Otter Creek IA 01-WPS-389

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 1998 and 2000 Fisheries data: FIBI average (n=2) = 71 (excellent). Riffle site FIBI BIC = 65.

Basis for Assessment

The assessment was based on data collected in 1998 and 2000 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 1998/2000 evaluated FIBI average (n=2) was 71 (excellent).   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 riffle site FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 65.