Integration of hydrological and habitat simulation methods to define minimum environmental flows at the basin scale

摘要: New environmental policies establish the need to maintain ecological integrity of freshwater ecosystems. The hydrologic regime is a key element in determining river processes and therefore definition flow regimes (EFR) essential achieve this goal. EFR can be broadly defined as water required sustain estuarine ecosystems, human livelihood that depend on these Nevertheless, role methods calculate them has not been clearly stated many countries. This paper sets out procedure EFRs, which includes only minimum flow, but also temporal variability flow. integrates results habitat simulation scale takes into consideration natural seasonality while providing certain level flexibility regulate resources still meeting requirements Spanish Water Planning legislation. highlighted advantages using different methodological approaches EFRs. Therefore, study concludes validity relatively simple method for defining flows at period maximum stress, consider take account ecosystem elements possible.