Resource information
This study presents a comprehensive approach to developing an effective monitoring system for e- flow implementation in river ecosystems using high-resolution 3D modeling and modern sensor technology. The research focuses on the Limpopo and Incomati basins in Southern Africa.
Environmental flows (e-flows) represent the volume and quality of water that needs to remain in a river to sustain the ecosystem and hence all those who benefit from a functional ecosystem (thus, society and the economy). The objective of this study is to support the implementation of e-flows around the world which has been poor despite a wide-spread acceptance of the philosophy. While monitoring e-flow volumes (and quality) is a relatively simple matter, monitoring the effectiveness of the prescribed e-flow requires that evidence of a sustained ecosystem is collected, ideally together with evidence of the impact on beneficiaries of that ecosystem. This project investigates whether appropriate digital tools and real-time data could assist with the management, education, awareness and implementation of e-flows. This project includes digital approaches to monitoring the change in river ecosystems following the implementation of e-flows in two river basins in southern Africa, facilitating an adaptive management approach for sustainable water resources management globally.
This report documents the development of an e-flow implementation monitoring approach based on a high-resolution 3D model (2D hydraulic modelling) of river sites that would be used to document changes in river ecosystem structure over time. This will be linked to the use of modern sensors that will be attached to fish as well as to hard substrates that will enable real-time monitoring of the ecological acceptability of e-flow implementation including water quantity and quality management. Coupled with this will be an upgrade of the PROBFLO e-flow framework to make it more accessible and usable, thus facilitating the use of the model outputs by basin authorities for long- term e-flow management that would include investigation of future scenarios.
The project aims to advance the PROBFLO e-flow framework, integrating 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic modeling to understand the intricate relationships between river flow dynamics and habitat availability. The study emphasizes the importance of eco-hydraulic models in predicting river changes and their impact on aquatic habitats, employing advanced survey technologies like LiDAR, ADCP, and hydrographic surveys.
