Salinity and geomorphology drive long‐term changes to local and regional fish assemblage attributes in the lower Pecos River, Texas

Cheek, Christopher A.; Taylor, Christopher M.

doi:10.1111/eff.12214

Cited by 27 publications

(32 citation statements)

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“…Concomitant with the overall decline of the red shiner in the Pecos River was another major disturbance that unfolded across the study period: the rapid spread and dominance of the introduced and invasive gulf killifish ( Fundulus grandis ) (Cheek & Taylor, ; East, Wilcut, & Pease, ). The gulf killifish was a significant indicator species of the recent samples and appears to have replaced the plains killifish ( Fundulus zebrinus ) in the upper Pecos River (Cheek & Taylor, ; East et al., ). In the upper Pecos River reach, the gulf killifish increased its relative frequency from 11% to 100% and its relative abundance from 0% to 100%.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Taylor, Winston, and Matthews () found that the red shiner in the upper Red River basin (Oklahoma) had the broadest ecological range of all fish species encountered and occurred at sites with specific conductivities as high as 24,900 μS/cm. Cheek and Taylor () recorded specific conductivity as high as 27,600 μS/cm in the upper Pecos River reach. Seven of the nine upper reach sites were well‐within the range reported by Taylor et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The study area (Figure ) has been described in detail from previous studies of the Rio Grande and Pecos River sub‐basins in the Trans‐Pecos region of Texas (Cheek & Taylor, ; Miyazono & Taylor, ; Miyazono et al., ). To summarise, the Rio Grande and the Pecos River (its largest tributary) drain part of Colorado, most of the state of New Mexico, and the entire Trans‐Pecos region of West Texas.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Fish data were obtained from previously published work and data sets (see Cheek & Taylor, ; Miyazono & Taylor, , ; Miyazono et al., ), and included 36 collection localities. Briefly, data were grouped into recent and historical datasets according to Miyazono et al.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The spatial scale of homogenisation and differentiation in Chihuahuan Desert fish assemblages

et al. 2018

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We examined riverine desert fish assemblages in the Chihuahuan Desert, U.S.A. at multiple spatial scales of similarity to assess long‐term changes to assemblage distinctiveness, identify individual species responsible for changes, and determine the importance of geographic context and species resolution in interpreting patterns of change. We used a well‐documented historical data set on fish distribution and abundance, and recent collections of fishes that provided a paired analytical design across 36 localities spanning nearly 3 decades. Patterns of faunal homogenisation and differentiation were assessed at basin‐wide, sub‐basin and river‐reach scales with species occurrence and relative abundance data. Individual species responses were examined to identify the drivers of assemblage change across time. Patterns of assemblage similarity varied across spatial scales and produced seemingly incongruous trends across time. Assemblage distinctiveness depended on the spatial extent of the analyses, the geographical structuring of the fish assemblages, and whether occurrence or relative abundance data were used. These dependencies led to interesting and conflicting patterns of homogenisation and differentiation. The Rio Grande sub‐basin showed strong homogenisation with convergence between upstream and downstream reaches that corresponded to declining water quality and quantity from the Rio Conchos in Mexico. In contrast, the Pecos River sub‐basin showed strong differentiation between upstream and downstream reaches that corresponded to the successful colonisation and spread of the non‐native gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) in the upper reach, where water quantity and quality have declined. Spatial variability in fish assemblages and their degree of change from historical conditions were largely congruent with anthropogenic modifications to the flow regime and variability in the success of invasive gulf killifish in the basin. The use of species occurrence as opposed to relative abundance data, and the spatial scale of analysis are crucial choices in studies of faunal homogenisation and differentiation, and we have demonstrated how these choices lead to variable results for our study system. Our multi‐scale approach and examination of individual species responses identified the ultimate drivers of these differences and illustrated the importance of scale‐dependent effects and geographical context on patterns of assemblage distinctiveness, especially with regard to species invasion, species loss and relative abundance shifts.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The spatial scale of homogenisation and differentiation in Chihuahuan Desert fish assemblages

et al. 2018

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“…The research shows that freshwater fish are good indicators of morphological changes in the river channel and biotic integrity in freshwater ecosystems (Pont et al, 2006, Cheek et al, 2016, Roni et al, 2014, Schmutz and Jungwirth, 1999. They also respond sensitively to changes in temperature and flow (Avery-Gomm et al, 2014, Schlosser, 1987Schlosser, , 1990; Cowx and Welcomme, 1998 A river restoration scheme that preserves the high variability of a riverbed does not have any negative impact on an overall ecosystem.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effect of Gabions on the Quality of a Stream Habitat

Majorošová¹

2018

Appl. Ecol. Env. Res.

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Abstract.Research on the effect of gabions (wire mattresses filled by stones) on stream biota was conducted on the regulated and natural reference reaches of the Oščadnica stream in northern Slovakia. The fish community reacts sensitively not only to overall sets of changes but also to the shape and material of a riverbed. Therefore, the assessment of the impact of the gabions on the stream biota was realized by the bioindication of the ichthyofauna. Based on a comparison of the quantitative indicators in the regulated and natural reference reaches of the Oščadnica stream, we can say that gabions do not have any negative effects on the ichthyofauna, which is mainly represented by brown trout. Brown trout is the species that reacts most sensitively to morphological stream changes. The results of the research show that gabions do not have any negative effects on the stream biota.

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Live‐bait industry as a pathway for movement of nonnative and invasive species: Implications for conservation of native Texas fishes

Shepta,

Perkin,

Mayes

et al. 2024

N American J Fish Manag

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ObjectiveLive‐bait species are widely used in recreational fishing throughout the United States. However, the use of invasive fish species as live bait has been identified as a common pathway for their introduction into aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the role that the live‐bait industry has in facilitating the introduction of nonnative and invasive species into Texas rivers. We focused on two invasive cyprinodontid species, the Sheepshead Minnow Cyprinodon variegatus and Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis, which are believed to have been introduced into inland Texas rivers via bait‐bucket releases by anglers.MethodsWe conducted telephone and in‐person surveys of live‐bait shops in Texas on a seasonal basis (summer, fall, winter, spring) for 1 year. Locally owned bait shops and regional aquaculture facilities and hatcheries were included in the surveys.ResultSurveys did not reveal the presence of these invasive cyprinodontids in inland bait shops but did reveal the sale of nonnative Goldfish Carassius auratus and their black color morph, the black salty goldfish. Surveys conducted among inland and coastal live bait shops confirmed the sale of only one nonnative bait fish and six bait items native only to certain regions of Texas. Telephone surveys with aquaculture industry experts revealed that the aquaculture industry was also facilitating the movement of nonnative game and nongame fish species throughout the state.ConclusionGiven the potential for nonnative and invasive species to negatively affect recipient aquatic ecosystems, the continued distribution of such species within the aquaculture industry represents a potential threat in Texas. Our findings highlight the need for close monitoring of the live‐bait industry in the state to prevent further introductions into inland waters and reduce potential ecological risks to native fish populations and overall ecosystem functions and services.

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Salinity and geomorphology drive long‐term changes to local and regional fish assemblage attributes in the lower Pecos River, Texas

Cited by 27 publications

References 32 publications

The spatial scale of homogenisation and differentiation in Chihuahuan Desert fish assemblages

The spatial scale of homogenisation and differentiation in Chihuahuan Desert fish assemblages

The Effect of Gabions on the Quality of a Stream Habitat

Live‐bait industry as a pathway for movement of nonnative and invasive species: Implications for conservation of native Texas fishes

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