Fish Habitat Suitability Evaluation Through Habitat Evaluation Procedure Modelling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70102/AEEF/V3I2/2Keywords:
Fish Habitat Suitability; Habitat Evaluation Procedure (Hep); Habitat Suitability Index (Hsi); Ecological Modelling; Riverine Ecosystems; Fish Conservation; Environmental Parameters; Species Distribution; Habitat Assessment Fisheries Management.Abstract
It is necessary to assess the suitability of aquatic houses for effective protection and resource management
of the fish population. This study uses the housing evaluation process (HEP) modelling approach to evaluate the
suitability of fish habitat in various environmental parameters, including water depth, velocity, substrate type, and
cover availability. The HEP model integrates the residence suitability index (HSI) values with the located ecological
data to determine the quality and range of houses for targeted fish species. By applying this method to a selected river
system, important areas of high and low residence suitability were identified, which provide a quantitative basis for
the restoration of habitat, reproduction of species, and flow regulation. The model results were valid against field
observations and figures of fish appearance, showing strong compromise and future reliability. This research
demonstrates the effectiveness of hep modelling as a decision-support tool in fisheries management and ecological
monitoring, contributing to the protection of aquatic biodiversity in the ecosystem of freshwater.
