Effects of turbidity on the foraging abilities of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Sedimentation is the major pollutant of waters in North America. Most research on the effects of increased sedimentation has focussed on its effects on stream habitat and its ramification on the reproductive potential of fish. Although relatively large sediment loads may be necessary to alter stream habitat, only small loads are needed to raise mean stream turbidity levels. Turbidity may be an important, yet relatively unexamined factor in stream fish production. With this, I sought to determine the influence of elevated turbidity on the foraging abilities of two predatory species representing both cold and warm water stream habitas, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis ) and small mouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu).;This research was conducted in an artificial stream at West Virginia University and consisted of determination of effects of turbidity on reactive distance and foraging success of both species and determination of the effects of turbidity on brook trout mean daily consumption and specific growth rates. During reactive distance and foraging success experiments, three fish were tested at a time creating a situation of competition. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

Year dc:date.available

1999

Author dc:creator

• Sweka, John A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kyle J. Hartman.

• Aquatic sciences
• Forestry
• Ecology

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1014

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-2017