Water quality and fish dynamics in forested wetlands associated with an oxbow lake
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Abstract
Forested wetlands represent some of the most distinct environments in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Depending on season, water in forested wetlands can be warm, stagnant, and oxygen-depleted, yet may support high fish diversity. Fish assemblages in forested wetlands are not well studied because of difficulties in sampling heavily structured environments. During the April–July period, we surveyed and compared the water quality and assemblages of small fish in a margin wetland (forested fringe along a lake shore), contiguous wetland (forested wetland adjacent to a lake), and the open water of an oxbow lake. Dissolved-oxygen levels measured hourly 0.5 m below the surface were higher in the open water than in either of the forested wetlands. Despite reduced water quality, fish-species richness and catch rates estimated with light traps were greater in the forested wetlands than in the open water. The forested wetlands supported large numbers of fish and unique fish assemblages that included some rare species, likely because of their structural complexity. Programs developed to refine agricultural practices, preserve riparian zones, and restore lakes should include guidance to protect and reestablish forested wetlands.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Water quality and fish dynamics in forested wetlands associated with an oxbow lake |
| Series title | Southeastern Naturalist |
| DOI | 10.1656/058.014.0404 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 2015 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Bioone |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |
| Description | 12 p. |
| First page | 623 |
| Last page | 634 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| Other Geospatial | Blue Lake |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |