The effect of fish decomposition on downstream benthic algal communities.

Abstract

This project demonstrates the effects of fish carcass decomposition on benthic algal communities in a stream ecosystem. Dead fish were rigged in the middle of artificial stream channels at the UMBS stream facility with artificial substrates placed downstream for subsequent algal colonization. After a period of two weeks, July 26, 1998 to August 8, 1998, algal communities were sampled to determine any possible effects on community composition due to nutrient loading from fish decay. Microscopic analyzation revealed no significant change in algal density or species diversity. The absence of a marked difference in community structure coupled with nutrient readings at the beginning and end of the experiment may allude to nutrient deficiency in the East Branch of the Maple River, Emmet County, Michigan.