HR: 11:00h
AN: NB32E-03    [Abstracts]
TI: The Influence of Paiute Sculpin (Cottus beldingi) on Trophic Dynamics in a Pacific Northwest Stream
AU: * Luton, C D
EM: lutonc@cwu.edu
AF: Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926 United States
AU: James, P W
EM: jamesp@cwu.edu
AF: Department of Biological Sciences, Central Washington University, 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926 United States
AB: Sculpins are abundant and are the most common predator in many Pacific Northwest streams. We tested the hypothesis that Paiute sculpin (Cottus beldingi) have strong effects on trophic dynamics in Taenum Creek, Washington. Sculpin density was manipulated using 1-m² enclosure/exclosure cages during two 32-day experiments in July and September of 2004. The biomass of periphyton on unglazed ceramic tiles (50-cm²) and benthic macroinvertebrate community composition and abundance were measured at high density, low density, fish exclusion, and control treatments. Controls consisted of cages that were open on the downstream end. Treatments were replicated once each in six separate riffles. Periphyton biomass (chlorophyll b and ash-free-dry-mass) was significantly different between experiments but did not differ among treatments in either experiment. These results suggest that the effects of Paiute sculpins on macroinvertebrates do not cascade to primary producers. Analysis of benthic samples and stomach contents will help to determine whether sculpins affect macroinvertebrates indirectly or directly through predation.
DE: 9901 NABS Student Award - Basic Research
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly