Maquoketa River IA 01-MAQ-19

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2001 Fisheries data: FIBI average (n=2) = 45 (fair). Non-riffle FIBI BIC = 44.

Basis for Assessment

The evaluated assessment was based on data collected in 2001 as part of a DNR Fisheries stream sampling project: Manchester research station.   A series of biological metrics which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity were calculated from the Fisheries sampling data.   The biological metrics are based on the numbers and types of fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   The biological metrics were combined to make a fish community index of biotic integrity (FIBI).   The index ranks the biological integrity of a stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 2001 FIBI average (n=2) was 45 (fair).   The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as fully supporting (=FS), based on a comparison of the FIBI score with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established for previous Section 305(b) reports.  The biological impairment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004.   The non-riffle FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 44.