Fish assemblages : the influence of habitat and hydrology : an honors thesis [(HONRS 499)]

Rivers and streams are irreplaceable resources for both human consumption and recreation. Disturbances of these ecosystems can lead to degradation of part, or all, of the stream system. Alteration of habitat influences and changes the fauna within that environment. We sampled agricultural, headwater intermittent and perennial streams in the White River watershed in Delaware County in East-Central Indiana. We sampled 16 sites in May of 2007 using backpack electrofishing. Fish were identified and we assessed the response of fish assemblages and identified relationships in fish abundance and diversity with stream habitat and hydrology. We hypothesized tolerant fish species and lower species richness would characterize both agricultural and intermittent streams. We tested for a relationship and interactions among fish assemblages with habitat and hydrological variables.