Barkley Lake Survey Cumberland River Miles 35 - 47.
Abstract
This report includes an analysis of each of eight proposed work sites consisting of eight bends and channel areas between Cumberland River Miles 35 - 47. An analysis of substrate grain size composition, percent weight loss on ignition at 550 C, and benthic macroinvertebrate composition is reported for each of the work sites. A report of the mussel survey at the Eddy Creek and Clay Bay sites is also included along with an estimate of the impact of the loss of benthic macroinvertebrates on the fish fauna. The sediments within each site were quite variable with regards to grain size. In general, however, the overbank sites had 55% of the material composed of sands greater than 0.063mm diameter while the channel sites had 94% silt and clay smaller than 0.063mm. The overbank organic content of the sediments (as % loss on ignition at 550 C) was almost 5% while the channel sediments contained about 9%. The benthic macroinvertebrates averaged 800/sq m with a biomass of 250mg/sq m on overbanks and 3000/sq m in channel sites with a biomass of 1230mg/sq m or approximately 5 times that of the overbanks excluding the mussels. Although 10-30% of fish production can be attributed to benthic macroinvertebrates, it was estimated that even a complete loss of the benthic fauna for a year at the Eddy Creek bend site would have an insignificant impact on the commercial and sport fishery of Barkley Lake. No endangered species were found, but several sites with a high percent of sand appeared to provide potentially suitable habitats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA161771
Entities
People
- James B. Sickel
Organizations
- Murray State University