SFS Annual Meeting

5/21/2019  |   11:00 - 11:15   |  253 AB

RESPONSES OF STREAM FISHES AND MACROINVERTEBRATES TO CATCHMENT LANDUSE AND FINE SEDIMENT The stream bed provides an important habitat for macroinvertebrates as well as for the egg and larval development of many fish species. Using examples of endangered freshwater mussels, salmonid and cyprinid fishes, the crucial substrate-dependent physicochemical variables which determine their recruitment success were identified. Fine sediment accumulation and colmation as measured by penetration resistance, redox potentials, sediment traps and bioindication systems were powerful indicators for the exchange rates between open and interstitial water and thus for assessing the habitat quality for specialized and endangered species. Catchment land use and erosion protection measures on different spatial scales were found to be related to fine sediment loading, nutrient input and the biological community composition within the stream. Identification of the origin of fine sediment revealed that the contribution of both the external (i.e. catchment erosion) and internal (i.e. in-stream carbonate precipitation and internal biomass production) sources is important. Consequently, restoration management of flow dynamics is as important as erosion control.

Juergen Geist (Primary Presenter/Author), Technical University of Munich - Aquatic Systems Biology, geist@wzw.tum.de;


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5/21/2019  |   11:15 - 11:30   |  253 AB

USING BAYESIAN DECISION NETWORKS TO GUIDE RESTORATION OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS IN ILLINOIS Tools aiding in decision-making regarding restoration of freshwater mussels are needed. Bayesian approaches use both empirical data and prior knowledge to estimate likelihood of management outcomes when structural uncertainty is high. We used Bayesian decision networks to determine optimal management for two Rivers in Illinois. Management options were no action, propagation of juveniles, relocation of adults, release of inoculated host fish, or dam removal. We considered target species Ellipse (Venustaconcha ellipsiformis) and Spike (Eurynia dilatata), and tested for sensitivity to 1) dataset (long term presence, current presence, and current abundance), 2) streams (two target streams, six non-target streams, or both), and 3) expert opinion (median, minimum, or maximum). Maximum models tended to choose No Action less often, and predicted higher likelihood of mussel establishment after restoration. Models were more sensitive when using only target streams. Propagation of juveniles was most often recommended for Ellipse. For Spike, propagation of juveniles or no action were chosen. Use of all stream data and median expert opinion values is recommended. Bayesian decision networks offer a useful tool for restoration of freshwater mussel species, but care should be taken when choosing data sources.

Alison Stodola (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois Natural History Survey, alprice@illinois.edu;


Sarah Douglass (Co-Presenter/Co-Author), Illinois Natural History Survey, sabales@illinois.edu;


Sara Andree (Primary Presenter/Author), Illinois Natural History Survey, andree2@illinois.edu;


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