Multiobjective Optimization of the Operation of Multireservoir Systems With the Approach of Supplying the Environmental Flow of the Bakhtegan Wetland

ABSTRACT The development of a coupled simulator–optimizer model for planning and appropriate management of resource allocation and usage of the Bakhtegan basin and its wetland is the aim of this study. The objective of this study is to examine whether the multiobjective reptile search algorithm (MORSA) can be used to improve the environmental conditions of the Bakhtegan wetland. A prepared model is created for the next 30 years under the heading of the ‘reference scenario’ on the basis of the existing circumstances. Another management scenario—system optimization—is carried out with MORSA's assistance to attain the system's optimal performance. According to the results, the average amount of water released annually for environmental purposes in the reference scenario (Ref) is approximately 284.5 million cubic meters, whereas the flow release volume in the system optimization (Opt) scenario is 1.48 times greater than that in the reference scenario. In addition to meeting the environmental demands in the system optimization scenario, the percentage of meeting other demands is acceptable. In the reference scenario, over the 30‐year period, in a number of months (especially in low water years), the percentage of meeting demands was less than 40%, whereas in the system optimization scenario, it reached approximately 70%.