Successional changes in the hydrology, water quality, primary production, and growth of juvenile Arctic grayling of blocked Tanana River sloughs, Alaska

Abstract

A comparative stream study was conducted to assess the influence of development and blockage on the hydrology, water quality, primary production, and Arctic grayling of Badger Slough, Alaska. Data collected showed that Badger Slough exhibited stable, clear flows throughout the summer, and higher total and total dissolved phosphorus, orthophosphate, alkalinity, pH, conductivity, and average temperatures, and lower winter dissolved oxygen concentrations than both Piledriver and 23-Mile Sloughs. Mean algal biomass (3.3 mg m-3) and primary production (6.9 g O2 m-2 d-1) are greater than that recorded for any other interior Alaska streams and percent fines in riffle substrates have increased. However, growth of age-0 grayling remains high. Badger Slough has eutrophied due to increased nutrients and stable flows, and the quality of rearing habitat for age-0 fish remains good. However, an annual flushing flow of 8.0 m3 s-1 is recommended for controlling accumulations of fines and maintenance of grayling habitat.