Stream-dwelling Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) density and habitat characteristics in stream sections installed with low-head dams in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

Numerous low-head dams have been constructed for erosion control and installed in almost all mountainous streams in Japan. Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, is considered as one of the most intact areas in Japan, however, more than 331 low-head dams have been installed in 39 streams of the peninsula since the 1960s. In this study, the density of stream-dwelling Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and the habitat characteristics in dam-installed sections were investigated in Shiretoko streams and compared with unaltered sections in which no dams have been installed as a reference. Fish density in dam-installed sections was significantly lower than reference sections. Canopy cover, maximum temperature, wetted width, frequencies of pebble, bedrock and boulder, and areas of rapid, glide and riffle was significantly differed between dam-installed and reference sections. High stream temperature, occurrence of glides, and loss of boulder in dam-installed sections may reduce the suitability of habitats for fish and minimize the population size. We suggest that negative effects of dam installations on Dolly Varden populations have occurred in Shiretoko streams. © 2008 The Ecological Society of Japan.