Use of Fish Assemblages as Biological Indicators for Assessing the Ecological Integrity of Freshwater Ecosystems: Concepts and Applications in Thailand
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Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are essential for biodiversity, biological production, inland fisheries, and community livelihoods. However, many freshwater habitats are increasingly affected by land-use change, wastewater discharge, habitat loss, flow modification, and the spread of non-native species. This review article aims to synthesize the concept of using fish assemblages as biological indicators for assessing the ecological integrity of freshwater ecosystems, with emphasis on applications in Thailand. The scope of this article covers the concept of biological indicators, relationships between fish assemblages and the structure and functions of freshwater ecosystems, fish-based indicators, the Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (Fish-based IBI), applications in rivers, canals, ponds, wetlands, floodplains, and community water bodies, as well as limitations and future development. Based on a synthesis of relevant literature and research from Thailand and other countries, fish assemblages can indicate multiple dimensions of freshwater ecosystem condition, including species richness, assemblage composition, abundance, trophic guild composition, proportions of native and non-native species, sensitive and tolerant species, size structure, and fish health conditions. These indicators are closely associated with habitat condition, water quality, food-web structure, and hydrological connectivity. Key knowledge gaps requiring further development in Thailand include long-term fish assemblage databases, locally calibrated criteria for sensitive and tolerant species in different river basins, and standardized sampling protocols suitable for different types of freshwater habitats. Future development should focus on integrated assessment systems that combine fish assemblage data with water quality, habitat characteristics, environmental DNA (eDNA), geographic information systems (GIS), and community-based monitoring to support sustainable management of inland water resources and inland fisheries in Thailand.
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