| dc.description.abstract | Amidst the Anthropocene era’s heightened human influence on the environment and escalating habitat degradation, this study delves into the impacts of channelization on salmon and sea trout habitats in small streams in western Norway. Employing hydraulic measurements, habitat mapping, and juvenile fish surveys, the research aimed to assess channelization effects on spawning gravel proportion, shelter availability, and juvenile fish density. Surprisingly, while shelter availability was lower in channelized sites, no significant effects of channelization were observed on spawning gravel proportion or juvenile fish density, challenging initial hypotheses. These findings underscore the complexity of relationships between channelization, habitat, and fish population dynamics in these ecosystems. In conclusion, the study highlights the necessity for comprehensive pre-intervention assessments and consideration of diverse approaches to preserve habitat integrity while addressing flood management in these environments, while also highlighting the limitations of standardized habitat mapping methods. | |
