Assessing the Impact of Human-Induced and Climate Change-Driven Streamflow Alterations on Freshwater Ecosystems

Streamflow is critical and master variable for maintaining healthy and restorative processes in freshwater ecosystems. However, human-induced dam construction and climate change have significantly altered the flow regime and disrupted hydrological conditions. Consequently, protecting river ecosystems has become a crucial goal, necessitating environmental streamflow assessments. This study evaluates the impact of dam construction and climate change on the flow regime and environmental flow in the Gamcheon Basin, Korea. It focuses on two fish species, the dominant Zacco platypus and endangered Squalidus gracilis majimae, using an ecosystem function model to determine the appropriate environmental flow. GIS analysis was also employed to quantify the habitat connectivity within the assessed environmental streamflow. The study provides key insights into preserving streamflow and revitalizing river ecosystems, highlighting the need for a broader multi-species analysis for environmental flow determination and conservation. By determining the appropriate environmental flow and analyzing habitat connectivity, effective strategies can be developed for protecting and maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems in a changing climate.