Species Richness and Centrarchid Abundance in Littoral Habitats of Three Southern U.S. Reservoirs

Abstract

Species richness and centrarchid abundance associated with coarse woody debris (CWD), residentially developed habitats (DEV), and undisturbed (UND) habitats in Lake James (North Carolina), Lake Hickory (North Carolina), and Fishing Creek Lake (South Carolina) were evaluated by use of a boat-mounted electrofisher in spring, summer, and fall of 1999–2000. Species richness and centrarchid abundance were generally higher in CWD and DEV habitats than in UND habitat during most seasons in all reservoirs. Higher species richness and centrarchid abundance in CWD and DEV habitats were probably related to greater habitat complexity than in UND habitat, which made these two habitats more desirable to fish. My findings indicate the beneficial role of complex littoral structure on the distribution of fish in these reservoirs and the need for natural resource managers, riparian landowners, and reservoir owners to work cooperatively to protect and enhance habitat where possible.