Application of the ‘natural flow paradigm’ in a New Zealand context

摘要: The natural flow paradigm (NFP) emphasizes the need to partially or fully maintain restore range of intra- and interannual variation hydrologic regimes protect native biodiversity evolutionary potential aquatic, riparian wetland ecosystems. Based on our studies managed in New Zealand, we do not believe that all components regime are necessary achieve objectives NFP, either fully, because many aquatic species have very flexible niches life-history requirements (i.e. there is ‘ecological redundancy’). Obviously, maintaining will hydraulic conditions for sustaining However, if adequate knowledge what ‘values’ be maintained a waterway, aspects required those values also known, then can designed target these thus optimize ‘values’. We an assessment ecosystem using information river processes together with habitat strategies biota best balance between resource use function value, show examples where changes maintained, even improved, instream some Zealand rivers. caution simple flow-based rules, such as might developed under could unnecessarily restrictive multiple water while, at same time, preclude opportunity enhancement key waterways. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.