The main objective of this review project is to meet the IFNTTG s task of determining the relationship between river flows, side channels and aquatic mammal habitats in the lower Athabasca River. The purpose of this project is to complete an extensive literature review of the scientific and unpublished literature to determine the effects of varying river flows on the viability of habitat for beaver and muskrat, which in turn will be used to assess the potential for future model development. Interviews with trappers, elders, and others with significant experience in the area provide additional ecological area to supplement the literature review. The scope of the current project does not include the development of the conceptual model, but instead considers whether sufficient data exist to develop such a model.