Date of Award

2005

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.Sc.

Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords

Biology, Ecology.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Habitat loss and degradation is considered the greatest threat to freshwater biodiversity. In this study, I examined fish-habitat associations in shallow Canadian waters of the Detroit River. To determine the most effective method of sampling fishes in a large connecting channel, several techniques were compared at 30 sites in the middle Detroit River in 2003. In 2004, 60 sites were selected from shallow Canadian waters, and sampled in May (spring), July (summer) and September (fall). Local environmental variables were measured to determine microhabitat preferences of fishes. At a larger scale, sites were distributed between inshore and offshore areas, and among upper, middle and downstream segments of shallow water habitat. Gear comparisons revealed that, in descending order, seine nets, boat electrofishing, hoop nets and Windermere traps were effective methods for sampling shallow offshore waters. Seine nets captured the highest species richness, and higher abundance than all other gears combined. I recommend combining all four gears for species surveys; however, if multiple small samples are required for multivariate analysis, I recommend seining and boat electrofishing. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Biological Sciences. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2005 .L37. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-03, page: 1279. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2005.

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