River habitat survey in Southern Portugal (original) (raw)

Occurrence and variability of River Habitat Survey features across Europe and the consequences for data collection and evaluation

Hydrobiologia, 2006

River Habitat Survey (RHS) data collected for the EU-funded STAR project was used to identify hydromorphological characteristic features of rivers in four European regions namely: lowlands; mountain; the Alps; and the Mediterranean. Using RHS attributes, Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA) -a measure of natural habitat diversity, and Habitat Modification Score (HMS) -a measure of anthropogenic modification, we identified considerable differences in frequency, diversity and evenness of features between the regions. A relatively small subset of features clearly distinguish the hydromorphological characters of lowland, Alpine and southern European rivers. It was more difficult to distinguish mountain rivers from Alpine rivers. The highest statistical differences are observed between Lowland and Mountain region. Within the four regions studied the RHS attributes that most strongly influence the HQA and HMS indices were identified. We conclude that specific effort should be made to ensure these are recorded properly as part of the quality control of RHS data.

Using river habitat survey for environmental assessment and catchment planning in the U.K

Assessing the Ecological Integrity of Running Waters, 2000

This paper describes how the attributes of a method for determining the physical quality of rivers are well-placed for use in environmental assessment and catchment planning in the U.K. The system, known as River Habitat Survey (RHS), uses a standard field survey method with quality controls, a computer database for rapid analysis and includes outputs which quantify habitat quality and channel modification. Further refinement of the system is needed because there are limitations associated with the detail of data collected, with assumptions made about species' habitat requirements and the impact of channel modification. By taking full account of catchment characteristics, historical influences and geomorphological processes, the system can, together with other information, help in the conservation and rehabilitation of rivers.

Decision Support Tools for River Restoration: The Implementation of the “River Habitat Survey” Methodology on the River Selho (Guimarães Municipality, Northwest Portugal)

2021

The river habitat survey (RHS) system is a method used to assess the physical features and quality of rivers, which was developed to assist in the conservation and recovery of riverside habitats. The RHS takes into account the need to characterize areas of intervention from a hydromorphological point of view, in order to introduce corrective measures aimed at restoring degraded sections and habitats, and increasing local biodiversity. In this paper, we present the results obtained from the application of the RHS methodology to the River Selho, in the municipality of Guimarães (Portugal). The transects that we defined were strongly influenced by anthropic actions that have modified the riverside habitats, the artificialization of the river channel, and the urban occupation of the banks. Taking into account the results, we can point out the main problems that currently affect the hydromorphological quality of the transects analyzed in the River Selho, as well as identify the originati...