Behaviour and growth of juvenile brown trout exposed to fluctuating flow

Abstract –  Parr of brown trout ( Salmo trutta L.) were exposed to constant or fluctuating water level and flow in artificial outdoor stream channels during 21 days in three consecutive runs, and their individual behaviour and social interactions were monitored. Despite the large variation in flow, no clear differences in growth, which was generally poor, and behaviour were found between treatments. The signs of a social structure in the stream channels were very subtle and there were no clear relation between growth rate and aggressive/dominant behaviour in any of the treatments in accordance with findings in studies of growth and dominance in the wild. Thus, in regulated rivers, daily fluctuations in flow and water level (hydropeaking) are not likely to alter the behaviour of juvenile brown trout or affect their energy turnover negatively. Several studies now indicate that if stranding can be avoided, hydropeaking has relatively small direct effects on stream salmonids. Therefore, future research should focus on cascading ecological effects that may influence the productivity of the ecosystems in regulated rivers.