Research and Practice of Cascade Reservoirs Operation in Yangtze River Mainstream Based on Ecological Protection

Presently, in the upstream of Yangtze River mainstream, large numbers of large-scale reservoirs, such as Three Gorges Reservoir, Xiluodu Reservoir, Xiangjiaba Reservoir, have been constructed and put into operation. The operations of these hydraulic projects has critical impact on water resources allocation and utilization. In addition, to facilitate the development of Yangtze River Economic Belt following the concept of “green development” which putting the restoration and protection of the eco-environmental system as the highest priority, demands on how to appropriately coordinate development and protection, has become a new challenge for the operation of the reservoirs. Thus, Targeted at grouped reservoirs with control functions at mainstream of Yangtze River, Systematic analysis of the change of water and sediment after the operation of the reservoir, Comprehensive comb is conducted for grouped regulation regarding to demand of flood control, water supply, power generation, navigation, eco-environmental protection. Summary and analysis the characteristics of the ecological regulation of large reservoirs in Yangtze River. The author sorts out the ecological environment protection demands required for cascade reservoirs in various periods and for different regions, so corresponding ecological regulation targets are put forward throughout the year – round reservoir operation, thus forming a new idea on eco-regulation of Three Gorges Reservoir which is confined by environmental protection boundaries.