Temperature
Information
found on the web site:
http://www.wavcc.org/wvc/cadre/WaterQuality/temperature.htm
Water
temperature is a major controlling factor for all aquatic life.
There is a narrow temperature band at which cold-blooded animals can live
and if stream temperatures increases, decreases, or fluctuates too widely, it
can severely affect the metabolic activities of these organisms.
Temperature
affects the amount of dissolved oxygen and salmonids require high oxygen levels.
They can only live in cool temperature environments with high oxygen
concentrations. Temperatures along
a stream site should be taken at least 10-15 feet apart at two different
locations. When a significant
difference in temperature is found an indication of possible problems which
impact fish, and low temperatures will coincide, most likely, with lower
dissolved oxygen levels.
Table I:
Temperature Ranges (Approximate) Required for Certain Organisms
|
Temperature |
Examples
of Life |
|
Greater
than 20 degrees C |
Much
plant life, bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, catfish, leeches, caddisfly |
|
Middle
range |
Some
plant life, trout, stonefly, mayfly, caddisfly, water beetles |
|
Low
range |
Trout,
caddisfly, stonefly, mayflies all thrive |