Potential causes of habitat degradation and spawning time delay of the Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis)

In fish conservation, it is important to simulate fish habitat suitability and determine the potential impact on habitat quality and species behavior. This study analyzed the impact of several hydraulic projects on fish habitat quality and spawning time by numerical modeling. The case study involved the only Chinese sturgeon spawning site in the Yangtze River, China. Four habitat assessment indexes reflected both habitat quality and spatial characteristics, including fragmentation and connectivity. Previous studies did not simulate the water temperature impact on the fish habitat; spawning time delay was attributed to water temperature increases and discharge decreases. The results of the present study showed that the water temperature increase from the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) impoundment primarily caused the habitat degradation and spawning time delay. The effect of the water temperature increase on the degradation of average habitat suitability was eight times that of a decrease in discharge. A 25-day delay in the water temperature trend line was significantly correlated with a 26-day delay in the first spawning date. A decrease in discharge after TGR impoundment did not cause the spawning date delay. The Dike Project mainly impacted spawning site connectivity. Controlling the water temperature of the released water discharge is the most important means of conserving the wild Chinese sturgeon. This research can benefit other regions considering hydraulic projects by identifying potential factors impacting fish habitat quality and overall ecosystem health.