Variability of results from the use of PHABSIM in estimating habitat area

Abstract The estimation of the area of a stream reach suitable as habitat for an aquatic species by the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology is described. An important component of the methodology is PHABSIM, which is a collection of computer programs whereby useable stream area is computed as a function of discharge. This comprises a variety of options for both hydraulic and habitat simulation. A single data set is used to calculate the useable area at one discharge for three life stages of brown trout, using various options in habitat simulation. The results are shown to vary greatly according to the particular combination of options selected, so unless calculations are founded on biologically realistic assumptions the potential within PHABSIM for the „fudging”︁ of results is considerable.