Effect of dam construction on spawning activity of Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the lower Yellow River

Abstract

The construction of water conservancy projects not only brings benefits such as flood control and disaster reduction but also has many effects on the habitat and reproduction of local aquatic organisms. Taking the reach from Xuzhuang Station to Gaocun Station in the lower Yellow River as an example, this paper discusses the effect of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir on the habitat of Yellow River carp (Cyprinus carpio). By constructing a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model, coupled with a habitat suitability model of the spawning ground of Yellow River carp, the weighted usable area (WUA) of the Yellow River carp habitat was calculated, and the spatial distribution of the habitat suitability index (HSI) in the reach was analyzed to evaluate habitat quality before and after the construction of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir. The results showed that the Xiaolangdi Reservoir had a negative effect on the habitat of Yellow River carp, resulting in the reduction of the spatial distribution of HSI, a decrease in WUA by 45.53%, and a decrease in habitat quality. The construction of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir reduced or even eliminated flow pulses in the downstream reach, but had little effect on the suitability index of water depth and velocity. However, the suitability index of water level rise was significantly reduced, which is not conducive to the spawning activities of aquatic organisms and has a negative effect on habitat. The results of this study will provide a reference for ecological restoration in this region.

Effect of an Ipomoea aquatica Floating Raft on the Water Quality, Antioxidant System, Non-Specific Immune Responses, and Microbial Diversity of Penaeus vannamei in an Aquaculture System

“…Lipid peroxidation occurs through the action of free radicals produced by non-enzymatic systems, and the oxidation end-product is MDA [35]. The production of MDA affects the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and enzymes in the mitochondria [36]. The results of this study show that the hepatopancreas and gill MDA of the AP system was significantly lower than that of the AM system, which reflected that the level of cellular damage in shrimp of the AP system was lower than that of the AM system.…”

River Damming Impacts on Fish Habitat and Associated Conservation Measures

“…Meanwhile, the degradation of plants in floodplain areas reduces the matrix for sticky eggs to attach, leading to a decrease in the survival of the eggs (Perna et al., 2012). The decrease in high and low flow pulses and their duration due to river damming can eliminate the hydrological cues for fish migration, which reduces foraging opportunities and increase the risk of fish stranding (Bao et al., 2022; Reid et al., 2019). Rapid reductions of river water surface elevation due to dam operation may result in stranding of fish species (E. Bell et al., 2008; Irvine et al., 2015).…”

Analysis of size-composition of endangered Tor putitora in the critical breeding and nursery grounds of the Nayar (Western Himalaya)

“…Earlier, the reduction in the upstream migration of Mahseer at Srinagar was also attributed to the occurrence of the Srinagar hydroelectric project at Alaknanda River. The obstruction in the ascending migratory route of the spawning biomass (inhabiting between Rishikesh and Haridwar) can potentially delay/ hamper the spawning activities (Bao et al, 2022). Insufficient brooders in breeding grounds would lead to a reduced quantity of eggs and, subsequently, a scarcity of larvae in the habitats where new individuals are recruited (Camp et al, 2020).…”