scholarly journals Predicting New Zealand riverine fish reference assemblages

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam D. Canning

Biomonitoring is a common method to monitor environmental change in river ecosystems, a key advantage of biomonitoring over snap-shot physicochemical monitoring is that it provides a more stable, long-term insight into change that is also effects-based. In New Zealand, the main biomonitoring method is a macroinvertebrate sensitivity scoring index, with little established methods available for biomonitoring of fish. This study models the contemporary distribution of common freshwater fish and then uses those models to predict freshwater fish assemblages for each river reach under reference conditions. Comparison of current fish assemblages with those predicted in reference conditions (as observed/expected (O/E) ratios) may provide a suitable option for freshwater fish biomonitoring. Most of the fish communities throughout the central North Island and lower reaches show substantial deviation from the modelled reference community. Most of this deviation is explained by nutrient enrichment, followed by downstream barriers (i.e. dams) and loss of riparian vegetation. The presence of modelled introduced species had relatively little impact on the presence of the modelled native fish. The maps of O/E fish assemblage may provide a rapid way to identify potential restoration sites.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam D Canning

Biomonitoring is a common method to monitor environmental change in river ecosystems, a key advantage of biomonitoring over snap-shot physicochemical monitoring is that it provides a more stable, long-term. insight into change that is also effects-based. In New Zealand, the main biomonitoring method is a macroinvertebrate sensitivity scoring index, with little established methods available for biomonitoring of fish. This study models the contemporary distribution of common freshwater fish and then uses those models to predict freshwater fish assemblages for each river reach under reference conditions. Comparison of current fish assemblages with those predicted in reference conditions (as observed/expected ratios) may provide a suitable option for freshwater fish biomonitoring. Most of the fish communities throughout the central North Island and lower reaches show substantial deviation from the modelled reference community. Most of this deviation is explained by nutrient enrichment, followed by downstream barriers (i.e., dams) and loss of riparian vegetation. The presence of modelled introduced species had relatively little on the presence of the modelled native fish. The maps of observed/expected fish assemblage may provide a rapid way to identify potential restoration sites.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam D Canning

Biomonitoring is a common method to monitor environmental change in river ecosystems, a key advantage of biomonitoring over snap-shot physicochemical monitoring is that it provides a more stable, long-term. insight into change that is also effects-based. In New Zealand, the main biomonitoring method is a macroinvertebrate sensitivity scoring index, with little established methods available for biomonitoring of fish. This study models the contemporary distribution of common freshwater fish and then uses those models to predict freshwater fish assemblages for each river reach under reference conditions. Comparison of current fish assemblages with those predicted in reference conditions (as observed/expected ratios) may provide a suitable option for freshwater fish biomonitoring. Most of the fish communities throughout the central North Island and lower reaches show substantial deviation from the modelled reference community. Most of this deviation is explained by nutrient enrichment, followed by downstream barriers (i.e., dams) and loss of riparian vegetation. The presence of modelled introduced species had relatively little on the presence of the modelled native fish. The maps of observed/expected fish assemblage may provide a rapid way to identify potential restoration sites.


Fishes ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Gonçalves ◽  
Maria Teodósio ◽  
Joana Cruz ◽  
Radhouan Ben-Hamadou ◽  
Ana Correia ◽  
...  

<em>Abstract</em>.—Texas harbors 191 species of native freshwater fishes, 48% of which are considered imperiled. The primary cause of fish species imperilment in Texas is anthropogenic alteration of freshwater systems, which continues to occur at rates and scales that threaten the long-term resiliency of freshwater habitats, species, and ecosystems. Innovative conservation approaches are needed to restore and maintain functional watershed processes, restore freshwater habitats, and conserve native species while simultaneously supporting human needs, such as flood control, municipal and agricultural water supply, water quality protection, and water-based recreation. The need for an integrated and holistic approach to conservation of freshwater systems has been the impetus for development of the Texas Native Fish Conservation Areas Network (hereafter “Texas NFCAs Network”). The Texas NFCAs Network consists of springs, ciénegas, creeks, rivers, and associated watersheds uniquely valued in preservation of Texas freshwater fish diversity. Twenty native fish conservation areas have been designated throughout the state. These were selected based on a spatial prioritization focused on identification of freshwater systems critically important to the long-term persistence of 91 freshwater fishes considered species of greatest conservation need. Through a shared vision of collaborative stewardship, conservation partnerships have formed among nongovernmental organizations, universities, and state and federal agencies to plan and deliver actions within the Texas NFCAs Network to restore and preserve native fishes and their habitats. Furthermore, the Texas NFCAs Network has increased awareness of the ecological, recreational, and economic values of Texas freshwater systems and helped increase interest and capacity of local landowners, communities, and recreational users (e.g., paddlers, anglers) to act as advocates and local stewards of these systems. By facilitating partnership development, coordinating broad-based conservation planning, and leveraging technical and financial resources toward strategic conservation investments, the Texas NFCAs Network has served as a catalyst for collaborative, science-based stewardship of native freshwater fishes and their habitats in Texas. The Texas NFCAs Network offers a successful case study in multispecies and watershed approaches to freshwater fish conservation transferrable to other states in the United States, with particular relevance to those states that, similar to Texas, consist predominately of privately owned landscapes.


2010 ◽  
Vol 408 (16) ◽  
pp. 3240-3250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamish S. Greig ◽  
Dev K. Niyogi ◽  
Kristy L. Hogsden ◽  
Phillip G. Jellyman ◽  
Jon S. Harding

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 1857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Meulenbroek ◽  
Silke Drexler ◽  
Christoffer Nagel ◽  
Michael Geistler ◽  
Herwig Waidbacher

Major sections of today’s rivers are man made and do not provide the essential requirements for riverine fish. A nature-like fish by-pass system in Vienna-Freudenau was assessed for its function as a fish habitat. The study was conducted continuously over 3 years; 15 years after construction of the by-pass. The chosen nature-like construction of the by-pass system functions like natural tributaries. More than 17000 fish and 43 species, including several protected and endangered species, in all life stages, including eggs, larvae, juveniles and adults, were captured. Furthermore, the indicator species of the free-flowing Danube, nase (Chondrostoma nasus) and barbel (Barbus barbus), migrated into the fish by-pass and successfully spawned before returning. Therefore, our results suggest that by-pass systems can function as an important habitat for the conservation of native fish fauna. The heterogenic habitat configuration provides conditions for all ecological guilds and, consequently, increases biodiversity. Finally, approved management tools are discussed. We suggest that fish by-pass channels may be suitable at other sites in the Danube catchment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 1983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Coelho Loures ◽  
Paulo Santos Pompeu

In reservoir cascades, effects on fish assemblages are expected to strengthen over time and transfer from one reservoir to an adjacent one. To test this, fish-assemblage data from 23 years of monitoring in the Araguari reservoir cascade system, upper Paraná River basin, were analysed. The results showed a clear reduction in richness of native and migratory fish species and an increase of non-native species, following reservoir formation. Migratory species richness was higher in reservoirs that presented habitats similar to lotic stretches or tributaries upstream of the impounded area. There was a clear tendency for native species to decline and non-native fish species to increase, in a downstream direction. Fish assemblages became increasingly dissimilar as reservoirs became more distant from each other (longitudinal gradient) and were dominated by small and medium-sized species. Alongside longitudinal position, reservoir area, age and the presence of herbivorous non-native fish were found to be important predictors of variation in fish-assemblage structure. Results from the present study help clarify the potential accumulated impacts of reservoir cascades on fish diversity, which must be carefully considered in river-basin inventories for hydropower plants, and reinforce the importance of long-term monitoring, considering longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the basin.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1044-1052
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Altenritter ◽  
Stephen M. Pescitelli ◽  
Andrya L. Whitten ◽  
Andrew F. Casper

2021 ◽  
Vol 322 ◽  
pp. 02003
Author(s):  
Dadang Shafrudin ◽  
Sulistiono ◽  
Charles P. H. Simanjuntak ◽  
M. Fadjar Rahardjo ◽  
Dudi M. Wildan ◽  
...  

As one of the sizable rivers in the Sumatra region, the Batang Toru River is a habitat for various fish species, some of which are potential to be developed as cultured fish. This study was carried out in April, July, and October 2019 in the Batang Toru River watershed of South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, to evaluate a potential development of the riverine fish for aquaculture development. The methods used were fisheries surveys and discussions with various communities and related agencies in the South Tapanuli Regency. The data obtained were presented descriptively. Based on the result of data analysis collected in the field, there were several potential fish species to be cultured in this study, including mahseer (Tor tambroides, T. tambra, Neolissochilus soro), catfish (Hemibagrus spp.), and eel (Anguilla bicolor). Some people in the area have also developed the culture of several fish species, such as mahseer and catfish. However, there has been no eel rearing until now, although some locations around the Batang Toru River are suitable for freshwater fish aquaculture activities.


Author(s):  
Joanne R. Stevenson ◽  
Hlekiwe Kachali ◽  
Zachary Whitman ◽  
Erica Seville ◽  
John Vargo ◽  
...  

On 22 February 2011, Canterbury and its largest city Christchurch experienced its second major earthquake within six months. The region is facing major economic and organisational challenges in the aftermath of these events. Approximately 25% of all buildings in the Christchurch CBD have been “red tagged” or deemed unsafe to enter. The New Zealand Treasury estimates that the combined cost of the February earthquake and the September earthquake is approximately NZ$15 billion [2]. This paper examines the national and regional economic climate prior to the event, discusses the immediate economic implications of this event, and the challenges and opportunities faced by organisations affected by this event. In order to facilitate recovery of the Christchurch area, organisations must adjust to a new norm; finding ways not only to continue functioning, but to grow in the months and years following these earthquakes. Some organisations relocated within days to areas that have been less affected by the earthquakes. Others are taking advantage of government subsidised aid packages to help retain their employees until they can make long-term decisions about the future of their organisation. This paper is framed as a “report from the field” in order to provide insight into the early recovery scenario as it applies to organisations affected by the February 2011 earthquake. It is intended both to inform and facilitate discussion about how organisations can and should pursue recovery in Canterbury, and how organisations can become more resilient in the face of the next crisis.


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