Stream Barrier Removal: Are New Approaches Possible in Small Rivers? The Case of the Selho River (Northwestern Portugal)

The identification and characterization of barriers to river continuity are essential for the preparation an inventory hydraulic infrastructure. To this end, it is necessary define main identifying characterizing elements infrastructures descriptors ecological continuity, with information that can characterize them from point view their impact on watercourse. Several authors have defined decision criteria removal existing structures in watercourses application, reinforcing environmental benefits elimination these structures. In present work, we proposed develop a methodology evaluation Selho River (Guimarães Municipality, Northwest Portugal), elaborating Environmental Condition Index (ECI) based hydromorphological, socioeconomical, criteria, which allowed 43 weirs, 95% revealed quality inferior Good. Following application support structures, was possible determine 16 weirs evaluated could be subject removal, 26 would under conditioned only 1 able remain unchanged.