PhD Oral Exam - Kyleisha Foote, Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

ittle is known about the spatial extent and abundance of salmonid populations around the world. This research combines ecological and hydrogeomorphological approaches to investigate salmonid abundance in streams. It uses a meta-analysis, field observations and a systematic review to assess restoration options for salmonid populations, determine if a morphological index is aligned with physical habitat and fish-based indices, and explore the range of salmonid abundance in streams around the world. Data from 100 stream restoration projects show that in-stream structures, a common restoration technique for salmonids, increase salmonid abundance. However, most projects are implemented at small spatial scales of a few hundred metres, and monitored for less than 5 years, which may be insufficient time for population changes to be apparent. Hence, it is unclear whether these projects provide a long-term solution. The Morphological Quality Index (MQI) considers fluvial processes at larger scales as well as channel forms, human impacts, and historical changes, but few studies have assessed its relevance for ecosystem health. A significant correlation was found between the MQI and habitat quality (using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index, QHEI), in 26 salmonid streams, but establishing a strong correlation with fish metrics remains challenging. To describe the metrics of salmonid abundance at a broader spatial scale, a database was created using published material of over 1000 rivers with estimated salmonid biomass, covering 27 countries. This allowed detailed analyses of differences in biomass by species, region, period, and sampling techniques. Mean global biomass is 5.2 g/m2, and while most streams are under 10 g/m2, there is a large range (0-70.3 g/m2). Salmonid production recorded for 194 rivers averaged 7.4 g/m2/yr, and biomass and production were highly correlated (R = 0.82) with a mean production to biomass (P/B) ratio of 1.08. Expanding the list of variables in the database can help develop models to predict salmonid biomass, and determine conditions in high biomass streams. This knowledge will be useful for conservation and management authorities to design successful conservation programmes at a watershed scale.