Assessing the Biological Integrity of a Driftless Brook Trout Stream
Abstract
The goal of this project was to assess the biological integrity of Miller Valley Creek by assessing fish community, invertebrate community, and habitat distribution. Five one-hundred-meter sections were assessed covering upstream and downstream portions. Fish were collected using a backpack electrofisher, with measurements for weight (g) and total length (mm) taken using a balance and bump board, Invertebrates were sampled using a Hess sampler and individuals were counted for analysis. Measurements of habitat were taken visually or with a meter tape to include substrate, fish cover, and stream width, which were then compared between sites. Using these measurements taken in the field, mortality rate, condition factor, average size for each year class, and age class distribution was determined, alongside forage availability and the biological integrity of the invertebrate community in the system. Habitat and substrate were compared between sites to determine if habitat is sufficient to provide large Brook Trout cover, and to rear sufficient forage for their growth. It was found that there is a reproducing population of Brook Trout present in Miller Valley Creek, alongside adequate forage for their growth, however habitat was found to be inadequate in many cases to sustain a population of large-sized Trout.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Biology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Neal Mundahl
Location
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
Start Date
4-18-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
4-18-2024 2:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2a=1pm-2pm
Poster Number
41
Assessing the Biological Integrity of a Driftless Brook Trout Stream
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
The goal of this project was to assess the biological integrity of Miller Valley Creek by assessing fish community, invertebrate community, and habitat distribution. Five one-hundred-meter sections were assessed covering upstream and downstream portions. Fish were collected using a backpack electrofisher, with measurements for weight (g) and total length (mm) taken using a balance and bump board, Invertebrates were sampled using a Hess sampler and individuals were counted for analysis. Measurements of habitat were taken visually or with a meter tape to include substrate, fish cover, and stream width, which were then compared between sites. Using these measurements taken in the field, mortality rate, condition factor, average size for each year class, and age class distribution was determined, alongside forage availability and the biological integrity of the invertebrate community in the system. Habitat and substrate were compared between sites to determine if habitat is sufficient to provide large Brook Trout cover, and to rear sufficient forage for their growth. It was found that there is a reproducing population of Brook Trout present in Miller Valley Creek, alongside adequate forage for their growth, however habitat was found to be inadequate in many cases to sustain a population of large-sized Trout.
