In Southern Minnesota, an aquatic biologist has been surveying the fish and macroinvertebrates in the Watonwan watershed, gaging to see if the streams and rivers are healthy enough to support the ecosystem needed by a diverse fish community. As hydrologic forces and high water events increase, pressure hits and floods the banks, causing continued erosion. This makes the water more turbid and covers up the habitat and vital food chain. The channels are widening so that deep pools have become shallow and too warm for many intolerant fish. Of 40 assessed stretches of stream in this watershed, only three passed as healthy. The others were reported as impaired.
