Validation of a fish-based index of biotic integrity for streams and rivers of central Mexico

An existing version of a fish assemblage-basedindex of biotic integrity (IBI) for the streamsand rivers of west central Mexico was testedwith independent data to validate itsusefulness as a measure of ecosystem qualityand to determine the geographic area where itis effective. Fish assemblages from 63 uplandsites in 10 basins in central Mexico(Armería, Ameca, Coahuayana, Marabasco,Purificación, Grande de Morelia, Grande deSantiago, Lerma, Balsas and Pánuco) wereassessed using the metrics and scoring criteriafrom the existing IBI and then compared withindependent evaluations of habitat and waterquality. IBI scores were congruent withhabitat and water quality values in theArmería, Purificación and Marabascobasins, where the IBI was first developed, aswell as in the adjacent Ameca and Coahuayanabasins. We conclude that the IBI can be usedwithout modification to assess environmentalquality in non-coastal streams and riverswithin these five basins. Further data areneeded from the Grande de Morelia, Grande deSantiago and middle Lerma basins, but ourresults suggest that the existing IBI may alsobe effective here. However, the existing IBIdoes not consistently reflect habitat and waterquality conditions in the Balsas and Pánucobasins and must be modified before it can beapplied there. Necessary modifications in theBalsas basin appear to be small and relatedprimarily to changes in the scoring criteriafor metrics. However, in the Pánuco basinmore substantive changes in the nature of themetrics are required. Changes in the IBI forthese basins are proposed. The IBI is nowvalidated for use in river monitoring,conservation and restoration efforts in 5basins in west central Mexico and suggestionsfor its application in other basins areavailable here.     

Fish community structure in the Missouri and lower Yellowstone rivers in relation to flow characteristics

Human alteration is commonplace among large rivers and often results in changes in the flow regime which can lead to changes in fish community structure. We explored the features of fish community structure, morphological characteristics, functional composition, and life-history attributes in relation to six unique flow regimes in the Missouri and lower Yellowstone rivers where we found significant differences in community composition and abundance. The clearest pattern was the distinction between the channelized portion of the river below the mainstem reservoirs and all other parts of the Missouri and lower Yellowstone rivers due to a marked reduction of species richness above the reservoirs. We also found morphological, functional, and life-history differences among the flow units, with the inter-reservoir communities consisting of slightly more generalist characteristics. Our results suggest some relation between flow and fish community structure, but that human alteration may have the strongest influence in distinguishing community differences in the Missouri and lower Yellowstone rivers.     

A model for rapid growth evaluation in fishes: the case of the Cyprinids of some large French rivers

Starting from previous work on tropical african fishes (de Merona et al., 1983), we calculate a relationship between Loo and k and between L_OO and the maximum observed length in cyprinid populations of some French great rivers and associated man-made lakes (basins of Garonne and Rhone). 45 populations are used, and they seem to conform to the model well. The growth of both groups of populations differs only by the value of some constants. This follows from differences in the individual growth pattern of fishes, climate, and from differences in food and feeding habits.     

A probabilistic model characterizing fish assemblages of French rivers: a framework for environmental assessment

1. Management of running waters and assessment of water quality trends require the use of biological methods. Among potential indicators, fish assemblages are of particular interest because of their ability to integrate environmental variability at different spatial scales. 2. The French Water Agencies and the Ministry of the Environment initiated a research programme to develop a fish-based index that would be applicable nation-wide. Such an index should encompass the relative importance of geographic, ecoregional and local factors influencing the distribution of riverine fishes. 3. An effective way of using the information available from fish assemblages to establish such an index is through the use of the 'reference condition approach' which involves testing a fish assemblage exposed to a potential stress against a reference condition that is unexposed to such a stress. 4. Logistic regression procedures were applied, using a fish data set of 650 reference sites fairly evenly distributed across French rivers and defined by some easily measured regional and local characteristics, to elaborate the simplest possible response model that adequately explains the observed patterns of occurrence for each species of a fish assemblage at a given site of any given river. This allows us to predict a 'theoretical' assemblage at a site. 5. The models were validated using a second independent data set of 88 reference sites. Using a third data set of 88 disturbed sites, the observed assemblages were then compared against the reference condition as defined by the 'theoretical' assemblages. The amount of deviation between the expected and observed assemblages within these sites is used as a measure of degradation. 6. This approach could be used as a framework for adapting and calibrating a multimetric index, thereby serving as a practical technical reference for conducting cost-effective biological assessments of lotic systems.     

广西河池地区河流基于鱼类的生物完整性指数筛选及其环境质量评估

为促进生物完整性评价法在中国的应用,加强珠江上游广西河池地区河流环境质量监测,该研究以鱼类为研究对象,初步构建了包含21个指标在内的广西河池地区河流基于鱼类的生物完整性评价的指标体系。根据鱼类调查所收集数据,结合历史资料的记录,对这些指标进行筛选和赋值,最终确立了6个指标,用于建立适合广西河池地区河流的基于鱼类的生物完整性指标体系;应用此指标体系对该地区部分河流(河段)进行了评价。评价的结果表明,小环江鱼类完整性为好;红水河、龙江和大环江为一般;刁江为极差。评价的结果与河流受人为干扰的实际情况相吻合,研究构建的评价体系可供河池周边地区使用和借鉴。生物完整性评价是水域环境质量监测的重要手段,为使生物完整性评价更加科学和客观,应加强生物完整性与环境因子之间关系的研究。     

Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages of coastal and continental streams and large rivers of southwestern British Columbia, Canada

In southwestern British Columbia (BC, Canada) and within a relatively small geographic area, lotic environments range from streams in coastal rainforests, to streams in arid continental grasslands, to very large rivers. Little is known about the invertebrate communities in large rivers in general, or in the streams of continental BC. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the benthic invertebrate community structure changes spatially between small coastal and small interior streams; between small streams versus large rivers; and whether changes in the benthic community are related to the environmental conditions. Kicknet samples and environmental data were collected from three coastal streams, three continental streams and two large rivers (discharge of 781 and 3620 m³/s, respectively). The large river sites had low invertebrate abundance, species richness and diversity, relative to the small streams. The coastal streams had the highest species richness and the continental streams had the highest invertebrate abundance. A number of taxa were specific to each class of stream. Invertebrate abundance decreased with river size, and increased with elevation, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, NO₂NO₃-N, total Kejldahl nitrogen and percent carbon in suspended solids.     

Water and habitat quality assessment in the Honi and Naro Moru rivers,Kenya, using benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages and qualitative habitat scores

An assessment of water and habitat quality, based on macroinvertebrate assemblage indices and qualitative habitat scores (QHS), was undertaken in the Honi and Naro Moru rivers, Kenya, in 2011. The two rivers are important as water sources for the local communities and as habitat for organisms such as invertebrates in the national parks there. The Naro Moru upstream site (QHS: 83%) is unmodified, with minimal human influence. The Honi downstream site and the Naro Moru midstream and downstream sites experienced moderate to large modifications in habitat and biota (QHS: 40–80%). South African scoring system (SASS) scores ranged from 43 (Naro Moru downstream) to 165 (Honi upstream), and there was a decrease in SASS scores with distance downstream. Based on the multimetric index (MI), the Honi and Naro Moru upstream and midstream sites have good water quality (MI: 0.6–0.8), whereas the Honi midstream and downstream sites, and the Naro Moru downstream site, have moderate water quality (MI: 0.4–0.6). Human activities had a negative effect on water quality and habitats. Preventive and conservation measures should be taken in the usage of the Naro Moru and Honi rivers.     

Predicting diatom communities at the genus level for the rapid biological assessment of rivers

1. Diatoms were sampled in the spring of 1994 and the autumn of 1995 at 137 pristine or near-pristine reference sites on large and small streams at various altitudes in eastern New South Wales and Victoria. Scrapings were taken from five firm substrata across a range of microhabitat conditions at each site on each occasion. For each substratum, 100 valves were identified to genus level. 2. Multivariate statistical models were constructed to predict the probability of occurrence of each genus at a given site under near-pristine conditions on the basis of physical features of the site that are not affected by human activity. Model predictions were compared with the flora observed at the reference sites and at 55 test sites affected by varying degrees of human disturbance. 3. Test sites were characterized more by the presence of genera not predicted by the model than by the absence of predicted genera. The degree of departure from model predictions was related mainly to increasing alkalinity, electrical conductivity, hardness and pH of river water. We therefore conclude that the main effect of human activity on the composition of diatom communities in the rivers of coastal south-eastern Australia has been to increase genus richness through enrichment with alkaline salts. 4. The models did not perform as well as similar models applied to river macroinvertebrates at the family level, perhaps because of greater temporal variability in diatom communities and differences in the environmental variables to which diatoms and macroinvertebrates respond. Means of improving the current models are discussed.     

Integrated assessment of ecosystem integrity of large northern rivers: the Northern Rivers Basins Study example

The Northern River Basins Study (NRBS) assessed the ecologicalstate of three complex northern river basins for which we had a limitedunderstanding of the physical, chemical and biological environment. Amajor challenge of this study was the choice of ecosystem components tomonitor. This process was guided by determining the indicators thatwould best assess environmental state relative to ecosystem objectivesarticulated by people living within the basin. This charge lead the NRBSto use a cumulative effects assessment framework that measured stressorexposure and their effects along with the development of plausiblecause-effect mechanisms. Thus, the NRBS developed and applied anintegrated assessment framework that included public stakeholders,various levels of government and scientists. A key feature of thisframework was the ability to allow feedback among these groups toproduce the syntheses of science results, and the resultant managementresponses that ultimately modified environmental regulations. Papers inthis series present the results of the NRBS and emphasize theinterdisciplinary nature of this project. Investigations evaluated theroles of flow regulation, nutrients, contaminants, and their interactiveeffects, on the integrity of the Athabasca, Peace and Slave rivers,Canada. Novel contributions of the NRBS model included the cooperationamong governments, aboriginal peoples, non-government organizations,industry and other stakeholders, and the two-way communications flowamong the scientific community and these groups.     

Climate change impacts on structure and diversity of fish communities in rivers

It is widely accepted that climate change constrains biota. Yet, because of the lack of consistent multisite and multitaxon surveys, few studies have addressed general rules about how climate change impacts on structure and diversity of animal communities. Especially, the relative influence of nonclimatic anthropogenic disturbances on this impact is fairly unknown. Here, we present for the first time a meta-analysis assessing the effect of global warming on stream organisms. Fish communities of large rivers in France undergoing various anthropogenic pressures showed significant increase in proportions of warm-water species and of specific richness during the last 15–25 years. Conversely, the equitability decreased, indicating a gradual decrease of the number of dominant species. Finally, the total abundance increased, coupled with rejuvenation and changes in size-structure of the communities. Interestingly, most of these effects were not depressed by the strength of nonclimatic anthropogenic disturbances. Conversely, geographical location of communities and especially closeness of natural barriers to migration could influence their response to climate change. Indeed, increase in the proportion of southern species seemed hindered at sites located close to the southern limit of the European species' geographical ranges. This work provides new evidence that climate change have deep impacts on communities which, by overtaking the effects of nonclimatic anthropogenic disturbances, could be more substantial than previously thought. Overall, our results stress the importance of considering climate change impacts in studies addressing community dynamics, even in disturbed sites.     

Climate-induced changes in the microlepidoptera fauna of the Netherlands and the implications for nature conservation

We summarize the results of our studies of the changing patterns in phenology and distribution of microlepidoptera in the Netherlands. There is a strong dynamic effect, related to changing climate. In a sample of 104 common microlepidoptera species the date of the flight peak has receded by 11.6 days in the period 1975-1994. We also found changes in the species composition of the local fauna, although not necessarily in the number of species. Our findings imply that the number of rare (Red List) species may be an inappropriate parameter for the conservation value of a site.     

黄河干流鱼类群落特征及其历史变化

为了解黄河干流鱼类群落现状及其历史变化,于2008年春季(5-6月)和秋季(9-11月)开展了黄河干流鱼类调查。共记录到鱼类54种,隶属于7目13科43属,其中该流域特有种4种。种类组成以鲤形目为主,占总数的68.5%。上游物种少,群落较为简单,中游和下游物种丰富,群落较为复杂并且较相似,种数自上游至下游逐渐增加。黄河鱼类在洄游、摄食、繁殖及栖息习性等方面呈现多样化特征。调查河段渔获物组成虽存在差异,但都以黄颡鱼属(Pelteobagrus spp.)、鲇(Silurus asotus)、鲫(Carassius auratus)以及鮈亚科等小型鱼类为主,小型化现象明显。对比历史资料分析显示,黄河鱼类物种多样性和资源量均呈明显下降趋势,特有种鱼类退化尤为显著,推测水资源过度开发、大量水工建筑、水体污染以及不合理利用等人为因素是导致变化的主要原因。     

Effects of siltation on stream fishes and the potential mitigating role of the buffering riparian zone

Riparian buffer zones serve several important roles in linking a stream to its watershed. A main function is controlling the dynamics of sedimentation. This paper documents how siltation impacts fish communities and how proper riparian management can mitigate the negative effects of sedimentation. Two studies examined the relation between stream siltation and fish community characteristics. Community responses to siltation were poorly described by common structural indices. Community level responses to varying siltation were most consistently described by changes in functional characteristics of the resident fish species using a guild-based analysis. Herbivores, benthic insectivores and simple lithophilous spawners were most sensitive to siltation while other guilds were not. These results were repeatable in both intraregional comparisons among sites of similar size and character, and in interregional comparisons of streams which varied in characteristics besides siltation. This suggests the index may be useful in separating the effects of siltation from other environmental variables. A discussion of bufferstrip characteristics important in mitigating against, or preventing, excess siltation is presented.     

Progress in the evaluation of transgenic fish for possible ecological risk and its containment strategies

Genetically improved transgenic fish possess many beneficial economic traits; however, the commercial aquaculture of transgenic fish has not been performed till date. One of the major reasons for this is the possible ecological risk associated with the escape or release of the transgenic fish. Using a growth hormone transgenic fish with rapid growth characteristics as a subject, this paper analyzes the following: the essence of the potential ecological risks posed by transgenic fish; ecological risk in the current situation due to transgenic fish via one-factor phenotypic and fitness analysis, and mathematical model deduction. Then, it expounds new ideas and the latest findings using an artificially simulated ecosystem for the evaluation of the ecological risks posed by transgenic fish. Further, the study comments on the strategies and principles of controlling these ecological risks by using a triploid approach. Based on these results, we propose that ecological risk evaluation and prevention strategies are indispensable important components and should be accompanied with breeding research in order to provide enlightments for transgenic fish breeding, evaluation of the ecological risks posed by transgenic fish, and development of containment strategies against the risks.     

Development and validation of a fish-based index for the assessment of 'river health' in France

SUMMARY 1. In Europe, water policy is currently undergoing considerable change as emphasised by the recent European Water Framework Directive (WFD), which requires the restoration and maintenance of 'healthy' aquatic ecosystems by the assessment of their hydromorphological, chemical and biological characteristics. If the requirements of the WFD are to be met, effective biological tools are needed to measure the 'health' of rivers at scales large enough to be useful for management. These tools need to be ecologically based, efficient, rapid and applicable in different ecological regions. Among potential indicators, fish assemblages are of particular interest because of their ability to integrate environmental variability at different spatial scales. To meet the goals of the WFD, the French Water Agencies and the Ministry of the Environment initiated a research programme to develop a fish-based index that would be applicable nationwide.
2. A variety of metrics based on occurrence and abundance data and reflecting different aspects of the fish assemblage structure and function were selected from available literature and for their potential to indicate degradation.
3. Logistic and multiple linear regression procedures were applied, using an initial data set of 650 reference sites fairly evenly distributed across French rivers and defined by some easily measured regional and local characteristics, to elaborate the simplest possible response model that adequately explained the observed patterns of each metric for a given site.
4. Models obtained for each metric were validated using two independent data sets of 88 reference sites and 88 disturbed sites. These procedures allowed us to select the most effective metrics in discriminating between reference and disturbed sites.     

Scale dependence in the species‐discharge relationship for fishes of the southeastern U.S.A.

1. Species‐discharge relationships (SDR) are aquatic analogues of species‐area relationships, and are increasingly used in both basic research and conservation planning. SDR studies are often limited, however, by two shortcomings. First, they do not determine whether reported SDRs, which normally use complete drainage basins as sampling units, are scale dependent. Second, they do not account for the effects of habitat diversity within or among samples. 2. We addressed both problems by using discrete fish zones as sampling units in a SDR analysis. To do so, we first tested for longitudinal zonation in three rivers in the southeastern U.S.A. In each river, we detected successive ‘lower’, ‘middle’, and ‘upper’ fish zones, which were characterized by distinct fish assemblages with predictable habitat requirements. Because our analyses combined fish data from multiple sources, we also used rarefaction and Monte Carlo simulation to ensure that our zonation results were robust to spurious sampling effects. 3. Next, we estimated the average discharge within each zone, and plotted these estimates against the respective species richness within each zone (log₁₀ data). This revealed a significant, linear SDR (r² = 0.83; P < 0.01). Notably, this zonal SDR fit the empirical data better than a comparable SDR that did not discriminate among longitudinal zones. We therefore conclude that the southeastern fish SDR is scale dependent, and that accounting for within‐basin habitat diversity is an important step in explaining the high diversity of southeastern fishes. 4. We then discuss how our zonal SDR can be used to improve conservation planning. Specifically, we show how the slope of the SDR can be used to forecast potential extinction rates, and how the zonal data can be used to identify species of greatest concern.     

Lack of oxygen and low pH as limiting factors for Gammarus in Hessian brooks and rivers

During two decades (1968–1988) the occurrence of Gammarus was studied in Hessian running waters draining some 7700 km² of the Fulda-Eder-basin and two adjacent areas. About 1530 sites were sampled, most of them in 1968, 1978, 1981/82 and 1985, which made comparisons possible, primarily with respect to space, but partly also to time. After consideration of the relief of the landscape, geological conditions, and water-quality in the neighbourhood of human settlements, lack of oxygen (due to organic pollution) and low pH (souring) can be recognized as the most important factors which influence and alter natural distribution patterns of Gammarus fossarum, G. pulex and G. roeseli. Both vanishing and recovering populations were observed in the course of twenty years.     

Predicting the structure and diversity of young-of-the-year fish assemblages in large rivers

1. Interactions between environmental variables and 0+ fish assemblages in the upper River Garonne (France) were quantified during late August 1995.
2. The abundance and diversity of the fish assemblages in floodplain channels were modelled using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis and nine variables: the abundance of the six dominant species, fish specific richness, overall abundance of 0+ fish and the Shannon index of diversity. Multiple regression analysis was also used to assess ANN performance.
3. Using 596 samples, correlation coefficients ( r adjusted) between observed and estimated values of the nine dependent parameters were all highly significant ( P < 0.01). Expected values from the tested data were significantly related to the observed values. The correlation coefficient between observed and estimated values ( r ) varied from 0.70 to 0.85.
4. The ANN provided a high quality prediction, despite the complex nature of the relationship between microhabitat composition and fish abundance.
5. Garson's algorithm was used to provide the explanatory power needed in ecology when using black-box models. Parameters contained in the models (i.e. weighting) were used to determine the relative contributions of explanatory variables and thus to ascertain the structure of fish communities.