Ictiofauna y desarrollo del sector hidroeléctrico en la cuenca del río Magdalena-Cauca, Colombia

The Magdalena-Cauca River basin has 213 species of freshwater fish, of which slightly more than 50% are endemic. This basin accounts for 80% of the Colombian population, holds 80% of the national GDP and within its channels are located the 84% of the hydroelectric plants that supply energy to Colombia. The Andean mountains generate altitudinal gradients in aquatic systems as well as its associated biota along the Magdalena-Cauca basin. To analyze the interaction between the altitudinal gradient in the distribution of species of freshwater fish and the location of existing reservoirs, it was performed an analysis of the altitudinal distribution of endemic and migratory fish species and their implications for their conservation based on the current and future state in the formation of reservoirs, using a review of case studies at global and national levels. It was found that the number of species is inversely proportional to altitude, while the endemics are directly proportional and reservoirs below 700 m altitude affect the conservation status of migratory species. A reservoir creates new species richness gradients and modifies the channels that are used by migratory species as spawning areas. We conclude that the development of the hydropower based on the use of water in the Andean rivers and another activities associated with economic development of Colombian society, has led to changes in freshwater aquatic systems in the Magdalena-Cauca basin, influences in the structure of the assemblages of species of fish and in the dynamic of migration and spawning of freshwater fish species important for artisanal fisheries

Ictiofauna y desarrollo del sector hidroeléctrico en la cuenca del río Magdalena-Cauca, Colombia

The Magdalena-Cauca River basin has 213 species of freshwater fish, of which slightly more than 50% are endemic. This basin accounts for 80% of the Colombian population, holds 80% of the national GDP and within its channels are located the 84% of the hydroelectric plants that supply energy to Colombia. The Andean mountains generate altitudinal gradients in aquatic systems as well as its associated biota along the Magdalena-Cauca basin. To analyze the interaction between the altitudinal gradient in the distribution of species of freshwater fish and the location of existing reservoirs, it was performed an analysis of the altitudinal distribution of endemic and migratory fish species and their implications for their conservation based on the current and future state in the formation of reservoirs, using a review of case studies at global and national levels. It was found that the number of species is inversely proportional to altitude, while the endemics are directly proportional and reservoirs below 700 m altitude affect the conservation status of migratory species. A reservoir creates new species richness gradients and modifies the channels that are used by migratory species as spawning areas. We conclude that the development of the hydropower based on the use of water in the Andean rivers and another activities associated with economic development of Colombian society, has led to changes in freshwater aquatic systems in the Magdalena-Cauca basin, influences in the structure of the assemblages of species of fish and in the dynamic of migration and spawning of freshwater fish species important for artisanal fisheries.La cuenca del río Magdalena-Cauca presenta 213 especies de peces, de las cuales un poco más del 50 % son endémicas. Esta cuenca concentra el 80 % de la población colombiana, sostiene el 80% del PIB nacional y en sus cauces se localiza el 84 % de las centrales hidroeléctricas que surten de energía al país. La presencia de los Andes genera gradientes altitudinales en los sistemas acuáticos así como en la biota asociada a lo largo de la cuenca Magdalena-Cauca. Para analizar la interacción entre el gradiente altitudinal en la distribución de especies de peces dulceacuícolas y la localización de los embalses actuales, se hizo un análisis de la distribución altitudinal de las especies peces endémicas y migratorias, y se discutieron las implicaciones para su conservación respecto al estado actual y futuro en la formación de embalses, basados en la revisión de estudios de caso a nivel global y nacional. Se encontró que el número de especies es inversamente proporcional a la altitud, mientras que los endemismos son directamente proporcionales y que la localización de embalses abajo de los 700 m de altitud influirá en el estado de conservación de las especies migratorias. Se evidencia que un embalse crea nuevos gradientes de riqueza y modifica los cauces que son utilizados por especies migratorias como áreas de desove. Se concluye que el desarrollo del sector eléctrico basado en el uso del agua de los ríos andinos, así como otras actividades asociadas con el desarrollo económico de la sociedad colombiana, ha generado cambios en los sistemas acuáticos dulceacuícolas en la cuenca Magdalena-Cauca, e influye en la estructura de los ensamblajes de especies de peces y en la dinámica migración-reproducción de las especies de peces importantes para la pesca artesanal

Historia de vida del bagre <em>Imparfinis usmai<em> (Heptapteridae: Siluriformes) en el área de influencia del proyecto hidroeléctrico El Quimbo, alto río Magdalena, Colombia

In Colombia a dam, Betania Reservoir, has been constructed on the main cannel of the Magdalena River, and another, the El Quimbo Hydroelectric Project which is located upstream of the first, is under construction. The dams not only generate fragmentation processes in the aquatic ecosystems, but also create artificial hybrid systems that impact the populations of different species of fish that inhabit them. This study aims to determine the life history of Imparfinis usmai and establish its trophodynamics in the area of influence of the El Quimbo Hydroelectric Project. Monthly samples were made from August 2011 to July 2012 in Garzón, Rioloro, Guandinosa and Yaguilga streams, and Páez, Suaza and Magdalena rivers. A total of 278 specimens, distributed in nine size classes were collected. In general, the population has a positive allometric growth, although variations occur throughout the year. The species was categorized as an Invertivore - Insectivore, and preferably consumed Simuliidae. The sex ratio was 1: 1.8, with predominance of females. Average fecundity was 2846 oocytes, with an extensive reproductive period. Project funded by Emgesa S. A. E.S.P

Historia de vida del bagre Imparfinis usmai (Heptapteridae: Siluriformes) en el área de influencia del proyecto hidroeléctrico El Quimbo, alto río Magdalena, Colombia

In Colombia a dam, Betania Reservoir, has been constructed on the main cannel of the Magdalena River, and another, the El Quimbo Hydroelectric Project which is located upstream of the first, is under construction. The dams not only generate fragmentation processes in the aquatic ecosystems, but also create artificial hybrid systems that impact the populations of different species of fish that inhabit them. This study aims to determine the life history of Imparfinis usmai and establish its trophodynamics in the area of influence of the El Quimbo Hydroelectric Project. Monthly samples were made from August 2011 to July 2012 in Garzón, Rioloro, Guandinosa and Yaguilga streams, and Páez, Suaza and Magdalena rivers. A total of 278 specimens, distributed in nine size classes were collected. In general, the population has a positive allometric growth, although variations occur throughout the year. The species was categorized as an Invertivore - Insectivore, and preferably consumed Simuliidae. The sex ratio was 1: 1.8, with predominance of females. Average fecundity was 2846 oocytes, with an extensive reproductive period. Project funded by Emgesa S. A. E.S.P.En Colombia se ha construido el embalse de Betania en el cauce principal del río Magdalena y el proyecto hidroeléctrico El Quimbo, localizado aguas arriba de este, se encuentra bajo construcción. Los embalses no solo generan procesos de fragmentación en los ecosistemas acuáticos, sino también crean sistemas artificiales híbridos que impactan las poblaciones de diferentes especies de peces que los habitan. El presente estudio tiene como meta conocer la historia de vida de Imparfinis usmai, así como establecer su patrón alimenticio, en el área de influencia del proyecto hidroeléctrico El Quimbo, embalse en fase de construcción en el cauce del río Magdalena. Para esto se efectuaron muestreos mensuales entre agosto de 2011 y julio de 2012, en las quebradas Garzón, Rioloro, Yaguilga y Guandinosa, y los ríos Páez, Suaza y Magdalena. Se colectaron 278 ejemplares, los cuales se distribuyeron en nueve clases de tallas. En general, la población presentó un crecimiento alométrico positivo, aunque con variaciones a lo largo del año. La especie se catalogó como invertívora - insectívora, con preferencia de Simuliidae. La proporción sexual fue de 1:1,8, con predominio de las hembras. Su fecundidad promedio fue de 2846 oocitos, con un periodo reproductivo extenso. Proyecto financiado por Emgesa S. A. E.S.P

Aspectos ecológicos de Chaetostoma sp. (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) en el alto río Magdalena, Colombia

We determined food and reproductive habits of Chaetostoma sp. in the Upper Magdalena basin, Colombia. The samplings were monthly between August 2001 and July 2012. We collected 1853 individuals in 11 size classes, between 34 â 114 mm SL, with an average length of 43.5 mm SL. The frequent recruitment was observed throughout the year, however the greater contribution of young individuals occurred between January and March 2012. Overall, Chaetostoma sp. was categorized as an hervibore with preference for diatoms. Navicula was the main food item, while Synedra, Gomphonema, Cymbella, Oscillatoria and Fragilaria were secondary food items. The sex ratio was 1:1. The average fecundity was 124 oocytes and average diameter of 1.54 mm, possibly related to a reproductive strategy K.Se determinaron los hábitos alimenticios y reproductivos de Chaetostoma sp. en el alto río Magdalena, Colombia. Los muestreos fueron mensuales entre agosto de 2011 y julio de 2012. Se colectaron 1853 individuos, distribuidos en 11 clases de tallas entre 34 â 114 mm LE, con una longitud media de 43,5 mm LE. Se observó un reclutamiento frecuente durante todo el año del muestreo, sin embargo el mayor aporte de individuos juveniles se presentó entre enero y marzo 2012. Chaetostoma sp. se categorizó como un herbívoro con preferencia por las diatomeas, donde Navicula fue el ítem principal, mientras que Synedra, Gomphonema, Cymbella, Oscillatoria y Fragilaria fueron ítems secundarios. La proporción sexual fue de 1:1, su fecundidad promedio fue de 124 oocitos y el diámetro de 1,54 mm, relacionado con estrategia reproductiva k. Proyecto financiado por Emgesa S. A. E.S.P

Peces migratorios al interior de una central hidroeléctrica: caso Miel I, cuenca del río Magdalena (Caldas-Antioquia), Colombia

One of the most obvious impacts of damming a river is the disruption of migratory routes, however, the characteristics of the dam, the river and its fish fauna make impossible the generalizations about the possible effects. Since the beginning of the operation of La Miel I hydropower plant, it was detected the entrance of fish into the hydropower plant (through the surge chamber) from La Miel river. To determine the composition of the fish and evaluate the potential effects on migration, for one year (April 2010-April 2011) adult individuals were tagged and released and ichthyoplankton collections were made, both in the surge chamber and in the discharge channel. Individuals of migratory and non-migratory species, mainly piscivorous and detritus-scrapers were found. Individuals who entered the surge chamber were able to find quickly the exit through the restriction orifice and returned to the main channel of La Miel River. The fish did not spawn in the central structures. We conclude that the surge chamber is not an absolute barrier to migration, but it is a staging habitat for migrant individuals

Peces migratorios al interior de una central hidroeléctrica: caso Miel I, cuenca del río Magdalena (Caldas-Antioquia), Colombia

One of the most obvious impacts of damming a river is the disruption of migratory routes, however, the characteristics of the dam, the river and its fish fauna make impossible the generalizations about the possible effects. Since the beginning of the operation of La Miel I hydropower plant, it was detected the entrance of fish into the hydropower plant (through the surge chamber) from La Miel river. To determine the composition of the fish and evaluate the potential effects on migration, for one year (April 2010-April 2011) adult individuals were tagged and released and ichthyoplankton collections were made, both in the surge chamber and in the discharge channel. Individuals of migratory and non-migratory species, mainly piscivorous and detritus-scrapers were found. Individuals who entered the surge chamber were able to find quickly the exit through the restriction orifice and returned to the main channel of La Miel River. The fish did not spawn in the central structures. We conclude that the surge chamber is not an absolute barrier to migration, but it is a staging habitat for migrant individuals.Uno de los impactos más evidentes del represamiento de un río es la interrupción de las rutas migratorias, sin embargo, las características de la presa, el río y su ictiofauna, hacen imposibles las generalizaciones sobre los posibles efectos. Desde el comienzo de la operación de la Central Hidroeléctrica Miel I, se detectó el ingreso de peces desde el río La Miel al interior de la central (hasta la caverna de oscilación). Para determinar la composición de los peces allí presentes y evaluar los posibles efectos en la migración, durante un año (abril 2010-abril 2011) se marcaron y liberaron individuos adultos, y se realizaron colectas de ictioplancton, tanto en la caverna de oscilación como en la salida del túnel de fuga. Se encontraron individuos de especies migratorias y no migratorias, principalmente piscívoros y detritívoros-raspadores. Los individuos que entraron a la caverna encontraron rápidamente la salida a través del orificio de restricción y retornaron al canal principal del río La Miel. Los peces no desovaron en las estructuras de la central. Se concluye que la caverna de oscilación no es una barrera definitiva a la migración, sino que se constituye como un hábitat de paso para los individuos migrantes