SECONDARY CHANNELS - OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LIMITATIONS OF HABITAT RESTORATION

For restoration of natural habitats in fluvial ecosystems secondary ch annels have been proposed. However, the other functions of the river s hould not be affected too much. In this paper the possibilities and li mitations of re-opening these secondary channels are assessed. A metho dology is outlined for the design of secondary channels and for the as sessment of their effects on the other functions of the river. From th e results of several complementary research projects we conclude that secondary channels in the flood plains can be designed to be quasi-sta ble. When applied only locally, additional measures in the main river are necessary to avoid deterioration of shipping conditions during low flows.