The Chemistry and Fishery Status of Acid Lakes in Norway and Their Relationship to European Sulphur Emissions

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Abstract
In the light of claims that some Scandinavian lakes have been adversely affected by European sulfur emissions, the data of Wright and Snekvik (1978) have been analyzed in an attempt to estimate the effect of a reduction in these emissions on the fishery [mainly brown trout (Salmo trutta)] status of the lakes. The relationship of H+ concentration and excess (non-sea) sulfate concentration is highly significant but the slope of regression is only 0.225. On the assumptions that the excess sulfate is largely derived from the combustion of fossil fuels and that a regression derived from a regional survey can be used to predict trends in time, the average increase in pH of these lakes that might result from a 50% reduction in European sulfur emissions would be 0.2 units. This figure is not inconsistent with estimates made from other studies, including analysis of historical data, sediment analysis and experimental catchment acidification. The relationship between pH and fishery status of the lakes, in terms of their ability to support good, sparse or no fish populations, suggests that a pH change of 0.2 units would improve the fishery status category of 9% of the lakes. Fishery status of these lakes appears to be independent of excess sulfate concentration.

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