Effects of sediment loads on the fish and invertebrates of a Sierra Nevada river, California
Gard, M.F.
Journal of Aquatic Ecosystem Stress and Recovery 9(4): 227-238
2002
DOI: 10.1023/a:1024061632460
Accession: 010563008
This study examined the effects of sediment loadings from an abandoned hydraulic mining site on potential trout spawning gravels, large aquatic macroinvertebrates, and fish growth, survival and reproduction in the South Yuba River (Nevada County) California. Effects of sediment loadings, which are transported to the South Yuba River via Humbug Creek, were investigated by comparing data from sites on the South Yuba River upstream and downstream of Humbug Creek. The study did not find any deleterious effects of sediment loadings on fish survival and reproduction (based on snorkel survey data), or large aquatic macroinvertebrate populations. In addition, the lack of a significant difference in the percentage of 0.30 to 3.35 mm material in substrate samples suggests that sediment loads are not affecting trout spawning gravels. In contrast, Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis) growth appears to be affected by both water temperatures and sediment loadings. Downstream of Humbug Creek, growth during the first year was significantly faster, based on calculated standard lengths at the age 1 annulus, but condition factor was significantly lower than above Humbug Creek.