Background Information:

Managed rivers are those streams where the natural flow regime is substantially altered by human structures. These impacts can often have deleterious effects on aquatic habitat availability for fish species and lifestages of interest or importance to humans.

Today - Microhabitat Quantification:

The Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) involves 3 steps

Tomorrow - Microhabitat Quantification:

As the cost of computer power continues to decrease more sophisticated and accurate modeling techniques become available. These techniques require the collection of both more accurate and greater quantity of data.

In order to meet the need for data of sufficient accuracy and amount the Institute of Natural Systems Engineering at Utah State University has developed an integrated GPS/Sonar system to collect bathymetry in mid and large size rivers.