What is Stream Ecology?
Long marsh drain, one of Essex County’s oldest streams.
Stream Ecology is the study of running freshwater ecosystems – streams and rivers.
How do Stream Ecologists study streams?
Stream ecologists study streams from multiple dimensions, investigating physical, chemical, and biological processes. Physical characteristics of a stream include temperature, structure (shape, size), and the flow regime of the water. The flow regime describes when the water level is high or low, and whether the stream has dry periods (intermittency). Flow, temperature, and stream structure act as master variables in streams that control many other in-stream processes like the water quality (chemistry), and the types of organisms that live there. Assessing these variables is how stream ecologists study the unique aspects of each stream. Taking the physical, chemical, and biological dimensions into account allows us to answer questions about streams from multiple perspectives and ensures that we are considering the whole ecosystem.
Ryan is using a multi-probe in the field to measure water quality parameters (pH, DO, turbidity, conductivity).
Stream Ecology is studying interactions:
To approach the study of streams in a holistic way, we must also consider how all aspects of an ecosystem interact. Stream ecologists look at interactions on smaller scales, like how two species interact with each other, to larger scales, like how the whole ecosystem responds to changes in its environment, including human impacts. Researchers in this field also consider relationships outside of the water, including plant species that live on the riverbank (in the riparian zone), which affect streams through the input of organic matter like leaves. Interactions can also be at the watershed scale, where activities such as farming can affect the quality of the water from a distance. Researchers at HHL are involved in many areas of stream ecology and investigate a broad range of interactions. Some of HHL’s current projects involve assessing human impacted streams in Windsor-Essex to determine whether urban and agricultural land use affects streams in the same way. Other projects include studying farm soils to see how different farming practices affect runoff from fields and ultimately nearby streams. Finally, we use communities of benthic invertebrates to assess stream health and habitat potential for other critically endangered species.
Why is Stream Ecology Important?:
Research on stream ecology is beneficial for all organisms on Earth, especially humans. Rivers and streams provide life and livelihood to the people who live around them; they provide food, transportation , and other services that contribute to the well-being of humankind. If we allow these systems to be destroyed, we are only hurting ourselves. By studying stream ecosystems, we gain a better understanding of what they need to function properly. If the ultimate goal is conservation and restoration, we must first understand what our streams need to thrive, and then we can apply this knowledge and invest in solutions.
Photos by Shayenna Nolan
