Uncovering causes of salmon recovery in a hydropower regulated river – a new modeling approach

Recovering salmon populations in regulated waters is a challenge worldwide. A new theory, riverscape recruitment theory (RRT), has provided new insights into what affects fish populations in a running water system. The theory explores how flow, physical complexity of the watercourse, fish migration and environmental conditions combine to influence fish population growth.

In this project, a mathematical model is developed to apply RRT theory. Then the model is tested on the salmon in the river Klarälven which is our model ecosystem. The aim is to understand to what extent flow recovery measures affect the situation of salmon in the Klarälven.