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Methodology and Tasks

The main objective of the RIUCO project is to analyze and evaluate the importance of thermal refuges in the fluvial ecosystems of mountain National Parks in order to generate new knowledge and increase the predictive capacity of the effects of global change. In order to achieve the objective set out in the RIUCO project, a work plan is proposed consisting of 7 main tasks, within which several specific subtasks are included, and which in turn are interrelated.

Tasks

TASK 1: Compilation of initial information

Subtask 1.1 River Networks
Subtask 1.2 Environmental information on mountain NPPs
Subtask 1.3 Biological information within the NBSAPs

TASK 2: Light and temperature modeling at the scale of river networks

Subtask 2.1 Light modeling
Subtask 2.2 Temperature modeling

TASK 3: Identification and characterization of thermal shelters

Subtask 3.1 Spring maps
Subtask 3.2 Identification of thermal refuges

TASK 4: Analysis of the influence of the current thermal regime and future scenarios on the distribution of aquatic species.

TASK 5: Influence of the stability/variability of the thermal regime.

Subtask 5.1 Selection of sample points
Subtask 5.2 Monitoring water temperature and obtaining other empirical data
Subtask 5.3 In-situ estimation of respiration rates for fish and biofilm
Subtask 5.4 Procurement of fish biomass and biofilm
Subtask 5.5 Quantification of metabolic rates

TASK 6. Develop a proposal for research, management and/or conservation measures in the face of global change scenarios.

TASK 7. Communication and transfer of results