Spatial and temporal variability of sediment nutrients and benthic macro-invertebrates in recreational fishing ponds

An experiment is currently being conducted in eight earthen recreational fishing ponds in northern Mississippi.  The main aim of this study is to identify both spatial and temporal variability of sediment nutrient concentrations and benthic macro-invertebrate community compositions in recreational fishing ponds.    The ponds are being sampled with the objectives of describing spatial and temporal distributions of sediment nutrients (phosphorus, carbon and nitrogen) and benthic macro-invertebrate density and diversity in recreational fishing ponds, as well as estimating potential relationships between sediment nutrients and benthic macro-invertebrate characteristics within these ponds.  For these objectives we are predicting that sediment nutrient concentrations and benthic macro-invertebrate distributions will be positively correlated within the sampled ponds. Furthermore, seasonal changes in the relationships between sediment nutrients and benthic macro-invertebrates are expected.  Fishery managers could use this relationship to predict seasonal distributions and abundances of sediment nutrients and invertebrates in their systems to better manage their lakes and ponds.  This study is also important in order to guide future studies of fertilization that aim to restore or enhance fish populations.