Dictionary of Ichthyology
dam = a barrier controlling the flow of water and
backing up water. Forms a lacustrine habitat (the
reservoir) for fish where one did not exist before.
Initially fish
production is very high when stocked
but declines as nutrients from flooded terrestrial
ecosystems are used up. Release of water from
reservoirs may radically affect
fish downstream by
changes in temperature regimes, flushing of habitats,
and changes in silt loads. Storage dams store water
and diversion dams divert water.