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Morgan, R.P. and S.F. Cushman. 2005. Urbanization effects on stream fish assemblages in Maryland, USA. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 24(3): 643-655. In a Nutshell: Problem - Urbanization is a common problem influencing stream degradation in the United States. Urbanization can cause changes in both fish diversity and richness and small, perennial streams are most at risk. What - Relationships between catchment urbanization and stream fish assemblages in the Eastern Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of Maryland were quantified using data from the Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS). Findings - Maryland stream fish assemblages in the Eastern Piedmont and Coastal Plain were associated with urban land use. Major assemblage differences generally occurred at levels greater than 25% urbanization. Different patterns, though, were observed the two ecoregions. Potential Applications - Because many Maryland fish species classified as rare occur in areas either affected by urbanization now, or will be in the future, the maintenance of fish diversity is an important consideration in understanding the consequences of urbanization. Human population growth is a major factor related to fish species extinction. |
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