A classification method for scaling river biotopes for assessing hydropower regulation impacts

This thesis describes the development of a habitat assessment methodology based on theories of hydroecology for use in river basin management. The methodology includes a robust habitat classification system and provides tools and methods to utilize this system for upscaling information with small-scale validity to river-scale. The backbone of the system is the method to identify schematics of meso-habitats through hydromorphological units in the water body. The methodology supports environmentally aware river regulation planning and the improvement of degraded river habitats. The application is not limited in terms of geography, however it is mostly tested and developed in Norway. The various phases and aspects of development are presented in detail. Two applications illustrate the use and capability of the methodology. The first presents a scaling study to simulate salmon production of a river, while the second shows a coupled modelling system that links the methodology with models for real time simulation of hydropower production and corresponding river hydraulics. This modelling system can be utilized for decision support in hydropower management. Successes, failures and outlooks are provided with both applications