Composition and Abundance of Drifting Fish Eggs on the Upper Reaches of Xijiang River, China, after the Formation of the Cascade Reservoirs

Abstract

To develop effective management actions of riverine fisheries, it is important to monitor how fish resources (i.e., eggs) are recruited in the upper reaches of natural rivers, particularly where dams have been constructed, which potentially hinder life-history strategies. Here, we aimed to determine the State of drifting fish eggs resources, and the underlying environmental factors regulating the presence of fish eggs in the upper reaches of a river (Laibin section of Xijiang River, China). Based on surveys conducted over one spawning period (2016), we set out to: (1) describe the composition and abundance of drifting fish eggs in the 150 km Lainbin section under a dam control, and (2) analyze how the composition and distribution of fish eggs was correlated with environmental factors. A total of 15157 eggs belonging to two orders, four families, and 18 species were collected. Comparison of these data with historical records in the same area showed that the community structure of drifting eggs has changed considerably. Previously, the community was dominated by larger-bodied species, rather than the smaller species documented in 2016. Eggs were primarily detected between May and August. In the natural channel, the greatest abundance of eggs occurred during May and June. In comparison, the greatest abundance of eggs downstream of the dam was detected in July. The results of this study provide important information for water conservancy institutions towards managing regions containing dams to maintain the ecology of rivers and protect important fish resources.