Pre-impoundment Limnological Study of the Strawberry River in Northeastern Arkansas

A study of pre-impoundment limnological characteristics of the Strawberry River was made from August, 1967 to June, 1968. Two collecting stations were established, one upstream which would not be inundated and a lower station which would be inundated when impoundment was complete. The Strawberry River was characterized by high alkalinity and pH, low carbon dioxide and turbidity, and adequate oxygen values. Plankton was characterized by limited numbers of Staurastrum, Gomphonema, and Rotatoria. Pool-riffle communities were ill-defined. Chironomidae, Oligochaeta and Ephemeroptera were dominant pool macroinvertebrates among 13 taxa collected. Of the 20 taxa collected in riffles Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Simuliidae and Chironomidae were the most numerous. Longitudinal zonation was characterized by an increase in species and numbers of pool benthic macroinvertebrates from headwater to downstream areas. Numerical standing crop was recorded for pools on 8 June 1968 and riffles on 30 September 1967. A total of 1979 fishes constituting 49 species were taken in this study. Station I and II pools yielded 242 and 185 fishes/ha respectively, Dorosoma cepedianum and Moxostoma erythrurum being the dominant forms. The substantial populations of Dorosoma cepedianum seemingly are supported by debris and allochthonous materials and not on the sparse plankton present. Station I and II riffles yielded 2896 and 1108 fishes/ha respectively, Etheostoma caeruleum and Percina caprodes being most numerous. Longitudinal zonation was characterized by decrease in number/ha and species present from headwater to downstream areas