Instream Flow Incremental Methodology: A Synopsis with Recommendations for Useand Suggestions for Future Research

摘要

An overview of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) is presented withparticular emphasis on guiding influences of western hydrology, regional geology, important pre-IFIM studies, and select biological considerations. These influences are compared and contrasted with those prevalent in other regions of the United States. These influences are used to partially explain conflicting literature evaluations of IFIM and also to serve as the basis of suggestions for improving the methodology, particularly for eastern and southeastern United States applications. Improving IFIM by incorporating tenets of the Hydraulic Stream Ecology Concept and thus relaxing the present tight linkage between hydrology and biology characterizing many applications of the methodology is suggested. This suggestion enhances the realism and defensibility of the methodology for assessment and also makes IFIM an investigative tool for advancing stream ecology.... Environmental assessment, Physical habitat simulation, Instream flow incremental methodology, Regional considerations, Warmwater fishes.