Shedd Aquarium
Luminous traps on the Chicago River
New study reveals 24 species to be successfully reproduced; It is the sign of a great recovery in an urban water course.
A new study revealed that the Rio Chicago, once known for the strong pollution, now houses growing fish populationscom 24 species to reproduce Successfully throughout your route.
The discovery underlines the impact of continuous conservation actions designed to restore the ecological health of the river.
Shedd Aquarium investigators conducted a survey of two years, between 2020 and 2022, in ten locations distributed through the north and southern branches of the river.
Used luminous traps To attract fish larvae And so they collected 2,211 specimens.
The analysis of DNA confirmed the presence of species such as: silver, Bluegill, Achigã, Papo, Golden Carp and Cyprinella Game Optera.
Documented the small Labidesthes avenge e Notropis Volucellusspecies usually sensitive to pollution.
Your presence indicates Significant improvements in water quality and habitat conditions.
The south branch, in particular, supported a larger number of species intolerant to pollution, probably due to better flow, submerged vegetation, riverbed composition and sheltered areas such as Bubbly Creek’s deactivated barcade pier, which offer safe and food -rich nurseries.
In contrast, the north branch was dominated by species capable of tolerating more adverse environmental conditions.
“As people continue to take care and conserve this critical freshwater ecosystem, we hope to see an increase in the number of fish to reproduce in the system,” said Dr. Austin Happel, the main author of the study.
The results highlight the resilience of urban water courses And they demonstrate how sustained restoration can allow the recovery of ecosystems.
Happel’s next investigation will explore the impact of floating moist zones, recently installed by Shedd Aquarium and the local NGO Urban Rivers, on fish reproduction, offering new perspectives on urban river conservation strategies.
