Fish-Assemblage Evaluation in the Lower Sandusky River, Ohio, Following Dam Removal
Authors
Kailee A. Schulz, Matthew R. Acre, Andy T. Mueller, James J. Wamboldt, Dustin Broaddus, Tyler M. Hessler, Tammy M. Wilson, Robert L. Mapes, Jon J. Amberg, Robin D. Calfee
Citation
Schulz, K. A., M. R. Acre, A. T. Mueller, J. J. Wamboldt, D. Broaddus, T. M. Hessler, T. M. Wilson, R. L. Mapes, J. J. Amberg, and R. D. Calfee. 2025. Fish-assemblage evaluation in the lower Sandusky River, Ohio, following dam removal. Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Laurentian 2025-01.
Abstract
The Sandusky River, Ohio, USA, has experienced more than a century of alterations, including dam implementation and removal, causing a cascade of habitat changes. The physical changes in the river led to establishment of several invasive species. Ten hoop-net sampling sites, spaced about 500 m apart were established in the river to monitor fish assemblage and their habitat preferences. Four 10-d sampling events were completed from April through October 2021. Ordination analyses were used to assess fish-assemblage structure seasonably, species-habitat relationships, and life-history strategies of 31 species. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to assess temporal factors that may drive diversity and community assemblage. Models indicated increased species richness after removal of the dam. Presence and proportion of catch data were compared to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency 2009 pre-dam-removal data to further assess changes in fish assemblage. Several species, especially catostomids, have begun to use the habitat downstream of the former dam, altering fish assemblage throughout the river. We expect shifts in assemblage structure to persist, making continued monitoring essential for understanding how non-native and recreationally important species continue to respond to dam removal.
About Laurentian
Scope
Launched in 2022, Laurentian replaces three historically separate, irregularly published Commission journals: Technical Report, Special Publication, and Miscellaneous Publication. Laurentian will continue to serve as an outlet for publication of interdisciplinary review and synthesis papers; narrowly focused material with special relevance to a single but important aspect of the Commission’s mandate under the Convention; and scientific reports from committees that work under the umbrella of the Commission. In addition, relevant papers that do not fit the format of mainstream journals owing, for instance, to length, extensive datasets, or nature of the material and its presentation, will be considered. For further clarification, authors are encouraged to review recent papers published under the three former titles, all available on the Commission’s website (www.glfc.org).
Editorial Process
All accepted submissions to Laurentian will be citation indexed by ProQuest®. In continuing with this scholarly process, all submissions will be reviewed by external experts, freelance editors, or staff editors as indicated by the nature of the material. Manuscripts should be submitted to the Commission’s Managing Editor (randye@glfc.org) to begin the editorial process. The editor may also be consulted in advance of submission, if authors are unsure regarding whether a proposed paper is suitable for Laurentian. After a submission is determined to be suitable for Laurentian, the Managing Editor will forward it to one or more freelance Technical Editors, who will arrange for peer review, as needed based on subject matter. Reviews by Technical Editors and the Managing Editor may satisfy the requirement for review, or additional reviews may be sought by a freelance editor. The Managing Editor will decide on acceptance and requirements for revision based on recommendations from Technical Editor(s) and the Managing Editor’s own review.
Style
The style guide of the American Fisheries Society (A Guide to AFS Publications Style) has been adopted for Laurentian (https://fisheries.org/books-journals/writing-tools/style-guide/).