Investigating sediment transport in relation to the functionality of white sturgeon habitat in the Nechako River

Understanding how, when and where sediment is being transported through White Sturgeon spawning area in the Nechako River is important because fine sediment greatly reduces the quality of the habitat. Accumulation of fine sediment in the spawning areas has greatly decreased fish survival by preventing eggs from adhering to gravel on the river bed and infilling spaces between the gravel that larvae must use to hide in. Our research will address how reach-scale flow and sediment dynamics relate to sturgeon habitat and survival by quantifying the amount of sediment moving through the reach, characterizing the spatial and temporal pattern of transport and identifying how the channel is evolving through time. Results from this study will advance our understanding of reach dynamics, improve future habitat restoration by incorporating sediment transport and channel evolution into the design and ultimately contribute toward the conservation of this endangered species. The proposed research represents a mutually beneficial collaboration between the intern and NHC, whereby the intern will gain experience with techniques to be used in his thesis and NHC will be provided with data collection, post-processing and analysis.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brett Eaton

Student:

Partner:

Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: