Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
River System ◽  
Endangered Species Act ◽  
Large River ◽  
Main Stem ◽  
Lake Mead ◽  
Virgin River ◽  
Native Fishes

<em>Abstract.</em>—The Virgin–Moapa River system supports nine native fish species or subspecies, of which five are endemic. Woundfin <em>Plagopterus argentissimus </em>and Virgin River chub <em>Gila seminuda </em>are endemic to the main-stem Virgin River, whereas cooler and clearer tributaries are home to the Virgin spinedace <em>Lepidomeda mollispinis</em>. Moapa dace <em>Moapa coriacea </em>and Moapa White River springfish <em>Crenichthys baileyi moapae </em>are found in thermal springs that form the Moapa River, and Moapa speckled dace <em>Rhinichthys osculus moapae </em>is generally found below the springs in cooler waters. The agricultural heritage of the Virgin–Moapa River system resulted in numerous diversions that increased as municipal demands rose in recent years. In the early 1900s, trout were introduced into some of the cooler tributary streams, adversely affecting Virgin spinedace and other native species. The creation of Lake Mead in 1935 inundated the lower 80 km of the Virgin River and the lower 8 km of the Moapa River. Shortly thereafter, nonnative fishes invaded upstream from Lake Mead, and these species have continued to proliferate. Growing communities continue to compete for Virgin River water. These anthropogenic changes have reduced distribution and abundance of the native Virgin–Moapa River system fish fauna. The woundfin, Virgin River chub, and Moapa dace are listed as endangered, and the Virgin spinedace has been proposed for listing. In this paper we document how the abundance of these species has declined since the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Currently, there is no strong main-stem refugium for the Virgin River native fishes, tributary refugia continue to be shortened, and the Moapa River native fishes continue to be jeopardized. Recovery efforts for the listed and other native fishes, especially in the Virgin River, have monitored the declines, but have not implemented recovery actions effective in reversing them.

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Large River ◽  
Gold Rush ◽  
Physical Habitat ◽  
San Joaquin River ◽  
The Status ◽  
Native Fishes

<em>Abstract.</em>—In this paper, we review information regarding the status of the native fishes of the combined Sacramento River and San Joaquin River drainages (hereinafter the “Sacramento–San Joaquin drainage”) and the factors associated with their declines. The Sacramento–San Joaquin drainage is the center of fish evolution in California, giving rise to 17 endemic species of a total native fish fauna of 28 species. Rapid changes in land use and water use beginning with the Gold Rush in the 1850s and continuing to the present have resulted in the extinction, extirpation, and reduction in range and abundance of the native fishes. Multiple factors are associated with the declines of native fishes, including habitat alteration and loss, water storage and diversion, flow alteration, water quality, and invasions of alien species. Although native fishes can be quite tolerant of stressful physical conditions, in some rivers of the drainage the physical habitat has been altered to the extent that it is now more suited for alien species. This interaction of environmental changes and invasions of alien species makes it difficult to predict the benefits of restoration efforts to native fishes. Possible effects of climate change on California’s aquatic habitats add additional complexity to restoration of native fishes. Unless protection and restoration of native fishes is explicitly considered in future water management decisions, declines are likely to continue.

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Large River ◽  
Platte River ◽  
Water Diversions ◽  
The North ◽  
As Species ◽  
South Platte ◽  
The City

<em>Abstract.</em>—From its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains, the Platte River drains 230,362 km<sup>2</sup> in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The Platte River is formed by the confluence of the North Platte and South Platte near the city of North Platte, Nebraska, and receives additional flow from the Loup and Elkhorn rivers that drain the Sand Hills region of Nebraska. Water diversions for mining and irrigation began in the 1840s in Colorado and Wyoming, and irrigation diversions in Nebraska began in the 1850s. Construction of dams for control of river flows commenced on the North Platte River in Wyoming in 1904. Additional dams and diversions in the North Platte, South Platte, and Platte rivers have extensively modified natural flow patterns and caused interruptions of flows. Pollution, from mining, industrial, municipal, and agricultural sources, and introductions of 24 nonnative species have also taken their toll. Fishes of the basin were little studied before changes in land use, pollution, and introduction of exotic species began. The current fish fauna totals approximately 100 species from 20 families. Native species richness declines westward, but some species find refugia in western headwaters streams. Declines in 26 native species has led to their being listing as species of concern by one or more basin states.

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
North America ◽  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Large River ◽  
Freshwater Species ◽  
The World ◽  
Native Fishes

<em>Abstract.</em>—The Rio Grande is the fourth longest river in North America and the 22nd longest in the world. It begins as a cold headwater stream in Colorado, flows through New Mexico and Texas, where it becomes warm and turbid and finally empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The diversity of native fishes is high in the Rio Grande ranging from freshwater salmonids in its upper reaches to coastal forms in the lower reaches. Historically, about 40 primary freshwater species inhabited the waters of the Rio Grande. Like many rivers throughout North America, the native fish fauna of this river has been irrevocably altered. Species once present are now extinct, others are threatened or endangered, and the majority of the remaining native fishes are declining in both range and numbers. Today, 17 of the 40 primary native freshwater fishes have been either extirpated in part or throughout the Rio Grande drainage. This chapter examines the river, its fauna, and its current plight.

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
New Mexico ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Colorado River ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Large River ◽  
Main Stem ◽  
Past Century ◽  
The West ◽  
Gila River ◽  
Nonnative Fish

<em>Abstract.</em>—The Gila River originates in southwestern New Mexico and courses its way for over 700 km to the west before emptying into the main-stem Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona. Historically, this river was a major watercourse across the Sonora Desert of Arizona. At present, main-stem dams and numerous diversions have markedly altered the historic hydrology of the river. Seventeen native species once occupied the main stem of this large southwest desert river. More than twice that number (40) of nonnative fish species have been introduced into the waters of the Gila over the past century. Currently, less than half of the native fauna is present in the main stem and then primarily in the upper three reaches of the river. The majority of the species (70%) are federally listed as threatened, endangered, or sensitive. The combination of hydrological alteration and accompanying introductions of nonnative, principally sport fishes has basically extirpated the native fauna in all but the uppermost reaches of the Gila River main stem.

scholarly journals Fish distribution patterns in the White Drin (Drini i Bardhë) river, Kosovo

2020 ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Linda Grapci-Kotori ◽  
Theocharis Vavalidis ◽  
Dimitris Zogaris ◽  
Radek Šanda ◽  
Jasna Vukić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Large River ◽  
Fish Distribution ◽  
Main Stem ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Network Analyses

Fish assemblages and their distributions in the western Balkan rivers have rarely been investigated. This study provides initial insights into the spatial patterns of fish distributions in the main-stem of the White Drin in Kosovo. Sampling primarily utilized back-pack electrofishing at 11 sites along the river's entire main stem, recording 21 species. Identification of most fish species was confirmed through DNA barcode analyses; two yet unnamed species are present and some taxonomic problems were discovered. The abundance of non-native species was low (5.9% of the catch) but seven of the eight non-natives have established populations. A longitudinal fish zonation pattern was described for the first time in this river; fish assemblages in an upstream-to-downstream gradient were characterized by a decrease of cold-water species (salmonids, minnows) and an increase of large-river cyprinids and non-native species. Multivariate ordination and network analyses demarcate preliminary fish assemblage types and specific environmental and anthropogenic pressure attributes are shown to influence assemblage structure. Natural assemblage patterns may be locally disrupted by anthropogenic pressures such as pollution and hydromorphological disturbances, however most sites show semi-natural features and conditions. Recommendations for conservation and further research are provided.

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
River System ◽  
Large River ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Species Dispersal ◽  
Geologic History ◽  
Additional Species

<em>Abstract.</em>—The Alabama River system, comprising the Alabama, Coosa, and Tallapoosa subsystems, forms the eastern portion of the Mobile River drainage. Physiographic diversity and geologic history have fostered development in the Alabama River system of globally significant levels of aquatic faunal diversity and endemism. At least 184 fishes are native to the system, including at least 33 endemic species. During the past century, dam construction for hydropower generation and navigation resulted in 16 reservoirs that inundate 44% of the length of the Alabama River system main stems. This extensive physical and hydrologic alteration has affected the fish fauna in three major ways. Diadromous and migratory species have declined precipitously. Fish assemblages persisting downstream from large main-stem dams have been simplified by loss of species unable to cope with altered flow and water quality regimes. Fish populations persisting in the headwaters and in tributaries to the mainstem reservoirs are now isolated and subjected to effects of physical and chemical habitat degradation. Ten fishes in the Alabama River system (including seven endemic species) are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Regional experts consider at least 28 additional species to be vulnerable, threatened, or endangered with extinction. Conserving the Alabama River system fish fauna will require innovative dam management, protection of streams from effects of urbanization and water supply development, and control of alien species dispersal. Failure to manage aggressively for integrity of remaining unimpounded portions of the Alabama River system will result in reduced quality of natural resources for future generations, continued assemblage simplification, and species extinctions.

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Large River ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Mean Width ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
The World ◽  
Annual Discharge

<em>Abstract.</em>—The Rio das Velhas is a tributary of the Rio São Francisco, one of Brazil’s largest rivers. It is the Rio São Francisco’s second most important tributary in water volume (mean annual discharge of 631 m<sup>3</sup>/s), with a drainage area of 27,867 km<sup>2</sup>, length of 761 km, and mean width of 38 m. Like many other rivers around the world, it became heavily polluted in the 1900s. The Rio das Velhas is the most polluted river of Minas Gerais state because the basin contains approximately 4.5 million people. Unlike other Brazilian rivers, its fish fauna was studied from 1850 to 1856. Fifty-five fish species were recorded; 20 of them were first described at that time, when there were previously no more than 40 known species in the entire São Francisco basin. Recent fish collections, approximately 150 years later, indicate 107 fish species, but some may be locally extinct. There are good prospects of rehabilitating this fauna because of the connectivity of the Rio das Velhas with the São Francisco main stem, its well-preserved tributaries, and increased investments in sewage treatment.

Historical Changes in Large River Fish Assemblages of the Americas

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Large River ◽  
Biotic Integrity ◽  
Alien Invasive Species ◽  
Early 20Th Century ◽  
Biological Integrity ◽  
North Central ◽  
Northern Branch

<em>Abstract.</em>—The interior Río Nazas basin is located in arid north-central México. It is an interior drainage, subject to dewatering since the early 20th century, and sustains wide fluctuations in runoff. It drains 85,530 km<sup>2</sup> and has a major dam in the middle reaches, producing a highly controlled river, with 100% consumption for agriculture and urban use. Hydrologic gauge reports at Torreón from the Comisión Nacional del Agua indicate a 10-year average runoff of 581.9 million m3 from 1936 to 1945, and only 66.4 million m3 in 1972, the last year of recorded runoff. Its 13 known native fish species are of Rio Grande/Rio Bravo origin. Eleven are endemic to the basin complex (only one absent from the study area), seven species have been listed by the Mexican federal government as threatened or endangered, and three are undescribed. The basin has 13 invasive alien species. An index of biological integrity (IBI), based on historical data, was applied to the current fish assemblage at 10 localities in the lower basin, below El Palmito reservoir. The IBI ranged from 50 to 57 at sites in the northern branch, to 39–61 in the southern branches, and to 0–57 from below their junction to the lower reaches, and averaged 37 or very poor. The overall biotic integrity is very low, especially near reservoirs and in the lower reaches of the river, where human activities consume all available water. The main causes of fish loss from this interesting fish fauna are alien invasive species, habitat disruption, pollution, and dewatering.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities on a Large River Using Longfin Eel as a Bioindicator

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 8412
Author(s):  
Olivier Champeau ◽  
James M. Ataria ◽  
Grant L. Northcott ◽  
Gen Kume ◽  
Andrew Barrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
River System ◽  
Large River ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
Bioindicator Species ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Anthropogenic Stressors ◽  
Residential Land Use

The Matāura River is the sixth largest river system in New Zealand and has long been subject to agricultural, industrial, and residential land use activities. The catchment has economic value and is of great cultural importance for local Māori, who have concerns over potential adverse impacts that anthropogenic stressors exert on the health of the river. There is a dearth of information on the impacts of these stressors towards the health of native species such as the longfin eel Anguilla dieffenbachii. This study assessed the environmental status of the Matāura River using biological and chemical methodologies incorporating A. dieffenbachii as a bioindicator species for exposure to multiple anthropogenic stressors. A range of biomarkers were measured in caged and wild-caught eels (when available) to characterize site-specific responses to anthropogenic stressors. While there was no clear indication of cumulative impacts moving from pristine headwaters to the lower reaches of the Matāura River, biomarkers of xenobiotic metabolization were induced in A. dieffenbachia and there was evidence of chemical contamination in sediment and tissue samples.

Invaders induce coordinated isotopic niche shifts in native fish species

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (8) ◽  
pp. 1348-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane S. Rogosch ◽  
Julian D. Olden
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Isotopic Niche ◽  
Mesopredator Release ◽  
Native Fishes

Food-web investigations inform management strategies by exposing potential interactions between native and nonnative species and anticipating likely outcomes associated with species removal efforts. We leveraged a natural gradient of compositional turnover from native-only to nonnative-only fish assemblages, combined with an intensive removal effort, to investigate underlying food-web changes in response to invasive species expansion in a Lower Colorado River tributary. Nonnative fishes caused coordinated isotopic niche displacement in native fishes by inducing resource shifts toward lower trophic positions and enriched carbon sources. By contrast, nonnative fishes did not experience reciprocal shifts when native fishes were present. Asymmetrical outcomes between native and nonnative fishes indicated species displacement may result from competitive or consumptive interactions. Native species’ isotopic niches returned to higher trophic levels after nonnative green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) removal, indicating removal efforts can support trophic recovery of native fishes like desert suckers (Catostomus clarkii) and roundtail chub (Gila robusta). Using stable isotope analysis in preremoval assessments provides opportunities to identify asymmetric interactions, whereas postremoval assessments could identify unintended consequences, like mesopredator release, as part of adaptive decision making to recover native fishes.

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