Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Fish Community and Influencing Factors in an Urban River (Haihe River), China

Biao Tian, Suyun Chang, Shaowen Ye (), Yantao Zhang, Yuncang Wang, Songqing Wang, Li Wu and Tanglin Zhang
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Biao Tian: Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
Suyun Chang: Tianjin Water Conservancy Science Research Institute, Tianjin 300204, China
Shaowen Ye: Yangtze Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, China Three Gorges Corporation, Wuhan 430014, China
Yantao Zhang: Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
Yuncang Wang: Yangtze Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, China Three Gorges Corporation, Wuhan 430014, China
Songqing Wang: Tianjin Water Conservancy Science Research Institute, Tianjin 300204, China
Li Wu: School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230061, China
Tanglin Zhang: Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Urbanization significantly impacts river ecosystems, altering fish community structure and dynamics and posing challenges to the sustainable management of these vital resources. In the heavily urbanized Haihe River in China, understanding the spatial and seasonal variations of fish communities and the environmental factors influencing them is crucial for effective conservation and sustainable management. This study investigated fish communities and environmental variables at ten sites along an urbanization gradient in the upstream reach of the Haihe River over four seasons in 2023. A total of 6710 individual fishes representing 30 species were collected. The results showed that the most urbanized section exhibited higher species diversity but was dominated by tolerant, omnivorous species with similar functional traits, indicating functional homogenization. In contrast, less urbanized sections displayed greater seasonal fluctuations and supported species with specialized traits. Key environmental factors influencing fish community dynamics included nitrogen levels, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and the abundance of the submerged macrophyte Potamogeton crispus . These factors varied spatially and seasonally, mediating the effects of urbanization on fish communities. The findings highlight the importance of environmental factors in shaping fish community dynamics in urban rivers and underscore the need for integrated management strategies that consider both anthropogenic impacts and natural influences to conserve fish diversity, river maintain ecosystem health and ensure long-term sustainability. Sustainable management practices that balance development with environmental protection are vital for preserving ecological integrity and enhancing the resilience of urban river systems to challenges such as urbanization.

Keywords: fish community; spatial dynamics; seasonal dynamics; environmental factors; urbanization; sustainability; Potamogeton crispus; Haihe River; functional diversity; species diversity; urban river management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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