Final answer:
Indicators of healthy lakes, rivers, and streams include clear water with minimal silt, a variety of adapted plant and animal life, controlled algal growth, and stable native fish communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the health of lakes, rivers, and streams, numerous indicators can be considered; one significant sign of a healthy aquatic system is the presence of clear water with minimal silt accumulation, often found in fast-moving waters.
Another indicator is the variety of adapted plant and animal life, such as algae growing on rocks, and predatory fish like freshwater trout. It is also important to monitor for signs of algal blooms, which can indicate an imbalance and unhealthy conditions. The stability and composition of the native fish communities, as informed by studies like those by Kiernan et al. (2012) and Lapointe & Light (2012), also provide insights into the health of these freshwater biomes.