Fish biodiversity sampling in stream ecosystems: a process for evaluating the appropriate types and amount of gear

摘要: Because human impacts and climate change threaten aquatic ecosystems, a need exists to quantify catchment-scale biodiversity patterns identify conservation actions that can mitigate adverse on biota. Whereas many traditional resource questions be answered by repeatedly sampling few target species with limited types of gear in the same habitats, fish at larger scales requires different approach. Researchers managers determine amount effort provide representative estimate range habitats across catchment. Using randomized block design within 90-m stream reach contained as scientific study area, assemblages were compared using three (minnow traps, backpack electrofishing, hoop nets) levels (one, two, mixed-gear units) over four replicate days. A mixture best quantified assemblages. A combination 10 minnow 20-m two nets caught most species. Additional added new Resampling confirmed these results. When researchers initiate or river system, they do not know how effective each type is whether their adequate. Although may for other studies, systems, research questions, five-step process described here making decisions evaluating efficiency applied widely any system restore, manage, conserve ecosystems. It believed incorporating this gear-evaluation into wide variety studies ecosystems will increase rigour studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.