A hierarchical evaluation system for characterizing watershed ecosystems for fish habitat

We present an evaluation system and framework for determining the relations between processes that generate physical features and how these features are used by fish. This information is essential for long-term management of fish habitat within watersheds. The model is hierarchical at three scales: watershed, reach, and site. Physical characteristics at these scales are separated into attributes, features, or variables that provide information on cause-response relationships. An evaluative framework is proposed along with a logical framework to guide analysis. The framework includes a functional analysis of physical characteristics and processes that generate physical habitat and a functional analysis of habitat requirements related to life cycle of an indicator species. An example of a life stage – state analysis is presented. Concepts of “health,” “integrity,” and “fit” are used to assess the physical states and conditions of the environment to determine the potential fit for a species based on its life-cycle requirements. Resume : Nous presentons un systeme et un cadre d’evaluation pour determiner les rapports entre les processus qui sont a l’origine de caracteristiques physiques et pour preciser comment les poissons utilisent ces caracteristiques. Ces donnees sont essentielles pour la gestion a long terme de l’habitat des poissons dans les bassins hydrographiques. Le modele comporte trois echelles: bassin, troncon et site. Les caracteristiques physiques a ces trois echelles sont classees en attributs, en caracteristiques ou en variables qui fournissent des donnees sur les relations entre les causes et les effets observes. Nous proposons un cadre d’evaluation ainsi qu’un cadre logique pour orienter notre analyse. Le cadre comprend une analyse fonctionnelle des proprietes et processus physiques qui sont a l’origine des habitats physiques et une analyse fonctionnelle des conditions que cet habitat doit presenter en rapport avec le cycle biologique d’une espece indicatrice. Nous presentons un exemple d’analyse des etapes de ce cycle biologique. Nous utilisons les concepts de « sante », « d’ integrite » et « d’aptitude » pour evaluer l’etat physique et les conditions d’un milieu en vue de determiner dans quelle mesure ce milieu est apte a supporter une espece en fonction des exigences de son cycle biologique. [Traduit par la Redaction]

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