Associations between stream temperature and air temperature in the Paradise Creek Watershed

Abstract

The presence of fish species in a stream reach is a result of past and current influences acting against different spatial scales. This multidimensional study was concerned with (1) analyzing stream temperature in a small watershed and (2) how environmental variables effect on fish species presence. Air and stream temperature models and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Cold Water Fishery standard were used to identify how climatic and anthropogenic factors are influencing stream temperature. Air and stream temperature models indicated strong correlations with air temperature demonstrating how air temperature strongly influences stream temperature in the watershed. Logistic regressions were successful in modeling fish presence/absence and showed geographical components had a greater influence on fish species presence than temperature. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were successful in modeling specific thresholds of species but more surveys are needed in the watershed until GAMs can be implemented effectively.