Episodic Acidification of Small Streams in the Northeastern United States: Effects on Fish Populations
Baker JP, Van Sickle J, Gagen CJ, DeWalle DR, Sharpe WE, Carline RF, Baldigo BP, Murdoch PS, Bath DW, Krester WA, Simonin HA, Wigington PJ. 1996. Episodic Acidification of Small Streams in the Northeastern United States: Effects on Fish Populations. Ecological Applications. 6(2):422-437
As part of the Episodic Response Project (ERP), we studied the effects of episodic acidification on fish in 13 small streams in the northeastern United States: four streams in the Adirondack region of New York, four streams in the Catskills, New York, and five streams in the northern Appalachian Plateau, Pennsylvania. In situ bioassays with brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and a forage fish species (blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi), or slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus), depending on the region) measured direct toxicity. Movements of individual brook trout, in relation to stream chemistry, were monitored using radiotelemetry. Electrofishing surveys assessed fish community status and the density and biomass of brook trout in each stream. During low flow, all streams except one had chemical conditions considered suitable for the survival and reproduction of most fish species (median pH 6.0-7.2 during low flow; inorganic Al 100-200 pLg/L. We conclude that episodic acidification can have long-term effects on fish communities in small streams.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Baker, J; Van Sickle, J; Gagen, C; DeWalle, D; Sharpe, W; Carline, R; Baldigo, B; Murdoch, P; Bath, D; Krester, W; Simonin, H; Wigington, P
- Units
- ARD
- Keywords
- aluminum bioassays, Aquatic Biota, Atmospheric Deposition, critical loads, Episodic Acidification, Fish, fish behavior, Mortality, Population, Radiotelemetry, Southern Applachians