Abstract
In this study, we developed an average score per taxon (ASPT) method for evaluating the integrity of a water environment on the basis of 53 indicative freshwater fish distributed in northern Kyushu. We also evaluated the usefulness of this method based on the distribution data of fish obtained our previous survey at 313 sites. ASPT showed no significant difference among three different environments (northeastern rivers, northwestern rivers and creeks). Moreover, this score showed no correlation with river gradient. The score showed an inverse correlation with the urbanized area and the number of exotic fish species. These results suggest that the ASPT method is applicable to various types of water environment and accurately reflects the difference in the integrity of water environment of freshwater fish in the north of Kyushu.
