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The biotic condition of dams run-of-the-river in sequence: adaptation of a multimetric index based on the Neotropical fish fauna

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Abstract

The synergistic effects of run-of-the-river (ROR) on fish fauna, though still poorly understood, are amplified when dams form reservoir cascades. In an attempt to assist in this understanding, we used an adaptation of the Reservoir Fish Assemblage Index (RFAI) to evaluate the biotic conditions of the Rio das Antas Energy Complex, in the Neotropical Patos Lagoon ecoregion. We evaluated the attributes of the fish fauna from the point of view of the complex, for each reservoir and between different sections. Fish samplings were performed quarterly at nine sites for 2 years (2015–2017). We proposed 26 metrics, related to aspects of composition, reproduction, feeding, habitat, and tolerance, selected based on criteria of variability, responsiveness, and redundancy. The final RFAI score was distributed in four categories of biological status, based on the best-observed condition. Eight metrics composed the final index, among which, only the proportion of nektonic individuals + nektobenthic (PNNbI) correlated with all sections. The final RFAI was classified as poor in all sections of the reservoir cascade, showing no significant differences between the sampling sites. This scenario indicates that dams in sequence intensify and homogenize the amplitude of fragmentation impacts on fish fauna. The final RFAI proved to be representative of the transition sections, emphasizing the importance of these reaches in impounded environments. Although the disturbance scales presented here are applicable mainly to ROR systems with reduced discharge section, the index was developed so as to allow its replicability in any dammed water course.

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Acknowledgments

The technical support and data collection is due to Aquática Consultoria e Assessoria Ltda., especially Luis F. Beux (in memoriam) and Fernanda F. Brol. We thank Gabriela Medeiros and Jascieli C. Bortolini, for the graphic contributions and Débora R. de Carvalho for the suggestions on adapting the multimetric index.

Funding

This work had the incentive and support of Companhia Energética Rio das Antas.

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  1. Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE) - Programa de Pós-Graduação em Conservação e Manejo de Recursos Naturais, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Rua Universitária, 2069, Jardim Universitário, Cascavel, PR, 85819-110, Brazil

    Douglas Ticiani & Rosilene Luciana Delariva

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  1. Douglas Ticiani
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  2. Rosilene Luciana Delariva
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Correspondence to Douglas Ticiani.

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Ticiani, D., Delariva, R.L. The biotic condition of dams run-of-the-river in sequence: adaptation of a multimetric index based on the Neotropical fish fauna. Environ Monit Assess 192, 398 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-08367-2

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