DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/M0JZ-2Y57
Defense Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Environmental Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Daniel McGarvey
Second Advisor
Dr. Stephen McIninch
Third Advisor
Dr. Edward Crawford
Abstract
Quarterly samples were used to estimate assemblage-level (all species combined) fish production within three minimally-impacted, southern West Virginia streams. The total annual fish production estimate was highest in Slaunch Fork (37.52 kg∙ha-1∙y-1), a tributary of the Tug Fork River, and lowest in Cabin Creek (10.59 kg∙ha-1∙y-1), a Guyandotte River tributary. Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus, Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdii and Blacknose Dace Rhinicthys atratulus were the most abundant species among sites, accounting for >90% of all sampled individuals. Reference condition criteria were also selected and metrics calculated for each of the three stream sites using a variety of established metrics. According to established criteria, all three of our sites scored high enough to be listed as “reference” sites. Third, a comprehensive GIS analysis was conducted in order to determine land use patterns and predict where similar assemblages would be present using various climatological and physical characteristics of our stream sites. These analyses revealed rapid expansion of surface mining activities putting many stream systems at risk.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-12-2014
Included in
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Integrative Biology Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons, Water Resource Management Commons, Zoology Commons