Humans’ Effect on Waterbody Quality and the Impact on Fish Health
Since the dawn of time, humans have used rivers and lakes as a natural resource; utilizing the abundant life found there as a source of food. For the last two hundred years, however, the health of these waterbodies has dropped dramatically. As we have put in dams and changed the flow of the rivers, we have also inadvertently blocked fish off from their natural habitats and spawning grounds. The number of fish, as a result, has decreased dramatically with some species classified as endangered. Numerous restoration projects have focused on returning our lakes and streams to their former glory. Some projects have had resounding success; for example the Oregon Chub is the first fish to be delisted from the endangered species list. This presentation will be a look at rivers and how their healthy vs unhealthy environment affects fish, as well as restoration attempts and the possible benefits.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Allee
L204
2:00 – 2:30 PM