What is one of the biological effects of sedimentation on fish?

Sedimentation can have detrimental biological effects on fish, particularly through the clogging of gills. When sediments, such as silt and clay, enter waterways, they can accumulate in significant quantities. For fish, this increased sediment load can obstruct gill filaments, which are critical for respiration. As gills become clogged with sediment, fish experience difficulty in efficiently extracting oxygen from the water. This can lead to respiratory distress, decreased energy levels, and ultimately, poorer health or even mortality in severe cases. Understanding how sedimentation impacts gills underscores the importance of controlling sediment runoff to protect aquatic life.