Strategies for Aquatic Habitat Classification and ...web2.uwindsor.ca/.../Presentations/Mackey_Habitat.pdf · Processes ¾Mechanism(s) by which energy, water, and materials are conveyed

Strategies for Aquatic Habitat Strategies for Aquatic Habitat Classification and Restoration in Riverine Classification and Restoration in Riverine

and Coastal Nearshore Systems: and Coastal Nearshore Systems: Application to the HuronApplication to the Huron--Erie Corridor and Erie Corridor and

Lake ErieLake Erie

Scudder D. Mackey, Ph.D.Scudder D. Mackey, Ph.D.University of Windsor/Habitat SolutionsUniversity of Windsor/Habitat Solutions

Main PointsMain PointsChemical, physical, and biological integrity are achieved by Chemical, physical, and biological integrity are achieved by

protecting and restoring fundamental ecosystem protecting and restoring fundamental ecosystem components, the natural components, the natural processesprocesses that maintain them, that maintain them, and the and the functional pathwaysfunctional pathways and and connectionsconnections along along which, and through which, those processes work. which, and through which, those processes work.

Sustainable processes build sustainable ecosystemsSustainable processes build sustainable ecosystems. . Protection and restoration of selfProtection and restoration of self--sustaining natural sustaining natural processes, pathways, and landscapes will yield processes, pathways, and landscapes will yield sustainable waters, support sustainable ecosystem sustainable waters, support sustainable ecosystem functions, and achieve longfunctions, and achieve long--term chemical, physical, term chemical, physical, biological, and ecological integrity.biological, and ecological integrity.

Physical IntegrityPhysical IntegrityPhysical integrity is achieved when the physical Physical integrity is achieved when the physical components of a system and the natural components of a system and the natural processesprocesses, , pathwayspathways, and , and landscapeslandscapes that that structure, organize, define, and regulate them structure, organize, define, and regulate them correspond to undisturbed natural conditionscorrespond to undisturbed natural conditionsand are mutually supportive and selfand are mutually supportive and self--sustaining.sustaining.

Fundamental Components of Physical IntegrityFundamental Components of Physical IntegrityLandscapesLandscapes (physical framework);(physical framework);Natural physical processesNatural physical processes; and the; and thePathways and connectionsPathways and connections along which those along which those processes operate.processes operate.

Mackey 2005

Mackey 2005

ProcessesProcessesMechanism(s) by which energy, water, and Mechanism(s) by which energy, water, and materials are conveyed through a system.materials are conveyed through a system.

Physical ProcessesPhysical Processes –– mechanisms that transfer mechanisms that transfer energy, water, and materials across and through the energy, water, and materials across and through the landscape into the Great Lakeslandscape into the Great LakesBiological ProcessesBiological Processes –– mechanisms that transfer of mechanisms that transfer of energy and nutrients upwards through the food web. energy and nutrients upwards through the food web.

TributariesGroundwater

Coastal Margin/NearshoreOpen-Lake

Mackey 2005

PathwaysPathwaysPaths along which natural processes act convey Paths along which natural processes act convey energy, water, and materials through a system.energy, water, and materials through a system.

Functional pathwaysFunctional pathways -- functional and physical functional and physical connections between physical components of the connections between physical components of the system (landscape pattern and connectivity)system (landscape pattern and connectivity)LandLand--water connectionswater connections (flow paths, hydraulic (flow paths, hydraulic connectivity and continuity, patterns of flow)connectivity and continuity, patterns of flow)

WatershedsTributaries

Connecting Watersand Channels

Coastal MarginOpen Lake

Impairments to Physical IntegrityImpairments to Physical Integrity

Altered landscapesAltered landscapesLand cover, slope and topography, urbanizationLand cover, slope and topography, urbanization

Altered pathways and connectivityAltered pathways and connectivitySurfaceSurface--groundwater interactions, diversions, groundwater interactions, diversions, breaching of watersheds, flow pathsbreaching of watersheds, flow pathsChannelization, bank filling/encroachment, damsChannelization, bank filling/encroachment, damsShoreline armoring, dredging, dikes and leveesShoreline armoring, dredging, dikes and levees

Coastal Processes and PathwaysCoastal Processes and Pathways

Altered pathways affect nearshoreAltered pathways affect nearshorecoastal processes, habitats, and connectivitycoastal processes, habitats, and connectivity

Lake Erie Shore Protection - Shoreline Hardening

Extensive Protection

21%

Moderate Protection

11%

Minor Protection

17%

UnProtected49%

Non-Structural2%

Canadian Shore Protection - Lake Erie

50%

Extensive Protection

17%

Moderate Protection

17%Minor

Protection12%

Unprotected54%

Non-StructuralProtection

0%

US Shore Protection - Lake Erie

Non-Structural3%

Unprotected45%

Minor Protection

21%

Moderate Protection

8%

Extensive Protection

23%

Lake Erie Shore Protection TrendsOhio Counties from 1870 to 1990

Time (Years)1870 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Per

cent

Pro

tect

ed S

hore

line

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

AshtabulaLakeCuyahogaLorainErieOttawaLucas

Aquatic Environmental TemplateAquatic Environmental TemplateRequires a dynamic classification systemRequires a dynamic classification systemMultiple geospatial data layersMultiple geospatial data layers33--DimensionalDimensional

What are theWhat are theprocesses,processes,characteristics,characteristics,or variables thator variables thatdefine habitat?define habitat?

••Physical attributesPhysical attributes••Biological attributesBiological attributes••Chemical attributesChemical attributes

Water MassWater Mass

EnergyEnergy

SubstrateSubstrate

““Nearshore” ZonesNearshore” ZonesImportant to Define BoundariesImportant to Define Boundaries

““Nearshore” Zones are poorly studied and dynamicNearshore” Zones are poorly studied and dynamicCoastal Margin ZoneCoastal Margin Zone (Littoral Processes)(Littoral Processes)

Shoreward limit: Shoreward limit: •• High water mark, including the shoreline physical attribute High water mark, including the shoreline physical attribute

(e.g., beach, breakwall, bluff, etc.)(e.g., beach, breakwall, bluff, etc.)Lakeward limit:Lakeward limit:

•• 3 m isobath3 m isobathNearshore/Open Water ZoneNearshore/Open Water Zone (Open Water Processes)(Open Water Processes)

Shoreward limit:Shoreward limit:•• 3 m isobath3 m isobath

Lakeward limit:Lakeward limit:•• 15 m isobath15 m isobath

Open Lake/Offshore

Nearshore/Open Water

•• Littoral Transport (cells)• Gyres• Tributary Zones of Influence

Environmental ZonesEnvironmental Zones

1695816958(65.9 %)(65.9 %)

43274327(16.7%)(16.7%)

1263112631(49.1%)(49.1%)

0.60.6(0.1%)(0.1%)

Open Water Open Water OffshoreOffshore

2573125731(100.0%)(100.0%)

58335833(22.7%)(22.7%)

1506115061(58.5%)(58.5%)

48374837(18.8%)(18.8%)

TotalsTotals

78987898(30.7 %)(30.7 %)

12481248(4.9%)(4.9%)

22702270(8.8%)(8.8%)

43804380(17.0%)(17.0%)

Nearshore Nearshore Open LakeOpen Lake

875875(3.4%)(3.4%)

258258(1.0%)(1.0%)

160160(0.6%)(0.6%)

457457(1.8%)(1.8%)

Coastal Coastal MarginMargin

Lake ErieLake Erie(km(km22))

Eastern Eastern Basin (kmBasin (km22))

Central Central Basin (kmBasin (km22))

Western Western Basin (kmBasin (km22))

Environmental Environmental ZoneZone

Data from Haltuch and Berkman (1999)Data from Haltuch and Berkman (1999)

Coastal MarginCoastal Margin

Nearshore/Open WaterNearshore/Open Water

10 m

15 m3 m

Lake Erie Coastal Margin and Nearshore Open Water Zones

Open water area Open water area -- water water depth less than 10 m, depth less than 10 m,

shallow reef complexesshallow reef complexes

Open water area Open water area -- water water depths greater than 10 mdepths greater than 10 m

Nearshore Nearshore Open WaterOpen Water3m 3m –– 15 m15 m

Open ExposureOpen ExposureLong Fetch DistanceLong Fetch DistanceCoarseCoarse--grained, hard grained, hard substrates, bedrocksubstrates, bedrock

Limited ExposureLimited ExposureShort Fetch DistanceShort Fetch Distance

FineFine--grained, soft grained, soft substratessubstrates

Open Coasts, island Open Coasts, island fringesfringes

Embayments, tributary Embayments, tributary mouths, coastal wetland mouths, coastal wetland

habitatshabitats

Coastal MarginCoastal Margin< 3 m< 3 m

High Energy AreaHigh Energy AreaLow Energy AreaLow Energy AreaEnvironmentalEnvironmentalZoneZone

NearsedGlacial (Till, Glacial Lake Clay)IslandMudMuddy Sand / Sandy MudRockSandUndefined

BathyBathymetry (meters)

Nos70k.shp

0 5 10 15 20 Miles

0 10 20 30 Kilometers

N

Nearshore Sediment DistributionWestern Lake Erie

Lake Erie Sediment Distribution

Sand and GravelMudSand and MudBedrockCohesive Clay (Glacial Till)

N

EW

S

Kilometers

0 10 20 30 5040 60 70 80 90 100

After Haltuch and Berkman (1999) Coverages courtesy Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Dr. John P. Coakley

RecentRecentStable to Stable to UnstableUnstable

Soft to HardSoft to HardDreissenidsDreissenidsOtherOther

Shell DebrisShell Debris--Disarticulated, Clumps,Disarticulated, Clumps,EncrustingEncrusting

RecentRecentLacustrine/Till Lacustrine/Till

(Diamict)(Diamict)

Stable to Stable to UnstableUnstable

Soft to cohesiveSoft to cohesive(firm to hard)(firm to hard)

ClayClay

RecentRecentLacustrine/Till Lacustrine/Till

(Diamict)(Diamict)

Stable to Stable to UnstableUnstable

Soft to cohesiveSoft to cohesive(firm to hard)(firm to hard)

SiltSilt

Recent or RelictRecent or RelictStable to Stable to UnstableUnstable

Soft to firmSoft to firmSandSand--Coarse, Medium, FineCoarse, Medium, Fine

Recent or RelictRecent or RelictStable to Stable to UnstableUnstable

HardHardLimestone/DolomiteLimestone/DolomiteSandstoneSandstoneIgneous/Meta OtherIgneous/Meta Other

GravelGravel

Recent or RelictRecent or RelictStable to Stable to UnstableUnstable

HardHardLimestone/DolomiteLimestone/DolomiteSandstoneSandstoneIgneous/Meta OtherIgneous/Meta Other

CobbleCobble

Recent or RelictRecent or RelictStable to Stable to UnstableUnstable

HardHardLimestone/DolomiteLimestone/DolomiteSandstoneSandstoneIgneous/Meta OtherIgneous/Meta Other

Boulder/SlabsBoulder/Slabs

PaleozoicPaleozoicStableStableHard Hard –– SmoothSmoothHard Hard –– RoughRough

Limestone/DolomiteLimestone/DolomiteSandstoneSandstoneShaleShaleIgneous/Meta OtherIgneous/Meta Other

BedrockBedrock

Age/GenesisAge/GenesisStabilityStabilityHardness/Hardness/RugosityRugosityCompositionCompositionTextureTexture

Substrate Characteristics (Draft)Substrate Characteristics (Draft)

HuronHuron--Erie Corridor SystemErie Corridor System

The “System”:The “System”:St. Clair RiverSt. Clair RiverSt. Clair DeltaSt. Clair DeltaLake St. ClairLake St. ClairDetroit RiverDetroit RiverWestern Basin, Lake ErieWestern Basin, Lake Erie

Jeffrey ReutterJeffrey ReutterScudder MackeyScudder MackeyJan CiborowskiJan CiborowskiRobert HaasRobert HaasPhil RyanPhil RyanMurray CharltonMurray CharltonRussell KreisRussell Kreis

USFWS & GLFCUSFWS & GLFC

DeltaicDeltaic

Connecting WatersConnecting Watersand Channelsand Channels

Coastal Margin NearshoreCoastal Margin Nearshore

LakeLakeDeltaic Margin NearshoreDeltaic Margin Nearshore

Open LakeOpen Lake

EmbaymentEmbayment

Environmental Zones based ondominant physical processes

and hydrogeomorphic pathways

HEC Environmental Zones

Coastal margin Coastal margin nearshore, open lakenearshore, open lake

Embayments, coastal Embayments, coastal wetland habitat, wetland habitat,

macrophyte bedsmacrophyte beds

LakeLake

Distributary channels, Distributary channels, Delta margin nearshoreDelta margin nearshore

Interdistributary bays, Interdistributary bays, delta plain, deltaic delta plain, deltaic

wetland habitatwetland habitat

DeltaicDeltaic

Deep water (thalweg) Deep water (thalweg) and main channel areasand main channel areas

Shallow water (bank) Shallow water (bank) and backwater areas, and backwater areas,

riparian wetland habitatriparian wetland habitat

Connecting Connecting Waters and Waters and ChannelsChannels

High Energy AreaHigh Energy AreaLow Energy AreaLow Energy AreaEnvironmentalEnvironmentalZoneZone

Data CollectionData CollectionHighHigh--resolution bathymetry and substrate resolution bathymetry and substrate distributions in coastal areas of Lake St. Clairdistributions in coastal areas of Lake St. ClairFlow, circulation, and temperature patternsFlow, circulation, and temperature patternsLocation and characteristics of spawning habitatLocation and characteristics of spawning habitatSeasonal distribution of larval, YOY, adult fish, Seasonal distribution of larval, YOY, adult fish, benthic invertebrates, aquatic macrophytes, benthic invertebrates, aquatic macrophytes, speciesspecies--atat--riskriskLocation, distribution, and stability of Location, distribution, and stability of contaminated sedimentscontaminated sedimentsSeasonal data on nutrient and contaminant Seasonal data on nutrient and contaminant loadingsloadings

Model DevelopmentModel Development

Integrated 3Integrated 3--D hydrodynamic model to predict D hydrodynamic model to predict flow and water levels in the connecting flow and water levels in the connecting channels, the St. Clair delta, and circulation channels, the St. Clair delta, and circulation patterns and water levels in Lake St. Clair patterns and water levels in Lake St. Clair as a as a single hydrodynamic systemsingle hydrodynamic system..Integrated ecological models for tributary, Integrated ecological models for tributary, deltaic, and opendeltaic, and open--lake environmental zones to lake environmental zones to predict changes in habitat distribution and predict changes in habitat distribution and response of biological communities to altered response of biological communities to altered flow and waterflow and water--level regimes.level regimes.

Research/Restoration StrategiesResearch/Restoration Strategies

Historical comparison of aquatic and fish habitat Historical comparison of aquatic and fish habitat distribution, pattern, and function distribution, pattern, and function Identification of stressors that cause alterations Identification of stressors that cause alterations in habitat distribution, pattern, and functionin habitat distribution, pattern, and functionEstablish Restoration/Rehabilitation TargetsEstablish Restoration/Rehabilitation Targets

Using historical (preUsing historical (pre--disturbance) habitat and native disturbance) habitat and native aquatic and fish community data to guide restoration aquatic and fish community data to guide restoration activities (activities (ApplyApply 33--D Hydrodynamic and Ecological ModelsD Hydrodynamic and Ecological Models))Ultimate objective is to restore habitat distribution, Ultimate objective is to restore habitat distribution, pattern, and function to support sustainable native pattern, and function to support sustainable native aquatic and fish communities.aquatic and fish communities.

ChallengesChallengesHow do we protect and restore natural processes and How do we protect and restore natural processes and the pathways and connections along which they act?the pathways and connections along which they act?How do we monitor and assess natural processes and How do we monitor and assess natural processes and pathways pathways –– are our indicator suites or “measures of are our indicator suites or “measures of success” providing answers to the right questions?success” providing answers to the right questions?Change our way of thinking from a placeChange our way of thinking from a place--based, based, speciesspecies--based, water chemistry focus to an integrated based, water chemistry focus to an integrated component, process, pathway, and connectivitycomponent, process, pathway, and connectivity--based based approach.approach.

Christie et al. 1986

RecommendationsRecommendationsWork with nature Work with nature –– Adaptive ManagementAdaptive ManagementUse natural physical process, pathways, and Use natural physical process, pathways, and connections to restore natural functionality of the connections to restore natural functionality of the ecosystem.ecosystem.Desire a resilient, selfDesire a resilient, self--regulating, adaptive ecosystem.regulating, adaptive ecosystem.A sustainable ecosystem will resist impacts from future A sustainable ecosystem will resist impacts from future longlong--term stressors such as…term stressors such as…

Anthropogenic activitiesAnthropogenic activitiesClimate changeClimate changeInvasive SpeciesInvasive Species

We don’t have to manage change,We don’t have to manage change,nature will manage it for us…nature will manage it for us…

Christie et al. 1986

Late Holocene Lake Levels Late Holocene Lake Levels -- Lakes Lakes Michigan/HuronMichigan/Huron

Historicalrecord

Historical average(1819 - 1999)

Nipissing IIphase

Algomaphase

v. 2003

MeasuredInferred

1800 2000

177

178

~160-year fluctuation

~30-year fluctuation

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000Calendar year before 1950

175.0175.5176.0176.5177.0177.5178.0178.5179.0179.5180.0180.5181.0

574

576

578

580

582

584

586

588

590

592

594

1950 1500 1000 500 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000AD BC

Year Courtesy Todd A. Thompson Courtesy Todd A. Thompson -- Indiana Geological SurveyIndiana Geological Survey

Master Variable ConceptMaster Variable ConceptNatural Variables (Physical Integrity)Natural Variables (Physical Integrity)

ClimateClimate (energy)(energy)GeologyGeology (geologic materials, soils, and landforms (geologic materials, soils, and landforms --geomorphology, topography, bathymetry)geomorphology, topography, bathymetry)HydrologyHydrology (water quantity, quality, surface and (water quantity, quality, surface and groundwater flow, hydrography)groundwater flow, hydrography)

Anthropogenic Variables (Stressors)Anthropogenic Variables (Stressors)Chemical PollutionChemical Pollution (what enters the system)(what enters the system)Biological PollutionBiological Pollution (what enters the system)(what enters the system)Resource UtilizationResource Utilization (what is anthropogenically (what is anthropogenically removed, consumed, or altered within the system)removed, consumed, or altered within the system)

Restoration/Protection OpportunitiesRestoration/Protection Opportunities

Types of Restoration ProjectsTypes of Restoration ProjectsPlacePlace--basedbasedSpeciesSpecies--basedbasedProcessProcess--basedbased

HighHigh--priority restoration/ priority restoration/ protection projects will protection projects will include all three elements.include all three elements.ProcessProcess--based projects will based projects will be more sustainable.be more sustainable.Most current restoration and Most current restoration and protection activities are placeprotection activities are place--based and/or speciesbased and/or species--based.based.

1122 22

33

55 5544

Process/Pathway/FunctionProcess/Pathway/Function(Process(Process--Based)Based)

Species/CommunitySpecies/Community(Species(Species--Based)Based)

Location/Place Location/Place (Place(Place--Based)Based)

Have we overlooked an entire class ofHave we overlooked an entire class ofpotential restoration/protection opportunities?potential restoration/protection opportunities?

Why Bother?Why Bother?

The Importance of Physical IntegrityThe Importance of Physical IntegrityNative species, biological communities, and the Native species, biological communities, and the ecosystem as a whole respond to changes in physical ecosystem as a whole respond to changes in physical integrity as they have adapted to natural physical and integrity as they have adapted to natural physical and hydrologic conditions in order to maximize benefits to hydrologic conditions in order to maximize benefits to themselves and to the ecosystem.themselves and to the ecosystem.Improvements to physical integrity (i.e., restoration of Improvements to physical integrity (i.e., restoration of natural physical and hydrologic conditions) should natural physical and hydrologic conditions) should result in improved ecosystem function, resiliency, and result in improved ecosystem function, resiliency, and sustainability.sustainability.NoteNote: Most restoration activities modify the physical : Most restoration activities modify the physical characteristics of a system (i.e., move soil and water).characteristics of a system (i.e., move soil and water).

LandscapesLandscapes

Integrated components of land and water area (i.e. Integrated components of land and water area (i.e. geology, geomorphology, and land cover) upon which geology, geomorphology, and land cover) upon which natural processes act within the Great Lakes Basin.natural processes act within the Great Lakes Basin.

GeologyGeology –– surface and subsurface distribution of geologic surface and subsurface distribution of geologic materials; soils; hydrophysical characteristics (permeability, materials; soils; hydrophysical characteristics (permeability, porosity, aquifers, aquatards…).porosity, aquifers, aquatards…).GeomorphologyGeomorphology –– shape, pattern, distribution, and physical shape, pattern, distribution, and physical features of the land surface; landforms and drainage pattern features of the land surface; landforms and drainage pattern (topography, slope, hydrography, channel morphology and (topography, slope, hydrography, channel morphology and bathymetry, connectivity and pattern). bathymetry, connectivity and pattern). Land CoverLand Cover –– shape, pattern, and distribution of biological and shape, pattern, and distribution of biological and anthropogenic features on the land surface; Land Use.anthropogenic features on the land surface; Land Use.

Scenario DevelopmentScenario DevelopmentDefine range of possible future (or past) water levelsDefine range of possible future (or past) water levels

Anthropogenic stressorsAnthropogenic stressorsClimate change stressorsClimate change stressorsLongLong--term cyclesterm cycles

Use integrated hydrodynamic and ecological models to predict Use integrated hydrodynamic and ecological models to predict impacts of changing waterimpacts of changing water--level regimes for each of the level regimes for each of the environmental zonesenvironmental zones

Assess potential for habitat alterationAssess potential for habitat alteration

Prioritize habitats in terms of:Prioritize habitats in terms of:Resource sustainabilityResource sustainabilityFunctionalityFunctionalityExtirpation potential (speciesExtirpation potential (species--atat--risk)risk)

Identify potential longIdentify potential long--term habitat protection, restoration, term habitat protection, restoration, rehabilitation, and enhancement opportunitiesrehabilitation, and enhancement opportunities

Physical FrameworkPhysical Framework

The interaction of master variables The interaction of master variables ––climate, geology, hydrology climate, geology, hydrology -- and and associated processes and pathways that associated processes and pathways that convey energy, water, and materials convey energy, water, and materials through the system creates an underlying through the system creates an underlying physical framework that integrates and physical framework that integrates and binds structural components of the binds structural components of the ecosystem together into a whole. ecosystem together into a whole.

Mackey 2005