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Crawford RMB, Gee EM, Dupont DWE, Hicks BJ, Franklin PA. High water temperature significantly influences swimming performance of New Zealand migratory species. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae047. [PMID: 39086758 PMCID: PMC11289306 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic structures in freshwater systems pose a significant threat by fragmenting habitats. Effective fish passage solutions must consider how environmental changes introduce variability into swimming performance. As temperature is considered the most important external factor influencing fish physiology, it is especially important to consider its effects on fish swimming performance. Even minor alterations in water properties, such as temperature and velocity, can profoundly affect fish metabolic demands, foraging behaviours, fitness and, consequently, swimming performance and passage success. In this study, we investigated the impact of varying water temperatures on the critical swimming speeds of four migratory New Zealand species. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in critical swimming speeds at higher water temperatures (26°C) compared to lower ones (8 and 15°C) for three out of four species (Galaxias maculatus, Galaxias brevipinnis and Gobiomorphus cotidianus). In contrast, Galaxias fasciatus exhibited no significant temperature-related changes in swimming performance, suggesting species-specific responses to temperature. The cold temperature treatment did not impact swimming performance for any of the studied species. As high water temperatures significantly reduce fish swimming performance, it is important to ensure that fish passage solutions are designed to accommodate a range of temperature changes, including spatial and temporal changes, ranging from diel to decadal fluctuations. Our research underscores the importance of incorporating temperature effects into fish passage models for habitat restoration, connectivity initiatives, and freshwater fish conservation. The influence of temperature on fish swimming performance can alter migration patterns and population dynamics, highlighting the need for adaptive conservation strategies. To ensure the resilience of freshwater ecosystems it is important to account for the impact of temperature on fish swimming performance, particularly in the context of a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M B Crawford
- School of Science, Environmental Research Institute, The University of Waikato, Room E.2.20, E Block, Gate 8, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, 3216, New Zealand
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Gate 10, Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton, 3216, New Zealand
| | - Eleanor M Gee
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Gate 10, Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton, 3216, New Zealand
- Waikato Regional Council, 160 Ward Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton, 3204New Zealand
| | - Deborah W E Dupont
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Gate 10, Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton, 3216, New Zealand
| | - Brendan J Hicks
- School of Science, Environmental Research Institute, The University of Waikato, Room E.2.20, E Block, Gate 8, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, 3216, New Zealand
- Morphum Environmental Ltd, 65 Victoria Street, Hamilton, 3204New Zealand
| | - Paul A Franklin
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Gate 10, Silverdale Road, Hillcrest, Hamilton, 3216, New Zealand
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2
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Hill MJ, Wood PJ, Fairchild W, Williams P, Nicolet P, Biggs J. Garden pond diversity: Opportunities for urban freshwater conservation. Basic Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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3
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Petsch DK, Blowes SA, Melo AS, Chase JM. A synthesis of land use impacts on stream biodiversity across metrics and scales. Ecology 2021; 102:e03498. [PMID: 34314043 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While land use intensification is a major driver of biodiversity change in streams, the nature of such changes, and at which scales they occur, have not been synthesized. To synthesize how land use change has altered multiple components of stream biodiversity across scales, we compiled data from 37 studies where comparative data were available for species' total and relative abundances from multiple locations including reference (less impacted) streams to those surrounded by different land use types (urban, forestry, and agriculture). We found that each type of land use reduced multiple components of within-stream biodiversity across scales, but that urbanization consistently had the strongest effects. However, we found that β-diversity among streams in modified landscapes did not differ from β-diversity observed among reference streams, suggesting little evidence for biotic homogenization. Nevertheless, assemblage composition did experience considerable species turnover between reference and modified streams. Our results emphasize that to understand how anthropogenic factors such as land use alter biodiversity, multiple components of biodiversity within and among sites must be simultaneously considered at multiple scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle K Petsch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Shane A Blowes
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, 04103, Germany.,Department of Computer Science, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), 06099, Germany
| | - Adriano S Melo
- Departamento de Ecologia, ICB, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Jonathan M Chase
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, Leipzig, 04103, Germany.,Department of Computer Science, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), 06099, Germany
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4
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Denison CD, Scott MC, Kubach KM, Peoples BK. Integrating Regional Frameworks and Local Variability for Riverine Bioassessment. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 68:126-145. [PMID: 33961123 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01479-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Regional frameworks enable bioassessment methods to detect anthropogenic effects on ecosystems amid natural variability. Conventional approaches to regionalization have used coarse geographical frameworks to separate sites similar in their ecological (ecoregion) or faunal (basin) characteristics. Expectations for individual streams are then adjusted for within-region variability in local environmental characteristics. Integrating regional frameworks and local variability may improve the sensitivity and performance of bioassessments. In this study, we used a biologically-informed stream classification to develop an integrated regional framework for bioassessment considering the effects of ecoregion, basin, and local environmental variables on wadeable stream fish communities of South Carolina, USA. Our integrated framework was compared against conventional regional frameworks indexing ecoregions or basins alone. Frameworks were evaluated by their ability to (1) efficiently partition community variation and (2) allow for the detection of anthropogenic effects on fish communities. We found an integrated framework better described natural variability in stream fish communities. In addition, we found highly regional relationships between fish metrics and anthropogenic disturbance among frameworks, suggesting appropriate bioassessment metrics will differ across regions in our study area. Differences in community response to disturbance among frameworks emphasize the importance of testing metrics for their hypothesized sensitivity before using them in bioassessment. This study ultimately supports the integration of regional frameworks across spatial scales to classify streams for bioassessment, and provides an analytical framework from which to evaluate biotic variation and metric utility in the context of bioassessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colby D Denison
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Mark C Scott
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Freshwater Fisheries Research, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Kevin M Kubach
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Freshwater Fisheries Research, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA
| | - Brandon K Peoples
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29631, USA.
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Abstract
Riparian zones form a boundary between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with disproportionate influences on food web dynamics and ecosystem functioning in both habitats. However, riparian boundaries are frequently degraded by human activities, including urbanization, leading to direct impacts on terrestrial communities and indirect changes that are mediated through altered connectivity with adjacent aquatic ecosystems. We investigated how riparian habitat influences fish communities in an urban context. We electrofished nine urban site pairs with and without forested riparian buffers, alongside an additional 12 sites that were located throughout the river networks in the Oslo Fjord basin, Norway. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) were the dominant fish species. Riparian buffers had weak positive effects on fish densities at low to moderate levels of catchment urbanization, whereas fish were absent from highly polluted streams. Subtle shifts in fish size distributions suggested that riparian buffers play an important role in metapopulation dynamics. Stable isotopes in fish from buffered reaches indicated dietary shifts, pointing to the potential for a greater reliance on terrestrial-sourced carbon. Combining these results, we postulate that spatially-mediated ontogenetic diet shifts may be important for the persistence of brown trout in urban streams. Our results show that using a food web perspective is essential in understanding how riparian buffers can offset impacts in urban catchments.
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Craig CA, Bonner TH. Spring flow lost: a historical and contemporary perspective of an urban fish community. Urban Ecosyst 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-020-01047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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7
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Hilderbrand RH, Keller SR, Laperriere SM, Santoro AE, Cessna J, Trott R. Microbial communities can predict the ecological condition of headwater streams. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236932. [PMID: 32745120 PMCID: PMC7398514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanity’s reliance on clean water and the ecosystem services provided makes identifying efficient and effective ways to assess the ecological condition of streams ever more important. We used high throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA region to explore relationships between stream microbial communities, environmental attributes, and assessments of stream ecological condition. Bacteria and archaea in microbial community samples collected from the water column and from stream sediments during spring and summer were used to replicate standard assessments of ecological condition performed with benthic macroinvertebrate collections via the Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (BIBI). Microbe-based condition assessments were generated at different levels of taxonomic resolution from phylum to OTU (Operational Taxonomic Units) in order to understand appropriate levels of taxonomic aggregation. Stream sediment microbial communities from both spring and summer were much better than the water column at replicating BIBI condition assessment results. Accuracies were as high as 100% on training data used to build the models and up to 80% on validation data used to assess predictions. Assessments using all OTUs usually had the highest accuracy on training data, but were lower on validation data due to overfitting. In contrast, assessments at the order-level had similar performance accuracy for validation data, and a reduced subset of orders also performed well, suggesting the method could be generalized to other watersheds. Subsets of the important orders responded similarly to environmental gradients compared to the entire community, where strong shifts in community structure occurred for known aquatic stressors such as pH, dissolved organic carbon, and nitrate nitrogen. The results suggest the stream microbes may be useful for assessing the ecological condition of streams and especially useful for stream restorations where many eukaryotic taxa have been eliminated due to prior degradation and are unable to recolonize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H. Hilderbrand
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephen R. Keller
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah M. Laperriere
- Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Cambridge, MD, United States of America
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Alyson E. Santoro
- Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Cambridge, MD, United States of America
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Jason Cessna
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, MD, United States of America
| | - Regina Trott
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, MD, United States of America
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Rieck LO, Sullivan SMP. Coupled fish-hydrogeomorphic responses to urbanization in streams of Columbus, Ohio, USA. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234303. [PMID: 32542035 PMCID: PMC7295201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a developing literature on urban streams, few studies have addressed the timing and mechanisms of urban-induced stream hydrogeomorphic adjustment on biotic assemblages. Here, we investigated the relationships between urbanization-driven annual changes in fluvial geomorphic characteristics and fish assemblages in 12 headwater streams in the Columbus Metropolitan Area (CMA), Ohio (USA) over 3–5 years. Multiple stream hydrogeomorphic characteristics changed over time including slope (0.1% decrease on average), discharge (39% decrease), and shear stress (29% decrease), some in concert with one another (e.g., slope and shear stress). Species-specific fish associations with hydrogeomorphic associations varied in nature and strength by year and thus were somewhat equivocal. At the assemblage level, we observed a negative relationship between D50 (median sediment particle size) and % tolerant individuals as well as a positive trend between incision ratio and % generalists over study years. Study reaches with higher total catchment imperviousness were associated with both finer median sediment size (R2 = 0.19) and lower assemblage diversity (R2 = 0.55). These results contribute to current understanding of the drivers of fish assemblages in urbanizing catchments, and point to urban-induced hydrogeomorphic alterations as one mechanism through which land-use changes influence in-channel characteristics important to aquatic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie O. Rieck
- Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - S. Mažeika P. Sullivan
- Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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9
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Czeglédi I, Kern B, Tóth R, Seress G, Erős T. Impacts of Urbanization on Stream Fish Assemblages: The Role of the Species Pool and the Local Environment. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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10
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Pelletier MC, Ebersole J, Mulvaney K, Rashleigh B, Gutierrez MN, Chintala M, Kuhn A, Molina M, Bagley M, Lane C. Resilience of aquatic systems: Review and management implications. AQUATIC SCIENCES 2020; 82:1-44. [PMID: 32489242 PMCID: PMC7265686 DOI: 10.1007/s00027-020-00717-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of how ecosystems function has changed from an equilibria-based view to one that recognizes the dynamic, fluctuating, nonlinear nature of aquatic systems. This current understanding requires that we manage systems for resilience. In this review, we examine how resilience has been defined, measured and applied in aquatic systems, and more broadly, in the socioecological systems in which they are embedded. Our review reveals the importance of managing stressors adversely impacting aquatic system resilience, as well as understanding the environmental and climatic cycles and changes impacting aquatic resources. Aquatic resilience may be enhanced by maintaining and enhancing habitat connectivity as well as functional redundancy and physical and biological diversity. Resilience in aquatic socioecological system may be enhanced by understanding and fostering linkages between the social and ecological subsystems, promoting equity among stakeholders, and understanding how the system is impacted by factors within and outside the area of immediate interest. Management for resilience requires implementation of adaptive and preferably collaborative management. Implementation of adaptive management for resilience will require an effective monitoring framework to detect key changes in the coupled socioecological system. Research is needed to (1) develop sensitive indicators and monitoring designs, (2) disentangle complex multi-scalar interactions and feedbacks, and (3) generalize lessons learned across aquatic ecosystems and apply them in new contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite C Pelletier
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Joe Ebersole
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kate Mulvaney
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Brenda Rashleigh
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | | | - Marnita Chintala
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Anne Kuhn
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Marirosa Molina
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mark Bagley
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chuck Lane
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Monk WA, Compson ZG, Choung CB, Korbel KL, Rideout NK, Baird DJ. Urbanisation of floodplain ecosystems: Weight-of-evidence and network meta-analysis elucidate multiple stressor pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 684:741-752. [PMID: 30827674 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater floodplains are dynamic, diverse ecosystems that represent important transition zones between terrestrial, riparian, subsurface and aquatic habitats. Given their historic importance in human development, floodplains have been exposed to a variety of pressures, which in combination have been instrumental in driving changes within these ecosystems. Here, we present an evidence-based framework to explore direct and indirect effects of pressures and stressors on floodplain ecosystems and test this structure within the urban landscape. Evidence was obtained from peer-reviewed scientific literature, focusing on effects of key pressures and stressors on receptors, including species composition (e.g., species presence-absence, diversity) and ecosystem function (e.g., biomass, decomposition). The strength of direct and indirect effects of individual and multiple stressors on biological receptors was quantified using two separate analyses: an evidence-weighted analysis and a quantitative network meta-analysis using data extracted from 131 studies. Results demonstrate the power of adopting a systematic framework to advance quantitative assessment of floodplain ecosystems affected by multiple stressors. While direct pathways were generally stronger and provided the core network skeleton, there were many more significant indirect pathways indicating evidence gaps in our mechanistic understanding of these processes. Indeed, the importance of indirect pathways (e.g. increase in impervious surface → increase in the accumulation rate of sediment nutrients) suggests that embracing complexity in network meta-analysis is a necessary step in revealing a more complete snapshot of the network. Results from the weight-of-evidence approach generally mirrored the direct pathway structure and demonstrated the strength of incorporating study quality alongside data sufficiency. Networks illustrated novel disturbance pathways (e.g., decrease in habitat structure → decrease in structure and function of aquatic and riparian assemblages) that can be used for hypothesis generation for future scientific enquiries. Our results highlight the broader applicability of adopting the proposed framework for assessing complex environments, such as floodplains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A Monk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada @ Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada; Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A2, Canada.
| | - Zacchaeus G Compson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada @ Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Catherine B Choung
- Environment and Climate Change Canada @ Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Kathryn L Korbel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Natalie K Rideout
- Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Donald J Baird
- Environment and Climate Change Canada @ Canadian Rivers Institute, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada
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12
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Threshold Responses in the Taxonomic and Functional Structure of Fish Assemblages to Land Use and Water Quality: A Case Study from the Taizi River. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11040661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Biological functional traits help to understand specific stressors that are ignored intaxonomic data analysis. A combination of biological functional traits and taxonomic data ishelpful in determining specific stressors which are of significance for fish conservation and riverbasin management. In the current study, the Taizi River was used as a case study to understand therelationships between the taxonomic and functional structure of fish and land use and waterquality, in addition to determining the thresholds of these stressors. The results showed thattaxonomic structure was significantly affected by the proportion of urban land and specificconductivity levels, while functional metrics were influenced by the proportions of farmland andforest. Threshold indicator taxa analysis found that Phoxinus lagowskii, Barbatula barbatula nuda,Odontobutis obscura, and Cobitis granoei had negative threshold responses along the gradients ofurban developments and specific conductivity. There was a significant change in fish taxonomiccomposition when the proportion of urban land exceeded a threshold of 2.6–3.1%, or specificconductivity exceeded a threshold of 369.5–484.5 μS/cm. Three functional features—habitatpreference, tolerance to disturbances, and spawning traits—showed threshold responses to theproportion of farmland and forest. The abundance of sensitive species should be monitored as partof watershed management, as sensitive species exhibit an earlier and stronger response to stressorsthan other functional metrics. Sensitive species had a positive threshold response to the proportionof forest at 80.1%. These species exhibited a negative threshold response to the proportion offarmland at 13.3%. The results of the current study suggest that the taxonomic and functionalstructure of fish assemblages are affected by land use and water quality. These parameters shouldbe integrated into routine monitoring for fish conservation and river basin management in the TaiziRiver. In addition, corresponding measures for improving river habitat and water quality shouldbe implemented according to the thresholds of these parameters.
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Franceschini S, Tancioni L, Lorenzoni M, Mattei F, Scardi M. An ecologically constrained procedure for sensitivity analysis of Artificial Neural Networks and other empirical models. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211445. [PMID: 30699204 PMCID: PMC6353184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitivity analysis applied to Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) as well as to other types of empirical ecological models allows assessing the importance of environmental predictive variables in affecting species distribution or other target variables. However, approaches that only consider values of the environmental variables that are likely to be observed in real-world conditions, given the underlying ecological relationships with other variables, have not yet been proposed. Here, a constrained sensitivity analysis procedure is presented, which evaluates the importance of the environmental variables considering only their plausible changes, thereby exploring only ecological meaningful scenarios. To demonstrate the procedure, we applied it to an ANN model predicting fish species richness, as identifying relationships between environmental variables and fish species occurrence in river ecosystems is a recurring topic in freshwater ecology. Results showed that several environmental variables played a less relevant role in driving the model output when that sensitivity analysis allowed them to vary only within an ecologically meaningful range of values, i.e. avoiding values that the model would never handle in its practical applications. By comparing percent changes in MSE between constrained and unconstrained sensitivity analysis, the relative importance of environmental variables was found to be different, with habitat descriptors and urbanization factors that played a more relevant role according to the constrained procedure. The ecologically constrained procedure can be applied to any sensitivity analysis method for ANNs, but obviously it can also be applied to other types of empirical ecological models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorenzo Tancioni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Mattei
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Scardi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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14
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Ichthyofauna diet changes in response to urbanization: the case of upper Paranapanema River basin (Brazil). Urban Ecosyst 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-018-0755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Grubbs SA, Sheldon AL. The stoneflies (Insecta, Plecoptera) of the Talladega Mountain region, Alabama, USA: distribution, elevation, endemism, and rarity patterns. Biodivers Data J 2018; 6:e22839. [PMID: 29434489 PMCID: PMC5806597 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.6.e22839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Talladega Mountain region of eastern Alabama is the southernmost outlier of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, including the highest peaks and ranges in the state. Collections of stoneflies (Plecoptera) previously here have been sporadic yet has led to several new species descriptions in modern times (James 1974, James 1976, Stark and Szczytko 1976, Kondratieff and Kirchner 1996, Szczytko and Kondratieff 2015) and expanded our understanding of southeastern US stoneflies. During the period 2003-2012 we conducted an intensive inventory of the stonefly fauna of the Talladega Mountain region. We collected across all months from 192 unique localities, covering a broad range of stream sizes and elevation gradients present in the region. New information A total of 57 confirmed species across eight of the nine Nearctic families were collected as adults (Table 4), including four species described as new during the study period (Table 2). Leuctra crossi James, 1974 was easily the most common species collected. Median elevations per species ranged from 174 m (Clioperla clio (Newman, 1839)) to 410 m (Leuctra triloba Claassen, 1923 (Fig. 3). Dot distribution maps were included for all 57 species plus one for undetermined nymphs of Pteronarcys Newman, 1838 (Figs. 4-19). As many as seven species may be endemic to the region but sampling efforts northeastward into Georgia, plus additional focused sampling in Alabama and a comprehensive examination of all available material held in museums and personal collections, are needed for confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Grubbs
- Western Kentucky University, Department of Biology and Center for Biodiversity Studies, Bowling Green, United States of America
| | - Andrew L Sheldon
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, United States of America
- Crawfordsville, Florida, United States of America
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16
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Bourassa AL, Fraser L, Beisner BE. Benthic macroinvertebrate and fish metacommunity structure in temperate urban streams. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/jux012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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17
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Predicting impacts of urbanized stream processes on biota: high flows and river chub (Nocomis micropogon) nesting activity. Urban Ecosyst 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-017-0641-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Cheng ST, Herricks EE, Tsai WP, Chang FJ. Assessing the natural and anthropogenic influences on basin-wide fish species richness. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 572:825-836. [PMID: 27592326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Theory predicts that the number of fish species increases with river size in natural free-flowing rivers, but the relationship is lost under intensive exploitation of water resources associated with dams and/or landscape developments. In this paper, we aim to identify orthomorphic issues that disrupt theoretical species patterns based on a multi-year, basin-wide assessment in the Danshuei River Watershed of Taiwan. We hypothesize that multiple human-induced modifications fragment habitat areas leading to decreases of local fish species richness. We integrally relate natural and anthropogenic influences on fish species richness by a multiple linear regression model that is driven by a combination of factors including river network structure controls, water quality alterations of habitat, and disruption of channel connectivity with major discontinuities in habitat caused by dams. We found that stream order is a major forcing factor representing natural influence on fish species richness. In addition to stream order, we identified dams, dissolved oxygen deficiency (DO), and excessive total phosphorus (TP) as major anthropogenic influences on the richness of fish species. Our results showed that anthropogenic influences were operating at various spatial scales that inherently regulate the physical, chemical, and biological condition of fish habitats. Moreover, our probability-based risk assessment revealed causes of species richness reduction and opportunities for mitigation. Risks of species richness reduction caused by dams were determined by the position of dams and the contribution of tributaries in the drainage network. Risks associated with TP and DO were higher in human-activity-intensified downstream reaches. Our methodology provides a structural framework for assessing changes in basin-wide fish species richness under the mixed natural and human-modified river network and habitat conditions. Based on our analysis results, we recommend that a focus on landscape and riverine habitats and maintaining long-term monitoring programs are crucial for effective watershed management and river conservation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ting Cheng
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Edwin E Herricks
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 205 N. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Wen-Ping Tsai
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fi-John Chang
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC.
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A Long-Term Study of Ecological Impacts of River Channelization on the Population of an Endangered Fish: Lessons Learned for Assessment and Restoration. WATER 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/w8060240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bendik NF, McEntire KD, Sissel BN. Movement, demographics, and occupancy dynamics of a federally-threatened salamander: evaluating the adequacy of critical habitat. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1817. [PMID: 26998413 PMCID: PMC4797769 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Critical habitat for many species is often limited to occupied localities. For rare and cryptic species, or those lacking sufficient data, occupied habitats may go unrecognized, potentially hindering species recovery. Proposed critical habitat for the aquatic Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea tonkawae) and two sister species were delineated based on the assumption that surface habitat is restricted to springs and excludes intervening stream reaches. To test this assumption, we performed two studies to understand aspects of individual, population, and metapopulation ecology of E. tonkawae. First, we examined movement and population demographics using capture-recapture along a spring-influenced stream reach. We then extended our investigation of stream habitat use with a study of occupancy and habitat dynamics in multiple headwater streams. Indications of extensive stream channel use based on capture-recapture results included frequent movements of >15 m, and high juvenile abundance downstream of the spring. Initial occupancy of E. tonkawae was associated with shallow depths, maidenhair fern presence and low temperature variation (indicative of groundwater influence), although many occupied sites were far from known springs. Additionally, previously dry sites were three times more likely to be colonized than wet sites. Our results indicate extensive use of stream habitats, including intermittent ones, by E. tonkawae. These areas may be important for maintaining population connectivity or even as primary habitat patches. Restricting critical habitat to occupied sites will result in a mismatch with actual habitat use, particularly when assumptions of habitat use are untested, thus limiting the potential for recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan F Bendik
- Watershed Protection Department, City of Austin , Austin, TX , United States of America
| | - Kira D McEntire
- Watershed Protection Department, City of Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America; Current affiliation: Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States of America
| | - Blake N Sissel
- Watershed Protection Department, City of Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America; Current affiliation: Natural Resources, Travis County, Austin, TX, United States of America
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Contemporary Land Change Alters Fish Communities in a San Francisco Bay Watershed, California, U.S.A. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141707. [PMID: 26580560 PMCID: PMC4651541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Urbanization is one of the leading threats to freshwater biodiversity, and urban regions continue to expand globally. Here we examined the relationship between recent urbanization and shifts in stream fish communities. We sampled fishes at 32 sites in the Alameda Creek Watershed, near San Francisco, California, in 1993–1994 and again in 2009, and we quantified univariate and multivariate changes in fish communities between the sampling periods. Sampling sites were classified into those downstream of a rapidly urbanizing area (“urbanized sites”), and those found in less impacted areas (“low-impacted sites”). We calculated the change from non-urban to urban land cover between 1993 and 2009 at two scales for each site (the total watershed and a 3km buffer zone immediately upstream of each site). Neither the mean relative abundance of native fish nor nonnative species richness changed significantly between the survey periods. However, we observed significant changes in fish community composition (as measured by Bray-Curtis dissimilarity) and a decrease in native species richness between the sampling periods at urbanized sites, but not at low-impacted sites. Moreover, the relative abundance of one native cyprinid (Lavinia symmetricus) decreased at the urbanized sites but not at low-impacted sites. Increased urbanization was associated with changes in the fish community, and this relationship was strongest at the smaller (3km buffer) scale. Our results suggest that ongoing land change alters fish communities and that contemporary resurveys are an important tool for examining how freshwater taxa are responding to recent environmental change.
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Rizzo AA, Raesly RL, Hilderbrand RR. Stream salamander responses to varying degrees of urbanization within Maryland’s piedmont physiographic province. Urban Ecosyst 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-015-0504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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McIntyre JK, Davis JW, Hinman C, Macneale KH, Anulacion BF, Scholz NL, Stark JD. Soil bioretention protects juvenile salmon and their prey from the toxic impacts of urban stormwater runoff. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 132:213-9. [PMID: 25576131 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), or low impact development, encompasses a diverse and expanding portfolio of strategies to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff on natural systems. Benchmarks for GSI success are usually framed in terms of hydrology and water chemistry, with reduced flow and loadings of toxic chemical contaminants as primary metrics. Despite the central goal of protecting aquatic species abundance and diversity, the effectiveness of GSI treatments in maintaining diverse assemblages of sensitive aquatic taxa has not been widely evaluated. In the present study we characterized the baseline toxicity of untreated urban runoff from a highway in Seattle, WA, across six storm events. For all storms, first flush runoff was toxic to the daphniid Ceriodaphnia dubia, causing up to 100% mortality or impairing reproduction among survivors. We then evaluated whether soil media used in bioretention, a conventional GSI method, could reduce or eliminate toxicity to juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as well as their macroinvertebrate prey, including cultured C. dubia and wild-collected mayfly nymphs (Baetis spp.). Untreated highway runoff was generally lethal to salmon and invertebrates, and this acute mortality was eliminated when the runoff was filtered through soil media in bioretention columns. Soil treatment also protected against sublethal reproductive toxicity in C. dubia. Thus, a relatively inexpensive GSI technology can be highly effective at reversing the acutely lethal and sublethal effects of urban runoff on multiple aquatic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K McIntyre
- Washington State University, Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, WA, USA.
| | - J W Davis
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, Lacey, WA, USA
| | - C Hinman
- Washington State University, Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, WA, USA
| | - K H Macneale
- National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - B F Anulacion
- National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - N L Scholz
- National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J D Stark
- Washington State University, Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Puyallup, WA, USA
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Murphy MO, Agha M, Maigret TA, Price SJ, Dorcas ME. The effects of urbanization on body size of larval stream salamanders. Urban Ecosyst 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-015-0486-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Burgos-Caraballo S, Cantrell SA, Ramírez A. Diversity of benthic biofilms along a land use gradient in tropical headwater streams, Puerto Rico. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2014; 68:47-59. [PMID: 24643714 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-014-0401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The properties of freshwater ecosystems can be altered, directly or indirectly, by different land uses (e.g., urbanization and agriculture). Streams heavily influenced by high nutrient concentrations associated with agriculture or urbanization may present conditions that can be intolerable for many aquatic species such as macroinvertebrates and fishes. However, information with respect to how benthic microbial communities may respond to changes in stream ecosystem properties in relation to agricultural or urban land uses is limited, in particular for tropical ecosystems. In this study, diversity of benthic biofilms was evaluated in 16 streams along a gradient of land use at the Turabo watershed in Puerto Rico using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. Diversity indices and community structure descriptors (species richness, Shannon diversity, dominance and evenness) were calculated for both bacteria and eukaryotes for each stream. Diversity of both groups, bacteria and eukaryotes, did not show a consistent pattern with land use, since it could be high or low at streams dominated by different land uses. This suggests that diversity of biofilms may be more related to site-specific conditions rather than watershed scale factors. To assess this contention, the relationship between biofilm diversity and reach-scale parameters (i.e., nutrient concentrations, canopy cover, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) was determined using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC(c)) for small sample size. Results indicated that nitrate was the variable that best explained variations in biofilm diversity. Since nitrate concentrations tend to increase with urban land use, our results suggest that urbanization may indeed increase microbial diversity indirectly by increasing nutrients in stream water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Burgos-Caraballo
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 70377, San Juan, PR, 00936-8377, USA,
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Kollaus KA, Behen KPK, Heard TC, Hardy TB, Bonner TH. Influence of urbanization on a karst terrain stream and fish community. Urban Ecosyst 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-014-0384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Kemp S. The potential and limitations of linking biological monitoring data and restoration needs of urbanized waterways: a case study. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:3859-3873. [PMID: 24526613 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of urbanization on waterways represents a major global challenge. Monitoring data plays an important role in the formulation of these strategies. Using monitoring and historical data compiled from around an urban area (Baltimore, USA), this paper is an assessment of the potential and limitations of the use of fish assemblage monitoring data in watershed restoration. A discriminant analysis between assemblages from urban and reference sites was used to determine faunal components which have been reduced or eliminated from Baltimore area waterways. This analysis produced a strong discrimination between fish assemblages from urban and reference sites. Species primarily associated with reference sites varied taxonomically and ecologically, were generally classified as pollution intolerant, and were native. Species associated with urbanized sites were also native, varied taxonomically and ecologically, and were mixed in pollution tolerance. One factor linking most species associated with reference sites was spawning mode (lithophilic). Spawning habitat limitations may be the mechanism through which these species have been reduced in the urbanized faunas. While this presents a strong general hypothesis, information regarding the specific habitat requirements and responses to urbanization of these species is limited. This represents a limitation to producing effective restoration strategies based on exact goals and targets. Without these, determining the type and number of restoration activities required to restore ecological communities remains problematic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Kemp
- Division of Science, Information Arts and Technology, University of Baltimore, 1420 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA,
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29
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Waite IR, Kennen JG, May JT, Brown LR, Cuffney TF, Jones KA, Orlando JL. Stream macroinvertebrate response models for bioassessment metrics: addressing the issue of spatial scale. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90944. [PMID: 24675770 PMCID: PMC3968005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed independent predictive disturbance models for a full regional data set and four individual ecoregions (Full Region vs. Individual Ecoregion models) to evaluate effects of spatial scale on the assessment of human landscape modification, on predicted response of stream biota, and the effect of other possible confounding factors, such as watershed size and elevation, on model performance. We selected macroinvertebrate sampling sites for model development (n = 591) and validation (n = 467) that met strict screening criteria from four proximal ecoregions in the northeastern U.S.: North Central Appalachians, Ridge and Valley, Northeastern Highlands, and Northern Piedmont. Models were developed using boosted regression tree (BRT) techniques for four macroinvertebrate metrics; results were compared among ecoregions and metrics. Comparing within a region but across the four macroinvertebrate metrics, the average richness of tolerant taxa (RichTOL) had the highest R2 for BRT models. Across the four metrics, final BRT models had between four and seven explanatory variables and always included a variable related to urbanization (e.g., population density, percent urban, or percent manmade channels), and either a measure of hydrologic runoff (e.g., minimum April, average December, or maximum monthly runoff) and(or) a natural landscape factor (e.g., riparian slope, precipitation, and elevation), or a measure of riparian disturbance. Contrary to our expectations, Full Region models explained nearly as much variance in the macroinvertebrate data as Individual Ecoregion models, and taking into account watershed size or elevation did not appear to improve model performance. As a result, it may be advantageous for bioassessment programs to develop large regional models as a preliminary assessment of overall disturbance conditions as long as the range in natural landscape variability is not excessive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R. Waite
- U.S. Geological Survey, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonathan G. Kennen
- U.S. Geological Survey, West Trenton, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jason T. May
- U.S. Geological Survey, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Larry R. Brown
- U.S. Geological Survey, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas F. Cuffney
- U.S. Geological Survey, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A. Jones
- U.S. Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - James L. Orlando
- U.S. Geological Survey, Sacramento, California, United States of America
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Mantyka-Pringle CS, Martin TG, Moffatt DB, Linke S, Rhodes JR. Understanding and predicting the combined effects of climate change and land-use change on freshwater macroinvertebrates and fish. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chrystal S. Mantyka-Pringle
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Climate Adaptation Flagship; CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences; GPO Box 2583 Brisbane Qld 4102 Australia
| | - Tara G. Martin
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Climate Adaptation Flagship; CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences; GPO Box 2583 Brisbane Qld 4102 Australia
| | - David B. Moffatt
- Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts; Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Science; GPO Box 5078 Brisbane Qld 4001 Australia
| | - Simon Linke
- Australian Rivers Institute; Griffith University; Nathan Qld 4111 Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Rhodes
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
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Martinuzzi S, Januchowski-Hartley SR, Pracheil BM, McIntyre PB, Plantinga AJ, Lewis DJ, Radeloff VC. Threats and opportunities for freshwater conservation under future land use change scenarios in the United States. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2014; 20:113-124. [PMID: 24022881 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems provide vital resources for humans and support high levels of biodiversity, yet are severely threatened throughout the world. The expansion of human land uses, such as urban and crop cover, typically degrades water quality and reduces freshwater biodiversity, thereby jeopardizing both biodiversity and ecosystem services. Identifying and mitigating future threats to freshwater ecosystems requires forecasting where land use changes are most likely. Our goal was to evaluate the potential consequences of future land use on freshwater ecosystems in the coterminous United States by comparing alternative scenarios of land use change (2001-2051) with current patterns of freshwater biodiversity and water quality risk. Using an econometric model, each of our land use scenarios projected greater changes in watersheds of the eastern half of the country, where freshwater ecosystems already experience higher stress from human activities. Future urban expansion emerged as a major threat in regions with high freshwater biodiversity (e.g., the Southeast) or severe water quality problems (e.g., the Midwest). Our scenarios reflecting environmentally oriented policies had some positive effects. Subsidizing afforestation for carbon sequestration reduced crop cover and increased natural vegetation in areas that are currently stressed by low water quality, while discouraging urban sprawl diminished urban expansion in areas of high biodiversity. On the other hand, we found that increases in crop commodity prices could lead to increased agricultural threats in areas of high freshwater biodiversity. Our analyses illustrate the potential for policy changes and market factors to influence future land use trends in certain regions of the country, with important consequences for freshwater ecosystems. Successful conservation of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services in the United States into the future will require attending to the potential threats and opportunities arising from policies and market changes affecting land use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Martinuzzi
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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SUNARDI, KANIAWATI KEUKEU, HUSODO TEGUH, MALINI DESAKMADE, ASTARI ANNISAJOVIANI. Distribution of Fish in the Upper Citarum River: an Adaptive Response to Physico-Chemical Properties. HAYATI JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES 2012. [DOI: 10.4308/hjb.19.4.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Response of fish communities to various environmental variables across multiple spatial scales. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012. [PMID: 23202766 PMCID: PMC3506418 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9103629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A better understanding of the relative importance of different spatial scale determinants on fish communities will eventually increase the accuracy and precision of their bioassessments. Many studies have described the influence of environmental variables on fish communities on multiple spatial scales. However, there is very limited information available on this topic for the East Asian monsoon region, including Korea. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between fish communities and environmental variables at multiple spatial scales using self-organizing map (SOM), random forest, and theoretical path models. The SOM explored differences among fish communities, reflecting environmental gradients, such as a longitudinal gradient from upstream to downstream, and differences in land cover types and water quality. The random forest model for predicting fish community patterns that used all 14 environmental variables was more powerful than a model using any single variable or other combination of environmental variables, and the random forest model was effective at predicting the occurrence of species and evaluating the contribution of environmental variables to that prediction. The theoretical path model described the responses of different species to their environment at multiple spatial scales, showing the importance of altitude, forest, and water quality factors to fish assemblages.
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Brown DJ, Schultz AD, Dixon JR, Dickerson BE, Forstner MRJ. Decline of Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Texas Spiny Softshells (Apalone spinifera emoryi) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-0928.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Schultz ET, Johnston RJ, Segerson K, Besedin EY. Integrating Ecology and Economics for Restoration: Using Ecological Indicators in Valuation of Ecosystem Services. Restor Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-100x.2011.00854.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Stranko SA, Hilderbrand RH, Palmer MA. Comparing the Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Diversity of Restored Urban Streams to Reference Streams. Restor Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-100x.2011.00824.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Nagy RC, Lockaby BG, Helms B, Kalin L, Stoeckel D. Water resources and land use and cover in a humid region: the southeastern United States. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2011; 40:867-878. [PMID: 21546673 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2010.0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
It is widely recognized that forest and water resources are intricately linked. Globally, changes in forest cover to accommodate agriculture and urban development introduce additional challenges for water management. The U.S. Southeast typifies this global trend as predictions of land-use change and population growth suggest increased pressure on water resources in coming years. Close attention has long been paid to interactions between people and water in arid regions; however, based on information from regions such as the Southeast, it is evident that much greater focus is required to sustain a high-quality water supply in humid areas as well. To that end, we review hydrological, physicochemical, biological, and human and environmental health responses to conversion of forests to agriculture and urban land uses in the Southeast. Commonly, forest removal leads to increased stream sediment and nutrients, more variable flow, altered habitat and stream and riparian communities, and increased risk of human health effects. Although indicators such as the percentage of impervious cover signify overall watershed alteration, the threshold to disturbance, or the point at which effects can been observed in stream and riparian parameters, can be quite low and often varies with physiographic conditions. In addition to current land use, historical practices can greatly influence current water quality. General inferences of this study may extend to many humid regions concerning climate, environmental thresholds, and the causes and nature of effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chelsea Nagy
- Dep. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Browns Univ., Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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Pickett STA, Cadenasso ML, Grove JM, Boone CG, Groffman PM, Irwin E, Kaushal SS, Marshall V, McGrath BP, Nilon CH, Pouyat RV, Szlavecz K, Troy A, Warren P. Urban ecological systems: scientific foundations and a decade of progress. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2011; 92:331-62. [PMID: 20965643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2010.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 08/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Urban ecological studies, including focus on cities, suburbs, and exurbs, while having deep roots in the early to mid 20th century, have burgeoned in the last several decades. We use the state factor approach to highlight the role of important aspects of climate, substrate, organisms, relief, and time in differentiating urban from non-urban areas, and for determining heterogeneity within spatially extensive metropolitan areas. In addition to reviewing key findings relevant to each state factor, we note the emergence of tentative "urban syndromes" concerning soils, streams, wildlife and plants, and homogenization of certain ecosystem functions, such as soil organic carbon dynamics. We note the utility of the ecosystem approach, the human ecosystem framework, and watersheds as integrative tools to tie information about multiple state factors together. The organismal component of urban complexes includes the social organization of the human population, and we review key modes by which human populations within urban areas are differentiated, and how such differentiation affects environmentally relevant actions. Emerging syntheses in land change science and ecological urban design are also summarized. The multifaceted frameworks and the growing urban knowledge base do however identify some pressing research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T A Pickett
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA.
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Utz RM, Eshleman KN, Hilderbrand RH. Variation in physicochemical responses to urbanization in streams between two Mid-Atlantic physiographic regions. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2011; 21:402-415. [PMID: 21563572 DOI: 10.1890/09-1786.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Urban development substantially alters the physicochemistry of streams, resulting in biodiversity and ecosystem function loss. However, interregional comparisons of physicochemical impact in urban streams suggest that geoclimatic heterogeneity may influence the extent of degradation. In the Mid-Atlantic United States, the adjacent Coastal Plain and Piedmont physiographic provinces possess distinctly different hydrogeomorphic properties that may influence how stream ecosystems respond to urbanization. Recent bioassessments have demonstrated that biotic sensitivity to urbanization is relatively acute in the Piedmont, suggesting that physicochemical change as a consequence of urbanization may be greater in that province. We compared hydrologic, chemical, and thermal characteristics of Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont first- through fifth-order streams along gradients of impervious surface cover (ISC) at multiple spatial scales. Linear models were applied to test if conditions in rural streams and the degree of impact from ISC varied between provinces. Mean and maximum summer temperatures in Piedmont streams increased more per unit of ISC than in the Coastal Plain. Contrary to expectations, however, variables that quantified high-flow event frequency, magnitude and duration, exhibited significantly greater impact along the ISC gradient in the Coastal Plain. Most chemical changes associated with increasing ISC were similar in the two provinces, although the interregional chemical composition of rural streams differed substantially for most parameters. Our findings demonstrate consistent interregional heterogeneity in stream ecosystem responses to urbanization. Landscape-scale management decisions with stream ecosystem conservation, mitigation, or restoration as a goal must therefore carefully consider the geoclimatic context in order to maximize effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Utz
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences-Appalachian Laboratory, 301 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532, USA.
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Utz RM, Hilderbrand RH. Interregional variation in urbanization-induced geomorphic change and macroinvertebrate habitat colonization in headwater streams. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1899/10-007.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Utz
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences, 301 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532 USA
| | - Robert H. Hilderbrand
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences, 301 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532 USA
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Stranko SA, Gresens SE, Klauda RJ, Kilian JV, Ciccotto PJ, Ashton MJ, Becker AJ. Differential Effects of Urbanization and Non-Natives on Imperiled Stream Species. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2010. [DOI: 10.1656/045.017.0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Hilderbrand RH, Utz RM, Stranko SA, Raesly RL. Applying thresholds to forecast potential biodiversity loss from human development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1899/09-138.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert H. Hilderbrand
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, Maryland 21532 USA
| | - Ryan M. Utz
- Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Frostburg, Maryland 21532 USA
| | - Scott A. Stranko
- Monitoring and Nontidal Assessment Division, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 USA
| | - Richard L. Raesly
- Department of Biology, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland 21532 USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary A. Lamberti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 USA
| | - Dominic T. Chaloner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 USA
| | - Anne E. Hershey
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402 USA
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Nelson KC, Palmer MA, Pizzuto JE, Moglen GE, Angermeier PL, Hilderbrand RH, Dettinger M, Hayhoe K. Forecasting the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on stream ecosystems: from impacts to management options. J Appl Ecol 2009; 46:154-163. [PMID: 19536343 PMCID: PMC2695864 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2008.01599.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Streams collect runoff, heat, and sediment from their watersheds, making them highly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances such as urbanization and climate change. Forecasting the effects of these disturbances using process‐based models is critical to identifying the form and magnitude of likely impacts. Here, we integrate a new biotic model with four previously developed physical models (downscaled climate projections, stream hydrology, geomorphology, and water temperature) to predict how stream fish growth and reproduction will most probably respond to shifts in climate and urbanization over the next several decades. The biotic submodel couples dynamics in fish populations and habitat suitability to predict fish assemblage composition, based on readily available biotic information (preferences for habitat, temperature, and food, and characteristics of spawning) and day‐to‐day variability in stream conditions. We illustrate the model using Piedmont headwater streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed of the USA, projecting ten scenarios: Baseline (low urbanization; no on‐going construction; and present‐day climate); one Urbanization scenario (higher impervious surface, lower forest cover, significant construction activity); four future climate change scenarios [Hadley CM3 and Parallel Climate Models under medium‐high (A2) and medium‐low (B2) emissions scenarios]; and the same four climate change scenarios plus Urbanization. Urbanization alone depressed growth or reproduction of 8 of 39 species, while climate change alone depressed 22 to 29 species. Almost every recreationally important species (i.e. trouts, basses, sunfishes) and six of the ten currently most common species were predicted to be significantly stressed. The combined effect of climate change and urbanization on adult growth was sometimes large compared to the effect of either stressor alone. Thus, the model predicts considerable change in fish assemblage composition, including loss of diversity. Synthesis and applications. The interaction of climate change and urban growth may entail significant reconfiguring of headwater streams, including a loss of ecosystem structure and services, which will be more costly than climate change alone. On local scales, stakeholders cannot control climate drivers but they can mitigate stream impacts via careful land use. Therefore, to conserve stream ecosystems, we recommend that proactive measures be taken to insure against species loss or severe population declines. Delays will inevitably exacerbate the impacts of both climate change and urbanization on headwater systems.
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Fletcher TD, Deletic A, Mitchell VG, Hatt BE. Reuse of urban runoff in Australia: a review of recent advances and remaining challenges. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2008; 37:S116-S127. [PMID: 18765758 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2007.0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of aquatic ecosystems due to hydrologic and water quality impacts of urbanization, combined with increasing water scarcity, has generated increasing interest in the harvesting of urban storm water. This paper reviews the rationale for integrated storm water treatment and harvesting and synthesizes recent advances and trends and knowledge gaps that limit its application. Storm water harvesting is shown to be a viable alternative water supply and to provide a potential solution to the increases in runoff frequency and peak flows that occur as a result of catchment urbanization. In general, treatment technologies for storm water harvesting have been adapted from existing "water-sensitive urban design" approaches, with limited use of traditional water supply and wastewater technologies. Risk management is often lacking, in part due to a lack of relevant guidance. Reported performance shows variable levels of potable water savings, with cases of up to 100% substitution recorded. Costs of storm water harvesting systems are shown to be inversely related to their scale. The limited cost data show the importance of context, with the harvested water costing more or less than alternative supplies, depending on the cost of the alternative. Limited data exist on environmental benefits, such as reductions in pollutant loads and flow peaks. Implementation of storm water harvesting systems is impeded by inadequate data on risk, lifecycle costs, externalities, and water-energy tradeoffs. Furthermore, retrofit of storm water harvesting into existing urban areas is proving to be a challenge, creating an urgent need for specific technologies for use in retrofit situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim D Fletcher
- Dep. of Civil Engineering (Institute for Sustainable Water Resources), Bldg. 60, Monash Univ., Victoria, Australia, 3800.
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Booth DB. Challenges and prospects for restoring urban streams: a perspective from the Pacific Northwest of North America. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1899/04-025.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Walsh CJ, Roy AH, Feminella JW, Cottingham PD, Groffman PM, Morgan RP. The urban stream syndrome: current knowledge and the search for a cure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1899/04-028.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1688] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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