Through the dam into troubled waters: Combined effects of stream fragmentation, habitat deterioration, and poor water quality on lowland stream fish distribution

This study aimed to distinguish the contribution of stream fragmentation and poor habitat water quality decline in riverine fish species. The species presence was related number barriers between a specific lowland section main river length remaining two barriers. To investigate relationship absence ecological quality, EQR velocity indices were compared accessible sites where either present or absent. 79% 1039 km disconnected from Meuse by one more 34% than 5 barriers, while 28% all sections shorter 2.5 km. Only 2% scored very good characterized (very) slow flowing waters (