Biological and Ecological Effects Model: Main Page

Introduction

This conceptual model examines the environmental conditions that influence whether low-DO episodes in the DWSC lead to adverse effects on fish. These environmental conditions are described in terms of primary and secondary drivers (shown in pink and light blue below). The model also examines the adverse effects, or outcomes (shown in dark blue), of low DO concentrations on eight fish species. Note that the designations primary and secondary denote a cause-and-effect relationship, rather than importance.

The eight species shown below were selected for inclusion in this model because they are protected under the state or federal Endangered Species Act, may be protected in the near future, or are otherwise important to the public.

Click on a primary driver for a general discussion of the driver, and then click on a secondary driver for a more detailed discussion of the species-specific effects of that secondary driver.

Although the information provided in this model is organized by primary and secondary drivers, links are provided in the text to allow users to view information by species (see screenshot at right).

Click on the image below to see a diagram of all primary and secondary drivers in this model.