An extensive study of the biota of the Kanawha River was integrated to examine the trophic basis of fish
production and predict potential impacts of increased tow traffic at two sites in the Winfield Pool. Total standing
stock and production of adult fish were estimated as 242 kg/ha and 188 kg/ha/yr, respectively. Sixty—one species were categorized into six trophic groups. Trophic generalists (omnivores and herbivore/detritivores) consumed a variety of foods including considerable detritus. These
groups accounted for 73 to 83% of total ichthyomass and
81% of total adult production. Total fish consumption at the more riverine upper site was partitioned into 35% l
detritus, 28% invertebrates, 20% plant matter, 12% other
fish, and 5% crayfish. At the lower, more lentic site the
diet consisted of 34% detritus, 25% plant matter, 21% other
fish, 17% invertebrates, and 3% crayfish. The overall basis of production relies upon imports of allochthonous materials.
next to an author's name indicates that all files or directories associated with their ETD are accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.
![[VT]](http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/images/ETD-db/restricted.gif)
