New Zealand Freshwater Fish

DSC_9477 Removal of forest cover dramatically alters drainage patterns and the properties of waterways. Forest clearance usually includes removal of riparian vegetation which in turn reduces the volume of food (terrestrial insects) falling into the stream. Removal of the forest canopy over streams removes shading and increases the temperature of the water. This increased temperature reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, and in turn the number of fish a stream can support. Shenandoah Saddle *

DSC_9477Removalforest coveralterdrainagepatternswaterwaysForest clearanceriparianvegetationfoodreductionterrestrial insectsfalling into the streamcanopystreamsshadeincreased water temperaturewaterdissolved oxygen levelsShenandoah Saddle