As anthropogenic demands on water resources intensify instream flow needs are becoming an increasingly important area of study, particularly over winter months during which time little is known about the behaviour and physiology of fishes. This thesis addresses the implications of water withdrawal from a small in situ stream on brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) during the winter of 2007 and 2008 in the Rocky Mountains. Water was withdrawn from one of two stream enclosures reducing the discharge by 50% and 75%, for 4hrs daily. Behaviour was monitored using radio transmitters that were externally attached to the small trout. Changes in physiology were monitored by measuring stress hormone levels and by measuring predicted body composition parameters using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Trout reacted to water withdrawal by being more active, but this change in behaviour did not elicit detectable changes in physiology. / x, 129 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --

This research focuses on the estimation of the impacts of climate change on water yield, streamflow extremes, and the streamflow regimes in the Cline River Watershed, and consequently, water availability for hydropower generation in this area. The Cline River Watershed comprises the flow into Lake Abraham, the reservoir for Bighorn Dam, is part of the upper North Saskatchewan River basin (UNSRB). This objective was achieved by parameterizing the ACRU agro-hydrological modelling system. After parameterization was complete, ACRU output was calibrated and verified against available observed data, including temperature, snow water equivalent, glacier mass balance, potential evapotranspiration, and streamflow data. After ACRU was properly verified, five selected climate change scenarios to estimate impacts of climate change in this area. Overall water yields are projected to increase over time. A large shift in seasonality is likely the biggest impact climate change will have on water resources in the Cline River Watershed. / xii, 126 leaves : ill., maps ; 29 cm