The impacts of stream acidification on fish assemblages: Assessing three decades of recovery in Shenandoah National Park

Abstract

Acid deposition, resulting from the atmospheric transport of acidifying compounds emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels, has historically resulted in stream acidification in many headwater streams in the eastern United States, including streams in Shenandoah National Park (SHEN). Though restrictions on these emissions were established by an amendment to the Clean Air Act in 1990, reductions in stream acidification have not been observed in all regions of SHEN due to variations in the geological composition of SHEN watersheds. Before the implementation of these restrictions, fish assemblages were strongly controlled by a stream’s acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), which is the ability of a watershed to buffer acid inputs. This study investigated changes in the relationship between fish assemblages and ANC within SHEN 21 years after implementation of more stringent restrictions on the emission of sulfur and nitrogen oxides in 1995. Results indicated that recovery trends in water chemistry were observed in some SHEN watersheds; however, fish species richness and total fish biomass continue to be influenced by the legacy of acid deposition in acid sensitive watersheds. Temporal trend analysis indicated little change in ANC within acid sensitive watersheds and minor decreases in stream sulfate concentrations. These findings indicate a persistent impact from previously deposited sulfur oxides and the continued influence of these compounds on fish assemblages within SHEN. Though no further loss of fish species, and in some cases, increases in species richness, suggest the early stages of recovery, many SHEN streams remain as susceptible to acidification as they were over two decades ago, highlighting the need for continued regulation of acidifying emissions and conservation efforts in headwater streams.