A Lagrangian particle-tracking approach to modelling larval drift in rivers

Abstract The migration of larval fish from spawning to rearing habitat in rivers is not well understood. This paper describes a methodology to predict larval drift using a Lagrangian particle-tracking (LPT) model with passive and active behavioural components loosely coupled to a quasi-three-dimensional hydraulic model. In the absence of measured larval drift, a heuristic approach is presented for the larval drift of two species of interest, white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) and burbot (Lota lota), in the Kootenai River, Idaho. Previous studies found that many fish species prefer certain vertical zones within the water column; sturgeon tend to be found near the bottom and burbot close to the water surface. Limiting the vertical movement of larvae is incorporated into the active component of the LPT model. The results illustrate a pattern of drift where secondary flow in meander bends and other zones of flow curvature redistributes particles toward the outside of the bend for surface drifters and toward the inside of the bend for bottom drifters. This pattern periodically reinforces the intersection of drifting larvae with channel margins in meander bends. In the absence of measured larval drift data, the model provides a tool for hypothesis testing and a guide to both field and laboratory experiments to further define the role of active behaviour in drifting larvae.