This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Hydropeaking is an anthropogenic regime that results from the strong flow variations in the receiving waters of storage hydropower plants. These variations are due to flexible energy production, i.e. the sudden increase of electricity demands or from its decrease, affecting the fish assemblages of that river stretch. We evaluated the mitigation potential of the hydropeaking diversion hydropower plant (hd-HPP) named Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Inn - GKI, located in the Inn River at the Alpine region (Tyrol, Austria). This HPP will use a weir reservoir for the retention of hydropeaking coming from upstream HPPs, together with the diversion of peak flows, which intends to mitigate the impacts of hydropeaking along the residual flow stretch while allowing for hydropower production. Our study aims to evaluate and mitigate the stranding potential of the European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) within the time range of the species' larvae life-stage in the Inn river's studied stretch. To do so, we addressed a set of high-resolution historical hydrological data and, afterwards, the implementation of mitigation operational scenarios, for wet and dry years. The performance of the historical status and the mitigation scenario was assessed based on 1D unsteady modelling in a set of 26 cross-sections along a 6.5 km stretch, by quantifying the downramping rate and flow ratio events over the grayling larvae's tolerance thresholds to stranding (0.2 cm/min) and the Austrian legal threshold for flow ratio (1:3), respectively. Furthermore, we developed a new eco-hydromorphological assessment scheme, including topographic features that have been confirmed as stranding increase factors, besides the hydrological parameter's assessment. A qualitative classification was defined (Very High, High, Medium, Small, Low) for the species' larvae stranding potential, gathering the hydrological and morphological parameters assessment, represented in a map with the cross-section's location and assessment class. Results confirmed that the operational scenario highly reduced the number of events where downramping rate and the flow ratio were over the thresholds in all sections, with higher effectiveness in the wet year analysis, where tributaries influence showed a major role. Afterwards, for the qualitative assessment, in the historical records analysis the cross-sections status were included in the High or Medium classes of stranding potential. In the mitigation scenarios, most of sections' status shifted to the Low or Small classes. With this study, we confirmed that the GKI hydropower scheme may be considered as an effective hydropeaking mitigation strategy. Additionally, we presented a novel 1D-based approach for stranding potential assessment, grounded on a cost-effective and integrative classification scheme.
Miguel Moreira; Martin Schletterer; Ana Quaresma; Isabel Boavida; António Pinheiro. New insights into hydropeaking mitigation assessment from a diversion hydropower plant: The GKI project (Tyrol, Austria). Ecological Engineering 2020, 158, 106035 .
AMA StyleMiguel Moreira, Martin Schletterer, Ana Quaresma, Isabel Boavida, António Pinheiro. New insights into hydropeaking mitigation assessment from a diversion hydropower plant: The GKI project (Tyrol, Austria). Ecological Engineering. 2020; 158 ():106035.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel Moreira; Martin Schletterer; Ana Quaresma; Isabel Boavida; António Pinheiro. 2020. "New insights into hydropeaking mitigation assessment from a diversion hydropower plant: The GKI project (Tyrol, Austria)." Ecological Engineering 158, no. : 106035.
The rapid river flow variations due to hydropower production during peak demand periods, known as hydropeaking, causes several ecological impacts. In this study, we assessed the potential of an overhead cover and velocity-refuge structure in an indoor flume as an indirect hydropeaking mitigation measure for the cyprinid species Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei). We designed a lab-scale LUNKERS-type structure using two different materials which were used separately: Wood (opaque) and acrylic (transparent), tested under hydropeaking and base-flow events. Physiological (glucose and lactate) and behavioral (structure use) responses were quantified. The structure use (inside and in the vicinity) and the individual and schooling behavior was assessed. Although there was no evidence that the hydropeaking event triggered a physiological response, the wood structure use was significantly higher than the acrylic one, where the metrics of use increased in the hydropeaking event. Differences between individual and group behavior were only higher for the entrances in the wood structure. The higher frequency of wood structure use under hydropeaking conditions suggests that the visual stimulus conferred by this shaded refuge enables fish to easily find it. The results suggest that the use of overhead and velocity-refuge structures may act as an effective hydropeaking flow-refuge mitigation measure.
Miguel Moreira; Maria João Costa; Jorge Valbuena-Castro; António N. Pinheiro; Isabel Boavida. Cover or Velocity: What Triggers Iberian Barbel (Luciobarbus Bocagei) Refuge Selection under Experimental Hydropeaking Conditions? Water 2020, 12, 317 .
AMA StyleMiguel Moreira, Maria João Costa, Jorge Valbuena-Castro, António N. Pinheiro, Isabel Boavida. Cover or Velocity: What Triggers Iberian Barbel (Luciobarbus Bocagei) Refuge Selection under Experimental Hydropeaking Conditions? Water. 2020; 12 (2):317.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel Moreira; Maria João Costa; Jorge Valbuena-Castro; António N. Pinheiro; Isabel Boavida. 2020. "Cover or Velocity: What Triggers Iberian Barbel (Luciobarbus Bocagei) Refuge Selection under Experimental Hydropeaking Conditions?" Water 12, no. 2: 317.
Peak-operating hydropower plants are usually the energy grid’s backbone by providing flexible energy production. At the same time, hydropeaking operations are considered one of the most adverse impacts on rivers, whereby aquatic organisms and their life-history stages can be affected in many ways. Therefore, we propose specific seasonal regulations to protect ecologically sensitive life cycle stages. By reviewing hydropeaking literature, we establish a framework for hydrological mitigation based on life-history stages of salmonid fish and their relationship with key parameters of the hydrograph. During migration and spawning, flows should be kept relatively stable, and a flow cap should be implemented to prevent the dewatering of spawning grounds during intragravel life stages. While eggs may be comparably tolerant to dewatering, post-hatch stages are very vulnerable, which calls for minimizing or eliminating the duration of drawdown situations and providing adequate minimum flows. Especially emerging fry are extremely sensitive to flow fluctuations. As fish then grow in size, they become less vulnerable. Therefore, an ‘emergence window’, where stringent thresholds on ramping rates are enforced, is proposed. Furthermore, time of day, morphology, and temperature changes must be considered as they may interact with hydropeaking. We conclude that the presented mitigation framework can aid the environmental enhancement of hydropeaking rivers while maintaining flexible energy production.
Daniel Hayes; Miguel Moreira; Isabel Boavida; Melanie Haslauer; Günther Unfer; Bernhard Zeiringer; Franz Greimel; Stefan Auer; Teresa Ferreira; Stefan Schmutz. Life Stage-Specific Hydropeaking Flow Rules. Sustainability 2019, 11, 1547 .
AMA StyleDaniel Hayes, Miguel Moreira, Isabel Boavida, Melanie Haslauer, Günther Unfer, Bernhard Zeiringer, Franz Greimel, Stefan Auer, Teresa Ferreira, Stefan Schmutz. Life Stage-Specific Hydropeaking Flow Rules. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (6):1547.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniel Hayes; Miguel Moreira; Isabel Boavida; Melanie Haslauer; Günther Unfer; Bernhard Zeiringer; Franz Greimel; Stefan Auer; Teresa Ferreira; Stefan Schmutz. 2019. "Life Stage-Specific Hydropeaking Flow Rules." Sustainability 11, no. 6: 1547.
Hydroelectric power plants managed in response to sub-daily changes of the electricity market undergo rapid variations of turbine discharge, entailing quickly fluctuating water levels downstream. This operation regime, called hydropeaking, causes numerous adverse impacts on river ecosystems. The hydrological alterations which affect hydropeaking rivers can be described by five parameters that change over space and time (magnitude, rate of change, frequency, duration, and timing), where each parameter may be correlated with distinct environmental impacts and therefore may be used to define flow thresholds and set targets for operational mitigation strategies. Thus, this study aims to present an extensive review on the so far established hydropeaking targets and thresholds regarding the outputs from the scientific community as well as from national regulations. We found that only few European countries (Switzerland and Austria) have legal regulations regarding hydropeaking flow thresholds. Other countries, such as Canada and the USA, present environmental legislation that can force hydropeaking mitigation measures. Most mitigation thresholds and management recommendations in literature deal with the effect of downramping on the stranding of salmonids, as well as with minimum flows between peak-flows to avoid spawning ground desiccation. Regarding other fish species and parameters, information on mitigation targets or thresholds is scarcer or non-existent, as well as on hydropeaking mitigation case-studies, resulting in a lack of knowledge and guidelines for its implementation or regulation. Nevertheless, the available literature indicates that multiple aspects must be considered when assessing such values. Thus, to aid in that process, we propose that mitigation targets and thresholds must be based on key species, including particular features regarding season, life-stage and time of day, which must be combined with site-specific morphological characteristics. The presented approach may benefit impacted organism groups in hydropeaking reaches through the establishment of ecologically-based relevant mitigation thresholds and/or targets.
Miguel Moreira; Daniel Hayes; Isabel Boavida; Martin Schletterer; Stefan Schmutz; António Pinheiro. Ecologically-based criteria for hydropeaking mitigation: A review. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 657, 1508 -1522.
AMA StyleMiguel Moreira, Daniel Hayes, Isabel Boavida, Martin Schletterer, Stefan Schmutz, António Pinheiro. Ecologically-based criteria for hydropeaking mitigation: A review. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 657 ():1508-1522.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel Moreira; Daniel Hayes; Isabel Boavida; Martin Schletterer; Stefan Schmutz; António Pinheiro. 2018. "Ecologically-based criteria for hydropeaking mitigation: A review." Science of The Total Environment 657, no. : 1508-1522.
The insights that historical evidence of human presence and man-made documents provide are unique. For example, using historical data may be critical to adequately understand the ecological requirements of species. However, historical information about freshwater species distribution remains largely a knowledge gap. In this Data Descriptor, we present the Portuguese Historical Fish Database (PHish–DB), a compilation of 2214 records (557 at the basin scale, 184 at the sub-basin scale and 1473 at the segment scale) resulting from a survey of 194 historical documents. The database was developed using a three-scale approach that maximises the inclusion of information by allowing different degrees of spatial acuity. PHish database contains records of 25 taxonomical groups and covers a time span of one millennium, from the 11th until the 20th century. This database has already proven useful for two scientific studies, and PHish further use will contribute to correctly assess the full range of conditions tolerated by species, by establishing adequate benchmark conditions, and/or to improve existing knowledge of the species distribution limits.
Gonçalo Duarte; Miguel Moreira; Paulo Branco; Luís Da Costa; Maria Teresa Ferreira; Pedro Segurado. One millennium of historical freshwater fish occurrence data for Portuguese rivers and streams. Scientific Data 2018, 5, 180163 .
AMA StyleGonçalo Duarte, Miguel Moreira, Paulo Branco, Luís Da Costa, Maria Teresa Ferreira, Pedro Segurado. One millennium of historical freshwater fish occurrence data for Portuguese rivers and streams. Scientific Data. 2018; 5 (1):180163.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGonçalo Duarte; Miguel Moreira; Paulo Branco; Luís Da Costa; Maria Teresa Ferreira; Pedro Segurado. 2018. "One millennium of historical freshwater fish occurrence data for Portuguese rivers and streams." Scientific Data 5, no. 1: 180163.
A methodological approach for the conservation status assessment of Azorean natural habitats in Pico Island (Portugal) is presented, using the InVEST Habitat Quality model. This spatial analysis-based study was focused on a selected group of 33 endemic plant species occurring in Pico Island and protected under the Habitats Directive’s Listed Habitats for Macaronesia Region. The InVEST model combines information present in a Land Cover map with data on threats to habitats and habitats response, producing habitat quality and degradation maps as outputs, both represented in a score ranging from 0 to 1. Results showed that at higher altitudes habitats present better quality status, mostly due to the absence of the main threats such as Invasive Alien Species and Pasturelands. The study also showed that most areas with higher conservation quality are covered by the Pico Island Natural Park (a set of protected areas). Habitat patches showing higher degradation levels are located outside of the protected areas, supporting the increasing need for an integrated island-based conservation approach. This model valuation scheme might be used as an effective decision-support tool to prioritise areas for conservation actions and management in all nine Azorean Island Natural Parks, as well as in other small Macaronesian islands.
Miguel Moreira; Catarina Fonseca; Marta Vergílio; Helena Calado; Artur Gil. Spatial assessment of habitat conservation status in a Macaronesian island based on the InVEST model: a case study of Pico Island (Azores, Portugal). Land Use Policy 2018, 78, 637 -649.
AMA StyleMiguel Moreira, Catarina Fonseca, Marta Vergílio, Helena Calado, Artur Gil. Spatial assessment of habitat conservation status in a Macaronesian island based on the InVEST model: a case study of Pico Island (Azores, Portugal). Land Use Policy. 2018; 78 ():637-649.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel Moreira; Catarina Fonseca; Marta Vergílio; Helena Calado; Artur Gil. 2018. "Spatial assessment of habitat conservation status in a Macaronesian island based on the InVEST model: a case study of Pico Island (Azores, Portugal)." Land Use Policy 78, no. : 637-649.
Helena Calado; Marta Vergílio; Catarina Fonseca; Artur Gil; Fabiana Moniz; Susana Ferreira Silva; Miguel Moreira; Chiara Bragagnolo; Carlos Pereira da Silva; Margarida Pereira. Developing a Planning and Management System for Protected Areas on Small Islands (The Azores Archipelago, Portugal): the SMARTPARKS Project. Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada 2014, 14, 335 -344.
AMA StyleHelena Calado, Marta Vergílio, Catarina Fonseca, Artur Gil, Fabiana Moniz, Susana Ferreira Silva, Miguel Moreira, Chiara Bragagnolo, Carlos Pereira da Silva, Margarida Pereira. Developing a Planning and Management System for Protected Areas on Small Islands (The Azores Archipelago, Portugal): the SMARTPARKS Project. Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada. 2014; 14 (2):335-344.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHelena Calado; Marta Vergílio; Catarina Fonseca; Artur Gil; Fabiana Moniz; Susana Ferreira Silva; Miguel Moreira; Chiara Bragagnolo; Carlos Pereira da Silva; Margarida Pereira. 2014. "Developing a Planning and Management System for Protected Areas on Small Islands (The Azores Archipelago, Portugal): the SMARTPARKS Project." Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada 14, no. 2: 335-344.
Fonseca, C., Pereira da Silva, C., Calado, H., Moniz, F., Bragagnolo, C., Gil, A., Phillips, M., Pereira, M., Moreira, M., 2014. Coastal and marine protected areas as key elements for tourism in small islands. In: Green, A.N. and Cooper, J.A.G. (eds.), Proceedings 13th International Coastal Symposium (Durban, South Africa), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 70, pp. 461–466, ISSN 0749-0208. The Azores Archipelago (Portugal) is composed of 9 small islands located in the North Atlantic. To overcome the common challenges of this type of territory (e.g. isolation, closed systems, limited physical space and natural resources, endemism, small economies, small populations) and taking advantage of the natural and cultural heritage, the Regional Government of the Azores has based its Tourism Strategy on the high value of nature, landscape, flag species and outdoor experiences with a strong environmental friendly label. Pico Island offers the perfect scenario to enjoy such nature-based tourism activities, welcoming around 15,000 tourists per year, equivalent to the number of residents on the island. The island's natural and cultural heritage is outstanding and Pico Island Natural Park represents 35% of the territory, including several coastal and marine areas. Tourists' awareness about Pico protected areas, their activities and preferences can be extremely important to the management of the Island Natural Park. Integrated in the research project SMARTPARKS, a survey was conducted with 134 tourists, revealing the importance assigned to Pico protected areas and coastal zone. Among coastal and maritime activities, bathing and whale watching are the most frequent activities (57% and 44% of respondents, respectively) and 20% of respondents think whale watching should be promoted. This exploratory study gathered important information for decision-making agencies with respect to solving problems and possible solutions through tourism, namely the application of a fee system to help manage and conserve protected areas.
Catarina Fonseca; Carlos Pereira Da Silva; Helena Calado; Fabiana Moniz; Chiara Bragagnolo; Artur Gil; Mike Phillips; Margarida Pereira; Miguel Moreira. Coastal and marine protected areas as key elements for tourism in small islands. Journal of Coastal Research 2014, 70, 461 -466.
AMA StyleCatarina Fonseca, Carlos Pereira Da Silva, Helena Calado, Fabiana Moniz, Chiara Bragagnolo, Artur Gil, Mike Phillips, Margarida Pereira, Miguel Moreira. Coastal and marine protected areas as key elements for tourism in small islands. Journal of Coastal Research. 2014; 70 ():461-466.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCatarina Fonseca; Carlos Pereira Da Silva; Helena Calado; Fabiana Moniz; Chiara Bragagnolo; Artur Gil; Mike Phillips; Margarida Pereira; Miguel Moreira. 2014. "Coastal and marine protected areas as key elements for tourism in small islands." Journal of Coastal Research 70, no. : 461-466.