How do low water levels in the river affect fish and other creatures?
Low water levels have resulted in the loss of biodiversity in the Ipswich River. Those fish species that depend on flowing and/or cool water cannot survive or thrive in the Ipswich River. Recent studies of the Ipswich River by the United States Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife documented the loss of river fish species, and a significant change in the river’s ecology. When flows diminish in the river, two very important scenarios occur which result in the loss of essential fish habitats. The riffles, those shallow, rocky and turbulent sections which are so important in supporting the aquatic food web, are the first areas to dry up. When the riffles go dry, the habitat is lost. In addition, the river stops flowing continuously, and segments into a series of ponds. The loss of continuous flow is a major change – rivers are flowing waters, and when flows stop, the ability to support the native river ecosystem is lost. Flow-dependent fish species, s
