Fish Habitat
The successful planning and operation of hydroelectric power and other control projects requires a sound understanding of the complex inter-relationships between water supply, levels, flow patterns and the natural environment. Fish reproduction and foraging, for example, are sensitive to even subtle changes in depths, temperatures, velocities and substrate. Without adequate study, it is impossible to know the potential of a project to impact the environment or to plan for its mitigation.
Coldwater Consulting, working with fisheries biologists and aquatic toxicologists from Kilgour & Associates Ltd., have developed habitat suitability models for a range of fish species, including sturgeon, walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. In addition to fish habitat modeling, our services include hydrographic surveying, substrate analysis, 1-d, 2-d and 3-d flow modelling and integrated system analysis. Our combined field and modelling approach has proven to be valuable in quantifying impacts to habitat from dam operation, dredging, etc.
