Riparian shading and groundwater enhance growth potential for smallmouth bass in Ozark streams.

摘要: Moderation of stream temperatures by riparian shading and groundwater are known to promote growth survival salmonid fishes, but effects shade on be warmwater fishes poorly understood or assumed negligible. We used temperature models relate from vegetation inflow summer water in Missouri Ozark streams evaluated smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, using a bioenergetics model. Bioenergetics model simulations revealed that adult bass non-spring-fed have lower potential during than fish spring-fed streams, subject mass loss when exceed 278C, will likely exhibit greater interannual variation if all growth-influencing factors, other temperature, identical between the two types. Temperature indicated increased expand longitudinal extent thermal habitat capable supporting reaches mean daily air 278C. Optimum (228C) present only under these conditions. Potential for increasing through restoration is greatest ,5 m wide along north-south larger streams. However, also restoring maximum levels throughout watershed would increase total mileage positive 1-6% at near average maxima; increases suitable watersheds with higher spring densities. Riparian management maintenance should focused areas strongly influenced groundwater. Restoring benefit may ultimately influence population sizes.