Bioindicators were used to assess degradation to fish resident to the
Clinch River drainage. Species studied were rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), northern hogsucker (Hypentelium nigricans) and striped shiner (Luxilus chrysocephalus). The data were collected in parallel
with a study of the index of biotic integrity (IBI) on fish communities
also in the Clinch River drainage. Sites selected for this study were
identical to those used for IBI. Data obtained from fish sampled at
relatively pristine sites (i.e., high IBI) were used as references to be
compared with data obtained from fish sampled at sites suspected of
human impact (low IBI). Results demonstrated variable bioindicator
response to degraded sites. While bioindicators were elevated at
certain sites, others were not significantly different from
corresponding reference values. Furthernore, results showed a
number of correlations between certain bioindicators and IBI and
several IBI components, implying a possible relationship between
these initial individual-level responses (biondicators) and eventual
longer term population- and community-level effects (i.e., IBI and its
components). However, these results also varied between impacted
sites. Future field application of bioindicators in the presence of such
a multiplicity of potential stressors was discussed.
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