Food Webs

This project is mapping habitat types present in the Upper Shasta River of California to determine how different habitat types contribute to food-web productivity (aka fish food) at given stream flows. Based on that, we are developing a broadly-applicable bioenergetics model to enable optimization of flow and water diversions to maximize benefit for fish and water users. We can also provide specific habitat restoration recommendations that, if implemented could create increased benefit to fish from available flow and, as a consequence, flexibility for water users in the amount and timing of water diversion without major impacts to fish populations. This is a collaborative project with strong landowner support that builds on previous work done by the University of Nevada, Reno.