Mapping river infrastructure for improved water resource management

Abstract

This brief outlines the significance of spatial planning in water resource management, specifically in addressing habitat fragmentation and the challenges posed by fish passage barriers. Through advanced tools like the Fish Barrier Prioritization Support System (FBPSS), GIS technology is harnessed to efficiently identify, assess, and prioritize these barriers. Integrating a wealth of proxy information—from landscape characteristics to hydrological data—the methodology provides a nuanced framework for conservation, even in settings with limited resources. A shift towards basin-scale strategies emphasizes a holistic view, considering the cumulative impacts of multiple barriers. By leveraging these advanced techniques and data-driven insights, the intent is to foster sustainable water management, preserving both ecological integrity and the broader welfare of communities that rely heavily on these aquatic resources.