Thesis (M.Env.Dev.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

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Seasonally fluctuating water levels, known as flood pulses, influence the population dynamics and catches of fishes from river-floodplains. Although different measures of flood pulses, here called flood pulse variables, have been correlated to changes in catches of river-floodplain fishes, the flood pulse variables that have the strongest relationships to catches have not been identified. Furthermore, it is unclear if flood pulses influence catches of river-floodplain fishes with different life history strategies in different ways. Catches of 21 taxa from approximately 18,000 fishing trips were modeled as a function of fishing effort, gear type, seasonal flood pulse variables, and interannual flood pulse variables. These models were analyzed to understand which flood pulse variables had the strongest relationships to catches, and evaluate different flood pulse influences among taxa with different life history strategies. High water flood pulse variables generally had positive influences on catches in future years, while low water flood pulse variables generally had negative influences on catches in future years. Flood pulses generally had stronger influences on the catches of fishes with high fecundities and smaller eggs than on catches of fishes with low fecundities and larger eggs. Variation was observed in strengths and directions of flood pulse influences on catches of fishes with similar and different life history strategies. While my results were generally consistent with prevailing knowledge of how flood pulses influence catches of fishes, other biological factors of specific fish populations may further explain population responses to flood pulses. / Master of Science / Seasonally fluctuating water levels, known as flood pulses, influence the population dynamics and catches of fishes from river-floodplains. Although different measures of flood pulses, here called flood pulse variables, have been related to changes in catches of riverfloodplain fishes, the flood pulse variables that have the strongest relationships to catches have not been identified. Furthermore, it is unclear if flood pulses influence catches of riverfloodplain fishes with different life history strategies in different ways. Catches of 21 taxa from approximately 18,000 fishing trips were modeled as a function of fishing effort, gear type, seasonal flood pulse variables, and interannual flood pulse variables. These models were analyzed to understand which flood pulse variables had the strongest relationships to catches, and evaluate different flood pulse influences among taxa with different life history strategies. High water flood pulse variables generally had positive influences on catches in future years, while low water flood pulse variables generally had negative influences on catches in future years. Flood pulses generally had stronger influences on the catches of fishes that produce many smaller eggs than on catches of fishes that produce fewer and larger eggs. Variation was observed in strengths and types of flood pulse influences on catches of fishes with similar and different life history strategies. While my results were generally consistent with prevailing knowledge of how flood pulses influence catches of fishes, other biological factors of specific fish populations may further explain population responses to flood pulses.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2008. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 208-223). Also available on the World Wide Web.

This research examined the influence of hydrochory (seed dispersal via water), anemochory (seed dispersal via wind), and zoochory (seed dispersal by animals) on the re-establishment of the important floodplain vegetation communities of the Kissimmee River floodplain. Fifty-eight seed species were identified from 19,849 and 43, 894 seeds trapped in hydrochory traps in sites north and south of Oak Creek, respectively. Seeds trapped by anemochory were measurable but were found to be far less important than hydrochory, while results showed no evidence of zoochory .... A number of interafting factors, e.g. hydrology, lack of remnants, seed phenology, etc. are limiting the dispersal of broadleaf marsh species north of Oak Creek, delaying range, expansion, and further community restoration. / by Garren Mezza. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2012. / Includes bibliography. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / System requirements: Adobe Reader.

Vegetation along the River Murray floodplains has been shown to be in a severe state of decline. This decline is amplified by the impositions of river regulation. In South Australia, where vegetation losses have been great, regeneration is limited and may result in not only individual tree losses but also widespread population decline. This study aimed to examine the relationship between river flows and the regeneration process in populations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus largiflorens. The current structure of the populations was examined to determine if a viable number of varying age-classed trees were present. Tree surveys conducted at Banrock Station determined that while densities were low for both species, E. camaldulensis had a more sustainable population structure than E. largiflorens. Growth stages for both species illustrated highly clumped distribution, which is believed to correspond with river flooding magnitudes and frequencies. To address the potential link between tree distribution and flooding within the River Murray, a hydrological analysis was conducted for Banrock Station using river flows at the South Australian border from 1900 to 2003. The amount of time growth stages for each species were inundated was found to be greatly reduced under regulated flows compared to natural flows. This has resulted in shifted localized regeneration patterns corresponding with E. camaldulensis' greater demand for inundation than E. largiflorens. Moderate magnitude flows have been most impacted by regulation, and consequently these are the very flows needed for floodplain tree population maintenance. Flowering and seed fall for E. camaldulensis and E. largiflorens were monitored at Banrock Station for 22 months to identify losses in reproductive potential resulting from tree decline. While seed viability was not affected by vigour, trees with visually reduced vigour were found to produce less fruit and had reduced seed fall, as well as a reduced rate of fruit development. Dendrochronological techniques were applied to floodplain trees. Age and size relationships could be established, implying that such techniques can be applied in South Australia to high quality sites. Growth responses within cohorts were similar and easily matched between individuals illustrating cyclic, but not necessarily seasonal correlations. This work verified the preferential selection of younger trees for dendroecological studies, and identified a relationship between on moderate flows and measurable girth expansion in both floodplain tree species. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2004.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Montana, 2007. / Title from title screen. Description based on contents viewed Aug. 12, 2008. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 169 p. : ill., maps. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Montana, 2009. / Title from author supplied metadata. Contents viewed on May 14, 2010. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (PhD) University of Montana, 2008. / Title from author supplied metadata. Contents viewed on May 19, 2010. Includes bibliographical references.