Evaluation of Three Side Channels and the Main Channel Border of the Middle Mississippi River as Fish Habitat.
Abstract
The importance of side channels and main channel borders as fish habitat was evaluated in three representative areas of the Middle Mississippi River. Fish, benthos, and plankton were collected during five seasonal samples in 1972-1973. Benthic organisms generally occurred in greater numbers in the main channel border habitat. No significant differences were observed between side channels and main channel borders for combined planktonic taxa. Minnows and small fish were nearly 6.0 times more abundant in seine collections from the side channels than in main channel borders. For the more abundant fish species, electrofishing and netting captured significantly more carp, bluegill, shortnose gar, black crappie, bigmouth buffalo, white crappie, and bowfin in the side channels than in adjacent main channel borders. Largemouth bass were found only in the side channels. Significantly greater numbers of freshwater drum were observed in main channel borders. Both the side channels and main channel border areas were important as fish habitat. Adverse environmental conditions and the relatively short duration of the project prevented assessment and documentation of the complete ecological relationship of these integral parts of a large riverine ecosystem. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0786142
Entities
People
- Daniel V. Ragland
Organizations
- Missouri Department of Conservation