Paired visual fine sediment (<2mm) data and macroinvertebrate samples from Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and UK

Data provided represents harmonized macroinvertebrate data collected from 3-minute kick and Surber (in the case of some New Zealand data) samples paired with visual fine sediment (<2mm) data at the reach scale. Data is provided for Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and UK from secondary data providers, listed in the Data Source Summaries document.

Article abstract

Excessive fine sediment (particles <2 mm) deposition in freshwater systems is a pervasive stressor worldwide. However, understanding of ecological response to excess fine sediment in river systems at the global scale is limited. Here, we aim to address whether there is a consistent response to increasing levels of deposited fine sediment by freshwater invertebrates across multiple geographic regions (Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and the UK). Results indicate ecological responses are not globally consistent and are instead dependent on both the region and the facet of invertebrate diversity considered, i.e., taxonomic or functional trait structure. Invertebrate communities of Australia were most sensitive to deposited fine sediment, with the greatest rate of change in communities occurring when fine sediment cover was low (below 25% of the reach). Communities in the UK displayed greater tolerance with most compositional change occurring between 30-60% cover. In both New Zealand and Brazil, which included the most heavily sedimented sampled streams, the communities were more tolerant or demonstrated ambiguous responses, likely due to historic environmental filtering of invertebrate communities. We conclude that ecological responses to fine sediment are not generalisable globally and are dependent on landscape filters with regional context and historic land management playing important roles.

© the authors, CC-BY-NC 4.0