Evaluation of Habitat Quality for Stream Salmonids Based on a Bioenergetics Model

Abstract

We examined the effectiveness of energetic potential (net energy intake [NEI]) estimated from bioenergetics models as an index of habitat quality for stream salmonids in seven streams within four watersheds in Hokkaido, northern Japan. In addition, we confirmed the utility of the NEI as an index of habitat quality by comparing it with several other habitat variables, including pool volume, pool area ratio, and prey density, that are often used as indices of habitat quality for stream salmonids. The mean NEI at each study reach was closely related to salmonid abundance, although the physical environment and drifting prey density differed considerably among study sites. In contrast, the relationships between habitat variables and fish abundance were weaker (drift density) or nonsignificant (pool volume and area). These results suggest that the NEI is more widely applicable as an index of habitat quality for drift-feeding fish, although its validity should be tested in additional systems.