Effects of riparian manipulation on stream communities in small streams: Two case studies

The effects of riparian manipulation in New Zealand are described for two case studies, one a short‐term study of the effects of the removal of riparian vegetation on fish, and the second, a long‐term study of the effect of re‐establishment of riparian vegetation on fish and benthic macro invertebrates. The first case study was an experiment carried out between November 2001 and May 2002. Overhanging bank vegetation and in‐stream wood were removed from short reaches of a small pastoral stream that had intact riparian margins, resulting in a change in stream structure with the formation of shallow uniform runs rather than pool and riffle structures as in unmodified reaches. The removal of bank cover and consequential instream habitat changes reduced inanga (Galaxias maculatus) densities by a factor of four within months of vegetation removal, showing the importance of instream cover and habitat to inanga. Adult longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) also became less abundant in the cleared reaches, but elvers (Anguilla spp.) became more abundant. In the second case study, pastoral sections in two small streams draining from native forest catchments were restored in 1995/96 by planting riparian vegetation and preventing stock access. After 10 years, the restoration efforts had more than doubled the numbers of giant kokopu (G. argenteus) and redfin bullies (Gobiomorphus huttoni), slightly increased numbers of banded kokopu (G. fasciatus), and decreased shortfin eel (A. australis) numbers by about 40%. The macroinvertebrate communities changed so that they became more similar to those at upstream native forest reference sites. These two case studies show that riparian margins can influence the composition of the fish and macroinvertebrate communities in small streams through the effects on cover, instream habitat and probably water temperature. Riparian restoration was most effective for the fish species that use cover and pool habitat.     

Effects of turbidity on the migration of juvenile banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) in a natural stream

Laboratory experiments have shown that the juvenile migratory stage of banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus (Gray 1842)) is more sensitive to turbidity than other native fish species and avoids turbidity levels of >25 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Field trials using juvenile fish collected from the Tarawera River and Hays Stream, New Zealand, were used to test the results from these laboratory experiments by measuring the effects of turbidity on the migration direction and rate for banded kokopu in a natural stream setting. In the stream setting, neither the migration rate nor the migration direction were affected at turbidity <25 NTU. At higher turbidity levels, significantly fewer fish migrated up stream within a given time period. Because there was rarely any downstream movement, this suggests the fish either halted or slowed their upstream movement. A slower rate of migration could result in fewer juveniles reaching adult habitat, and would account for the reduced abundance of adult banded kokopu in rivers that are turbid during the migration season. Achieving turbidity levels of <25 NTU in rivers and streams during the migration season would therefore help maintain upstream migrations and populations of banded kokopu, and hence other native fish species.     

Diet of giant kokopu,Galaxias argenteus

The stomach contents of 105 preserved specimens of giant kokopu, Galaxias argenteus (Gmelin 1789), collected from various locations around New Zealand between c. 1963 and 1994, were used to investigate giant kokopu diet. A total of 76 food taxa, predominantly invertebrates, were identified and categorised as either of aquatic or terrestrial origin from the 91 stomachs that contained food items. Aquatic Trichoptera, Gastropoda, and Hemiptera comprised 29.1, 12.6, and 14.4% by abundance respectively, and terrestrial Coleoptera 12.2% by abundance. Adult terrestrial Coleoptera were the most commonly occurring taxa, and were found in 59% of the stomachs that contained food. Food items of aquatic origin occurred in 94.5% of the giant kokopu stomachs that contained food and comprised 74.9% of the items by abundance. Although fewer items of terrestrial origin were encountered, they nevertheless appeared to be a significant component of the diet, and occurred in 83.5% of the giant kokopu stomachs that contained food, and comprised 25.1% of the items by abundance. Items of terrestrial origin occurred slightly more frequently in giant kokopu from lotic habitats than from lentic habitats. The significance of terrestrial food may be associated with giant kokopu preference for habitats with riparian cover. Fish also appeared to be a significant component of the diet, as 26% of the giant kokopu examined contained fish remains. Giant kokopu are probably best described as generalist feeders, as they utilise a wide range of foods of both aquatic and terrestrial origin.     

Assessing sperm membrane viability using flow cytometry in farmed New Zealand giant kokopu Galaxias argenteus

We employed flow cytometry to assess plasma membrane viability of sperm cells in farmed giant kokopu Galaxias argenteus, an endemic amphidromous New Zealand fish. Specifically, the variables of fish size (TL mm) and weight (grams) were assessed against sperm viability. We found no significant difference (P?G. argenteus. This study shows that flow cytometry is an effective, accurate and rapid method for analysing sperm viability in G. argenteus.     

Production of fish in two small streams in the north island of New Zealand

Data are presented on biomass, mortality, growth, and production of fish populations inhabiting two small streams in the Wairarapa district of the North Island of New Zealand. The main water of both streams contained a mixed population of bullies (Philypnodon breviceps Stokell), brown trout (Salmo trutta Linn.), and eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii Gray, and A. australis schmidtii Phillipps). The headwater tributaries of one of the streams contained a large population of Galaxias divergens Stokell and a few eels, but other fish species were absent. All species of fish appeared to be using the same food supply of small benthic invertebrates, mainly ephemeropteran and dipteran larvae. Biomass of benthos per unit area was appreciably higher in the headwater tributary examined than in the main waters downstream. Mean annual stock of benthos in the tributary (Hinau north branch) was 19.75 g/m², in the Hinau main water 10.71 g/m² and in the Hinaki main water 13.47 g/m² Nevertheless, production per unit area from the nearly monospecific fish population in the Hinau north branch (14.28 g/m²) was less than that of the mixed populations in the main waters (24.17 g/m² in the Hinau, 73.54 g/m² in the Hinaki). Possibly fish production in the headwaters might be greater if the species composition of fish was more diverse.     

In‐stream habitat suitability criteria for feeding inanga (Galaxias maculatus)

Inanga (Galaxias maculatus Jenyns) are the basis of an important recreational and commercial freshwater fishery that has declined over the past 100 years, probably because of habitat degradation in developed areas. Maintenance of suitable stream flows for inanga is one means of protecting the fishery. Observations of habitat use by drift‐feeding inanga were made in three streams. Most feeding inanga were stationary in the current taking food items from the drift and sometimes from the surface. Drift‐feeding locations were related to current patterns and water velocity, with inanga feeding at locations where the current concentrated food, and where water velocities were sufficiently low to allow the fish to hold position. The mean feeding velocity did not vary significantly between streams, although the range of velocities used did. Optimum feeding velocities were 0.03–0.07 m s^‐1, and were comparable with brown trout (Salmo trutta) feeding velocities, when adjusted for the differences in fish size. Depth use was very different between streams and this was attributed to the variation in available habitat. Depths greater than 0.3 m were optimum, with some use of depths between 0.1 and 0.3 m. It is suggested that inanga suitability criteria are dictated by biological factors, such as swimming ability and bio‐energetic requirements, rather than the river the fish is living in and that it is necessary to collect habitat use and availability data in a wide range of stream types to define optimal habitat and suitability criteria for generalised application.     

Notes on the presence of the brown mudfish (Neochanna apoda günther) on the west coast of the south Island of New Zealand

Two visits to the West Coast revealed that Neochanna apoda Giinther is present in six clearly defined types of habitat examined between Oparara and Whataroa.

The location of habitats varied from heavily forested country to open pakihi bog, between sea level and 200 m. A Neochanna apoda habitat was generally uninhabited by any other species of fish; occasionally short‐finned eels (Anguilla australis) and, once, banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) were present. An association with freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons) was often noted.

Neochanna apoda was found in all stages of development from fry to adults over 150 mm in length, and all size ranges were present in some places.     

Habitat use and longitudinal distribution patterns of native fish from a near pristine Stewart Island,New Zealand,stream

Distribution, abundance, and habitat preferences of native fish were investigated down the length of a relatively pristine, medium‐sized, fourth‐order stream on Stewart Island, New Zealand. A limited fish fauna was recorded (six species), including three threatened large galaxiid species (Galaxias argenteus, Galaxias fasciatus, and Galaxias brevipinnis), which have restricted distributions on mainland New Zealand. Results indicated that these large galaxiids occupy diverse habitats including pools and backwaters within the mainstems of this stream. Their extensive distributions and wide habitat usage were attributed to factors such as the intact catchment vegetation, unmodified stream channel, and the absence of introduced fishes, particularly salmonids. Results suggest that some native species have been excluded from mainstem habitats elsewhere in New Zealand. It was also evident that interactions among the native species influenced habitat use; G. brevipinnis avoided backwaters, runs, and pools in reaches occupied by G. fasciatus and Anguilla dieffenbachii; whereas G. fasciatus appeared to avoid habitats occupied by G. argenteus and A dieffenbachii. Maximum densities and biomass of galaxiids and eels occurred in deepwater habitats (>0.75 m). Furthermore the fish inhabiting these deeper waters were larger and more likely to be female. These findings have significant implications for the design and application of sampling protocols for native New Zealand fishes and for the protection of their habitats. If deeper waters are not sampled then species, sex, and size biased data may result.     

Food and feeding of small fish in the Rakaia River,New Zealand

Benthic macroinvertebrates and fish species were collected at monthly intervals during a 12‐month period, from 3 areas of the lower Rakaia River. The composition and abundance of the benthos and stomach contents of the fish were analysed for seasonal trends, food niche breadth and overlap between pairs of fish species, and overlap between the benthos and the diet of each fish species. The diets of bluegilled bully (Gobiomorphus hubbsi), upland bully (G. breviceps), juvenile longfinned eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii), Galaxias brevipinnis, G. paucispondylus, and juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) were similar to the proportions of prey species in the benthos. Deleatidium and chironomid larvae dominated the benthos in all seasons and formed the majority of food items in the diet of these species. Food niche overlap between these species was high, indicating potential competition, but preferred habitat and feeding habit differences plus low fish population density and abundance of main prey items probably eliminate the occurrence of any serious competition. The diet of the other fish species differed from this pattern. The common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) ate proportionally more chironomid larvae and fish eggs than occurred in the benthos; torrentfish (Cheimarrichthys fosteri) ate proportionally more chironomid larvae than occurred in the benthos; and quinnat salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) depended largely upon prey species of terrestial origin, such as adult Deleatidium and dipterans.     

Lethal concentrations of suspended solids for common native fish species that are rare in New Zealand rivers with high suspended solids loads

Abstract

Common native fish species that are rare in New Zealand rivers with high suspended solids (SS) concentrations were identified to determine which species were likely to be most affected by high SS concentrations. Mortality rates for the three most sensitive species (banded kokopu Galaxias fasciatus, redfin bully Gobiomorphus huttoni, common smelt Retropinna retropinnd) were measured over a range of SS concentrations to identify lethal concentrations. The survival of banded kokopu and redfin bully was not reduced by SS concentrations up to 43 000 g m^?3; however, the 24‐h survival of common smelt was reduced by SS concentrations over 1000 g m^?3, and its median lethal concentration (LC50) was close to 3000 g m^?3. SS concentrations over 3000 g m^?3 for more than 24 h will therefore reduce smelt but not affect the mortality of most other common native fish species. Although mortality from high concentrations of SS can account for the scarcity of smelt in rivers with high SS concentrations, mortality from high SS does not explain the scarcity of banded kokopu or redfin bully in such rivers. High turbidity (>20 nephelometric turbidity units) is known to limit the upstream migration and recruitment of juvenile banded kokopu in rivers with increased SS concentrations. Banded kokopu is therefore affected by increased turbidity from SS rather than lethal SS concentrations. As redfin bully were not affected by either high turbidity levels or high SS concentrations, the low abundance of this species in rivers with high SS concentrations is likely to be related to the siltation of benthic habitats.     

Prey availability and diet of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) in relation to riparian willows (Salix‐spp.) in three New Zealand streams

Macroinvertebrate benthos and drift and the diet of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) were investigated in willowed and non‐willowed sections of three New Zealand streams during summer. The abundance and biomass of the principal macroinvertebrate taxa in the benthos and daytime drift differed in relation to riparian willow (Salix spp.) density, but the trends were not consistent across all three streams. Crustacea, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera comprised a major proportion of the diet of juvenile trout. Diets of trout from non‐willowed and willowed sections were dissimilar in three of five pair‐wise comparisons. In all three streams, juvenile trout fed selectively, with the amphipod Paracalliope fluviatilis, ephemeropteran Deleatidium, and trichopterans Aoteapsyche and Hydrobiosidae being the preferred prey. Their avoidance of the gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum, trichopteran Oxye‐thira albiceps, coleopteran Hydora, and drift of terrestrial origin appeared to occur in all streams. Total abundance and biomass of invertebrates drifting during the day described the potential prey available to juvenile brown trout better than did the abundance and biomass of benthic invertebrates.     

Abundance of brown trout as related to littoral zone gradient in Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri,New Zealand

Adult brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) in lakes are primarily littoral/benthic foragers. We predicted that the distribution of adult brown trout in lakes would be shaped by foraging demands, and that they would be more abundant in gently sloping littoral areas, that is, littoral areas that have a greater space available to support benthic foraging habitats. To address this hypothesis, we measured abundance of brown trout among littoral areas with different gradients in Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. There was a significant negative relationship between littoral zone gradient and relative abundance (CPUE) of adult brown trout. This result supports the hypothesis that brown trout aggregate in littoral areas with greater amounts of foraging habitat in Fiordland lakes.     

Within-reach spatial variability of snails and molluscivory by brown trout

Linking habitat distributions of prey to the probability of predation is important to understanding consumptive effects of predators on prey populations. This study reports how within-reach spatial variability of two snails, the hydrobiid Potamopyrgus antipodarum and the physid Physella acuta, was linked to habitat-based predation risk by young brown trout (Salmo trutta) of different age classes. Potamopyrgus is endemic to New Zealand streams and lakes, where it commonly co-exists with the invader P. acuta, but both snails are worldwide invaders to many freshwater systems. Examination of egested snails revealed Potamopyrgus and Physella were consumed in similar numbers within age classes. However, 10-month-old trout consumed, on average, fewer snails than 20-month-old trout, and 8-month-old trout ate essentially no snails, suggesting snails were a more important prey item for larger age-1 fish than smaller age-0 fish. No Physella were egested alive by any trout age class. However, 38% and 16% of the Potamopyrgus consumed were egested alive by 10- and 20-month-old trout, respectively, with some passing live after ~70 h in digestive tracts. Physella and the spiny-shell form of Potamopyrgus were significantly denser on macrophytes than on stony sediments in midchannel, and these habitat distributions affected their odds of consumption. Risk of consumption by trout was ~10 times greater for Physella than Potamopyrgus on stones, but their risk was similar in protective macrophytes. Odds of consumption were similar for spiny and smooth shell forms of Potamopyrgus on stones, suggesting spines do not provide protection from large predators like trout. My results suggest that brown trout can potentially exert stronger population regulatory effects on Physella than on Potamopyrgus and that these effects are partly mediated by macrophyte cover.     

Reduced abundance of banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) and other native fish in turbid rivers of the North Island of New Zealand

Laboratory experiments demonstrated that migrant juvenile banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus Gray) were more sensitive to suspended sediment (SS) than other native fish species. If juvenile migrants avoid waters made turbid by SS and their recruitment to adult habitats up stream is reduced, then adult abundance may decline in turbid rivers. To test this, we compared the abundance of diadromous native fish between turbid and clear rivers. The duration (% time) for which SS concentrations exceeded 120 mg litre^‐1 (a critical level from laboratory experiments) during the migration season (August‐December) was estimated for over 150 New Zealand river sites. Turbid rivers were defined as those where SS concentrations exceeded 120 mg litre^‐1 for over 20% of the time and clear rivers as those where SS concentrations exceeded 120 mg litre^‐1 for less than 10% of the time. Eight turbid rivers and seven clear ones were identified where sufficient data on SS and native fish populations existed to permit a comparison. The mean occurrence of banded kokopu was reduced by 89.5% in turbid rivers and, although other diadromous fish species were also less common, banded kokopu was most affected. Densities of adult banded kokopu were also significantly lower in optimal stream habitats in three turbid compared with three matched clear rivers. We therefore concluded that the abundance of adult banded kokopu was reduced in turbid rivers and propose that this is because of reduced recruitment of juveniles in turbid rivers.     

Spawning site selection,egg development,and larval drift of Galaxias postvectis and G. fasciatus in a New Zealand stream

Twelve Galaxias postvectis (shortjaw kokopu) and four G. fasciatus (banded kokopu) spawning sites were found on the margins of the Katikara Stream, Taranaki, New Zealand. This is the first time G. postvectis spawning sites have been documented. G. fasciatus spawning sites discovered in this study confirm previous observations elsewhere in New Zealand. These spawning sites were all found out of water, variable distances from the base flow water level amongst stony substrate, vegetation, and debris. Most G. fasciatus appeared to lay their eggs, and subsequently hatch, c. 3 weeks earlier than G. postvectis, which spawned from 9 to 17 May 2001. G. brevipinnis (koaro) larvae were also identified drifting downstream in late May and mid June 2001. Deposition of eggs and subsequent hatching were found to be associated with elevated flows.     

Food webs in forest and pasture streams in the Waikato region,New Zealand: A study based on analyses of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen,and fish gut contents

Abstract

Stable isotopes of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) were studied in 11 stream communities in the Waikato region of New Zealand. From comparisons of mean δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values, food webs in the shaded, forest streams were clearly based on allochthonous material (conditioned leaf litter and terrestrial invertebrates). Autotrophs in forest streams were not a significant C source for the food webs. However, the C source of food webs in the unshaded pasture streams appeared to be a mixture of allochthonous and autochthonous material. Conditioned leaf litter appeared to contribute to the pasture stream food webs, and the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of some samples of epilithic diatoms indicated their consumption by invertebrates in pasture streams. Fish ate a wide range of aquatic invertebrates; longfinned eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) also had a large proportion of terrestrial invertebrates in their diet. Filamentous green algae were found only at pasture sites, where they were sometimes abundant. The wide range of δ¹³C values of filamentous green algae (‐18.8 to ‐29.7‰) complicated understanding of their role in the stream food webs. The δ¹³C values of Cladophora were related to water velocity, with more ¹³C‐enriched values in pools than in runs (‐23.2‰ in pools, mean velocity 0.12 m s^?1; ‐28.1‰ in runs, mean velocity 0.24 m s^?1). Crayfish and the gastropod mollusc Potamopyrgus appeared to be the only invertebrates to eat filamentous green algae.     

Summer spatial patterns of the fish community in a large,shallow, turbid coastal lake

Several water quality parameters, marginal vegetation, and the fish community in Lake Ellesmere, a large, shallow, turbid lake situated on the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand, were sampled along selected transects in late summer to determine species spatial patterns. Thirteen species offish were caught, with seven of them comprising major populations, although only four of these were adequately sampled by the method used—they included inanga (Galaxias maculatus), common smelt {Retropinna retropinna), shortfinned eel (Anguilla australis), and common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus). Inanga were almost exclusively confined to areas on the western side of the lake which has a convoluted shoreline with a variety of small embayments with scattered vegetation along the margins. Common smelt occupied both marginal and offshore areas, but they too were more abundant along the margins particularly on the western side. Both the common bully and shortfinned eel were widespread and abundant in the lake, although their abundance and biomass were higher within the vicinity of the lake outlet, major inflowing tributaries, and other marginal habitats. All three species of flounders of the genus Rhombosolea were poorly represented in our samples. However, in commercial catches they were reasonably abundant, with the sand flounder (R. plebeia) and yellowbelly (R. leporina) being more common in offshore than inshore catches, whereas the black flounder (R. retiaria) showed no difference in the catches between areas. Our overall findings are consistent with the hypothesis that bottom‐dwelling species (eels, bullies, flounders) are more widely distributed than free‐swimming forms (inanga, common smelt), which were largely confined to areas sheltered from prevailing winds. The highly turbid nature of the lake, primarily because of re‐suspension of fine bottom sediments by frequent winds, is considered an important factor in the distribution of the fish fauna.     

Environmental factors influencing aggregation of manta rays (Manta birostris) off the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula

Manta rays inhabit tropical, subtropical and temperate waters. Aggregation sites of manta rays have been recognized worldwide, but the reasons for this behavior are still poorly understood. This study describes environmental factors influencing aggregation sites of the giant manta ray (Manta birostris) off the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Observations of manta rays were obtained from scientific surveys conducted during 2006–2011. Environmental data were obtained from satellite imagery. The maximum entropy (Maxent) method for habitat modeling was used to determine the effects of environmental conditions on the species and predict suitable habitat for manta rays in this region. Primary productivity and distance to the coast were the most influential variables, suggesting that aggregation occurs in highly productive coastal waters. The distribution of manta rays predicted by the Maxent model showed that the most suitable habitat within the study area is located off the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, more precisely, northeast of Isla Holbox and northwest of Isla Contoy. Seasonal patterns of distribution suggest that the most suitable conditions are present from July through September.     

Food and energy in the diet of brown and rainbow trout from Lake Benmore,New Zealand

The diet of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (S. gairdnerii) was studied in specimens from Lake Benmore, a deep, oligo‐trophic lake in South Island, New Zealand. Between November and July, both species fed mainly on small molluscs (Potamopyrgus antipodarum, Physa sp., and Gyraulus corinna) gleaned from the littoral weed beds. Energy values for the three species of mollusc were determined: P. antipodarum, 6000 J g^‐1; G. corinna, 5500 J g^‐1; Physa sp., 9800 J g^‐1. Potamopyrgus antipodarum yielded little energy to the fish, unless its shell broke during passage through the gut. Physa sp. was the most profitable mollusc, irrespective of shell breakage and Potamopyrgus antipodanim the least profitable. The mean energy value per snail for G. corinna and Physa sp. eaten by rainbow trout was 25–30% less than for snails eaten by brown trout, possibly because rainbow trout ingested empty shells from the sediment surface. Rainbow trout extracted about 20% more energy than brown trout from unbroken shells. In July, 84% of the brown trout switched to predation of common bullies, Gobio‐morphus cotidianus, probably as a result of bully reproductive behaviour. Rainbow trout did not show the same change, apparently because they were feeding in deeper water where few bullies were available. The low‐energy diet and its possible connection with growth rate are discussed.     

Two new species of the marine genus Limnodriloides and a record of Tubificoides fraseri Brinkhurst (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) from New Zealand

We characterised seasonal and ontogenetic changes in diet and prey energy density of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand, to better understand the prey requirements of trout in central North Island lakes. Common smelt (Retropinna retropinna) was the dominant prey item of rainbow trout larger than 200 mm (77.8% of diet by weight), followed by kōura (freshwater crayfish Paranephrops planifrons; 6.3%), common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus; 5.5%), and kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis; 3.4%). Juvenile rainbow trout (<200 mm) consumed amphipods, aquatic and terrestrial insects, oligochaetes, tanaid shrimps, and smelt. Trout consumed kōaro only in autumn and winter; consumption of other species did not vary seasonally. The maximum size of smelt consumed increased with increasing trout size, but trout continued to consume small smelt even as large adults. Consumption of larger prey items (kōaro and kōura) also increased with increasing trout size. This study indicates the importance of smelt for sustaining rainbow trout populations, as predation on other species was relatively low. These findings provide a basis for bioenergetic modelling of rainbow trout populations in lakes of the central North Island of New Zealand.