Abstract:

In recent years, the establishment of biodiversity observation networks (BON) has been of great concern. The global scale GEO-BON (Global Earth Observation—Biodiversity Observation Network), regional EBONE (European Biodiversity Observation Network) and AP BON (Asia-Pacific BON), and local networks such as the J-BON (Japanese BON) and French BON have been successful. The introduction of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV) has laid a theoretical foundation for biodiversity observations. The fish biodiversity observation theory is embedded in the EBV, and includes work at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. Originally designed for fish monitoring, the index of biotic integrity (IBI) has become the most popular index, and emphasizes the identification of different ecological functional groups, which can reflect changes in community structure and function. Fish diversity survey methods include both traditional nets and modern instruments such as a hydroacoustic sonar system. Analysis of monitoring data can be completed as simple comparisons of various indices, modeling long term trends to identify change-points, and exploring ecological regime shifts. As a part of the Chinese Biodiversity Monitoring and Research Network (Sino BON)—Inland Water Fish is designed to conduct fish monitoring work in 8 major drainage basins in China including the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Heilongjiang River, the Zhujiang River, the Lancang River, the Nujiang (Salween) River, the Tarim River, and the Qinhaihu Lake. A total of 25 focused areas and 24 targeted species (groups) have been selected as sampling sites and crucial indicators, respectively, and monitoring variables including community structure, population structure and dynamics, biological traits, genetic diversity, and fish early resources.

Key words: inland water fish, Sino BON, species diversity, biological traits