Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Freshwater Researches: Fundamentals, Trends and Perspectives, Meriç Albay,Gözde E. Özbayram,Zeynep Dorak,Reyhan Akçaalan Albay, Editör, Istanbul University Press, İstanbul, ss.225-247, 2024
Fish species play a crucial role as indicator organisms in understanding the changes in the environment occurring in their habitats due to environmental factors such as water quality, habitat alterations, and climatic variations. Their response to these changes makes them valuable for assessing the impact of habitat modifications on fish populations. For instance, trout (Salmo spp.) thrive merely in well-oxygenated cold mountain streams, while loach (Cobitis spp.) can tolerate low oxygen levels. Environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations, water flow variations, pollution, and others can significantly affect fish behaviour, reproduction, growth, and migration patterns, consequently altering the structure of fish communities within their habitats. Regular biological monitoring programs employing fish as bioindicators can provide early warning signs of environmental issues, enabling proactive decision-making and the implementation of rapid response systems to mitigate their effects. The findings from such monitoring studies can be instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration measures, conservation efforts, and the achievement of targeted ecological states. Evaluating the impact of fish stocking programs, habitat restoration projects, or fisheries regulations becomes feasible by analyzing the changes in fish populations and their responses to conservation and restoration initiatives. In conclusion, the biological monitoring of fish communities in freshwater ecosystems is of paramount importance. It helps in understanding the health of aquatic ecosystems, detecting environmental changes, and implementing effective conservation and management strategies. Freshwater bodies and their biodiversity hold significant value in economic, cultural, aesthetic, scientific, and educational aspects. Therefore, their preservation and sustainable management are crucial for the interests of individuals, nations, and governments. Continuous monitoring of fish communities and water resources is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital resources for both humans and the environment.
Keywords: Aquatic ecosystem, Biodiversity, Degradation, Ecology, Pollution, Sustainable management