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The effect of stream channelization on macroinvertebrates, fish, and the sport fishery was studied in the Olentangy River at Columbus, Ohio. Macroinvertebrate abundance, diversity indices, standing stock in the benthos, and drift were significantly lower in a channelized area than in either a natural area or a channelized area mitigated with artificial riffles and pools. Predominant macroinvertebrates were moving-water forms in the natural and mitigated areas, and burrowing forms in the channelized areas. Diversity indices and relative abundance of game fish were significantly lower in the channelized area than in the natural and mitigated areas. However, some nongame species became relatively abundant in the mitigated area when compared to the natural area. Composition of the sport fishing catch and catch rates accurately reflected the predominant fish community in each area. The biota in the area mitigated with artificial riffles and pools was similar to the biota in the natural area.
Edwards et al. (Sun,) studied this question.