Short-term colonisation by macroinvertebrates of cobbles in main channel and inundated stream bank habitats

In small, forested catchments, short rainfall events cause relatively rapid increases in river discharge that inundate previously dry streamside habitats and last for several days. We examined the colonisation and use of such newly inundated habitats by macroinvertebrates in the riffles of a cobble-dominated river over a 4-day period. First we simulated inundation by adding dry river rocks to the main channel of the stream. Second, we observed colonisation of streamside rocks that were inundated following rainfall and subsequent natural spate. Macroinvertebrates colonised rocks in both habitats within 24 h, yet overall macroinvertebrate abundance did not change significantly over the subsequent 3 days. The abundances of common taxa were similar on mid-channel and stream bank rocks but each habitat contained a unique suite of uncommon taxa. Taxon richness was significantly greater on the stream bank rocks, which we attribute to the non-selective colonisation of fauna to avoid high flows in the main channel during the spate. Our study shows that fauna use the stream bank habitat as a haven from high flows in the main river channel, but the fate of the animals colonising this habitat is uncertain. Handling editor: D. Dudgeon     

An experimental test of the effects of food resources and hydraulic refuge on patch colonization by stream macroinvertebrates during spates

1. The passive or active movement of organisms between habitat patches plays important roles in achieving ecosystem resilience to disturbance and long-term control of population levels. However, causal mechanisms of disturbance-induced movements of mobile biota across heterogeneous habitat patches at a relatively short time-scale are little understood. 2. We experimentally tested the effects of food resource values on macroinvertebrate colonization of hydraulic refugia from spates in a second-order creek. Experimental cages were colonized by macroinvertebrates with combinations of resource types (natural or polyester leaves), and extent of exposure to stream flow (exposed to or sheltered from current); one half of each set was collected before and after a spate. This experiment was repeated over three spates of varying magnitude and seasonal contexts. 3. Pre-spate colonization was consistently greater for the cages with natural leaves relative to artificial leaves regardless of the extent of flow exposure. Two autumn spates with relatively low and stable antecedent flow conditions caused large movements of organic matter and macroinvertebrates across the stream, showing community-level accumulations into hydraulically sheltered patches independent of food treatment. The smallest spate with high and variable antecedent flows during winter resulted in negligible responses, which we interpret to be a result of depletion of easily transportable organic matter and organisms. 4. Two detritivorous taxa, the mayfly Paraleptophlebia spp. and stonefly Despaxia augusta (Banks) were the most responsive to autumn spates, and had disproportionately higher colonization rates of cages when provided with natural leaves during the largest autumn spate. Preferential settlement in food-enriched hydraulic refugia was attributable to taxon-specific mobility related to efficient acquisition of detritus resource, whose availability varies spatially and temporally. 5. Our findings suggest (1) detritivorous macroinvertebrate colonization of hydraulic refugia can be influenced by hydraulic controls as well as food resource value, and (2) pre-spate environmental conditions in terms of resource distribution and availability may pre-condition organisms' susceptibility to spates and also affect refugium usage, at least in food-limited, detritus-based stream systems.     

Spatial and temporal variability of macroinvertebrates in spawning and non-spawning habitats during a salmon run in Southeast Alaska

Spawning salmon create patches of disturbance through redd digging which can reduce macroinvertebrate abundance and biomass in spawning habitat. We asked whether displaced invertebrates use non-spawning habitats as refugia in streams. Our study explored how the spatial and temporal distribution of macroinvertebrates changed during a pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) spawning run and compared macroinvertebrates in spawning (riffle) and non-spawning (refugia) habitats in an Alaskan stream. Potential refugia included: pools, stream margins and the hyporheic zone, and we also sampled invertebrate drift. We predicted that macroinvertebrates would decline in riffles and increase in drift and refugia habitats during salmon spawning. We observed a reduction in the density, biomass and taxonomic richness of macroinvertebrates in riffles during spawning. There was no change in pool and margin invertebrate communities, except insect biomass declined in pools during the spawning period. Macroinvertebrate density was greater in the hyporheic zone and macroinvertebrate density and richness increased in the drift during spawning. We observed significant invertebrate declines within spawning habitat; however in non-spawning habitat, there were less pronounced changes in invertebrate density and richness. The results observed may be due to spawning-related disturbances, insect phenology, or other variables. We propose that certain in-stream habitats could be important for the persistence of macroinvertebrates during salmon spawning in a Southeast Alaskan stream.     

Stream characteristics and their implications for the protection of riparian fens and meadows

1. Running waters, including associated riparian areas, are embraced by international legal frameworks outlining targets for the preservation, protection and improvement of the quality of the environment. Interactions between stream and river processes and riparian habitats have not received much attention in the management of stream ecosystems, and integrated measures that consider both the ecological status of streams and rivers (sensu EU Water Framework Directive, WFD) and the conservation status of riparian habitats and species (sensu EU Habitats Directive, HD) are rare. 2. Here, we analysed the influence of stream size, morphology and chemical water characteristics for the distribution of water‐dependent terrestrial habitat types, i.e. alkaline fens, periodically inundated meadows and meadows in riparian areas in Denmark using an extensive data set covering a total of 254 stream reaches. A species‐based classification model was used to translate species lists into a standardised interpretation of habitat types protected by the HD in Denmark. 3. No size dependency was found regarding the distribution of fen and meadow vegetation. Instead, the distribution of fen and meadow vegetation was strongly affected by the morphology of the streams. Alkaline fens, periodically inundated meadows and meadows occurred six, five and four times, respectively, less frequently along channelised compared with natural stream reaches. Our results indicate that stream channelisation strongly interfered with the natural hydrology of riparian areas, affecting conditions needed to sustain protected fen and meadow communities. 4. We also found that water chemistry strongly influenced the occurrence of fen and meadow vegetation in riparian areas. The probability of finding fen and meadow vegetation was reduced when total phosphorus (TP) concentration exceeded 40–50 μg P L^?1, whereas meadow vegetation responded less strongly to TP. 5. Our findings highlight the importance of restoring hydrology of riparian areas to improve conditions for fen and meadow vegetation, but also that the water chemistry should be considered when measures that increase hydrological connectivity result in an increase in the probability of flooding.     

The relative contributions of refugium types to the persistence of benthic invertebrates in a seasonal snowmelt flood

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Recovery of benthic macroinvertebrate and adult dragonfly assemblages in response to large scale removal of riparian invasive alien trees

Invasive alien organisms can impact adversely on indigenous biodiversity, while riparian invasive alien trees (IATs), through shading of the habitat, can be a key threat to stream invertebrates. We ask here whether stream fauna can recover when the key threat of riparian IATs is removed. Specifically, we address whether IAT invasion, and subsequent IAT removal, changes benthic macroinvertebrate and adult dragonfly assemblages, for the worse or for the better respectively. Natural riparian zones were controls. There were statistically significant differences between stream reaches with natural, IAT-infested and IAT-cleared riparian vegetation types, based on several metrics: immature macroinvertebrate taxon richness, average score per macroinvertebrate taxon (ASPT), a macroinvertebrate subset (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Odonata larvae; EPTO), and adult dragonfly species richness. Reaches with natural vegetation, or cleared of IATs, supported greater relative diversity of macroinvertebrates than reaches shaded by dense IATs. Greatest macroinvertebrate ASPT and EPTO were in reaches bordered by natural vegetation and those bordered by vegetation cleared of IATs, and the lowest where the riparian corridor was IATs. Highest number of adult dragonflies species was along streams cleared of dense IATs. Overall, results showed that removal of a highly invasive, dense canopy of alien trees enables recovery of aquatic biodiversity. As benthic macroinvertebrate scores and adult dragonfly species richness are correlated and additive, their combined use is recommended for river condition assessments.     

Microform bed clusters: are they preferred habitats for invertebrates in a flood‐prone stream?

SUMMARY 1. Microform bed clusters are bedform microunits in streams. They consist of an obstacle clast (a large surface stone) against which other stones are stacked in a specific manner. Stream ecologists have suggested that these clusters are better flood refugia and more valuable habitats for invertebrates than single surface stones because of their higher stability during high‐flow events and their greater diversity of microhabitats available for colonisation. 2. To test these predictions in the Schmiedlaine, a flood‐prone prealpine stream, we sampled invertebrates on clustered and single stones on a total of seven occasions including before and after a moderate spate, two major floods and a minor spate. We also monitored surface particle stability during the second major flood and the minor spate. 3. Before the second flood (return period 1–2 years), we determined the exact positions of 60 clusters (60 obstacle clasts with 136 associated smaller particles) and 50 single stones in a 250‐m reach. We sampled the fauna on stones in the clusters, on well‐embedded single stones, and on loose single stones. Only six obstacle clasts and one single stone remained after the flood, implying movement of almost the entire surface layer. Therefore, we sampled the invertebrates on stones in newly formed clusters, on well‐embedded and single loose stones 3 and 11 days after the flood. The minor spate, in contrast to the second flood, moved only one of 495 monitored surface particles. 4. Three days after the flood, invertebrate density on clustered stones and both single stone categories were similar and equalled 34% of the mean pre‐flood density. Eight days later, density had almost doubled. The relatively high survival and rapid recovery suggest that invertebrates found refugia during the flood. However, the very low stability of clusters and single stones implied that surface particles were unimportant as refugia. 5. Total invertebrate density and taxon richness were never higher on clustered than on single stones (regardless of the timing of sampling relative to the last previous high‐flow event). Densities of the seven most common taxa and invertebrate community structure were also generally similar between particle types. We conclude that microform bed clusters cannot be regarded as more valuable invertebrate habitats than single surface stones in the Schmiedlaine.     

Stream inflow and predation risk affect littoral habitat selection by benthic fish

1. We examined small, fishless headwater streams to determine whether transport of macroinvertebrates into the littoral zone of an oligotrophic lake augmented food availability for Cottus asper, an abundant predatory fish in our study system. We sampled fish and macroinvertebrates during the recruitment and growth season of 2 years, either monthly (2004) or bi‐monthly (2005), to observe whether stream inputs increased prey availability and whether variation in total macroinvertebrate biomass was tracked by fish. 2. Observations from eight headwater streams indicated that streams did not increase the total macroinvertebrate biomass in the shallow littoral zone at stream inflows, relative to adjacent plots without stream inputs (controls). The taxonomic composition of stream macroinvertebrates drifting toward the lake differed from that in the littoral lake benthos itself, although there was no evidence of any species change in the composition of the littoral benthos brought about by stream inputs. 3. Although streams made no measurable contribution to the biomass or taxonomic composition of the littoral macroinvertebrate benthos, there was substantial temporal variation in biomass among the eight sites for each of the (n = 7) sample periods during which observations were made. Variation in total biomass was primarily a function of bottom slope and benthic substrata in the lake habitats. Dominant taxonomic groups were Baetidae, Ephemerellidae (two genera), Leptophlebiidae, Chironomidae (three subfamilies) and Perlodidae, although we did not determine the specific substratum affinities of each taxon. 4. Mixed effects linear models identified a significant interaction between macroinvertebrate biomass and plot type (stream inflow vs. control) associated with fish abundance. Across the observed range of macroinvertebrate biomass, fish showed a significant preference for stream inflows, but more closely tracked food availability in the controls. For young‐of‐the‐year (YOY), a negative effect of temperature was also included in the model, and we observed lower temperatures at stream inflows. However, abundance of predatory adults affected habitat selection for YOY. Lake‐bottom slope also accounted for variation in abundance in both fish models. 5. Our results suggest that the effect of fishless headwater streams on downstream fish may not always be through direct delivery of food. In this study system, fish preferred stream inflow plots, but this preference interacted with macroinvertebrate biomass in a manner that was difficult to explain. For YOY, predation risk was related to the preference for stream inflows, although the specific factor that mitigates predation risk remains poorly understood.     

The influence of reduced flow during a drought on patterns of variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages across a spatial hierarchy in two lowland rivers

1. With the aim of determining whether patterns of variation in macroinvertebrate assemblage composition across the hierarchy of spatial units in two lowland rivers changed during a supra‐seasonal drought (1997–2000), patterns during a reduced flow season (1999–2000) were compared with those during two preceding higher flow seasons (1997–98 and 1998–99) using samples from the Glenelg and Wimmera Rivers, two lowland regulated rivers in western Victoria, Australia. 2. We hypothesised that (i) differences between reaches would increase during the reduced flow season owing to decreased hydrological connectivity, (ii) differences between the habitats would decrease because the cessation of flow in run habitats should cause them to become more similar to pool habitats and (iii) differences between microhabitats would also decrease because of reduced scour of inorganic substrata and large woody debris. 3. During each season, macroinvertebrates were sampled from three microhabitats (sand/silt substratum, large woody debris and macrophytes) that were hierarchically nested within a run or pool habitat and within one of three reaches within each river. A range of physico‐chemical variables was also sampled. 4. Analysis of similarity showed that assemblage composition in both rivers during the higher flow seasons differed more among microhabitats than other spatial units. However, during the reduced flow season, assemblage composition in the Wimmera River differed most among reaches. This change in pattern was associated with the combined effects of decreased flow and longitudinal increases in salinity. In contrast, the fauna of the Glenelg River appeared to be resistant to the effects of the reduced flow season, owing to limited decline in water quality despite lower river discharge. 5. As salinisation and poor water quality in the Wimmera River result from human activities in the catchment, these results support the idea that human impacts on rivers can change macroinvertebrate scaling patterns and exacerbate the effects of drought beyond the tolerance of many riverine macroinvertebrates.     

Response of freshwater macroinvertebrates to rainfall-induced high flows: A hydroecological approach

Hydraulic-habitat and biological data were integrated within a twofold-purpose study: (i) to investigate the response of freshwater macroinvertebrates to a rainfall-induced high flow event of moderate magnitude and (ii) to derive hydroecological relationships between habitat variability and macroinvertebrate microdistribution. 142 microhabitats (unique combinations of flow velocity, water depth and substrate type) allocated in four sites of no or very minor anthropogenic influence were sampled and analyzed, before and after the event. Freshwater macroinvertebrates were additionally collected and specific community metrics were derived. To identify possible pre- and post- impact benthic community differences, independent sample t-tests were applied, while Boosted Regression Tree models were developed to quantify the response of macroinvertebrates to flow alteration. Macroinvertebrate abundance, taxonomic richness, EPT richness and diversity decreased significantly by 90%, 60%, 50% and 25% respectively between the pre- and post- impact microhabitats. The relative abundance of macroinvertebrate predators and passive filter feeders increased after the event, mainly in specific substrate types (boulders and large stones), which served as flow refugia, maintaining less degraded (compared to finer substrates), still heavily impacted, benthic communities. According to the hydroecological analysis, the high flow event exerted the strongest impact on all macroinvertebrate metrics. Optimal (suitable) ranges of the hydraulic-habitat variables for benthic macroinvertebrates were identified (optimal flow velocity from 0.3 m/s to 0.7 m/s, optimal water depth at 0.2 m), while boulders and large stones were the most suitable substrate types. The aforementioned data provide valuable information for the provisioning of biologically-derived environmental flows and an essential input of hydrodynamic habitat models to facilitate the selection of the optimal environmental flow scenario towards ensuring the integrity of aquatic ecosystems downstream of anthropogenic activities provoking hydrological alteration.     

Relative influence of variables at multiple spatial scales on stream macroinvertebrates in the Northern Lakes and Forest ecoregion, U.S.A.

• 1 We used 94 sites within the Northern Lakes and Forests ecoregion spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan to identify environmental variables at the catchment, reach and riparian scales that influence stream macroinvertebrates. Redundancy analyses (RDA) found significantly influential variables within each scale and compared their relative importance in structuring macroinvertebrate assemblages.
• 2 Environmental variables included landcover, geology and groundwater delivery estimates at the catchment scale, water chemistry, channel morphology and stream habitat at the reach scale, and landcover influences at three distances perpendicular to the stream at the riparian scale. Macroinvertebrate responses were characterised with 22 assemblage attributes, and the relative abundance and presence/absence of 66 taxa.
• 3 Each scale defined macroinvertebrates along an erosional to depositional gradient. Wisconsin's macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity, Ephemeroptera–Plecoptera–Trichoptera taxa and erosional taxa corresponded with forest streams, whereas organic pollution tolerant, Chironomidae and depositional taxa corresponded with wetland streams. Reach scale analyses defined the gradient similarly as dissolved oxygen and wide, shallow channels (erosional) opposed instream macrophytes and pool habitats (depositional). Riparian forests within 30 m of the stream coincided with an erosional assemblage and biotic integrity.
• 4 Next, we combined all significant environmental variables across scales to compare the relative influence of each spatial scale on macroinvertebrates. Partial RDA procedures described how much of the explained variance was attributable to each spatial scale and each interrelated scale combination.
• 5 Our results appeared consistent with the concept of hierarchical functioning of scale in which large‐scale variables restrict the potential for macroinvertebrate traits or taxa at smaller spatial scales. Catchment and reach variables were equally influential in defining assemblage attributes, whereas the reach scale was more influential in determining relative abundance and presence/absence.
• 6 Ultimately, comprehending the relative influence of catchment and reach scale properties in structuring stream biota will assist prioritising the scale at which to rehabilitate, manage and derive policies for stream ecosystem integrity.

     

The response of macroinvertebrate production to a pollution gradient in a headwater stream

1. This study quantified patterns of macroinvertebrate secondary production and stored benthic organic matter along a gradient of pollution and habitat channelisation over a 3‐km reach of Goosefare Brook, a first‐order stream in southern Maine (U.S.A.). 2. Whole‐community invertebrate production decreased from 26.4 g ash‐free dry mass (AFDM) m⁻² year⁻¹ at the reference station to 1.1 g AFDM m⁻² year⁻¹ at stations with the greatest levels of pollution. Production decreased along the pollution gradient for most taxa, although decreases were partly offset by production increases in tolerant taxa. Biomass turnover rates (P/B) were less affected by the stresses than was production. 3. Differences in functional characteristics of the community were evident at stations with channelised habitat, but overall production declined in a linear pattern that mirrored the pollution gradient. Stored organic matter showed a decline along the gradient, but was also lower at channelised stations. Populations of taxa with documented pollution tolerance were more likely to maintain or increase production and P/B. 4. Decreasing biomass because of decreasing stored organic matter and lethal effects of pollutants resulted in shifts in the pathways of energy flow observed at stations exposed to moderate physical or chemical stress, to the loss of most taxa and an extreme (96%) decrease in production at the stations receiving the highest levels of metal pollution. 5. The shifting prominence of different taxa along a continuum of stress in Goosefare Brook shows that describing the nature of an impairment in a functional context requires consideration of chemical stressors, habitat alterations and food resources.     

Responses of macroinvertebrate communities to long‐term flow variability in a Sonoran Desert stream

Current global models predict a hotter and drier climate in the southwestern United States with anticipated increases in drought frequency and severity coupled with changes in flash flood regimes. Such changes would likely have important ecological consequences, particularly for stream and riparian ecosystems already subject to frequent hydrologic disturbance. This study assessed the potential response of aquatic macroinvertebrates to interannual variation in hydrology in a spatially intermittent desert stream (Sycamore Creek, AZ). We compiled data on the recovery of macroinvertebrate communities following spring floods, with successional sequences captured 11 times over a 16‐year period (1983–1999). This period encompassed a transition from perennial to intermittent flow in this system, and included a record drought in 1989–1990. Results show that while the size of floods initiating sequences had little explanatory power, changes in macroinvertebrate community structure during postflood succession were closely associated with antecedent flooding and drought. Year‐to‐year differences in benthic communities integrated taxon‐specific responses to antecedent disturbance, including differential resistance to channel drying, use of hyporheic refugia, and variable rates of recovery once stream flow resumed. The long‐term consequences of drying on community structure were only evident during later stages of postflood succession, illustrating an interaction between flood and drought recovery processes in this system. Our observations highlight the potential for predicted climate changes in this region to have marked and long‐lasting consequences for benthic communities in desert streams.     

Effects of an invasive crayfish on the littoral macroinvertebrates of large boreal lakes are habitat specific

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The introduced signal crayfish and native noble crayfish have different effects on sublittoral macroinvertebrate assemblages in boreal lakes

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River habitat homogenisation enhances trophic competition and promotes individual specialisation among young of the year fish

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Greater macroinvertebrate diversity and freshwater mussel density in meander margins of an Amazon river

Meanders are complex aquatic environments exhibiting different flow and sediment characteristics that influence macroinvertebrate distribution. Differences in macroinvertebrate composition, freshwater mussel density (mainly Castalia ambigua Lamarck, 1819) and habitat variables were investigated, using uni‐ and multivariate analyses, in two zones, the margin and thalweg, of the meanders of a 7‐km stretch of a morphologically unaltered tropical alluvial lowland river. Clear differences were found between meander zones, with greater taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrates and greater freshwater mussel densities in the meander margin. A total of 12 families of macroinvertebrates were exclusive to the meander margin, and macroinvertebrate indicators of zones were Philopotamidae and Leptoceridae (meander margin) and Chironomidae and Elmidae (meander thalweg). In the meander margin, there were no differences in macroinvertebrate abundance, and taxonomic and functional group diversity among areas with low, medium and high mussel density. Macroinvertebrate abundance did not vary between zones, but in both, abundance was associated with lower pH and higher electrical conductivity. Low shear velocity, which stabilises the river bed, high organic matter content and percentage silt in the meander margin were associated with higher taxonomic and functional macroinvertebrate diversity, as well as the presence of freshwater mussels. Natural unaltered meanders are spatially heterogeneous in both habitat and biodiversity and, similar to restored meanders, support greater macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional diversity, as well as maintain freshwater mussel beds, mainly by stabilising the river bed. The meander margin may also be important for attracting mussel host fish that feed on macroinvertebrates and aid mussel dispersal. Thus, the meander margins, and other similar riparian habitats with low shear velocity, for example, side channels and pools, have potentially high conservation value and should be afforded due protection.     

Habitat change in braided flood plains (Tagliamento, NE-Italy)

1. Relative changes and age distribution of habitats were investigated in the active channel of a bar‐braided and an island‐braided reach of the Tagliamento River (NE‐Italy). Between September 1999 and January 2002, six habitat types were delineated with a differential Global Positioning System on five dates following floods of different magnitude. Overlay maps were employed to calculate age and relative change of habitats. We established exponential decay rates (k‐values) for islands and major aquatic habitats. 2. Relative changes of all aquatic habitats combined were up to 82% between survey dates in the bar‐braided flood plain, with a cumulative rate of 85% over the 2.5‐year period. Relative habitat changes in the island‐braided flood plain were lower with a cumulative change of almost 60% during the study period. In the bar‐braided flood plain significant exponential decay relationships were established for channels, alluvial channels, backwaters, and ponds. 3. Half‐lives were particularly short for backwaters and ponds. In the island‐braided reach, significant relationships existed for channels and alluvial channels. The half‐lives of channels and alluvial channels increased with the presence of vegetated islands. Relative habitat composition within the active corridor remained almost constant, supporting the applicability of the shifting mosaic steady state model to braided floodplain ecosystems. 4. Our results indicate that under natural conditions aquatic floodplain habitats can be highly dynamic over short time‐scales. Even small water level fluctuations (‘flow pulses’) can lead to major habitat changes with important consequences for the fauna and flora.     

The effects of habitat complexity on the macroinvertebrates colonising wood substrates in a lowland stream

Summary Woody debris is a major structural component of south-eastern Australian lowland streams, and the decayed wood substrates provide a structurally complex habitat for macroinvertebrate colonization. I tested for the presence of a species richness-habitat complexity relationship for macroinvertebrate species inhabiting the surfaces of decayed submerged logs (snags) in a lowland stream in northern Victoria. The species-habitat complexity relationship is defined as the increase in species richness due to increased structural complexity of a habitat when area is held constant. The response of macroinvertebrates to seven treatments of artificial and natural substrates of differing levels and types of structural complexity were examined using cluster analyses and MANOVAs. These analyses revealed a significant species-habitat complexity relationship. In addition, a comparison of species evenness between simple and complex habitats supported the hypothesis that more complex habitats contained more species because they possessed more resources. Analysis of species richness, though informative, masked the complexity of species responses revealed by multivariate analyses of species abundances. These analyses showed that different species groups selected different microhabitats on snags, particularly in response to the level of sediment deposition, which was greater on more structurally complex snags. In comparison with the benthos, snags were significantly richer in species abundances, possibly related to low levels of dissolved oxygen in benthic habitats.     

Restoration of macroinvertebrates,fish, and habitats in streams following mining subsidence: replicated analysis across 18 mitigation sites

Human activities have led to declines in stream functioning and stream restoration seeks to reverse this trend. Longwall coal mining, an underground full‐extraction method, can cause surface subsidence, affecting streams by creating a series of deep pools that trap sediment, reduce habitat diversity, and impair macroinvertebrate and fish communities. Mining effects on streams must be mitigated to maintain the functions, values, and foreseeable uses of streams. Gate cutting is a procedure that alleviates pooling by reestablishing the stream grade, accompanied by procedures that stabilize the channel, restore substrates, and enhance in‐stream and riparian habitats. We evaluated effectiveness of gate cuts at restoring streams affected by subsidence pooling at 18 independent restoration sites over two mines in southwestern Pennsylvania, U.S.A. At each site, sampling stations were established to monitor effects of mining subsidence and its restoration on macroinvertebrates, fish communities, and habitats. We tested for effects of sequential interventions (subsidence and restoration) on biological and habitat variables in a replicated before–after design, controlling for potentially confounding temporal effects (sample month and antecedent effective precipitation). All biological indices and substrate‐related habitat indices declined following subsidence but improved following restoration. Macroinvertebrate indicex and taxa richness, substrates, and riparian vegetation continued to improve with time following restoration. Whereas other studies have concluded that biological communities may take many years to respond to restoration, these results indicate that where macroinvertebrate and fish communities are altered by subsidence pooling, they can be effectively restored using gate cuts to pre‐mining levels within relatively short time periods.