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An acidic snowmelt event in a new jersey stream: Evidence of effects on an indigenous trout population

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Abstract

Van Campens Brook is a circumneutral stream in northwestern New Jersey that supports reproducing populations of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A short-term pH depression occurred in the stream following a snowmelt in the spring of 1984. A stream pH of 4.5 was recorded shortly after the onset of the snowmelt and the pH remained depressed (5.2) a week later. Stream pH did not fall below 6.2 following other rain and snowmelt events monitored during 1985–1987. An electrofishing survey conducted in 1985 revealed a near-total absence of 1984 year-class rainbow trout, spring spawners that are highly sensitive to acidity. Brook and brown trout spawning appeared to be unaffected. Rainbow trout reproductive success was good during 1985–87.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, PO Box 394, 08833, Lebanon, NJ, U.S.A.

    William Stansley

  2. Division of Environmental Quality, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, 401 E. State St., 08625, Trenton, NJ, U.S.A.

    Gregory Cooper

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  1. William Stansley
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  2. Gregory Cooper
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Stansley, W., Cooper, G. An acidic snowmelt event in a new jersey stream: Evidence of effects on an indigenous trout population. Water Air Soil Pollut 53, 227–237 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00170739

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00170739

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