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Fish spawning habitat suitability for local bed change around instream boulders: experimental investigation - II.

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Title: Fish spawning habitat suitability for local bed change around instream boulders: experimental investigation - II.
Authors: Rahman, Mohammad Ziaur1 (AUTHOR), Baki, Abul B. M.1 (AUTHOR) abaki@clarkson.edu, Ghamry, Haitham2 (AUTHOR), Katopodis, Christos3 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Ecohydraulics. Feb2026, Vol. 11 Issue 1, p17-33. 17p.
Subjects: Fish spawning, Boulders, Salmonidae, Habitat conservation, Sedimentation & deposition, Erosion, River channels
Abstract: Fish populations depend on suitable spawning habitats, and species like salmon and trout require specific substrate conditions for successful reproduction. Instream boulders enhance habitat heterogeneity by creating depressions and riffle spots that provide well-oxygenated gravel beds for egg deposition and predator refuge. Restoration projects often use rock-ramp boulder arrangements to improve habitat functionality. This study experimentally investigated the relationship between instream boulder placement, bed erosion, and sediment deposition to assess spawning habitat suitability. A total of 18 scenarios were tested, varying boulder concentrations (λ = 0 to 8.30%) across three bed slopes (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%). Findings indicate that lower boulder densities result in minimal local scour depth and sediment transport, creating favorable spawning conditions for salmonids. These results provide valuable insights for habitat restoration efforts, guiding optimal boulder placement and concentration to enhance spawning success while maintaining streambed stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Fish populations depend on suitable spawning habitats, and species like salmon and trout require specific substrate conditions for successful reproduction. Instream boulders enhance habitat heterogeneity by creating depressions and riffle spots that provide well-oxygenated gravel beds for egg deposition and predator refuge. Restoration projects often use rock-ramp boulder arrangements to improve habitat functionality. This study experimentally investigated the relationship between instream boulder placement, bed erosion, and sediment deposition to assess spawning habitat suitability. A total of 18 scenarios were tested, varying boulder concentrations (λ = 0 to 8.30%) across three bed slopes (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%). Findings indicate that lower boulder densities result in minimal local scour depth and sediment transport, creating favorable spawning conditions for salmonids. These results provide valuable insights for habitat restoration efforts, guiding optimal boulder placement and concentration to enhance spawning success while maintaining streambed stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:24705357
DOI:10.1080/24705357.2025.2462319