How to translate text using browser tools
13 February 2025 Assessing the Health of a Stream in East Texas: An Approach Using Aquatic Invertebrates and Fish as Bioindicators
Erin Shepta, Country Plummer, Carmen G. Montaña
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Aquatic biota have been identified as excellent indicators of stream health because they respond rapidly to environmental changes. We surveyed aquatic macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages in 2 stream sites differing in land-cover (agriculture and urban centers) within their riparian corridor along La Nana Creek (East Texas) to examine the health of this ecosystem. Biotic indices on macroinvertebrate taxa suggest that the stream is healthy and contained pollution-sensitive taxa. Fish assemblages showed spatiotemporal variation; however, both sites received relatively poor health scores for fish communities, indicating potential land-cover effects throughout this watershed. Our results highlight the importance of using a combination of biological indicators to get a more holistic glance at potential local-scale anthropogenic stressors when assessing stream health. Continued monitoring of streams in East Texas is essential to provide better management for restoration and conservation.

Erin Shepta, Country Plummer, and Carmen G. Montaña "Assessing the Health of a Stream in East Texas: An Approach Using Aquatic Invertebrates and Fish as Bioindicators," Southeastern Naturalist 24(1), 1-23, (13 February 2025). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.024.0101
Published: 13 February 2025
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top