Guest Post: Aquatic Invertebrates
We're incredibly thankful to the folks at the Galena Creek Visitors Center for putting together these awesome resources for Truckee River Month!
Make sure to check out their video on our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/onetruckeeriver/posts/1864888793647601
Why is aquaticinvertebrate surveying important?
Aquaticand riparianhabitats are some of the most endangered ecosystems, due to pollution,development, climate change, agriculture, and other factors. Scientists need tomonitor these ecosystems in different ways to test their health andproductivity. Aquatic invertebrates are an important measurement because theyplay many roles in the ecosystem and are threatened by several differentenvironmental factors.
EcosystemServices
Aquaticinvertebrates play an important role in their ecosystem. Many are primaryconsumers, which means they eat plants and bacteria, keeping populations ofalgae and aquatic plants at a healthy level. Other species are detritivores,feeding on dead animals and plants, breaking these organisms down to nutrientsthat plants use to grow. Many of these species are an important prey for fish,reptiles, birds, crustaceans, and other animals in the ecosystem. Without them,the rest of the animal populations would decline. Overall, these organisms area crucial part of the nutrient cycling of aquatic ecosystems.
Threats
Unfortunately,many of these species and their habitats are threatened by invasive species,climate change, and altered flow regimes of their waterways. Many invasivespecies have been introduced in aquatic ecosystems throughout the UnitedStates. These organisms have not evolved to have predators in these ecosystems,so they are often able to reproduce, spread, and wipe out their competitorsquickly. Animals like the Zebra Mussel and Quagga Mussel are so detrimental toaquatic ecosystems, that many areas conduct mandatory inspections of boats andboat trailers before they are allowed to enter a waterway.
Inthe southwestern United States, climate change is threatening the health ofaquatic ecosystems. In this region climate change is causing increased temperaturesand drought, damaging the already sensitive waterways of the region.
Finally,altered flow regimes have damaged habitat for many aquatic invertebrates.Activities like groundwater mining, conversion of floodplains into agriculturalland, and dams have resulted in decreased overall flow, decreased flowvariation throughout the year, and/or alterations in the stream channels. Manyaquatic invertebrates have evolved to rely on specific seasonal flow variationsor water conditions that are now being altered, decreasing their habitat,ability to move and reproduce, and food availability.
Importanceof Monitoring
Monitoringthese species can help government agencies like the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) make laws and procedures around development. They can preventprojects from starting if they damage an ecosystem or stop current pollutionand habitat destruction.
Measuringthe diversity and abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates, combined withmeasuring the temperature, pH, and other variables of the water, givesresearchers a good understanding of the overall health of a riparian area. Thisalso shows researchers what qualities of water are important for differentspecies. For example, some species might do well in water that is crystalclear, while other species may do better in muddy water. Understanding thesehabitat specificities can help researchers and policy agencies make smartdecisions about land use.
Whatcan you do to help?
Don’t pollute water systems.Garbage, motor oil, medications, and other human items that are put intothe water system through storm drains end up in our rivers and lakes. Makesure you dispose of waste properly.
Assist with aquatic invertebratetesting and water sampling. Many organizations and national and stateparks conduct public sampling events, through which you can learn aboutthe process and try it out yourself.
Volunteer on a restoration project.Most local organizations that focus on wetlands or riparian ecosystems dorestoration projects, and they need volunteers from the public to help.Often this involves planting trees and other fun projects.
Advocate for your watershed. Votefor projects and policies that reduce pollution and protect our waterwaysand vote for people who support environmental protection.
Learn more about our waterways andthe Truckee River Watershed through these local organizations.
One Truckee River- http://onetruckeeriver.org/
Keep TruckeeMeadows Beautiful - https://ktmb.org/
Truckee RiverWatershed Council - https://www.truckeeriverwc.org/