Drought effect on stream morphology and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in forested headwater streams

Abstract

We assessed the effect of a severe drought in 1999 upon stream morphology and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in seven headwater streams in the Greenbrier and Potomac River watersheds, West Virginia. During the drought, stream discharge was 96% lower than in years of normal precipitation. As a result, habitat availability and quality over all study streams was significantly lower. Riffle area was greatly reduced (−54%) relative to available pool area (−2%). Fine sediment levels ( 6.0 mg l −1 , respectively) for brook trout survival in all streams during the drought. Brook trout populations were significantly reduced (adult 60%, Youngof-the-year 67%), and individual fish had significantly lower body condition during the drought relative to the post-drought period. Reductions in brook trout density and population condition during, and in the-post drought period, were related to spatially-limited food resources and/or increased fine sediment levels, but not to degraded water quality. Fisheries managers should consider the effect of periodic drought on brook trout populations and consider short-term harvest restrictions to abet recovery after such stochastic events.