The effects of sediment on fish and their habitat / Ian K. Birtwell. : Fs70-1/1999-139E-PDF

This document presents information and comments on guidelines and criteria for the protection of aquatic resources from elevated levels of suspended and deposited sediment in fresh water. Examples of the lethal and sublethal effects on sediment on fish and their habitat, and factors such as temperature, particle size and angularity, and duration of exposure, that influence these effects, are presented. Guidelines that rely on gravimetric determinations of suspended sediment concentrations are recommended for use over those that rely solely on turbidity. However, if the relationship is known between these variables, then turbidity may be used as a surrogate for suspended sediment. Guidelines that rely on the volumetric determination of "setteable solids" are not endorsed for use because of the difficulty of obtaining a meaningful and generally applicable relationship between this variable and suspended solids. It is concluded that elevated levels of sediment (typically over background) may be harmful to fish (i.e. acutely lethal, or elicit sublethal responses that could compromise their well-being and jeopardize survival), and in addition, negatively impact on their habitat.

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