Journal of Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers ISSN:1738-3692(Print) 2093-7709(Online) 한국농공학회논문집

The objective of this study was to estimate an optimum ecological flow rate in the Banbyeon stream based on the two representative fish species. Hydraulic stream environment was simulated with HEC-RAS for two water flow regimes and used for the PHABSIM hydraulic simulation. A dominant species of Zacco platypus and an endemic species of Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae were selected as the representative fishes whose habitat conditions were evaluated for the spawning and adult stages. Weighted usable area (WUA) was estimated based on habitat suitability index (HSI) and PHABSIM habitat simulation. Overall deep water zone in the stream demonstrated greater WUA which implies better habitat status. The estimated WUA for Zacco platypus as the dominant species was about five times greater than Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae at the stream flow of 12 m³/s. The optimum ecological flow rates were 15 m³/s and 25 m³/s for the respective spawning and adult stages of Zacco platypus, while 5 m³/s was estimated for both the life cycles of Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae. Assuming that the dominant species may survive better in wider flow regimes, the optimum ecological flow rate should be determined rater based on the endemic species and flow rate of 5 m³/s was suggested for the Banbyeon stream.