This document provides an overview of stream ecology, covering chemical, physical, and biological processes in running water ecosystems. It discusses that stream ecology is complex and involves interrelationships between organisms and their environment. The key processes discussed include the nutrient and chemical cycles, factors that influence physical properties at different spatial scales, primary producers and consumers in the food web, and how community interactions and ecosystem processes function. It also provides a brief introduction to macroinvertebrates, explaining their importance in the food chain and for assessing water quality based on their varying sensitivity to conditions.

1. STREAM ECOLOGY BASIC STREAM ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP Chris Mammoliti, Aquatic Biologist

2. What is stream ecology? The study of running water ecosystems with particular focus on the interrelationship of organisms and their environments. Chemical, Physical, Biological Processes STREAM ECOLOGY IS COMPLEX!!!!!!!!!

3. CHEMICAL PROCESSES chemical constituents: dissolved gases (O 2 , CO 2 ), dissolved solids (alkalinity, hardness), nutrient cycle (nitrogen, phosphorus, organic litter)

4. PHYSICAL PROCESSES: Vary with scale! Ecoregions – climate, soils, geology, landform, elevation, etc. Watersheds – size, shape, drainage patterns, drainage density, etc. Drainage Basin – valley segments, land cover, land use, gradient, stream order, etc.

5. PHYSICAL PROCESSES: Vary with scale! Stream Reach/Sample Site – riparian vegetation, macro and microhabitats, etc.

6. BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES algae, diatoms, bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates (insects, mussels, crustaceans, gastropods, worms – flat and round), fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals autotrophs – heterotrophs; herbivores, carnivores, omnivores; decomposers, shredders, scrapers, filterers, collectors, predators; skaters; swimmers; climbers; clingers; sprawlers; floaters; burrowers!!!!!

7. Interdependencies: The occurrence of some species is dependent on the presence of other species.

8. Plant-Herbivore Interactions Predator-Prey Interactions Trophic Relations of Macroinvertebrates Trophic Relations of Stream Fishes Habitat Use and Competition among Stream Fishes Stream Food Webs COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS

9. ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES Primary Productivity Community Respiration Effects of Nutrient Enrichment on Periphyton Surface-Subsurface Interactions in Streams Secondary Production of Macroinvertebrates Drift, Colonization, Emergence Leaf Breakdown in Stream Ecosystems Organic Matter Budgets

11. MACROINVERTEBRATES What the heck are they?

12. WHY STUDY MACROINVERTEBRATES? They are everywhere and easy to collect. Important component of the food chain. Differing sensitivity to water quality conditions. Provide spatial and temporal information. THEY ARE VERY COOL!!

14. GROUP 1 – SENSITIVE

15. GROUP 2 – SOMEWHAT SENSITIVE

16. GROUP 3 – TOLERANT

17. “ In the end we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” -Baba Dioum 1968 speech to the general assembly in New Delhi, India