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Aquatics – Fish Identification. Fish Identification. Texas Envirothon 2015. Texas Edwards Plateau. Karst is a geomorphological structure resulting from the hydrochemical and water erosion of carbonate rock formations. San Marcos River. Comal River. Guadalupe River. Environmental Impacts.
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Aquatics – Fish Identification Fish Identification Texas Envirothon 2015
Karst is a geomorphological structure resulting from the hydrochemical and water erosion of carbonate rock formations.
Environmental Impacts • Reduced springflows caused by increased pumping, irrigation, human consumption • Elimination of habitat – riparian loss, invasive plants • Degradation of water quality caused by urban expansion. • Increased pressure by recreational users
Healthy Stream Characteristics Effects Meandering pattern Habitat diversity Intact riparian zone Natural deposition and erosion Species diversity Stream shading
Degraded Stream Characteristics Effects Channelization Artificial substrate Lack riparian Scouring / Erosion Lower diversity Higher water temperature
Common Fishes of Central Texas Photo Credits – Tim Bonner Lab – Texas State University
Aquatic Species • In addition to stream biota, the Edwards Aquifer has over 40 species of highly adapted, aquatic, subterranean species • These include amphipod crustaceans, gastropod snails, and interesting vertebrates like blind catfish. • Seven aquatic species are listed as endangered in the Edwards Aquifer system, and one is listed as threatened.