Impacts of invasive poeciliid fish on Hawaiian stream ecosystems
by Holitzki, Tara, M.S., UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT HILO, 2010, 66 pages; 1487433

Abstract:

Poeciliids have been identified as one of the 100 most invasive species in the world, as well as a “species of concern” in the states of Hawai`i, Washington, Oregon, and New Mexico. Despite their global prevalence, few studies have quantified their impacts on stream ecosystem structure, function, and biodiversity. This project documented the effects that poeciliids are having on Hawaiian stream ecosystems. Comparisons made between poeciliid and poeciliid-free streams in nutrient dynamics, benthic algal biomass, invertebrate species composition, and fish community structure on Hawai`i Island revealed that invasion by exotic poeciliids is significantly altering stream ecological structure and function. Significant differences between stream types were found for sum nitrate (∑NO3 = NO3 + NO2), total nitrogen (TN), and total organic carbon (TOC) yields, ash-free dry mass (AFDM), Hydroptila, Dugesia, and chironomid percent contributions, and invasive and native fish densities. Sum NO3, [TN], and [TOC] yields were 8x, 6x, and 5x times higher, respectively, in poeciliid streams than in poeciliid-free streams. Benthic algal biomass (AFDM and chlorophyll a) was 1.5x higher in poeciliid streams than in poeciliid-free streams; diatoms dominated algal communities in both stream types. Invertebrate communities were dominated by Chironomidae (midgefly larvae) in both stream types; Chironomidae densities were 1.6x lower in poeciliid streams. Poeciliid streams also had decreased hydroptilids (microcaddisfly larvae) and increased Dugesia (flatworms) densities. Additionally, mean densities of native gobies were 2x higher in poeciliid-free streams than in poeciliid streams. In poeciliid streams, poeciliid densities were 7.6x higher than densities of native fish. All of these results suggest that poeciliids are impacting the ecological structure, function and biodiversity of Hawaiian streams and underscore the need to restore invaded streams and to prevent future invasions.

 
AdviserKarla McDermid
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT HILO
SourceMAI/ 49-03, p. , Jan 2011
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsEcology; Conservation biology
Publication Number1487433
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1487433
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.