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Relationship among side channels, fish assemblages, and environmental gradients in the unimpounded Upper Mississippi River

Barko, V. A., and Herzog, D. P., 2003, Relationship among side channels, fish assemblages, and environmental gradients in the unimpounded Upper Mississippi River: Journal of Freshwater Ecology, v. 18, no. 3, p. 377-382.

Abstract

We analyzed fish abundance and environmental data collected over nine years from six side channels of the unimpounded upper Mississippi River between river km 46.7 and 128.7. A partial canonical correspondence analysis revealed differences in fish assemblages and environmental factors correlated with the six side channels. Fishes correlated with open side channels represented large river species tolerant of current and/or turbidity. Fishes correlated with closed side channels represented assemblages preferring either moderate to low turbidity/current or pools.

Keywords

Paddlefish Habitat