WEAP Plugin for Aquatic Habitat Assessment

We have developed a platform in WEAP that allows users to model the effect of various management options on the availability of habitat and the viability of aquatic species.

This plugin, comprised of 64 variables located on the WEAP river reach object, provides a framework with which to evaluate aquatic habitat in a WEAP model. The plugin combines different sources of hydraulic, geomorphic, and biological data to generate a complete habitat assessment at ecologically relevant points and creek reaches for each time step of the model. The resulting estimation of key habitat metrics characterizes the ability of the river habitat to support the important biological functions of aquatic species like fish, and permits WEAP model users and builders to evaluate how operations or other watershed objectives connect to aquatic ecosystem health in a single dynamic platform.

To access the plugin, go to Advanced, Plugins on the WEAP Main Menu, then click the Download button to see the list of available plugins from the WEAP website. Take a look, use it and share feedback so we can continue to improve the way in which habitat considerations are included in water systems models.

For more information, see: https://www.sei.org/publications/new-...