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Confluence configuration of river networks controls spatial patterns in fish communities

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Abstract

Context

Given the importance of spatial heterogeneity in altering dispersal, interspecific interactions, and population persistence, high rates of habitat homogenisation across the globe are a concern. In river ecosystems, confluences likely act as heterogeneity ‘hotspots’ by creating discontinuities in longitudinal processes and influences that are propagated both up and down stream networks.

Objectives

We predicted the layout of abiotic conditions around confluences would influence the presence and configuration of spatial heterogeneity, and strongly influence spatial patterns in fish abundance and evenness.

Methods

Twelve replicate mainstem and tributary stream combinations in Canterbury, New Zealand, were electrofished to evaluate how the configuration of flow disturbance (i.e. flooding) characteristics around a confluence (i.e. stable mainstem and disturbed tributary versus disturbed mainstem and stable tributary) influenced fish communities.

Results

The configuration of abiotic conditions around confluences, and position of a sampled reach with respect to the confluence, significantly interacted to create configuration-specific patterns in fish abundance and evenness. Fish abundances were particularly high in disturbed tributaries juxtaposed with stable mainstems, suggesting certain confluence configurations are disproportionately ecologically important. Evenness scores differed significantly downstream of confluences, depending on configuration, with highest fish evenness in reaches downstream of confluences between a stable and a disturbed stream.

Conclusions

These results reveal strongly context-dependent spatial patterns in communities and demonstrate the role of spatially transferred influence in river systems. Understanding importance of not just the presence of heterogeneity, but its configuration and context-dependence in the landscape will assist in identifying sites of ecological significance for management and conservation purposes.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Castle Hill, Brooksdale, Flock Hill and Glenthorne Stations and to the Department of Conservation for allowing access to sampling sites. Funding was provided by a subcontract from the New Zealand National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research under the Freshwater & Estuaries Research Programme 2, Sustainable Water Allocation (2014/15 SCI). We thank Richard White, Brandon Goeller, Sophie Hale, Simon Howard and Tom Moore for field assistance, Linda Morris for Technical support, Jenny Ladley for logistical support, and the University of Canterbury for use of the Cass Field Station. Discussions with Erin Peterson at the Queensland University of Technology, Peter McHugh and Carl Saunders at Utah State University, Phillip Jellyman from the New Zealand National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research and the Freshwater Ecology Research Group (University of Canterbury) enhanced this manuscript. Procedures were conducted under Animal Ethics permit 2014/28R from the University of Canterbury.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Nixie C. Boddy & Angus R. McIntosh

  2. National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research, Christchurch, New Zealand

    Doug J. Booker

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  1. Nixie C. Boddy
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Correspondence to Nixie C. Boddy.

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Boddy, N.C., Booker, D.J. & McIntosh, A.R. Confluence configuration of river networks controls spatial patterns in fish communities. Landscape Ecol 34, 187–201 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-018-0763-4

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