Freshwater Fish Inventory: Northeast National Parks 1999-2001

Mather ME. Freshwater Fish Inventory: Northeast National Parks 1999-2001. 1999-2001

Results of a two-year inventory of freshwater fish at 10 northeastern National Park sites. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: Compile historical records on stocking, resource surveys, harvest, chemical treatments, etc, from Cape Cod NS; Saint-Gaudens NHS; Saratoga NHP; Roosevelt-Vanderbilt NHS; Morristown NHP; Marsh Billings NHP; and Weir Farm NHS. This compilation of historical records should include synthesis and critical review of the available literature, both peer review and grey, especially those relative to NPS resources. The findings of the present study will be compared to and integrated into the existing local/regional literature. Compile existing information on system size, morphometry, and landscape features that may affect abiotic and biotic features of freshwater resources in northeastern parks. Determine composition of fish community at all sites in all major habitats. Sample select aquatic resources intensively across all season. In select systems, assess trophic structure (species composition and relative abundance) and functional ecology (species-specific effects on pond trophic of freshwater systems on a seasonal basis). Specifically quantify the distribution, abundance, and impact of the following: (a) Fish predators (both resident and migratory) (b) Planktivorous fish (prey and young-of-year piscivores) (c) Seasonal migratory fish, i.e., movements and functional ecology in both stream and lake (d) Zooplankton species composition and relative abundance (e) Benthos Analyze the pond fish and zooplankton inventory data in relation to abiotic, biotic, landscape, historical, and anthropogenic factors (including introduction of exotics and fishing pressure) to construct a model of governing processes. In so doing, build and test a conceptual model of factors that influence freshwater fish distribution in freshwater ponds. The goal of the conceptual model is to document the state and cause of the "current state of affairs." Test, evaluate, and recommend appropriate protocols for the long-term monitoring of all important fish species and aquatic habitats. This project seeks to address information gaps of the National Park Service by conducting a seasonal inventory of fish and their food base, i.e., zooplankton, benthos, fish, to collect information that will help us understand the impact of abiotic and biotic factors as well.

Type
Project
Authors
Mather, Martha
Units
CACO , ELRO , HOFR , MABI , MIMA , MORR , NCBN , NETN , ROVA , SAGA , SAIR , SARA , VAMA , WEFA
Keywords
aquatic systems, Assessment, Community, Freshwater Fish, Inventory, Protocols, Species List

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