Development of a submerged aquatic vegetation community index of biotic integrity for use in Lake Ontario coastal wetlands

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) supports biodiversity in the Great Lakes basin by providing an important source of food and habitat for breeding marsh birds and fish and it is desirable to have indices enabling reporting on the condition of SAV, to complement already available indices for the condition of fish, aquatic macroinvertebrate, and bird communities and water quality. We developed a SAV index of biotic integrity (SAV IBI) with 6 years of quadrat-based vegetation species composition data (2003, 2005–2009) collected across 46 coastal wetlands on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. We evaluated the suitability of thirteen potential metrics that described species richness, floristic quality, and cover. Metrics with a significant linear or non-linear response to disturbance (as assessed by a water quality index; WQI) were retained for use in the SAV IBI. Retained metrics included turbidity-intolerant species richness, native species richness, coefficient of conservatism, and total cumulative coverage. Lower SAV IBI scores indicated poorer coastal wetland conditions. Coastal wetlands in poor condition were located in more urbanized watersheds (e.g., Durham Region) relative to wetlands in more natural watersheds. Fish and breeding bird community condition showed strong significant relationships with the SAV IBI, suggesting that SAV was an important component of fish and bird biodiversity. Our SAV assessment index and its relationship to faunal diversity can be used to inform conservation decisions.     

Edge effects on abiotic conditions,zooplankton, macroinvertebrates,and larval fishes in Great Lakes fringing marshes

Fragmentation and edge creation is common in many freshwater coastal wetlands, though relatively little is known about edge effects on abiotic conditions and faunal communities within these habitats. We investigated edge effects associated with anthropogenic fragmentation in 16 fringing coastal marshes of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Environmental data, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and larval fish were collected along transects extending into each marsh from reference (i.e., where the wetland naturally interfaced with open water) and anthropogenic edges (i.e., where the wetland interfaced with open water habitats created by vegetation removal). Physical and chemical gradients were apparent from marsh edges toward marsh interiors regardless of edge type. Faunal communities appeared to respond to these gradients. Zooplankton biomass, macroinvertebrate richness and macroinvertebrate Shannon diversity were depressed at edges and increased toward marsh interiors. Larval fish catch per unit effort, taxon richness, and Shannon diversity increased from reference edges toward marsh interiors. Larvae of individual fish species displayed varying patterns across edges. Our results suggest that because of edge effects, fragmentation of coastal marshes causes impacts that exceed the area of marsh habitat that is actually lost. For example, as a marsh's protected inner core area is reduced, the marsh fragment may cease to function as a viable refuge from hydrologic energy and open water predators. Therefore, fragmentation should be viewed as a significant impact to freshwater coastal marsh ecosystems similar to how it is regarded in terrestrial ecosystem management.     

Bioassessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Wetland Habitats of Lake Saint-Pierre (St. Lawrence River)

We evaluated the potential of vegetation and sediment habitats in wetlands of the St. Lawrence River for developing a macroinvertebrate bioassessment program with reference conditions. During September 2004, we collected macroinvertebrates in emergent vegetation and sediment in both fluvial sites (reference) and tributary-plume sites (impacted) in waters of the north and south shores of Lake Saint-Pierre (St. Lawrence River). In each habitat, we compared taxa richness, abundance, and community structure of macroinvertebrates between reference and impacted sites, and used multivariate models to relate macroinvertebrate community to environmental conditions. Each habitat was suitable for discriminating reference fluvial sites from impacted tributary-plume sites based on macroinvertebrate communities. In emergent vegetation, macroinvertebrates were dominated by epibenthic fauna such as crustaceans (Gammaridae, Asellidae) and molluscs (Valvatidae) at fluvial sites, and insect larvae (Chironomidae, Caenidae) at tributary-plume sites. In sediment, macroinvertebrates comprised a greater proportion of endobenthic fauna such as Oligochaeta and Sphaeridae. Crustaceans and molluscs were still dominant at fluvial sites and Oligocheata and Chironomidae at tributary-plume sites. No strong difference was depicted in macroinvertebrate composition between north and south shore water masses. Environmental variables explained a higher proportion of variance in macroinvertebrate community composition in emergent vegetation than in sediment (68% versus 44%). Macroinvertebrate composition in sediment was more related to metal contamination, whereas macroinvertebrate composition in emergent vegetation was related primarily to vegetation type and water quality. Relevance of the study for bioassessment of macroinvertebrates in the St. Lawrence River using the reference condition approach is discussed.     

Comparing passive and active macroinvertebrate sampling gear efficacy during biomonitoring in Southern Appalachian mountain streams

Aquatic invertebrates are important components of any aquatic ecosystem and are frequently monitored to determine the ecological integrity of those systems. Various gear types are used to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates in wadeable streams. We analyzed commonly used active and passive gear types, including kick seines, Hess samplers, drift nets, and Hester–Dendy samplers, across a watershed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to determine their efficacy under various habitat conditions in wadeable Southern Appalachian mountain streams. Hester–Dendy samplers were significantly different from other gear types for most univariate and multivariate analyses. Kick and Hess samples were most similar in multivariate comparisons of macroinvertebrate assemblages. Drift samples were similar in most univariate analyses but were distinct from other gear types when analyzed with multivariate techniques. Our results indicate that comprehensive assessments of macroinvertebrate assemblages require multiple gear types, various analytical approaches, and consistent taxonomic resolution. The complexity of the fluvial system in question should be thoroughly assessed prior to formulating a macroinvertebrate biomonitoring protocol to better ensure robust and meaningful results.     

Hydrological Evolution of Wetland in Naoli River Basin and its Driving Mechanism

Naoli river basin(NRB), with an area of 24,863 km², is the largest basin and also the largest marsh distribution area in Sanjiang Plain, Heilongjiang, China. The hydrological evolution process of wetland in NRB has made a marked ecological responses for anthropic activities, also reflects the drying trend of the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. Global climate warming also contributes to the hydrological evolution process. The following key research results are obtained: (1) The monthly average water level of Naoli river at Caizuizi hydrological station in different ages showed a marked decline tendency, the annual mean water level dropped from 96.63 m during 1960–1969 to 95.59 m during 2000–2005, the water level drawdown is 1.04 m; (2) The annual runoff flowing into wetlands in NRB decreased. Duration of Naoli river and its tributaries being thoroughly frozen from riverbed to river-water-surface showed an prolonged trend, and the water level drawdown in frozen seasons increased. The water storage capacities of wetlands in NRB declined. (3) The interactions between ground water and surface water in wetland areas are close. The ground water level variation span is bigger than that of surface water level in wetland areas of NRB. The drawdown of ground water level promotes the surface water level to decline, correspondingly. In recent 20 years, the cultivated area extension of rice field in upstream NRB has made an adverse influence on the hydrological processes of wetlands. (4) The wetland area decrease and farmland area increase significantly contribute to the runoff depth decrease of wetlands in NRB. The runoff depth variability has been mostly posed by anthropic activities. (5) Reservoirs, ditches and dykes in NRB have greatly changed the runoff generation processes. Thickness of the seasonal frozen soil layer becoming thinner and the evaporation potential becoming bigger also contribute to the runoff depth reduction and the water level drawdown of rivers. The present study results will provide a scientific basic for developing an integrated watershed management program for NRB, especially, restoring the wetland hydrological processes, maintaining or improving the wetland structure and enhancing the wetland service functions.     

Shallow and deep water aquatic vegetation potential for a midlatitude pool of the Upper Mississippi River System with drawdown

Prior to navigation dam and levee placement, the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) flowed through a wide floodplain supporting a diverse ecosystem. Diversity was created by variable flood frequencies and water flow, but presently high and static water levels supporting river navigation have caused low diversity of aquatic vegetation in locations within the UMR. A pool‐scale water level drawdown was proposed as a wetland management tool to mimic historic low water flow for UMR Navigation Pool 18, between Oquawka and Keithsburg, IL. The objectives of this research are to determine plant species, density, and diversity expected for a drawdown in Pool 18. A seedbank and propagule assay was used to evaluate drawdown plant species response. Emergence was tested using river bottom substrate samples collected in 2009 from the proposed drawdown area. Samples were treated at two hydrologic levels: shallow (3‐cm depth) and deep (16‐cm depth). Dominant species in the shallow flooded treatment were Gratiola neglecta, Leersia oryzoides, Eleocharis palustris, Sagittaria latifolia, and Ammania coccinea. Deep flooded dominant taxa included G. neglecta, S. latifolia, Vallisneria americana, and A. coccinea. Each treatment indicated a seedbank of moderate diversity with a shallow treatment diversity of D = 0.56 and deep treatment diversity of D = 0.44. Plant density for the shallow flooded treatment was 213 stems/m² (±112; 95% CI), and deep flooded hydrologic treatment, 206 stems/m² (±82; 95% CI). It is expected that this drawdown will provide an intermediate ecological disturbance resulting in greater species diversity and density currently lacking in this portion of the Upper Mississippi River System.     

Differential macrohabitat use by birds on the unregulated Ovens River floodplain of southeastern Australia

In many lowland floodplains around the world, upriver interferences to flows (weirs, dams, off‐takes) have led to much reduced frequency and duration of flooding. As a result, many floodplain wetlands are now inundated relatively rarely if at all. Given regulation of most lowland rivers in southeastern Australia, we assessed use of wetlands by birds in the essentially unregulated Ovens River in northeastern Victoria. Twelve sites (0.4–1.2 ha) were studied after flooding. Four sites were ‘permanent billabongs’, four were temporary wetlands and the other four were randomly selected woodland sites >60 m from the nearest water body (including the river) acting as ‘control’ or ‘reference’ sites. Aquatic birds were not recorded using woodland sites, but many species were differentially associated with either billabongs or temporary wetlands. A surprising number of non‐aquatic birds either exclusively or differentially were associated with wetland sites compared with woodland sites. We concluded that heterogeneous macrohabitat will increase local avian biodiversity on lowland floodplains. Moreover, densities and diversity of non‐aquatic, woodland species also increased with the presence of wetlands. Temporary wetlands were used differently from permanent billabongs by birds, especially in foraging methods. This suggests that the reinstatement of major flooding on heavily regulated floodplains would be ecologically advantageous for birds by providing foraging and breeding opportunities. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

漓江大型底栖无脊椎动物及其与水环境的关系

为研究漓江上游水库为下游河道枯季航运补水所造成的水生态影响,对漓江大型底栖无脊椎动物空间分布特性与相应的水环境因子进行调查,并采用Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数、均匀度、丰富度指数分析物种多样性。结果表明:纹石蚕、黑龙江短沟蜷为上、中游优势种;纹石蚕、黑龙江短沟蜷、河蚬为下游优势种;纹石蚕、黑龙江短沟蜷为整个漓江水系的优势种。Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数、均匀度、大型底栖无脊椎动物的平均密度和平均动物量均呈现出下游大于中游、中游大于上游的趋势;而物种丰富度指数呈现出下游小于中游、中游小于上游的趋势。大型底栖无脊椎动物和环境因子的典范对应分析表明:温度、电导率、盐度、浊度、水深、总磷、化学需氧量为影响大型底栖无脊椎动物群落结构和分布的主要环境因子。     

Combining taxonomic and functional approaches to assess land-use impacts on macroinvertebrate assemblages and improve bioindication

Most studies exploring land use impacts have focused on taxonomic metrics, but interest in the functional approach has increased because it helps to understand the relationships between community structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. We evaluated how functional and taxonomic approaches, and the association between them, contribute to assessing the effects of land use on macroinvertebrate assemblages of lowland streams. We sampled benthic macroinvertebrates in 17 sites with different land uses (agricultural, peri-urban, and extensive livestock) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We computed the taxonomic metrics and biotic indexes as well as functional richness (FRic), divergence (FDiv), dispersion (FDis), and Rao diversity indexes for each site. We performed general linear mixed models to compare land-uses, a redundancy analysis, and also performed correlation analysis between taxonomic and functional indexes. Taxonomic richness was significantly higher in extensive livestock than in the other two land uses, while Shannon diversity was significantly different between land uses (extensive livestock > peri-urban > agriculture). FRic and FDiv were significantly lower in peri-urban land use than in agricultural and extensive livestock sites. Only taxonomic richness showed a significant and positive relationship with FRic, FDis, and Rao, but they fit better to a logarithmic function. Therefore, an increase in taxonomic richness and Shannon diversity did not necessarily imply an increase in the functional aspects of the macroinvertebrate assemblage. Using only one of these approaches could lead to partial evaluations and loss of information. Combining them could improve bioindication and predictive potential and help assess the effects of multiple stressors on freshwater ecosystems to improve biomonitoring.     

Effects of process-based floodplain restoration on aquatic macroinvertebrate production and community structure

Recent stream restoration approaches, such as Stage 0 restoration, aim to restore natural processes to regain lost ecosystem functions, but project implementation can also represent a reach-scale disturbance. Assumed outcomes of these restoration actions, like greater biological productivity, are rarely evaluated. In this study, we examined the short-term effects of Stage 0 floodplain restoration on the secondary production of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in the South Fork McKenzie River, Oregon, 1–2 years following project implementation. We seasonally sampled macroinvertebrates from benthic and submerged wood surfaces in the restored reach, and two unrestored reference reaches located upstream, to estimate annual secondary production. Macroinvertebrate production estimates were 3× lower on a per-meter-squared basis in the restored reach than in the upstream unrestored reference reaches (9764 vs. 29,636 mg DM/m²/yr). However, because there was 4.5-times greater wetted area available in the restored reach, overall macroinvertebrate production per unit of valley length was 3.4× higher in the restored reach than in unrestored reference reaches (2744 vs. 802 kg DM/km). Additionally, the mosaic of aquatic habitats created via restoration (main-channel, side-channel, and wetted forest habitats) supported a diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages both within and among reaches. Our findings suggest Stage 0 project implementation, which can include dewatering and filling incised channels, may reduce aquatic macroinvertebrate production on a per-unit-area basis for at least 1 or 2 years following restoration. However, this short-term disturbance effect may be offset by channel aggradation and widening, which can provide a more wetted area for macroinvertebrate production and may support greater macroinvertebrate community diversity. Future studies are needed to examine the longer term (2–10 years) aquatic macroinvertebrate response to Stage 0 restoration, and the impacts of shifting resource availability on stream fishes.     

Water depth and lake-wide water level fluctuation influence on α- and β-diversity of coastal wetland fish communities

Coastal wetlands in the Laurentian Great Lakes are critical habitats for supporting fish diversity and abundance within the basin. Insight into the coupling of biodiversity patterns with habitat conditions may elucidate mechanisms shaping diverse communities. Within coastal wetlands, water depth as well as fluctuations in lake-wide water levels over inter-annual timescales, both have the potential to influence fish communities. Water level fluctuation can influence fish habitat structure (e.g., vegetation) in Great Lakes coastal wetlands, but it is unclear how water depth and lake-wide water level fluctuations affect fish community composition and diversity. Using β dissimilarity indices and multivariate ordination techniques, we assessed fish community structure among bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus)-dominated wetlands in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, USA. We examined whether community structure was related to wetland water depth at the time of sampling and whether fish communities were more similar among years with similar Lake Huron water levels. Results suggested relatively high levels of both spatial (among wetlands) and temporal (among year) community dissimilarity that was driven primarily by species turnover. Thus, variability in water depths among wetlands and in Lake Huron water levels among years likely both contribute to regional fish diversity. Further, fish abundance and alpha diversity were positively correlated with wetland water depth at the time of sampling. Both climate change and anthropogenic water level stabilization may alter the magnitude and timing of water level fluctuations in the Great Lakes. Our data suggest that these changes could affect local fish community composition and regional fish diversity.     

Physical habitat structure in Danish lowland streams

Dredging or channelization has physically modified the majority (90%) of the 64 000 km of Danish stream network with substantial habitat degradation as a result. Analyses of physical habitat structure in streams, biota, catchment features and regional differences in hydrology, topography and geology have never been carried out in Denmark. Therefore, there is little knowledge of processes, interactions and patterns across the different scales. Physical habitats, catchment parameters and macroinvertebrates were sampled at 39 sites in three major river systems during summer and winter 1993. In‐stream physical conditions and catchment attributes affect the physical habitat structure in Danish lowland streams. Local differences in hydrology, land use, catchment topography and soil types correlated to the in‐stream physical habitat parameters. Local differences in hydrology and topography resulted in a separation of the Suså streams with respect to physical habitats. Mud deposition was pronounced at sites with low discharge and low near‐bed current velocity. Low mud cover was primarily associated with streams with high discharge located in pristine catchments. Stability in the streams was therefore closely linked to in‐stream deposition of fine sediment. Generally, macroinvertebrate community diversity increased as discharge increased. Mud cover negatively affected macroinvertebrate diversity and EPT taxon richness. Regional physical habitat structure and macroinvertebrate community structure were primarily associated with local variations in hydrology, geology and topography. Low‐energy streams were primarily located in the Suså river system and the high‐energy streams in the Gudenå and Storå river systems, leading to extensive deposition of mud during summer. Streams in the Suså river system generally had lower diversity and species richness compared to the streams in the Gudenå and Storå river systems. Hydraulic conditions and substratum dynamics in streams are important when managing lowland streams. This study therefore analysed interactions and parameter correlations between physical habitats, stream stability and catchment attributes as well as macroinvertebrate community structure across multiple scales. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of damming on biological quality according to macroinvertebrates in some Estonian streams,Central—Baltic Europe: A pilot study

The effect of damming on the structure of the macroinvertebrate community and biological quality was studied in nine (the 3–6th order) lowland streams of Estonia, Central—Baltic ecoregion of Europe. Four habitats—reservoirs with accumulated fine sediments, reservoirs with hard bottom, and two corresponding below‐dam areas (both fast‐flowing)—were compared to study whether and how significantly the bottom substrata in dammed areas affected macroinvertebrates and biological quality downstream of dams. The standard kick‐net samples (1.25 m², complemented with qualitative sample) were collected in autumn 2005—spring 2006. The multimetric biological quality, based on five macroinvertebrate indices (total taxa richness, EPT taxa richness, Average Score Per Taxon, Danish Stream Fauna Index, Shannon diversity) was estimated and compared with reference values. Biological quality in reservoirs with hard bottom and their downstream reaches corresponded to good, or even high quality. Conversely, damming affected biological quality significantly and negatively, above the dam if fine sediments were accumulated. The effect was the strongest within muddy reservoirs themselves (revealing moderate quality only). However, some harmful consequences of mud were observed also downstream of dams. The results also demonstrated that the indices of estimation of organic pollution and/or general quality were able to reflect significant changes in stream flow. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of seasonal hypoxia on macroinvertebrate communities in a small reservoir

Localized hypoxia can reduce available habitat, restrict movement and limit the abundance of aquatic invertebrates. Although cultural eutrophication, coupled with the effects of climate change, is likely to increase the frequency and extent of hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems, little is known about how oxygen gradients in small reservoirs influence spatial distribution and abundance of aquatic invertebrates. The present study evaluated the effects of environmental and biological attributes on seasonal and spatial variation of macroinvertebrates and explored how hypoxic conditions influenced littoral, benthic and pelagic macroinvertebrate communities in Lake Alvin, South Dakota. Data on reservoir conditions, in conjunction with macroinvertebrate sampling from May to October 2009–2011, were applied in an information theoretic approach to evaluate factors affecting invertebrate abundance. Hypoxic conditions were present from May to September in the lacustrine zone impacting 10%–39% of the water column. Benthic invertebrates were typically absent from the lacustrine zone during periods of severe hypoxia and were most abundant in the shallow, well-oxygenated riverine zone. Littoral invertebrates were negatively related to the per cent of the hypoxic water column, suggesting fish, confined to shallow waters by hypoxia, may be consuming a larger portion of littoral invertebrates in their diets. Cladocera and Copepoda densities were influenced primarily by water depth and monthly precipitation. The larger size of Daphnia found in the hypoxic-prone transitional and lacustrine zones suggested low oxygen concentrations may provide a refuge from fish predation. The results of the present study demonstrated spatial variations in near-bottom oxygen concentrations were important predictors of macroinvertebrate and zooplankton abundance and size structure in Lake Alvin and that macroinvertebrates, particularly benthic and littoral invertebrates, could benefit from measures taken to reduce summer hypoxia.     

AN EVALUATION OF THE RELATIVE QUALITY OF DIKE POOLS FOR BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES IN THE LOWER MISSOURI RIVER,USA

A habitat‐based aquatic macroinvertebrate study was initiated in the Lower Missouri River to evaluate relative quality and biological condition of dike pool habitats. Water‐quality and sediment‐quality parameters and macroinvertebrate assemblage structure were measured from depositional substrates at 18 sites. Sediment porewater was analysed for ammonia, sulphide, pH and oxidation–reduction potential. Whole sediments were analysed for particle‐size distribution, organic carbon and contaminants. Field water‐quality parameters were measured at subsurface and at the sediment–water interface. Pool area adjacent and downstream from each dike was estimated from aerial photography. Macroinvertebrate biotic condition scores were determined by integrating the following indicator response metrics: % of Ephemeroptera (mayflies), % of Oligochaeta worms, Shannon Diversity Index and total taxa richness. Regression models were developed for predicting macroinvertebrate scores based on individual water‐quality and sediment‐quality variables and a water/sediment‐quality score that integrated all variables. Macroinvertebrate scores generated significant determination coefficients with dike pool area (R² = 0.56), oxidation–reduction potential (R² = 0.81) and water/sediment‐quality score (R² = 0.71). Dissolved oxygen saturation, oxidation–reduction potential and total ammonia in sediment porewater were most important in explaining variation in macroinvertebrate scores. The best two‐variable regression models included dike pool size + the water/sediment‐quality score (R² = 0.84) and dike pool size + oxidation–reduction potential (R² = 0.93). Results indicate that dike pool size and chemistry of sediments and overlying water can be used to evaluate dike pool quality and identify environmental conditions necessary for optimizing diversity and productivity of important aquatic macroinvertebrates. A combination of these variables could be utilized for measuring the success of habitat enhancement activities currently being implemented in this system. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ecological effects of flow regulation on macroinvertebrate and periphytic diatom assemblages in the Hawkesbury–Nepean River,Australia

The effects of flow regulation on macroinvertebrates and periphytic diatoms were examined in the Hawkesbury–Nepean River system in Australia. Regulated sites below eight dams or weirs were compared with unregulated sites above the impoundments and sites on two nearby unregulated streams. The management of the water supply during the study created two types of flow regulation, sites with water supply releases and sites with comparatively small or no releases. The macroinvertebrate communities in three habitats and periphytic diatoms below the storages and weirs differed from the biota at unregulated sites above the weirs and on unregulated systems. The number of macroinvertebrate taxa in riffle and pool‐rock assemblages was significantly lower at regulated sites when compared with unregulated sites and the number of stream edge macroinvertebrate and diatom taxa was unaffected by regulation. Riffle and pool‐rock macroinvertebrate assemblages differed between the two types of regulation. However, periphytic diatom and edge habitat macroinvertebrate assemblages did not differ between the two types of flow regulation. Examination of environmental variables associated with the change in the biota suggested that the principal effect of the management of the water supply system in the Hawkesbury–Nepean River was changed hydrology rather than altered water quality. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Macrophyte zonation in stormwater wetlands: getting it right! A case study from subtropical Australia.

In Australia stormwater wetlands are becoming an increasingly popular component of water sensitive urban design. However, they must be designed to cope with the dynamic nature of urban hydrology, in particular, fluctuations in water level. The concept of macrophyte zonation relies on a thorough understanding of the water regimes of different plant species. Water depth is crucial and the hydroperiod, i.e. duration and frequency of inundation, has a significant impact on the survival of wetland vegetation. The aim of this study was to investigate plant establishment in a newly constructed stormwater wetland in Brisbane, subtropical Australia. Changes in plant distribution and density have been monitored since 2001. Rainfall and water depth data enabled us to use a hydrologic model to predict the extent of inundation of the different macrophytes zones. The field survey showed macrophyte survival was poor with the complete loss of several species in marsh and ephemeral zones. The main reason for the lack of macrophyte establishment and survival was the extended periods of inundation (supported by the hydrologic model) and deeper water levels. Stormwater wetlands must be designed to ensure that ephemeral species are not permanently inundated or the preferred water depths in marsh zones are not exceeded for extended periods.     

Comparison of summer zoobenthic communities in four habitats of a floodplain impoundment:1975 and 1990

The diversity, evenness, similarity, standing crop and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates in Navigation Pool 8 of the upper Mississippi River were compared in 1975 and 1990. Macroinvertebrates were collected in midsummer from four habitats: marsh, bay, open water and side channel. These habitat types accounted for 64% of the total habitat area in the impoundment. The community structure changed in all four habitats; the percentage similarities between 1975 and 1990 were lowest in open water (19%), intermediate in bays (44%) and side channels (50%) and highest in marshes (62%). Macroinvertebrate diversity and evenness were not significantly different between 1975 and 1990. The standing crop decreased in all habitat types. The abundance decreased in all habitats except bays between 1975 and 1990. The greatest changes in standing crop and community composition occurred in bays and open water. Because the bays and open water habitat comprise 55% of the total area, it is possible that these declines may signal degradation of the aquatic habitat in the entire reservoir. Changes in macroinvertebrate community structure and standing crop may have been due to unstable sediment conditions caused by erosion of islands, resuspension of sediments and loss of aquatic macrophytes and depth.     

Relationship of road density and marsh condition to turtle assemblage characteristics in the Laurentian Great Lakes

Human-induced degradation of coastal wetlands often leads to altered trophic dynamics and species assemblages. Here we use data from 77 coastal marshes in three Laurentian Great Lakes collected between 2001 and 2007 to examine the relationship between human disturbance (road density and wetland quality) and characteristics of aquatic turtle assemblages, including species richness and abundances. Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) were encountered disproportionately in degraded wetlands and the probability of occurrence decreased with improved site quality. Abundance of painted turtles peaked, however, at intermediate road density in surrounding 1- and 2-km buffers. Across all sites, species richness was highest and common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were most abundant in wetlands with intermediate water quality. The common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) was absent from degraded wetlands in the lower lakes (Erie and Ontario) that fell within their historical range, but reached high abundances in marshes of Georgian Bay and the North Channel, a region with relatively low human disturbance. Analysis of sex ratios in painted turtles revealed a significant male bias in an area with high road density, while the sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1 in a less developed region, consistent with reports of high female mortality in urban areas.     

Relative Role of Lake and Tributary in Hydrology of Lake Superior Coastal Wetlands

Despite the documented importance of hydrodynamics in influencing the structure and function of Great Lakes coastal wetlands, systematic assessments of coastal wetland hydrology are lacking. This paper addresses this gap by describing patterns in lake and tributary inputs, water residence times, and mixing regimes for a suite of western Lake Superior wetlands that differ in the amount of tributary and seiche flow they receive. We show that variability in tributary flows among wetlands and over time is far greater than variability in seiche-driven water movements, and that the amount of tributary flow strongly influences wetland hydrology via effects on water mixing and residence times, seiche size, mouth closures, and relative amounts of main and off-channel areas. Wetland seiche amplitudes were reduced in systems with small mouth openings and wetland mouth size was correlated with tributary flow. All wetlands experienced seiche-driven water level oscillations, but there was lake water intrusion only into those wetlands where tributary outflow was small relative to the seiche-driven inflow. Wetlands in settings exposed to long-shore sediment transport exhibited periodic mouth closures when stream flows were low. The absolute and relative size of lake and tributary inputs must be explicitly considered in addition to wetland morphology and landscape setting in studies seeking to understand determinants of coastal wetland structure, function, and response to anthropogenic stressors.