 taxa were upstream in response to increasing inflow.
Abundances of 34 taxa from the plankton-net collections changed (most decrease with increasing
inflow) in response to changing inflow. Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance, behavior).
Macroinvertebrate (abundance, behavior). Magnitude. Duration (mag of various duration.
Peebles, E. (n.d.). Overview of the Effects of Reduced Freshwater Inflows on Estuarine
Fishes and Their Prey. Presentation, University of South Florida, College of Marine
Science.
Presentation that provides an overview of many studies conducted by author and other scientists.
Organisms move in response to changes in inflows. Movements in response to flow changes
could be limited by estuarine dams or by sea level. Habitat compression at low inflow periods.
Quantitative = Yes. Look at actual sources. If not present, then use presentation. Fish (behavior,
abundance) Macroinvertebrate (behavior, abundance). Magnitude. Duration.
Peebles, Ernst B. (2005). An analysis of freshwater inflow effects on the early stages of fish
and their invertebrate prey in the Alafia River Estuary. Brooksville, FL: Report to
The South Florida Water Management District.
Identify patterns of estuarine habitat use and organism abundance under variable freshwater
inflow conditions in the tidal Alafia River, FL. Distributions of > 70 types of fish and
invertebrates shifted as freshwater inflows fluctuated, moving upstream during low-inflow
periods and downstream during high-inflow periods. Abundances of 48 types of fish and
invertebrates changed in response to inflow variation. During high-inflow, freshwater organisms
increased in number as they were flushed into the survey area, and marine groups decreased in
number as they moved seaward and out of the survey area. Eight taxa were estuarine or
estuarine-dependent species that increased in number as inflows increased. Inflow-abundance
regressions were used to calculate the abundances that would be expected under typical (median)
inflow conditions. Quantitative = yes. Fish(behavior, abundance). Macroinvertebrate (behavior,
abundance). Magnitude. Duration.
Peeples, E. B., & Davis, S. E. (1989). Riverine discharge and estuarine fish nurseries: first
annual report for the ichthyoplankton survey of the Little Manatee River, Florida.
Report to the Office of Coastal Management, Florida Department of Environmental
Regulation.
Discharge had variable influences on distribution of young fishes. Some stayed upriver and
some moved towards mouth during higher discharge. No correlations between fish abundance
and discharge. Fish concentrated in channel during rapid salinity reduction. Significant
relationship between flow rate and POM import – important fish food- trophic web. Quantitative
= No. Couldn’t access remainder of paper. Fish (behavior, abundance). Organic Matter.
Magnitude.
Persinger, J. W. (2003). Developing Habitat Suitability Criteria for Individual Species and
Habitat Guilds in the Shenandoah River Basin. Shenandoah. Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University.
Determine the feasibility of developing habitat suitability criteria (HSC) for the entire fish
assemblage in the North and South Fork Shenandoah River, Virginia, using habitat guilds.
Habitat suitability based upon depth, velocity, distance to cover, dominant and subdominant
substrate, cover, and embeddedness. 4 guilds (riffle, fast generalist, pool-run, and pool-cover).
Estimated habitat response function (i.e., the relations between usable habitat and stream flow)
for a representative species, each guild, and for a comparison species. Criteria for the margined
madtom (Noturus insignis) and the juvenile smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) transferred
to South Fork but other criteria did not. WUA relationships with discharge. Quantiative=Yes.
Fish (habitat). Magnitude.
Phillips, H. A., & Shannon, E. H. (1967). Management of the redbreast sunfish in North
Carolina waters. Raleigh, NC: Annual Progress Report, Federal Aid in Fish
Restoration Project F-16-R.
Monitor upstream/downstream redbreast sunfish movements during spawning season in Bones
creek, blackwater stream in eastern NC. Dispersal up to 10 miles. Upstream migrations
increased during higher flows/higher water levels (freshets) and some occurred during lower
water levels in June/July. Quantitative=No. Fish(behavior). Magnitude.
Progress Energy. (n.d.). Pee Dee River Instream Flow Study Final Report. Washington,
DC: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
PHABSIM to relate WUA to discharge to inform potential changes in dam operation (Blewett
Falls & Tillery hydroelectric developments). Place fish species in 4 guilds. Target species
included American Shad, Golden Redhorse, Robust redhorse, and striped bass and various life
stages. Some information on mussel WUA. Appendices are not included and would provide a
lot of information. Contact Progress Energy. Quantitative=Yes. Magnitude. Duration.
Purtlebaugh, C. H. (2007). Relative abundance, growth, and mortality of five estuarine age-0
fish in relation to discharge of the Suwannee River, Florida. Changes. University of
Florida.
Assessed the relationship between seasonal river discharge and age-0 fish relative abundance,
growth, and mortality for five estuarine- dependent species in the Suwannee River estuary.
Positive relationship between age-0 fish relative abundance (RA) and seasonal mean river
discharge for spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, sand seatrout Cynoscion arenarius, and red
drum Sciaenops ocellatus. Pinfish Lagodon rhomboides RA negatively related to river discharge,
and spot Leiostomus xanthurus RA was not significantly related to changes in river discharge.
Instantaneous daily growth (IDG) estimates were positively related to river discharge for all
species except spotted seatrout, for which a negative correlation was found. Instantaneous daily
mortality estimates were positively correlated with river discharge for sand seatrout, pinfish, and
red drum. Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance, growth, mortality). Magnitude (seasonal).
Quinn, J. (2011). Fish responses to hydrology and altered hydrology. Presentation.
Presentation concerning flow-ecology relationships from fish. Good source/summary of
information.
Rouhani, S., Sucsy, P., Hall, G., Osburn, W., & Wild, M. (2007). Analysis of Blue Spring
discharge data to determine a minimum flow regime. Palatka, Florida: St. Johns River
Water Management District Special Publication SJ2007-SP17, September 2007.
Presents methodologies, findings, and recommendations concerning the establishment of a
minimum flow regime for Blue Spring (Blue Spring MFR) designed to protect Blue Spring as a
refuge for the expansion of the West Indian manatee population in the St. Johns River.
Relationships between manatees and discharge required. Quantitative = Yes. Mammals
(abundance). Magnitude (seasonal).
Rubec, P. J., Lewis, J. M., Shirley, M. A., Donnell, P. O., & Locker, S. D. (2006). Relating
Changes in Freshwater Inflow to Species Distributions in Rookery Bay , Florida , via
Habitat Suitability Modeling and Mapping. 57th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
(pp. 61-75).
Assess influence of changes in freshwater inflow on the distribution and relative abundance of
estuarine species in Rookery Bay, FL. Development of canal system in 1960s, which funnels
water through a weir situated on Henderson Creek, altered inflows. Suitability functions
(Salinity, temperature, DO, and bottom type) derived by fitting splines to catch rates (CPUEs)
and validating with CPUEs within bottom-type categories. Developed habitat suitability
modeling (HSM) for a dry season (spring) and a wet season (summer) in Rookery Bay with
differing freshwater inflows. Most of the 22 life stages of the 11 species modeled responded to
changes in salinity, related to changes in freshwater inflow. A number of estuarine species’ life
stages would benefit if the Rookery Bay system received more freshwater inflow during both the
dry (winter and spring) and wet seasons (summer and fall). Quantitative = No. Fish (habitat).
Magnitude (seasonal).
Rulifson, R. A., & Manooch, C. S. (1990). Roanoke River Water Flow Committee report
for 1988 and 1989. Fisheries (Bethesda). NOAA Technical MeMorandum, NMFSSEFC-256.
During 1988, flows were typically very low from March -mid April. During 1989 had much
higher flows compared with 1988 b/c of heavy rains. Committee believes that spring flows
during 1988 were more beneficial to downstream resources than were the water flows of 1989 in
terms of water quality, striped bass spawning/recruitment, and flooplain habitat for deer and
turkey.Higher River flows, which inundate adjacent streams and floodplain are required in
March and April to provide input of zooplankton to critical habitats. Water quality of the
Roanoke, Middle, and Cashie Rivers was generally better in 1988 than in 1989. Higher flows in
1989 reduced number of striped bass eggs spawned compared to 1988. Over all success rate for
striped bass harvest was higher in 1988 compard to 1989. Zooplankton more abundant in 1989
than they were in 1988. Floodplain conditions during the spring of 1988 were much better for
wild turkey and deer than they were during 1989. Flooded conditions in 1989 undoubtedly
resulted in the displacement of pregnant does and turkey. Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance,
reproduction). Nutrients/Chemicals. Plankton/zooplankton. Terrestrial animals. Magnitude
(seaonal, Flooding). Duration (flooding).
Rulifson, R. A., Herrmann, Robert B., Bray, J. T., & White, W. M. (1990). Water quality as
a function of discharge from the Roanoke Rapids Reservoir during hydropower
generation.
Examined effect of spring time releases on water quality due to dam. Temperature and pH
positively correlated with river flow whereas conductivity and nitrate/nitrate were negatively
correlated. Many water quality variables were positively correlated with rapid rise rates in river
stage: Turbidity, VSS, NH3, N, TPO4, P, Al, Fe, Mn. Water quality 22 miles downstream from
Roanoke Rapids Dam was largely influence by releases from reservoir. Quantitative= Yes.
Nutrients. Toxins. Magnitude. Rate of Change.
Rulifson, R. A., & Manooch, C. S. I. (1991). Roanoke River Water Flow Committee Report
for 1990. Beaufort, NC: NOAA Technical Memorandum.
Document relations between hydrologic conditions, dam operations, geomorphology, water
quality, striped bass resource (reproduction, harvest, recruitment, abundance), phytoplankton,
and zooplankton. Quantitative = Yes. Nutrients. Fish (reproduction, abundance).
Phytoplankton. Zooplankton. Magnitude (seasonal). Duration.
Segal, D. S., Clark, M., Wilson, L., & Shaw, D. (2005). Report of the Scientific Peer Review
Panel on the preliminary minimum flows and levels determination and evaluation of
the effects of the proposed MFL regime on water resource values St. Johns River at
State Road 50, Orange and Brevard Counties. Report to the St. Johns River Water
Management District, December 2005.
Review of Mace (2005). Overall, thought it was a sound/technical work. Strength lies detailed
field work conducted to establish vegetation transects, characterize wetland plant communities
and soils, and interpret patterns of inundation. Concern: the determination of the MFLs
themselves received relatively less attention in the report, was somewhat less clearly
documented, and in at least one case relied on more obscure information: 2 general
deficiencies— habitats and soil drawdown criteria. Regarding habitat, the impact of stage
change on habitat needs to be evaluated more closely and the allowability of a 50-mgd
withdrawal needs better verification. Need to assess the ecological impacts of a sustained
reduction in stage on riverine wetland habitat and its ecological functions. Quantitative = No.
Shaw, D. T., Dahm, C. N., & Golladay, S. W. (2005). A Review of “ Proposed Minimum
Flows and Levels for the Middle Segment of the Peace River , from Zolfo Springs to
Arcadia .” Brooksville, FL: Draft Report to the Southwest Florida Water
Management District, February 18, 2005.
Review of Kelly et al. 2005. Overall, the Panel endorses the District’s approach for setting MFLs
in the Middle Peace River, and found no serious flaws or errors in the methodology or findings
documented in the Report. Assumptions of the approach are well documented and are reasonable
given the amount and quality of data available. Strengths: 1) 2 separate benchmark periods
based on different phases of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) for identifying the
most protective minimum flows, 2) Applying multiple, independent approaches to identify the
most protective minimum flows in each seasonal block (e.g., fish passage criteria and wetted
perimeter analyses for Block 1 flows, PHABSIM modeling and woody habitat analyses for
Block 2 flows, etc.), and 3 )Specifying minimum flows in terms of allowable percent flow
reductions that vary by season and flow conditions. Quantiative = No.
Shaw, D. T., Gutzler, D. S., & Dahm, C. N. (2004). Peer Review Comments on: “Florida
River Flow Patterns and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation .” Draft Report to the
Southwest Florida Water Management District, December 3, 2004.
Review of Kelly et al. (2008). Overall, arguments in the report persuasive, the methods sound,
and the conclusions well founded. No serious scientific flaws or technical errors in the work.
Results have profound implications for water management, especially the establishment of
instream flows and water allocation, and for our understanding of the hydrology and long-term
ecosystem dynamics of Florida’s rivers. Encourage that the report be published as soon as
possible. Quantitative = No.
Shea, C. P. (2005). Fish habitat use and assemblage structure in regulated and unregulated
reaches of a large southeastern warmwater stream. Master’s Thesis. University of
Georgia.
Evaluate the influence of habitat complexity and stability on fish assemblages in unregulated and
regulated portions of Flint River, GA. Habitat availability was highly variable at the regulated
reach due to large, daily fluctuations in discharge. Habitat-specific fish assemblages also differed
between reaches with a greater number of species occupying similar habitat types at the
unregulated reach, most notably in shallow, slow-flowing habitats. Similarity of species
assemblages occupying similar habitats at unregulated and regulated reaches was lowest in
habitats with high variability in availability. Flow regulation, associated with hydropower
operation, primarily affects riverine fish communities by decreasing environmental stability.
Quantitative = Potentially. Fish (habitat). Subdaily (CV). Magnitude (CV).
Slaughter, J. E. (Georgia P. (2011). Conservation and Restoration of the Robust Redhorse
Moxostoma robustum in the Oconee River, Georgia, Volume 7. Washington, DC:
Report to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Includes conservation plan, and appendices of a few summary reports and the management plan
of 1995. Negotiated flow agreement was finalized in 1995 (implemented June 1996) - license
application for the Sinclair Project. Negotiated flow agreement designed primarily to enhance
reproductive success of the robust redhorse. Flow agreement provides: 1) significant increases in
minimum flows throughout the year, 2) a significant increase in flow stability throughout the
year, and 3) run-of- river flows during spawning and early rearing periods for robust redhorse.
Gravel augmentations and supplemental stockings have occured. But declines in population
have been evident since 1998. Following a minor flooding event, an individual moved an
absolute distance of 143 km (Ely and Jennings 2011 – report). Provide population size
information for each year from 1995 to 2004. Quantitative= No. Fish (abundance, behavior).
Magnitude (minimum flow, spring, CV). Timing (Constancy, Predictability).
Smith, S. M. (2004). Smallmouth bass recruitment based on Goldilocks Principle:
Sometimes it’s too wet, sometimes it's too dry, and sometimes it's just right. In J. R.
Copelan, F. Fiss, P. E. Balkenbush, & C. S. Thomason (Eds.), Warmwater Stream
Symposium II (pp. 9-13). Retrieved from www.sdafs.org/wwstreams/wwcsl.htm
Identify predictable relationships between smallmouth bass recruitment and stream discharge
parameters. Monthly stream discharge variables (e.g., mean, minimum, maximum, standard
deviation, etc.) were compared with age 0 CPUE for the months of March-July. M ean June
discharge had the strongest relationship with smallmouth bass recruitment. Relationship was
parabolic (nonlinear in all cases). Strong year classes were associated with near normal flows
during June, while weaker year classes were observed in years with lower or higher than normal
June flows. Intermediate disturbance. Quantitative = Yes, but results presented in a published
paper. Magnitude (seasonal).
Smith, S. M., & Cabarle, K. C. (2002). Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Pinnacles of the Dan River Flow Augmentation Study Final Report. Richmond, VA:
Report to Federal Aid to Sport Fish Restoration and the Virginia Department of
Game and Inland Fisheries.
Examine the impacts of flow augmentation on the fish community and physical habitat in the
historically dewatered segment of the Dan River. Flow augmentation may have slightly altered
the structure of the fish community. Overall diversity was not significantly different between low
flow years and augmented flow years. Mean total biomass (all species combined) increased from
6.08 g/m2 to 7.69 g/m2 between low flow years and augmented flow years. Significant increase
in density of bluehead chubs, density and biomass of margined madtoms, and density and
biomass of brown trout. Significantly higher values of Age-0 brown trout following flow
augmentation. Quantitative = Yes. Flow Restoration. Dam. Fish (abundance, biomass,
recruitment). Magnitude (minimum flow).
South Florida Water Management District. (2000). Proposed minimum water level criteria
for the Lower West Coast Aquifer System within the South Florida Water
Management District. Draft Report to the Water Supply Division, South Florida
Water Management Distrct, September 5, 2000.
Develop minimum aquifer levels (MALs) for the Lower West Coast (LWC) aquifers. Discuss
aquifer levels as functions that these resources serve and that need to be protected. Do not
adequately address harm criteria for the different areas, resources and functions. Specific
hydrologic criteria, with frequency, duration, and depth components, that were developed to
indicate the point at which significant harm occurs. Proposed minimum aquifer levels to
determine if the criteria is or will be exceeded in the future. Not much relations to ecology.
Quantitative = No.
South Florida Water Management District. (2002). MFLs for the Northwest Fork of the
Loxahatchee River. Final Draft to the South Florida Water Management District,
November 14, 2002.
Develop minimum flow technical criteria for the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.
Biological surveys conducted to characterize vegetation changes in relationship to the existing
salinity gradient. Highly correlated relationships between salinity conditions at a site and
measured vegetation community parameters = developed definitions of stress, harm and sig
harm. Modeling results indicate that flows below 35 cubic feet per second from Lainhart Dam
cause salinities in excess of 2 ppt to occur at sites where remaining stressed and harmed plant
communities exist along the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River. Frequent exposure to
salinity levels in excess of 2 ppt were associated with damage to freshwater vegetation.
Quantiative = No. But could relate flow to salinity and get desired flow-ecology relations.
Vegetation (abundance, richness). Magnitude. Duration.
South Florida Water Management District. (2006). Technical documentation to support
development of minimum flows and levels for Floriday Bay. South Florida
Management District Draft Report , March 6, 2006.
Synthesizing and analyzing data to determine relationships between freshwater inflow and
ecological responses to identify threshold conditions (freshwater flow, water levels, salinity).
Long term impacts to Ruppia and SAV habitat are likely to occur when average salinity exceeds
30 psu for at least one month during consecutive years. Never really shows relationship between
flow and salinity. So may not be able to get flow-ecology relationships. Quantiative= Maybe.
Aquatic vegetation/macrophytes. Magnitude.
Stevenson, J. C., Alber, M., & Heck, K. L. (n.d.). Overall review and responses to technical
questions to “Technical Documentation to Support Development of Minimum Flows
and Levels (MFL) for Florida Bay.” Report to The South Florida Water Management
District.
Review of South Florida Water Management District. (2006). Generally agreed that approach
was good but had questions. Quantitative – No.
Stormer, D. G. (2007). Distribution, abundance, and population characteristics of shoal bass
in tributaries of the Chattahoochee River, Alabama. Auburn University.
Dry conditions persisted through summer and fall 2006 and movement increased. 3 individuals
moved to a refuge area just downstream of the dewatered shoal. Shoal bass have likely declined
in Chattahoochee River. Need water withdrawal protection especially in middle Little Uchee
Creek basin. Quantitative = No. Fish (behavior, abundance). Magnitude.
Strong, W. A., & Nagid, Eric J. (2006). Relations between hydrologic variables and fish
assemblages in the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers, Florida. Water Management.
Gainesville, FL: St. Johns River Water Management District.
Describe fish community and sportfish population metrics in relation to river levels in
Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers, Fl. Fish response relative to the timing, magnitude and duration
of floodplain inundation. (species richness, diversity and evenness and community composition,
sportfish condition, age-0 sportfish abundance, and sportfish year-class strengths). In
Ocklawaha, values of species richness, diversity and evenness were greater during postinundation than pre-inundation. In the St. Johns River, values for species richness, diversity and
evenness were greater during pre-inundation than in post-inundation. Changing water levels
appear to have affected different species in different ways. General responses in sport-fish year
class strength and hydrology. Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance, diversity). Magnitude
(water level/stage).
Suwannee River Water Management District. (2004). Of the scientific peer review panel on
the methodologies supporting the proposed minimum flow from Madison Blue Spring.
Final Report to the Suwannee River Water Management District, August 20, 2004.
Review of Water Resource Associates Inc. (2004). Limitations of “harmful” criteria. Acceptance
of MFLs for Blue Spring. Quatitative =NO.
Technical Flow Recommendation Workshop. (2008). Utilizing the Ecologically Sustainable
Water Management (ESWM) Process for the Saluda and Congaree Rivers. Agenda.
Columbia, SC: January 2008 Workshop.
Use principles and methods of the Ecologically Sustainable Water Management Process
(ESWM) to generate consensus on the first draft of flow recommendations for the Saluda and
Congaree Rivers to be used in negotiations for new license and in long term planning. Discuss
environmental flow components for shoals, floodplain, and estuary. Discuss hydrologic needs
for 16 species including birds, fish, mammals, plants, and mussels that have documented
relationships with flow. Provide references of documentation of flow-ecology relationships.
Quantitative = No. Conceptual. Environmental Flow Components (EFC).
Tillis, G. M. (2000). Flow and Salinity Characteristics of the Upper Suwannee River
Estuary, Florida. U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigations Report 994268.
Salinity at a location was inversely proportional to the daily mean discharge at the Suwannee
River near Wilcox. Under extreme low-flow conditions (3,500 cfs), the interface would occur at
river mile 7.2, upstream from the Gopher River confluence with the Suwannee River. Wind
speed did not have a substantial influence on model predictions. Different withdrawal scenarios:
10 % and 1,000 cfs withdrawals resulted in the isohaline of 0.5 ppt migrating 0.6 and 1.58 miles
upstream, respectively from the actual isohaline location for a low-flow condition (4,500 cfs),
and migrating 0.14 and 0.65 miles upstream from the actual isohaline location for a high-flow
conditions (20,300 cfs) for Wadley Pass. Quantitative = Yes. Salinity. Magnitude.
US Army Corps of Engineers. (2007). Environmental Assessment. Alabama Power
Company Proposal for a Temporary Modified Minimum Flow Agreement in the
Alabama River for Drought Water Management Operation in the Alabama-CoosaTallapoosa River Basin.
Environmental assessment prepared in response to a request by Alabama Power Company (APC)
to the USACE for temporary modification of the minimum flow agreement on the Tallapoosa
and Coosa Rivers in conjunction with the Corps operations of the Federal projects in the
Alabama and Coosa River Basins. The request is in response to extreme low inflows and
extended drought conditions experienced this year (2007). Requested minimum would constitute
a 40% reduction in minimum flows previously agreed to by APC in the current minimum flow
agreement. Discuss potential responses: lower dissolved oxygen levels, concentrated pollutants,
greater eutrophication, concentration of nutrients, higher water temperatures, and greater salinity
in tidal areas. Dept, velocity requirements. Good review of potential impacts of withdrawals.
Quantitative = No. Conceptual. Magnitude.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. (2006). Biological opinion and conference report on the US
Army Crops of Engineers, Mobile District, Interim Operating Plan for Jim Woodruff
Dam and the Associated Reseales to the Apalachicola river. Panama City, FL:
Biological Opinion and Conference Report.
USACE Interim Operations Plan (IOP) for Jim Woodruff Dam, which describes releases from
the dam to the Apalachicola River, are evaluated. The IOP was formulated specifically to address
endangered and threatened species and critical habitat in the Apalachicola River. IOP includes
variable minimum flows and maximum fall rates. Quantitative = Maybe. Fish (habitat).
Magnitude.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. (2008). Biological Opinion on the US Army Corps of
Engineers, Mobile Disrict, Revised Interim Operating Plan for Jim Woodruff Dam
and the Associated Releases to the Apalachicola River. Panama City, FL: Biological
Opinon to the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Same as above except revised. Some quantitative information included with some updates.
Quantitative = maybe. Fish (habitat). Magnitude.
Wade, J. S. (1992). Maintenance and Restoration of Freshwater Flows to Estuaries for
Fisheries Habitat Purposes. Gainesville, FL: Florida Department of Natural
Resources, Project Number R/FDNR-3A, Sea Grant Technical Paper No. 65.
Evaluates efficiency of water policy in FL. Estuarine resources in Fl have been significantly
affected by the impoundment, channelization and consumptive uses of water. The primary
legislative authorization is the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972 (Ch. 373, Fla. Stat.), which
assigns responsibility for consumptive use permitting decisions, water shortage planning, and
other planning initiatives. However, it is not clear that the protection of estuarine salinity regimes
plays a role in most permitting decisions. Another regulatory measure is the Surface Water
Improvement and Management (SWIM) Act (Section 373.451 et seq., Fla. Stat.) requires the
water management districts to develop lists of prioritized waterbodies in need of attention but
may not include biological conditions associate with flow alteration. Discuss future
recommendations for ensuring freshwater flow levels are maintained. Discusses specific districts
and discusses how other states’ programs for optimizing freshwater inflows to estuaries. Water
Policy. Quantitative = No.
Waine, M. W. (2010). Assessing spawning runs of anadromous fishes using a bayesian
analysis of split-beam and DIDSON count data. North Carolina State University.
Monitored spring spawning runs in 2008 and 2009 of hickory shad Alosa mediocris, American
shad Alosa sapidissima, alewife Alosa pseudoharengus, blueback herring Alosa aestivalis,
striped bass Morone saxatilis, and white perch Morone americana in the Roanoke River, NC
using a combined sonar study design. Upstream migrants were bottom and shore oriented, with
75% within 1 m of the bottom and 82% within 20 m of each bank. Great data on timing of
spawning runs – can associate with hydrologic data. Quantitative = No. But can be used to
show timing of runs.
Walsh, M. G. (2004). Influence of Long-Term Streamflow Variation on Recruitment of
Riverine Fish Populations. In J. R. Copelan, F. Fiss, P. E. Balkenbush, & C. S.
Thomason (Eds.), Warmwater Stream Symposium II (pp. 21-25). Retrieved from
www.sdafs.org/wwstreams/wwcsl.htm
Assess the inter-annual variability in the recruitment of 26 warmwater fish species in the
Kankanee River, IL and related it to variation in river discharge. Evaluated influence of five
discharge variables during spawning/rearing (April-July). The most plausible model explaining
YOY fish density contained a guild defined by the timing of spawning initiation (April, May, or
June) and mean discharge. Best predictors: in order of rank: mean discharge> max
discharge>min discharge>coefficient of variation (CV)>and percent mean daily change in
discharge (delta. Recruitment of all species decreased as mean discharge during
spawning/rearing increased. Mean flow during the spawning/rearing period was moreimportant
than flow stability or habitat availability (minimum flow) in predicting YOY density in the
Kankakee River. Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance, reproduction). Magnitude.
Walsh, S. J., Buttermore, E. N., Burgess, O. T., & Pine, W. E. I. (2009). Composition of
Age-0 Fish Assemblages in the Apalachicola River, River Styx, and Battle Bend,
Florida. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009-1145.
Light traps were used to sample the age-0 year class of fish communities in the Apalachicola
River and associated floodplain water bodies of River Styx and Battle Bend, Florida. 80 % of all
fish collected: Micropterus spp., Notropis texanus, Lepomis macrochirus, Carpiodes cyprinus,
Cyprinidae sp., and Minytrema melanops. Peak spawning occurred between early March and
mid-June. Some individual fish exclusively utilizing mainstem river habitat or floodplain
habitat during spawning and post-spawning periods, and other individuals migrating between
habitats. Catches between a pre-enhancement, high-water year and post-enhancement, lowwater year for the oxbow at Battle Bend revealed differences in community composition, with
slightly greater values of diversity and evenness indices following post-enhancemetn. Lepomis
macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides were substantially greater in relative abundance among
all age-0 fish collected in 2007 in comparison to 2003. Quantiative = Yes. Fish (abundance,
diversity). Magnitude (seasonal ).
Warren, G. L., & Nagid, E. J. (2008). Habitat selection by stream indicator biota:
Development of biological tools for the implementation of protective minimum flows
for Florida stream ecosystems. Gainesville, FL: Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Rsearch Institute.
Fish and invertebrate communities in Withlacoochee River, Madison and Hamilton Counties,
Florida, were sampled to determine flow, depth and habitat relationships. PHABSIM determined
usable habitat areas at varying stream discharges in eight study reaches. Time series analyses of
PHABSIM results combined with a 30 years of stream discharge data were utilized to establish
critical flow periods. Optimum habitat areas for most dominant invertebrate species occurred at
discharges ranging from 340 to 1300 cfs. Reductions of 30 and 40 percent during critical autumn
months of Sept.-Nov would adversely affect dominant invert taxa and long-term alterations to
community structure. Usable area available for all juvenile target species decreases as discharge
increased, whereas optimum for adults was discharges of 500-700 cfs, followed by decreasing
area as discharge increased. Simulated flow reductions resulted in mostly habitat gains for the
selected fish species. A 40% reduction in flow was necessary to produce a 10% habitat loss.
Flow reductions could provide conditions more suitable for largemouth bass than Suwannee
bass. Quantiative = Yes. Alot of information. Fish (habitat). Macroinvertebrate (habitat).
Magnitude (seasonal/monthly/fall).
Water Resource Associates Inc. (2004). Development of Madison Blue Spring-based MFL.
Draft Technical Report, Suwannee River Water Management Distric, Department of
Water Resources Report WR 03/04-05, Contract No. 02/03-333, June 14, 2004.
Determine effective MFL to prevent significant harm to Madison Blue Spring and its related
ecological and resource values. Proposed 70 cfs minimum flow (which also yields a 100 cfs
median flow) will provide protection from significant harm to the aquatic habitat and fish
passage in the Withlacoochee River will also provide adequate flow to prevent significant harm
to the recreational and scenic/aesthetic attributes for the MBS. Relationships between discharge,
water quality, macroinvertebrates, and fish habitat. Lists of species of concern. Quantitative =
Yes. Macroinvertebrate (abundance, diversity). Fish (habitat). Magnitude. Duration.
Water Resource Associates Inc. (2006). MFL establishment for the Waccasassa River,
Estuary, and Levy (Bronson) Blue Spring. Technical Report to the Suwannee River
Water Management District, November 2006.
Relationships between salinity and vegetation, macroinvertebrates, and fishes. Provides
information between freshwater inflow and salinity. Could support a quantitative analysis.
Quantitative = Yes. Vegetation, Macroinvertebrate, Fish. Magnitude.
Water Resource Associates Inc. (2006). MFL Establishment for the Upper Santa Fe River.
Technical Report to the Suwannee River Water Management District, December 2006.
Relationships between flow macroinvertebrates and fish passage. Establishes minimum flow
criteria primarily on basis of fish passage. Too much information. Quantiative = Yes, but
have to dig around for it. Good information on taxa present (vegetation, macroinvertebrates
(including mussels), and fish) Macroinvertebrates. Fish. Magnitude.
Wetland Solutions Inc. (2006). Human Use and Ecological Evaluation of the Recommended
Minimum Flow Regime for Blue Spring and Blue Spring Run, Volusia County,
Florida. Final report to the St. Johns River Water Management District.
Present an evaluation concerning whether consideration of any water recourse values (WRVs)
warrants adoption of a minimum flow regime (MFR) more stringent than that developed to
protect manatees’ use of Blue Spring. Estimated effects of reduced flows on blue spring and
blue spring run WRV Metrics = qualitative assessment. Relates nutrient levels to discharge.
Positive relationship between fish density and discharge. No relationship between manatee
abundance and discharge. Lists of taxa present at spring. Good source of taxonomic info.
Quantitative = Yes. Fish (abundance) Mammal (abundance). Nutrient. Magnitude.