| Thirteen oxbow lakes, 7 deep (≥3.0 m) and 6 shallow (≤ 1.5m), were studied in the Yazoo River basin (YRB) to identify if divergent water quality characteristics and fish communities were common occurrences. Shallow lakes repeatedly experienced wide diel fluctuations in temperature and oxygen, reduced Secchi depth, and greater levels of suspended solids, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a. Fish communities were mostly comprised of orangespotted sunfish, juvenile crappies, gars, and various backwater fishes. Deep lakes exhibited improved conditions among all water quality variables and harbored fish communities comprised mostly of large-bodied and long-lived individuals, and piscivorous species. Furthermore, effects of smallmouth buffalo on water quality were examined at three different biomass levels in experimental ponds. Ponds with biomasses at 220 and 65 kg ha-1 responded with reduced visibility, elevated turbidity and suspended solids, and lower oxygen levels. These two studies combined provide valuable insight into shallow lake management in the YRB. |
