East Fork Des Moines River IA 04-EDM-972

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2000 Fisheries data: Fish IBI = 39 (fair).

Basis for Assessment

[Prior to the 2004 assessment, this segment was referred to as IA 04-EDM-0010_3.  Segment IA 04-EDM-0010_3 was broken into two smaller segments, now listed as IA 04-EDM-0010_2 and IA 04-EDM-0010_3 to reflect the location descriptions and classifications (HQR) as described in the Surface Water Classification.  All previous assessments refering to this segment (previously known as IA 04-EDM-0010_3) can now be found listed in the documentation for segment IA 04-EDM-0010_4.]

The assessment was based on data collected in 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 (F-IBI).   The index ranks the biological integrity of a stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 2000 evaluated Fish IBI = 39 (fair).   The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as Fully Supporting/Threatened (=FS/T), based on a comparison of the F-IBI score with biological assessment criteria established for previous Section 305(b) reports.   The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2001.