Habitat Assessment and Enhancement

An important component of any aquatic biological study is the assessment of habitat conditions for the biota (e.g., fisheries, macroinvertebrates). Often natural (e.g., low flows) and man-made (e.g., channelization) habitat conditions constrain or limit biological communities. A thorough habitat assessment by GEI expert staff can help determine what can be done to improve or enhance conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Aquatic habitat enhancement efforts can include reconfiguration of stream banks and riparian vegetation, placement of structures, rock-clusters, or other features to increase instream cover for fish, or a combination of habitat work, flow-regime manipulation, and water quality improvements.