A comparative analysis of small tributaries of Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Session: Great Lakes Tributaries: Connecting Land and Lakes (5)

Amelia McReynolds, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, [email protected]
Christopher Houghton, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, [email protected]
Patrick Forsythe, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, [email protected]

Abstract

Small tributaries are important links between their watersheds and nearshore habitats, transforming and transporting nutrients while serving as spawning and nursery habitat for stream-resident and migratory fish. These streams are strong candidates for restoration across the Great Lakes, especially in historically degraded areas such as lower Green Bay, Lake Michigan. Eighteen sites on six small tributaries across a land use gradient were monitored for two years. Water quality and hydrology was measured during the growing season from May to October with bimonthly sampling events and continuous monitoring of water depth and temperature. Fish communities and in-stream habitat were surveyed yearly during base flow. Land cover classification data was used to quantify impacts of spatial arrangement of land uses. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to delineate fish assemblages and aquatic habitat between sites. Significant differences in community structure exist between tributaries over the study period, but not between years of contrasting hydrology. By characterizing water quality, habitat and fish communities in these understudied systems, recommendations for restoration may be targeted to stream-specific impairments. This study informs conservation and restoration actions at a fine scale throughout the lower Green Bay-Fox River Area of Concern.

Twitter handle of presenter
@MiaMcReynolds