Imperfect detection and the determination of environmental flows for fish: challenges, implications and solutions

摘要: Summary Relationships between river flow characteristics and fish community/population dynamics (i.e. flow–ecology relationships) underpin methods to determine monitor environmental water allocations. Quantifying these relationships can be difficult, consequently, most strategies for conservation in Australian rivers are based on general as opposed statistical predictions. Of those studies that have investigated fish, not accounted incomplete variable detection of by the sampling methods, thus making implicit assumption efficiency is invariant. This important rarely met, leading inconsistent research findings spurious results, a reliance generic principles defining management strategies. We illustrate how when probability varies freshwater consequences scientific inference about fish–flow relationships. Methods accounting imperfect identified tools increase experimental designs while reducing cost discussed. These include borrowing information among components simulation techniques optimise designs. We argue that, due very nature quantify (e.g. at different magnitudes/regimes), challenge detectability particularly relevant science. We encourage broader adoption account improve successful application flows managing communities.