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Assessing the Effectiveness of a Constructed Arctic Stream Using Multiple Biological Attributes

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Abstract

Objective assessment of habitat compensation is a central yet challenging issue for restoration ecologists. In 1997, a 3.4-km stream channel, designed to divert water around an open pit diamond mine, was excavated in the Barrenlands region of the Canadian Arctic to create productive stream habitat. We evaluated the initial success of this compensation program by comparing multiple biological attributes of the constructed stream during its first three years to those of natural reference streams in the area. The riparian zone of the constructed stream was largely devoid of vegetation throughout the period, in contrast to the densely vegetated zones of reference streams. The constructed stream also contained lower amounts of woody debris, coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), and epilithon; had lower coverage by macrophytes and bryophytes; and processed leaf litter at a lower rate than reference streams. Species richness and densities of macroinvertebrates were consistently lower in the constructed stream compared to natural streams. This contributed to differences in macroinvertebrate assemblage structure throughout the period, although assemblages showed some convergence by year 3. The effectiveness of the constructed stream to emulate natural streams varied somewhat depending on the biological attribute being evaluated. Assessments based on individual attributes showed that minimal to moderate levels of similarity between the constructed stream and natural streams were achieved. A collective assessment of all biological and ecosystem attributes suggested that the constructed stream was not a good surrogate for natural streams during these first years. Additional time would be required before many characteristics of the constructed stream would resemble those of reference streams. Because initial efforts to improve fish habitat in the constructed stream focused on physical structures (e.g., weirs, vanes, rock, groins), ecological factors limiting fish growth were not considered and likely constrained success. We suggest that a greater focus on organic characteristics and vegetation within the stream and its riparian zone could have accelerated compensation. The addition of woody debris and CPOM, combined with planting of shrubs and herbs along the stream, should provide a source of allochthonous matter for the biotic community while large cobble and boulders should improve the physical stability of stream system, protecting its organic components.

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Acknowledgments

This research was made possible through a grant and in-kind support from BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc (BHPB). Additional financial support was provided by the Canadian Circumpolar Institute (Northern Science Training Program and Circumpolar/Boreal Alberta Research grants), an NSERC industrial postgraduate scholarship (with support from BHPB) to NEJ, and a NSERC research grant to WMT, and funding from Limnos Aquatic Ecosystems Consulting to GJS. The Alberta Research Council kindly provided some field equipment. We also sincerely thank Michelle Bowman for discussions on assessment methods, anonymous reviewers of earlier drafts, and all members of the hard-working field crew, including Maria Sotiropoulos and Bev Gingras.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. River and Stream Ecology Lab, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University, DNA Building 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada, K9J 7B8

    Nicholas E. Jones

  2. Western and Northern Service Centre, Parks Canada, #1550, 635 8 Ave. S.W., Calgary, AB, Canada, T2P 3M3

    Garry J. Scrimgeour

  3. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2E9

    William M. Tonn

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  1. Nicholas E. Jones
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  2. Garry J. Scrimgeour
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  3. William M. Tonn
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Correspondence to Nicholas E. Jones.

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Jones, N.E., Scrimgeour, G.J. & Tonn, W.M. Assessing the Effectiveness of a Constructed Arctic Stream Using Multiple Biological Attributes. Environmental Management 42, 1064–1076 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-008-9218-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-008-9218-z

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