Review of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan Report 2 (2017) / Chapter Skim
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5 Applied Research Program
5 Applied Research Program
Pages 81-100
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From page 81... ...
The Committee was pleased to learn that, in general, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) responded by implementing most of its recommendations in these areas, as discussed below.
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From page 82... ...
The EAA and the Applied Research Working Group are working to implement this recommendation, with one current project on the Comal Springs riffle beetle (CSRB) life history currently having a two-year duration.
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From page 83... ...
2. Evaluation of Long-Term Elevated Temperature and Low Dis solved Oxygen Tolerances of the Comal Springs Riffle Beetle pre pared by Weston Nowlin and Benjamin Schwartz of Texas State University (EAHCP Proposal # 146-15-HCP)
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From page 84... ...
Also, understanding the life history and life cycle characteristics will allow scientists to evaluate the results from previous and ongoing efforts to measure, and eventually predict, the population abundances of the CSRB. It should be noted that the proposed project on CSRB life history characteristics will be conducted at the same laboratory facility as that of the temperature and oxygen study, and may suffer from the same potential issues as described above.
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From page 85... ...
This could be modified to include an estimated surface area covered by each organic matter type. RECENTLY COMPLETED APPLIED RESEARCH For completeness, Tables 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, and 5-4 list all studies that have been part of the Applied Research Program or have been special studies critical to the ecological model or the implementation of minimization and mitigation measures.
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From page 86... ...
2. Effects of Vegetation 2014 To describe fountain darter movement as a Decay and Water Quality function of water quality and vegetation decay Deterioration on Fountain using fluorescent tags.
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From page 87... ...
3. Estimate Comal Springs 2014 Sample a random distribution of previously Riffle Beetle Population in sampled and unsampled springs for CSRB within Comal Springs/Landa Lake Comal Springs/Landa Lake to estimate the CSRB population.
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From page 88... ...
Springs Riffle Beetle Also, characterize the microbial communities associated with biofilms in the Comal and compare them to the communities found within the guts of CSRB and the biofilms found in different microhabitats within Comal Springs. Proposal available (Nowlin and Hahn, 2015)
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From page 89... ...
They are using an off-the-shelf product: Aquatic Infomatics – Aquarius Samples EAHCP = Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan TWR = Texas wild rice Ludwigia repens Competition Study Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the San Marcos and Comal systems varies in terms of morphology, life history, and reproduction, and different species have been associated with varying densities of fountain darters.
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From page 90... ...
It is possible that light availability is a key factor as the highest growth for Ludwigia appeared under high light conditions. The study's a uthors mention that the experimental locations generally had higher light conditions, so this leaves open a question as to whether the Hygrophila will have a competitive advantage under low light conditions.
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From page 91... ...
Comal Springs Riffle Beetle Population Occupancy Modeling The objective of this study (Zara Environmental, 2015) was to develop a system-wide estimate of the population size of Heterelmis comalensis that would serve as a baseline population estimate for this endangered species.
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From page 92... ...
Furthermore, a validation study that encompasses repeated sampling from the same and new spring outlets to account for potential life history and flow effects on the population estimates is highly recommended. This occupancy model was the most directed research effort to date for estimating the population abundance of the CSRB in the entire Comal Springs system.
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From page 93... ...
The Committee recommends that additional studies be con ducted to identify the source of mortality at the FAB facility, since doing so would likely reveal important factors that are necessary for structuring and maintaining CSRB populations. A second recommendation would be to validate key laboratory experiments like the one in this connectivity study using creative field studies where variables can be manipulated.
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From page 94... ...
and there was concern that these mats could affect the distribution and abundance of fountain darter habitat through the mats' effects on SAV and dissolved oxygen concentration. The development of benthic algal mats was monitored during the summer of 2015 in a series of permanent transects established throughout Landa Lake and Upper Spring.
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From page 95... ...
MiniDOTs oxygen sensors give great flexibility in monitoring spatial patterns in dissolved oxygen concentrations and should be integrated into the water q uality and biological monitoring plans. Dissolved Oxygen Management in Landa Lake Ensuring adequate levels of dissolved oxygen in habitats important to fountain darter and other species of concern is important to meeting the goals of the HCP.
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From page 96... ...
The Committee further recommends that monitoring the dissolved oxygen concentrations using the miniDOTs in selected reas of Landa Lake and Upper Spring Run a be incorporated into an integrated water quality and biological monitoring program. FUTURE OF THE APPLIED RESEARCH PROGRAM The Applied Research Work Group was formed in 2015 subsequent to the release of NRC (2015)
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From page 97... ...
This knowledge underpins efforts to assess the ecological status and trends of the Comal Springs riffle beetle, Comal Springs dryopid beetle, and Peck's Cave amphipod. This research is needed but will be difficult and may require multiple years to be successful.
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From page 98... ...
FD and CSRB* Comal Springs dryopid beetle 2017 Previously unsampled organism.
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From page 99... ...
2014a. Fountain Darter Movement under Low flow Conditions in the Comal Springs/River Ecosystem.
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From page 100... ...
2015. Comal Springs Riffle Beetle Occupancy Modeling and Population Estimate within the Comal Springs System, New Braunfels, Texas.
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