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| Hyatt Regency Wichita, Kansas |
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73rd Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference
Sunday, December 9 - Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Hyatt Regency, Wichita, Kansas
Hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks |
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Fisheries Abstracts
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Scheduled times and abstracts for technical sessions and symposia are subject to change. Be sure to collect the final program onsite for the most up to date information.
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Click here for a printable version of the Fisheries Abstracts.
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| NON GAME AQUATICS SYMPOSIUM ~ 10:20 am - 5:00 pm |
| Title: |
Movements and Habitat use of River Redhorse (Moxostoma Carinatum) in the Kankakee River, Illinois |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 10:20 am - 10:40 am |
| Authors: |
Steven E. Butler and David H. Wahl - Kaskaskia Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois |
| Abstract: |
The river redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) is a large riverine catostomid that has experienced substantial declines throughout its historic range. The life history of this species, including its seasonal movement patterns and habitat associations, is poorly understood, thus hindering implementation of effective conservation strategies. We radio-tagged 10 river redhorse in the Kankakee River, Illinois, and tracked their movements from October 2011 to August 2012, measuring habitat characteristics at all relocation points. Eight of the 10 radio-tagged river redhorse displayed fidelity to a relatively short length of river (= 8.7 km), whereas two individuals exhibited long-distance (= 23.1 km) movements. During the fall transition and cold-water periods, river redhorse occupied deep (1.5 - 3.0 m) runs with moderate current velocities (0.3 - 0.5 m/s). Following an early spring warming period, river redhorse moved upstream into higher-velocity (> 0.5 m/s) run habitats. Spawning was observed in shallow riffle areas in late April. Following spawning, all radio-tagged river redhorse returned to the same run where they had been captured the previous fall. Summer movements were relatively limited (mean range = 0.7 km), and river redhorse occupied deep (1.2 - 2.0 m) runs with moderate current velocities (0.2 - 0.5 m/s) during this time. River redhorse were predominately located over cobble and boulder substrates (74.7 % of all observations) during all seasons. Conservation of river redhorse populations will likely depend in part on conserving the habitats that this species associates with, and maintaining viable pathways for movements among them. |
| Title: |
Habitat Restoration Leads to Changes in the Relative Density and Community Structure of Fishes in a Midwestern Stream |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 10:40 am - 11:00 am |
| Authors: |
Robert E. Colombo, Ph.D., Eastern Illinois University; Manisha Pant, Eastern Illinois University;
John West, USFWS; Trent Thomas, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
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| Abstract: |
In the Midwestern United States, millions of dollars are spent on the restoration of streams; however, little research has been conducted to assess the impact of habitat enhancement on the aquatic biota. We sought to assess the impact of instream restoration on fish communities in a small Midwestern stream. Beginning fall 2009, we sampled four sites (2 control and 2 restored) twice annually (spring and fall) using an electric seine. Sampling at these sites was conducted twice preceding restoration (fall 2009 and spring 2010), once one week subsequent to restoration (Fall 2010) and twice after restoration (spring and fall 2011). In the restored reaches, species richness increased and the fish community assemblage changed (ANOSIM, p < 0.004) subsequent to restoration. Relative density of fishes, particularly Ictularidae and Cyprinidae, increased after restoration. Seasonally, fall showed higher density of Cyprinidae, Ictularidae, Centrarchidae and Catostomidae compared to spring. Additionally, diversity of the fish assemblage was significantly greater in fall (D = 6.32) compared to spring (D = 5.10) (p < 0.05). These data suggest the need for standardized sampling protocols to include season as a variable. |
| Title: |
Assessing Crayfish Populations in Missouri’s Priority Watersheds: Wadeable Streams Sampling Methods Development |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:00 am - 11:20 am |
| Authors: |
Bryan S. Engelbert, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Christopher A. Taylor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Illinois Natural History Survey |
| Abstract: |
This study aims to create standardized, robust sampling methods for assessing the stream-dwelling crayfish fauna of Missouri, with the specific goals of capturing all species present and gathering crayfish density information at a particular site. Crayfish were collected in 15-minute timed efforts using kick seine and hand capture techniques. A 1m2 kick seine technique was used for assessing crayfish densities in riffle habitats. Sampling was completed by saturating a site with both efforts, thereby oversampling the population to capture all species, and provide sample density means close to true population means. Data was analyzed using resampling without replacement techniques to illustrate species accumulation, while number of samples to estimate density information was calculated using standard deviation results. We determined optimal efficiency where our results indicate seven efforts of 15-minute intervals (105 minutes of sampling) may provide the best estimate of community structure. Our density testing results indicated that twelve 1m2 quantitative kick seines were necessary to capture a measurement within 50% of the true mean density for any crayfish species with a density higher than 0.5 per square meter. Other combinations of accuracy, confidence, and percent site occurrence can be extrapolated from our data. |
| Title: |
An Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Index of Biotic Integrity to Assess Wadeable Stream Condition in the Northern Glaciated Plains, South Dakota |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:20 am - 11:40 am |
| Authors: |
Arjun Kafle, Graduate Student; Nels Troelstrup, Oral Presenter Professor; Jacob Krause, Graduate Student; Katie Bertrand, Assistant Professor – South Dakota State University |
| Abstract: |
Biological monitoring is a critical tool for assessing stream biotic integrity and fulfilling monitoring requirements of the Clean Water Act. However, regional biological monitoring tools are needed to account for natural and human mediated variation in natural resource condition. Our objective was to develop an index of biotic integrity (IBI) for wadeable streams in eastern South Dakota and validate the index against streams of known condition. Reach-wide composite samples were collected from candidate reference, targeted and random sites using a standard D-frame net (500 µm) during 2010 and 2011. Invertebrates were sorted, identified and counted using standard U.S. EPA procedures. Community metrics were calculated and passed through a sequential screening procedure to identify those capable of discriminating among site classes. Individual metric scores were linearly interpolated between the 5th and 95th percentile, summed and rescaled to generate final site IBI scores. Our screening process eliminated 95% of community metrics, leaving the modified Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, climber percent abundance, insect percent abundance and Trichoptera generic richness to discriminate sites classes. IBI scores ranged from 11.4 to 87.5 across all sites. We found significantly higher (KWANOVA p<0.01) IBI scores from targeted good sites than targeted bad sites, but candidate reference (test) sites had significantly lower scores than good sites. Invertebrate IBI scores were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with dissolved oxygen, percent fine substrates and nutrient concentrations. Our invertebrate IBI successfully differentiated among site classes, but we would not recommend use of the state’s candidate reference sites based on our validation data. |
| Title: |
A Fish Index of Biotic Integrity for South Dakota’s Northern Glaciated Plains Ecoregion |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:40 am - 12:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Jacob R. Krause, Katie N. Bertrand, Arjun Kafle, Nels H. Troelstrup Jr. – South Dakota State University |
| Abstract: |
Ecosystem goods and services in streams are impaired when their biotic communities are degraded by anthropogenic stressors. An Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) translates community structure into a standardized ecoregion-specific stream health score. Documenting stream health is especially important in ecoregions like the Northern Glaciated Plains (NGP), which are undergoing rapid landscape alterations through increased agriculture production. Our objectives were to develop a fish IBI and validate reference sites for the NGPs wadeable perennial streams. Fish were sampled at 54 sites (consisting of reference sites, known-condition least and most disturbed sites, and random sites) during summers 2006 to 2011. Candidate metrics were sorted into nine classes based on different attributes of fish assemblage form and function. Metrics were screened using metric range, signal-to-noise ratios, responsiveness to disturbance, and redundancy tests until each metric class only contained the metric most responsive to anthropogenic stressors. After the metric screening, our IBI consisted of five metrics that were reflective of prairie stream fish assemblages, and differentiated between known-condition least and most disturbed sites. When mean IBI scores at reference sampling sites were grouped, they were found to be similar to both least and most disturbed sites (Mann-Whitney U-test; P < 0.05). Seven reference site scores lowered the grouped mean by falling under the 50th percentile, while the other 16 sites were above the 50th percentile and were considered validated. We now have a standardized bioassessment tool for evaluating stream health, and a baseline for long-term monitoring in a dynamic ecoregion. |
| LUNCH ~ 12:00 pm - 1:20 pm |
| Title: |
The Effect of Northern Clearwater Crayfish Abundance on Stream Community Structure and Invertebrate Diversity in Michigan's Upper Peninsula |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 1:20 pm – 1:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Christina A. Lupoli, Boston University; Todd A. Crowl, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Ecology Center at Utah State University |
| Abstract: |
Crayfish are an essential component of stream ecosystems in the Northern Hardwoods. Due to their diversity of roles, from shredders of fallen leaves to herbivores of algae to predators of macroinvertebrates, crayfish such as the Northern Clearwater crayfish, Orconectes propinquus, can have a significant effect on aquatic community composition. Because of the complexity and strength of the northern clearwater crayfish’s interactions with its environment, it can even be considered a keystone species. To test this hypothesis, sixteen artificial streams with three, two, one, and no crayfish, each with four replicates were run for eighteen days. In addition, six in situ plots with two, one, and no crayfish, each with two replicates, were placed in Tenderfoot Creek for one week on the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC) property in Gogebic County, Michigan. The results of these experiments reveal that as crayfish populations increased, algae and periphyton cover in the artificial streams decreased, and that invertebrate abundance in all plots decreased. Moreover, crayfish quantity and invertebrate diversity in artificial streams were positively correlated. These findings can aid in better understanding the importance of noninvasive crayfish populations in the Northern Hardwoods and help provide them support, especially given the imminent spread of the invasive species rusty crayfish, Orconectes rusticus. |
| Title: |
Great River Floods: Taking Advantage of Extremes to Evaluate Extant Riverine Theories |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 1:40 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Abstract: |
The Missouri River in central North America experienced the greatest, sustained flows since impoundment and channelization in the mid-20th Century. The resulting floods provided a level of floodplain connectivity that had not occurred for over 50 years. Use of these floodplain habitats by riverine species has not been studied. Therefore, I compared conventional spatio-temporal theory associated with the Flood Pulse Concept to fish population responses observed during and after the flooding on the Missouri River. Specifically, responses from the fish community suggest recruitment of native fishes like paddlefish Polyodon spathula, catfishes from the Family Ictaluridae, and several Cyprinidae species have been much greater than previous years under the current water management regime. Further, the spatial distribution of fishes across the floodplain follows predictable patterns associated with habitat structure, temperature, depth, and water velocities to provide refugia, feeding, and nursery areas. The implications and potential anthropogenic management responses to this and future floods will be discussed. |
| Title: |
A Family-level Evaluation of the Drivers of Fish Invasions |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm |
| Authors: |
Landon L. Pierce, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Missouri; Craig. P. Paukert, USGS Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Joanna B. Whittier, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Missouri |
| Abstract: |
The ability to predict the establishment of non-native fishes is critical to preventing their spread and conserving native fishes. Habitat alteration and interactions with native species have been proposed as drivers of species invasions, but the drivers of fish invasions are relatively unclear; potentially (in part) due to the biological scale (e.g., species richness) that invasions are commonly evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the drivers of non-native fish invasions at the family taxonomic level. Fish community samples were collected from 163 wadeable stream sites in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Colorado, from 1990 to 2010. We calculated metrics of anthropogenic alteration to flow regime, physical habitat, water quality, and energy source using the density and severity of landscape-level threats as measures of habitat alteration for our analyses. The presence of non-native cyprinids (e.g., fathead minnow Pimephales promelas, creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus) increased with watershed flow regime alteration. The probability of non-native salmonid (e.g., brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, brown trout Salmo trutta, and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss) occurrence decreased with increased presence of native salmonids and catostomids. In contrast, the presence of non-native catostomids (e.g., white sucker Catostomus commersonii, longnose sucker C. catostomus) increased with the presence of native catostomids. These results suggest that habitat alteration and native fishes may be useful predictors of future invasions, but the drivers of invasions vary by taxa. A taxonomic approach may be an informative approach for identifying the drivers of species invasions across large geographic areas, including the Midwestern USA. |
| Title: |
Changes in Fish Communities of the Saline Branch (Champaign County, IL) in Response to a Century of Pollution Controls |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:20 pm – 2:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Josh Sherwood, Jeff Stein, Chris Taylor, Yong Coa – INHS |
| Abstract: |
The Saline Branch of the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River, like most central Illinois streams, was converted from a prairie stream into a channelized drainage ditch in a complex agricultural and urban landscape. Over the last century, this system has received inputs from agricultural practices as well as organic (human waste) and industrial (oil, tar) pollutants from the communities of Urbana and Champaign. The fish communities of this system have been periodically sampled at 8-10 sampling stations beginning in 1899 and continuing approximately every 30 years through to present day. Three important events over the past 112 years have positively affected the fish community abundance and diversity within the Saline Branch. The Urbana Champaign Sanitation District (UCSD) began wastewater treatment operations in 1924, the Clean Water Act of 1972 (CWA) implemented significant water quality regulations nationwide, and in 1989 the UCSD stopped chlorine disinfection of wastewater into the Saline Branch. After each major improvement in sanitation practices, fish community abundance and diversity have improved at sampling sites near point sources as well as at sites further downstream. Wastewater treatment improvements, along with the control of industrial pollutants and decades of recovery time have combined to positively affect prairie stream fish communities, demonstrating the importance of wastewater treatment practices in supporting diverse fish communities in prairie streams. |
| Title: |
Development and Evaluation of Vulnerability Indices for Missouri’s Stream Fish Species |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Nicholas A. Sievert, Craig P. Paukert – Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Abstract: |
Fish species are expected to be impacted by climate and land use change. A number of indices have been developed to assess the vulnerability of biodiversity; however, the applicability of these indices to fish is limited. We created and evaluated a number of vulnerability indices designed to assess fish species vulnerability. We began by surveying the literature to identify species-specific characteristics which could be linked to increased vulnerability. We used these characteristics to develop six different indices to assess Missouri stream fish species vulnerability. We then compared these indices using linear regression to determine if these indices are strongly related. Indices which included all vulnerability criteria had similar results (r2 values averaged 0.95), while indices based on traits differed from indices based on range and frequency of occurrence (r2 values averaged 0.05). Species which ranked highly among all vulnerability indices include the Niangua darter (Etheostema nianguae), ghost shiner (Notropis buchanani), Arkansas saddled darter (Etheostema euzonum), and highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer). Thirty species had a standard deviation of over 20 between the six indices. These discrepancies in scores usually were the product of differences between expert opinion or range and frequency of occurrence scores and trait or habitat breadth scores. Our results demonstrate that evaluating relative fish species vulnerability using different metrics will produce differing results. When implementing an index to measure relative vulnerability it is critical to determine and use criteria which are relevant to the research question or management action under consideration. |
| BREAK ~ 3:00 pm - 3:20 pm |
| Title: |
A Comparison of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) from a Late-Archaic Archaeological Excavation with Recently Sampled Verdigris River, Kansas Populations |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 3:20 pm – 3:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Edwin J. Miller, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; John J. Tomasic, Research Associate, Department of Anthropology, University of Kansas; M. Christopher Barnhart, Biology Department, Missouri State University |
| Abstract: |
Excavations at an archaeological site adjacent to the Verdigris River in southeast Kansas unearthed a prehistoric mussel shell midden associated with a probable mussel cooking site. Multiple lines of evidence indicate the midden was created by Native Americans during the Late Archaic/Early Woodland periods (2000 BC-AD 1000). Over 900 relic mussel valves were identified from the mussel midden. Mussel community characteristics from this archaeological site were compared with a recent sampling effort of live mussels from a nearby reach of Verdigris River. This comparative study demonstrates that the current community composition of mussels differs from that of the prehistoric mussel midden. Four species now considered to be extirpated were found in the mussel midden. In general, midden valves were significantly smaller than recent samples. Seasonal growth-rest lines of well-preserved midden shells suggest that this prehistoric harvest of mussels probably occurred in late summer. |
| Title: |
The Redspotted Sunfish Saga: From Statewide Surveys to Genetic Analyses, Captive Propagation, and Reintroduction Efforts |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 3:40 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Jeremy Tiemann, Illinois Natural History Survey; Trent Thomas, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; John Epifanio, Illinois Natural History Survey |
| Abstract: |
The redspotted sunfish (Lepomis miniatus) occurs on the Gulf Slope from Mobile basin west to south Texas and north in the Mississippi River Valley to the Illinois River of Illinois in the north, Red River of southeastern Oklahoma in the west, and the lower Ohio River of Kentucky and Indiana in the east. The sunfish is found in well-vegetated backwater lakes, sloughs, and slow-moving streams. The range of the sunfish has been greatly reduced in Illinois since the pre-1908 collections of Forbes and Richardson. Our surveys in the mid-2000s suggested that only two populations existed in the state - one in the Saline River basin (Ohio River drainage) and one in the Sangamon River basin (Illinois River drainage). Subsequently the fish was designated as a state-endangered species. Decimation of the species was probably the result of the drainage of swamps and bottomland lakes and the general deterioration of water quality. We established a redspotted sunfish recovery team and established goals that included propagating the fish and releasing young-of-year (YOY) into restored Illinois River backwater lakes. From 2008-2010, sunfish were collected from Fish Creek (Sangamon River drainage) and stocked into research ponds. Approximately 8,500 YOY were stocked into the 72-acre Fish Preserve Lake, a protected waterbody at Emiquon Nature Preserve, and 175 individuals were stocked into a 2-acre refuge pond at Mansion Pond in Allerton Park. Redspotted sunfish spawned as age-1 individuals in both of the stocked waters. As a result of this success, we were able to elaborate on our stocking efforts by translocating the fish to five additional suitable waters. We will suggest the redspotted sunfish be down-listed to state-threatened during the next review of the Illinois list of endangered and threatened species ending in 2014. |
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| INVASIVE SPECIES ~ 10:20 am - 5:00 pm |
| Title: |
Assessment of Non-planktonic Food Sources for Bigheaded Carps in the Laurentian Great Lakes |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 10:20 am – 10:40 am |
| Authors: |
Karl Anderson , Duane C. Chapman, Elizabeth Brothers, Michael Lucey – Columbia Environmental Research Center, USGS; Karthik Massagounder, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri |
| Abstract: |
In recent years concern has mounted over the potential for invasive bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carps (H. molitrix) (together the bigheaded carps) to colonize the Great Lakes. Bioenergetics models have indicated that planktonic foods may be inadequate for bigheaded carps to successfully invade large portions of the Great Lakes. Bigheaded carps are primarily planktivores but in some cases switch to non-planktonic food such as detritus. We evaluated Cladophora and Dreissena spp. (dreissenid mussels) pseudofeces as potential food sources abundant in the Great Lakes that might be used by bigheaded carps in lieu of plankton. Cladophora is a filamentous alga that is common in the littoral zones of the Great Lakes and has become much more abundant since the dreissenid mussel invasion. Dreissenid mussel pseudofeces are fine, organically enriched particles that are a highly available byproduct resulting from the dreissenid invasion. We used feeding experiments, underwater video, and bomb calorimetry to evaluate fish growth and feeding behavior and caloric content to test the viability of these alternative foods. Results show that bigheaded carps can maintain their weight on both Cladophora and dreissenid mussel pseudofeces suggesting that alternative foods exist in the Great Lakes. |
| Title: |
Assessing Risks of Great Lakes Invasion by Understanding Asian Carp and Blue-green Algae Dynamics |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 10:40 am – 11:00 am |
| Authors: |
Division of Biology, Kansas State University |
| Abstract: |
These results indicate that dock structures cover a sizeable area of the littoral and riparian zones of lakes in the study area. Combined with permitted plant removal and plans for full lakeshore development, the potential of cumulative impacts on littoral zones and shorelines can become significant. Fish habitat, shoreline stability and water quality may suffer under existing development rules. The results of this study will help to inform future processes that address dock development and regulation, with the objective of providing greater habitat protection for aquatic and riparian species. |
| Title: |
Synthesized Male Mating Pheromone Increases the Capture Rate of Great Lakes Sea Lamprey in Traps |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:00 am – 11:20 am |
| Authors: |
Josh Beaulaurier, Heather Dawson – University of Michigan-Flint; Nick Johnson, United States Geological Service; GaleBravener, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Central & Arctic Region, Sea Lamprey Control Centre
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| Abstract: |
Sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, is an invasive species that has had a negative impact on fish populations in the Great Lakes. Additional ways of managing their population numbers are being sought out to complement lampricide treatments. A male pheromone component(3-keto Petromyzonol sulfate: “3kPZS”) was identified, synthesized, and shown to lure up to 60% of females into traps in controlled field environments (Johnson et al. 2009). Other studies show that female sea lampreys were three times more likely to enter a trap when the male mating pheromone was discharged from the trap (Wagner et al. 2006). That research has led to management-scale tests of the synthesized mating pheromone, 3kPZS, as bait in trapping systems operated by sea lamprey control agents. We used a trap in a stream near Mackinaw City, MI, that was baited with 3kPZS every other night during 2011 and 2012, to test the hypothesis that entrance and retention rates of sea lamprey were higher when the trap was baited. The 2011 data indicated that sea lamprey that approached the trap were more likely to enter the trap when it was baited with 3kPZS, but were not more likely to be retained within the trap. |
| Title: |
Dreissenid Influenced Changes in Forage Fish Diets in Lake Michigan |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:20 am – 11:40 am |
| Authors: |
Bruce M. Davis, David B. Bunnell, Margret A. Chriscinske – USGS |
| Abstract: |
The Lake Michigan offshore food web has changed dramatically in recent years, in common with other Great Lakes. These changes have been influenced by a wave of successful aquatic invaders such as dreissenids, Bythotrephes, and round gobies. In particular there have been substantial declines in the abundance and biomass of offshore fish and zooplankton populations. The advent of dreissenids is considered a causal mechanism in the decline of the benthic amphipod Diporeia thus affecting the diets of the native forage fish species, which have historically relied upon it as a major diet item. We sampled zooplankton and major forage fish during four months near two ports in northern Lake Michigan from April - September 2010. We examined the diets of bloaters, rainbow smelt, alewives, slimy sculpins and deepwater sculpins, captured from depths of 18 m to 110 m. These were compared to diets of these same species taken from northern Lake Michigan in 1994-95. Whereas in the 1990’s Diporeia was the primary diet item for primarily benthic species like bloaters and sculpins, they have been mainly supplanted by Mysis in 2010. Diporeia were also important in the diet of alewives in the 90’s, but were not in 2010; they were of little importance to rainbow smelt in the 90’s and remain so today. Round goby, another invader species which has become abundant in the Great Lakes, mainly ate miscellaneous benthic prey (dreissenids, ostracods). The loss of Diporeia is also reflected in the decrease in levels of PCB’s in the major forage fish. |
| Title: |
Addressing Invasive Species Spread Through Commercial Bait Sales in Kansas: A Case History |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:40 pm – 12:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Jason M. Goeckler, Christopher J. Steffen – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism |
| Abstract: |
The risk of invasive species spread from commercially sold bait has been well documented across North America, but has never been comprehensively reviewed in Kansas. A 2007 survey of the angling public revealed 71% of Kansas anglers who use live fish as bait, purchase their baitfish from a commercial bait dealer indicating a large potential for invasive species spread if commercial bait dealers are not providing an uncontaminated product. To minimize the risk of invasive species spread with commercially sold bait, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism enacted regulations to restrict the species of fish and crayfish legal for sale, require disease certification for imports, utilize a closed water source, require dealers to report fish origin, and to provide a receipt with each sale of bait fish. To assist transition to the new rules, an informational booklet was developed to summarize regulations and provide an identification guide for legal species. Bait shops were visited twice throughout the fishing season and inspected for adherence to the new rules and often, fish were purchased for disease testing. Visits provided data on the species and bait origin, locations of unknown regulated invasive species, and allowed Agency personnel to communicate directly with influential members of the fishing community. Bait dealers were largely in compliance with the regulations, requiring limited corrective action. Bait dealers, if provided with appropriate information and routinely inspected for regulatory compliance, are in a key position to help prevent the spread of invasive species and disease. |
| LUNCH ~ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm |
| Title: |
Observation and Detection of Aquatic Invasive Plants in the Racine Pool, Ohio River |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 1:20 pm – 1:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Ming-Chih Hung, Ph.D., Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Northwest Missouri State University; Jeff Thomas, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission; Maureen Gallagher, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Abstract: |
River ecosystems are greatly affected by aquatic invasive plants. Aquatic invasive plants can degrade water quality, decrease biodiversity, consume natural resources, and cause other damage. US Fish and Wildlife Service and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission have put significant amounts of effort toward identifying and removing aquatic invasive plants over the years along the Ohio River. Unfortunately, the identification of aquatic invasive plants still relies on field work, which demands a lot of labor, time, and finance. This study performed a close examination of the appearance of aquatic invasive plants through various satellite images and aerial photos, including Google Earth time-series images, NAIP images, and Formosat-2 satellite images. Due to the dynamic nature of river systems, aquatic invasive plants may be visible from images or photos, but their visibility is not consistent on all images. It is essential to select the proper image for identifying aquatic invasive plants. With proper images and image processing, aquatic invasive plants can be successfully identified. |
| Title: |
Nutrition and Condition of Invasive Silver Carp Across Large Illinois Rivers: Can Physiological Parameters Estimate Establishment Potential? |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 1:40 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Stephanie A. Liss, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Natural History Survey; Greg G. Sass, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Cory D. Suski, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
| Abstract: |
Invasive species are of worldwide concern as their establishment in non-native habitats may have negative influences on native biodiversity and ecosystems. Bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) (collectively known as Asian carp) were intentionally introduced to the United States in the early 1970’s and are currently distributed throughout the Mississippi River Basin (MRB). Factors driving the advance of Asian carp into novel environments, as well as limitations to their population growth in colonized environments are currently not known, but this information could be useful in deterring or predicting their future spread. The objective of the current study was to quantify whether stress and nutritional parameters were related habitat and/or population size for Asian carp. For this, silver carp were collected on four large rivers in Illinois (Mississippi, Wabash, Ohio and Illinois) by pulsed-direct current electrofishing during June-October 2011 and sampled for a suite of blood-based physiological parameters that relate to either individual nutrition or stress. These blood variables were compared against habitat-related metrics such as species diversity, carp abundance and habitat parameters. Results indicate that both stress and nutritional condition vary across river and sampling period. Results from this study may provide insights into aquatic ecosystem conditions that may support, or fail to support, the establishment of Asian carp. |
| Title: |
Establishing a Relationship Between Statolith Size and Age of Larval Great Lakes Sea Lampreys |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm |
| Authors: |
Danielle Potts, Heather Dawson – University of Michigan-Flint; Micheal Jones, Michigan State Unviersity |
| Abstract: |
Sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) are parasitic pests in the Great Lakes which have negatively impacted game fish populations. Management efforts to control sea lamprey populations throughout the Great Lakes began in the 1950s and continue today. A better understanding of larval sea lamprey growth rates and age determination is greatly needed to improve both selection of streams for lampricide application and to inform models of sea lamprey population dynamics. Growth rates of sea lamprey larvae (ammocoetes) are affected by multiple factors and therefore vary between streams, within sections of streams, and over time. Thus, determining age based on visual assessments of length-frequency distributions is subjective and uncertain. Otoliths have been used to estimate age in teleosts through annuli counts and otolith size metrics. Lampreys do not have otoliths, having instead an analogous structure called a statolith. Determining age based on statolith annuli counts has been found to be imprecise and inaccurate (Dawson et al. 2009). Therefore, we evaluated whether statolith size is correlated with ammocoete age using known-age populations of ammocoetes from two contrasting Great Lakes streams. We used a morphometric system to measure statolith length, width, and height. Statolith width was found to be the measurement that better distinguished the age-classes within the populations. A likelihood-based statistical model was used to assess ammocoete population age composition. When combining length-frequency and statolith width data in the model for one known-age population we were able to more accurately assess ammocoete population age composition than when using only length-frequency data. |
| Title: |
Evaluation of Silver Carp Ages Derived From Seven Bony Structures in Midwestern U.S. Rivers: Implications for Management of Invasive Populations |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:20 pm – 2:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Justin Seibert, Quinton Phelps – Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Abstract: |
Currently there is not consensus on which bony structure should be used for aging the invasive silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. A total of 120 silver carp were collected throughout four Midwestern U.S. Rivers. Processing time and precision were evaluated for scales, opercles, vertebrae, pectoral fin rays, postcleithra, asterisci and lapilli otoliths. Asteriscus otolith, opercle, and scale annuli were difficult to discern and not evaluated any further. Overall processing times for postcleithra and lapilli otoliths yielded the most time-efficient approach, whereas, pectoral fin rays and vertebrae were more time intensive. Furthermore, lapilli otoliths had the most interpretable annuli. Comparisons revealed that lapilli otoliths exhibited 77.5% agreement with pectoral fin rays, 49.2% with postcleithra, and 52.5% with vertebrae. Age bias plots revealed underestimated silver carp age using alternative aging structures (i.e., pectoral fin rays, postcleithra, and vertebrae) when compared to lapilli otoliths. Discrepancies may be attributed to erosion of the central lumen of pectoral fin rays or postcleithra and locating the first annuli on vertebrae. Based on overall processing times and assessment of precision, we recommend lapilli otoliths be used for estimating age of silver carp. Furthermore, underestimation of age using alternative aging structures may lead to differences in population-level management. Specifically, population simulation modeling using lapilli otoliths, pectoral fin rays, postcleithra, and vertebrae indicated vastly different harvest rates needed to reduce population size through recruitment overfishing. Therefore, when using pectoral fin rays, postcleithra, and vertebrae for population assessments, caution must be taken to ensure proper management decisions (e.g., developing harvest quotas). |
| Title: |
Influence of Environmental Conditions for Potamogeton crispus Management and the Resulting Implication for the Macrophyte Community |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Zachrie J. Gutknecht, Graduate Research Assistant; Shannon J. Fisher – Water Resource Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato |
| Abstract: |
In southern Minnesota, land management, nutrient loading, and disturbances have allowed Potamogeton crispus to establish and dominate many lentic macrophyte communities. The major advantage for P. crispus is its life cycle that allows for growth during the winter months. Multiple strategies may be used to manage P. crispus, and herbicides are frequently considered. In addition, emerging research is showing that photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) is an environmental factor on P. crispus growth. Since 2006, the Duck Lake association has been applying endothall in attempts to reduce P. crispus and re-establish native plant communities. To assess endothall effectiveness, we completed systematic macrophyte surveys before and after the herbicide treatment and the mid-summer senescence on Duck Lake and two non-treated lakes in 2011 and 2012. To assess the influence of winter light penetration on the P. crispus life cycle advantage, PAR and P. crispus growth were assessed on each lake from January through March 2012. In 2011, P.crispus density was significantly less in Duck Lake compared to the untreated lakes (p<0.05). In addition, it was found that total plant diversity between the Duck Lake sites and the two other untreated lakes was significantly less (p<0.05). In this case, the herbicide treatments have reduced total density of P. crispus in Duck Lake, but may have also caused a decrease in total macrophyte density as well. Macrophyte management should be focused on effective selective treatment to encourage diverse competing communities enhancing long term sustainability of the original structure and function of the littoral zone. |
| BREAK ~ 3:00 pm - 3:20 pm |
| Title: |
Trophic Alterations in the Presence of Common Carp |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 3:20 pm – 3:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Alexander P. Letvin, Michael J. Weber, Michael L. Brown, Katie N. Bertrand – South Dakota State University |
| Abstract: |
Common carp Cyprinus carpio (hereafter carp) are known to enhance eutrophication in lentic ecosystems. They have also been shown to severely reduce benthic macroinvertebrate abundances. Through these mechanisms, carp have the potential to shift productivity from benthic primary productivity to pelagic primary productivity. This productivity shift could have serious consequences for all organisms reliant on these energy pathways, and could ultimately alter the food webs in these systems. To test this hypothesis, six shallow reservoir communities were sampled in eastern South Dakota; three contained carp and three did not. Age-0 fishes were collected during summer and autumn with daytime electrofishing and adults were collected in spring with night-time electrofishing and trap nets. Whole body or muscle tissue samples were used for stable isotope analysis from which food webs were constructed for each system. Comparisons between carp and non-carp systems focused on largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus because they were present in all systems. In carp systems, age-0 fish of both species and adult largemouth bass were positioned at significantly lower trophic levels than their counterparts in non-carp systems. Additionally, over most of their size ranges, age-0 fish of both species relied significantly more on pelagic derived energy in carp systems. Conversely, all sizes of adult bluegill in carp systems relied significantly more on littoral derived energy. These alterations in trophic structure and energy flow may potentially have far-reaching impacts on fish assemblages. |
| Title: |
Fish Behavior and Abundance at the Electric Dispersal Barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Illinois |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 3:40 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Aaron D. Parker, P. Bradley Rogers, Jeffrey G. Stewart, Samuel T. Finney, and Robert L. Simmonds Jr. – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office |
| Abstract: |
In 2002, an electric barrier began operating in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) with the intention of inhibiting the migration of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) into the Mississippi Basin from Lake Michigan. In 2009 and 2011, Barriers IIA and IIB were installed, respectively, in the CSSC with a primary focus on preventing the upstream migration of bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) into Lake Michigan. When our work began in the summer of 2011, Barrier II was operating at 6.5 ms, 15 Hz, 2.0 V/2.54cm (2.0 V/2.54 cm). In November, 2011, barrier operating parameters were changed to 2.5 ms, 30 Hz, 2.3 V/2.54cm (2.3 V/2.54 cm). Experimental work at the barrier consisted of pulling encaged gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) through the barrier and recording their behavior. Three weeks of caged-fish trials took place while barrier operating parameters were at 2.0 V/2.54 cm. Seven of 270 gizzard shad that were moved through the barrier were not incapacitated. After the barrier operating parameters were increased to 2.3 V/2.54 cm, seven additional weeks of caged-fish trials were performed and review is on-going. In addition, we conducted observational work that involved recording 10-minutes of footage at 80 different fixed locations throughout the barrier system using a dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON). Recorded DIDSON footage review is on-going and will examine fish behavior and wild fish abundances. Three DIDSON sampling events took place when barrier operating parameters were 2.0V/2.54 cm and five have taken place since parameters were changed to 2.3 V/2.54. |
|
| GIS IN FISHERIES SYMPOSIUM ~ 10:20 am - 3:40 pm |
| Title: |
Aquatic Applications of ArcGIS: Tracking and Analyzing Telemetry Data |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 10:20 am – 10:40 am |
| Authors: |
Jason M. Harris, University of Missouri, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit;
Craig P. Paukert, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit |
| Abstract: |
With the increasing demand to process and analyze data at quicker rates, many biologist are looking for more efficient ways to answer questions related to the management of fish and fish habitat. We demonstrate the use of technology to pair largemouth bass telemetry data with habitat data in a large reservoir to determine movement and habitat selection. We used ArcPad combined with a sub-meter
accurate hand held global positioning system to record telemetry locations and associated habitat. We also utilized side-scan sonar coupled with ArcGIS to produce a suite of detailed maps depicting water depths and slope calculated through a kriging extension. ArcGIS was also used to streamline the tedious
process of analyzing animal movement data. As part of our overarching reservoir habitat improvement project, a web based application of ArcGIS is currently being used to distribute coordinates of newly placed augmentation structures; anglers are then able to upload this information directly to their personal
GPS units. We used all of this information to show how largemouth bass movement patterns change throughout the year. We were also able to determine that largemouth bass prefer structures at specific depths and distances from shore; the fish may also select for certain slopes during specific times of the
year. The use of technology and GIS allow for a thorough and efficient evaluation of how largemouth bass move and utilize habitat structures in a large reservoir. |
| Title: |
Approaches and Applications to Prioritizing and Assessing Aquatic Species of Concern and Habitat Assessment |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 10:40 am – 11:00 am |
| Authors: |
Mark Van Scoyoc, Stream Survey & Assessment Program, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks &
Tourism |
| Abstract: |
Limited resources in terms of man-power and constrained budgets continue to present challenges in
determining the status of various species of concern in Kansas and implementing conservation and restoration strategies. Survey data collected since 1994 has been synthesized into species distribution models incorporated into the Kansas Aquatic Resource Planner (KARP) which aids stream biologists in site
selection where applicable. Additional data and information from multiple sources, including universities and museums, is being processed to develop the Critical Habitat Assessment Tool, currently being developed collaboratively with the Western Governor’s Association. These applications will help in more
accurately determining current populations of priority species and their associated habitats while fully maximizing the limited resources available to these programs. |
| Title: |
Resource Selection of Gravid Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River
|
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:00 am – 11:20 am |
| Authors: |
Thomas W. Bonnot, Mark L. Wildhaber, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Aaron J. DeLonay, Robert B.
Jacobson, Diana M. Papoulias, Janice L. Albers – U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center |
| Abstract: |
The shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) is declining and has been extirpated or is at risk of extirpation from considerable portions of its native range, including the Missouri River. Knowledge of important habitats during critical life stages for shovelnose sturgeon is needed to aid in recovery efforts. We evaluated resource selection of gravid shovelnose sturgeon in the lower Missouri River during the breeding season by comparing resource characteristics at sturgeon telemetry locations recorded in 2005 with the characteristics available in the river. The resource characteristics investigated at used and available locations are derived from high resolution depth, velocity, and substrate maps obtained from hydroacoustic assessments. Key characteristics of interest include averages, variability, and gradients of water depth and velocity, and composition of surrounding substrate. We examined resource selection using discrete choice models within an information theoretic framework which allows inferences from multiple sets of competing hypothesis about sturgeon resource selection (e.g., depth vs. velocity vs. depth and velocity). Results from this analysis will aid management in identifying and conserving habitats important to gravid shovelnose sturgeon during the reproductive season. |
| Title: |
Geomorphic Changes to the Main and Side Channels of the Middle Missouri River From the Flood of 2011 |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:20 am – 11:40 am |
| Authors: |
Brandon Eder and Gerald Mestl – Nebraska Game and Fish Commission |
| Abstract: |
Geographic information systems (GIS) are a valuable tool for the fisheries biologist, especially when
monitoring changes to habitat. We used remote sensing and GIS to monitor bankline movement at multiple sites along the main channel and side channels of the Missouri River caused by the floods of 2010 and especially, 2011. The flood of 2011 was an unprecedented event that inundated the floodplain for 101 days at Omaha, Nebraska. Change to the geomorphology of the river was highly anticipated. We found that while areas adjacent to some notched dikes did experience movement there was little overall bankline movement in the main channel and the majority of bankline movement occurred behind kicker dikes. Bankline movement was much more apparent in the side channels, especially at Upper and Lower Hamburg Bends where widths increased and channel re-alignment occurred. |
| Title: |
A Stream Temperature Inventory Network and Decision Support Metadata Mapper for North East U.S. |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 11:40 am – 12:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Yin-Phan Tsang, Jana Stewart, Dana Infante – Michigan State University, U.S. Geological Survey |
| Abstract: |
Stream temperature is a key factor in determining the distribution of aquatic organisms and affects nearly all aspects of stream ecology and water-quality processes. Climate change is expected to alter stream temperature over the coming decades, and in turn influence distributions of aquatic species in freshwater ecosystems. To better understand these changes, there is a need to inventory, compile, and collect both short-and long-term stream temperature data. This project is a joint group effort to develop a web-based decision support mapper to display and integrate stream temperature monitoring locations and networks. We will compile information from multiple agencies and organizations about stream temperature data and monitoring locations and networks in New England and the Great Lakes States. Data stewards will be provided with a list of requested metadata elements associated with the stream temperature data such as monitoring agency, site locations, period and frequency of records, etc. We target both continuous and instantaneous stream temperature data that reflect average temperature conditions of streams. Additional information such as paired air temperature, water quality, or aquatic biota monitoring data will also be collected. Stream temperature metadata will be combined into a common format in order to inventory, summarize, and map the information from multiple agencies. The final product will be developed for data stewards to manage and to design future monitoring efforts, and the web-based decision support mapper will supply climate related research for temperature modeling and assist stakeholders for decision making. |
| LUNCH ~ 12:00 pm - 1:20 pm |
| Title: |
Quantifying the Spatial Extent of Dock Structures in the Littoral Zones of Central Minnesota Lakes |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 1:20 pm – 1:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Lyn Bergquist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
| Abstract: |
Dock structures have been shown to negatively impact the aquatic habitats of lakes through shading and
disruption of sediments, leading to reductions in plant biomass, abundance of juvenile fishes and habitat complexity. In order to understand the magnitude of these impacts in north-central Minnesota lakes, we quantified the spatial extent and overlap of dock structures with lake littoral zones and shorelines across a five-county study area. We digitized 9965 docks from a random sample of 175 lakes representing three DNR regulatory shoreland classifications. Using GIS, we summarized the littoral zone acreage (i.e., prime fish habitat) and shoreline covered by dock structures in the study lakes. |
| Title: |
Hydroacoustic Applications in Iowa: More than Just a Pretty Fishing Map |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 1:40 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Lewis Bruce, Darcy Cashatt – Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Abstract: |
Hydroacoustics have been used for several decades and because of new advances in software and
Geographic Information System technology the number of users has increased. The fisheries section of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources started using hydroacoustics in 2001 to create lake bathymetry maps for anglers. Because of recent equipment and software upgrades we are now able to collect more data which allows us to use hydroacoustics for several different types of application. Sedimentation in Iowa’s lakes can be analyzed to evaluate where dredging operations and silt retention structures need to be used. Habitat maps can be created to show anlgers where to fish, i.e. cedar tree piles, rock piles, or reefs. Accurate and precise volume estimates can be calculated for chemical applications such as low dose rotenone treatments. Lakes can be compared based on physical characteristics to evaluate a potentially good or bad fishery. After data is collected maps can be created using Geographic Information System software and then disseminated to a diverse audience. Because these maps are visual interpretations of the data they are easy for our constituents, i.e. anglers, lake associations, or political figures to understand and use effectively. |
| Title: |
Bathymetric Mapping and Hydroacoustics Applications in Kansas Reservoirs |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm |
| Authors: |
Mark Jakubauskas, Jerry deNoyelles, Edward Martinko – Kansas Biological Survey |
| Abstract: |
Since 2006, the Applied Science and Technology for Reservoir Assessment (ASTRA) Program at the Kansas
Biological Survey has performed bathymetric and sediment surveys on over 60 federal, state, and local reservoirs in the state. In addition to computing current reservoir volumes and changes due to sedimentation, ASTRA is developing new applications of the acoustic echosounder technology to map sediment thickness and to estimate phosphorus loads in sediment. Sediment cores, acquired using ASTRA’s dedicated sediment coring boat, are providing new insights into sedimentation rates and patterns within reservoirs. |
| Title: |
Use of GIS to Bridge the Gap Between Managers and Anglers |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:20 pm – 2:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Ben Neely, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism |
| Abstract: |
Effective communication between fisheries managers and anglers is central to enhancing angling
experiences. However, most fisheries management data are described with complex terms and contained in technical reports that might not be understood by angling public. This presents a need for summarization of technical data in easy-to-understand formats. Well-designed maps provide an option for dissemination of understandable information to anglers. For example, summarized fish sampling data can be presented on aerial photographs to highlight areas of increased relative abundance. Locations of key habitat structures can also be relayed to anglers with readily understandable maps. Carefully constructed maps can contain a large amount of information in an easy-to-understand format. The versatility of GIS programs for development of maps allows managers to effectively format fisheries data in an effort to make it understandable for most anglers. |
| Title: |
Current Status of GIS in Fisheries Management and Research |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Brandon Eder, Nebraska Game and Fish Commission; Ben Neely, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism |
| Abstract: |
Geographic information systems (GIS) have been used by fisheries professionals since the late 1980s. Most early work using GIS involved site selection for aquaculture facilities. Since then, use of GIS has grown in the field, albeit more slowly than in corresponding terrestrial fields. We surveyed 89 fisheries division heads in the United States and Canada about how GIS are used by biologists in their respective agencies. We received responses from 54 of the 89 division heads. Our survey showed that GIS are widely used by biologists, GIS specialists, and GIS contractors as a tool to help manage both sport and non-sportfish. Nearly 78% of responding agencies provide GIS training or reimbursement for training but few biologists take advantage of these opportunities. The majority of respondents indicated that GIS is either “very useful” or “extremely useful” for accomplishing their agency’s objectives. Despite widespread use, barriers still exist. Lack of time to use GIS in job duties and lack of knowledge or training were the most commonly cited impediments. We see great potential for use of GIS in fisheries management and research and speculate that its use would be more widespread with increased awareness and education of how the technology can help advance fisheries science. |
| BREAK ~ 3:00 pm - 3:20 pm |
| Title: |
Predicting the Distribution of Two Congeneric Cyprinids Across a Riverscape Using
Environmental Niche Modeling and In-stream Experiments |
| Date/Time: |
Monday, December 10 ~ 3:20 pm – 3:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Matthew J. Troia, Keith B. Gido – Division of Biology, Kansas State University |
| Abstract: |
Understanding species-environment associations is a fundamental step in conservation of stream fishes.
Environmental niche modeling is a valuable tool for evaluating these associations, particularly with the recent availability of broad-scale datasets and GIS; however, such correlative models may not elucidate the causal link between environment and demographic parameters driving variation in distribution and abundance across the riverscape. We present niche models that predict the abundance of two cyprinids, Pimephales notatus and P. vigilax, across the Kansas River basin in the Great Plains. These models indicated that stream size explains the most variation in abundance, with P. notatus decreasing and P. vigilax increasing in abundance from upstream to downstream. To evaluate potential mechanisms for these observed patterns, we conducted in-stream experiments to quantify variation in two demographic parameters, fecundity and age-0 performance, along a stream size gradient. Results for P. notatus fecundity were inconclusive, but indicated that P. vigilax fecundity increased from upstream to downstream. These results suggest low fecundity of P. vigilax in headwaters may limit their abundance in those habitats. Age-0 growth for both species increased with stream size, which may be a consequence of higher temperatures in larger streams. These results support the observed abundance pattern for P. vigilax, but not P. notatus suggesting that other demographic parameters may drive variation in abundance of P. notatus across the riverscape. Our findings indicate that environmental niche models may benefit from the use of demographic parameters as response variables to understand the causal link between species’ abundance and environmental gradients. |
|
| GENERAL FISHERIES SESSION ~ 10:20 am - 12:00 pm |
| Title: |
Proper and Improper Solutions of Bioenergetic Equations for Modeling Fish Growth |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 10:20 am – 10:40 am |
| Authors: |
Raymond P. Canale, Emeritus Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan; James E. Breck, Institute for Fisheries Research, Michigan Dept. Natural Resources and School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan |
| Abstract: |
Bioenergetic model solutions for fish growth violate basic requirements of energy conservation when improperly applied for cases where the energy density of the fish is either a function of fish wet weight or an independent function of time. It appears that many published modeling results suffer from this deficiency unless the authors have made special provisions to avoid implicit energy imbalances. The incorrect solutions for these cases tend to overestimate fish growth and net energy consumption when energy density is increasing, and to underestimate fish growth and net energy consumption when energy density is decreasing. The magnitude of the errors is a function of how rapidly the fish energy density changes as a fish increases in size. The errors can be as much as 30% for small fish in the range of 1 to 5 grams per individual where energy density changes rapidly. Although this mathematical error does not occur when fish energy density is constant, the assumption of constant energy density is often biologically inadequate, especially for small, juvenile fish, and for fish that have changed daily ration or diet composition. It is recommended that published results for these various cases be critically reviewed and corrected where warranted. The errors can be eliminated without significant difficulty when the bioenergetic model equations are handled properly as demonstrated in this talk. |
| Title: |
Stopping Biodiversity Loss: An Evaluation of Metrics that Quantify the Composition of Fish Communities in Aquatic Ecosystems |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 10:40 am – 11:00 am |
| Authors: |
Joseph M. Smith, , Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; Martha E. Mather, USGS, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University; Sean M. Hitchman, Jane S. Fencl – Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University
|
| Abstract: |
Many conservation organizations prioritize the need to maintain native biodiversity in their strategic plans (e.g., NOAA, The Nature Conservancy, state and federal agencies). Fish community data sets typically include dozens of species and hundreds of individuals. Most statistical analyses cannot utilize all of these individual data points nor can a single analysis adequately describe complex biological patterns. Guidelines that assist in the selection of a suite of informative biodiversity metrics are needed. Using an existing wadeable stream database, we (1) calculated multiple biodiversity metrics, and (2) evaluated metric redundancy. Then (3) using a fish dataset from eastern Kansas, we assessed whether these biodiversity metrics could distinguish differences between (a) dammed vs undammed sites, and (b) sites above vs below dams. We calculated five categories of metrics: (i) univariate metrics (e.g., richness, Shannon’s H’), (ii) trait-based guild designations (trophic, fluvial, reproductive guilds, native status), (iii) multivariate community measures (e.g., Bray-Curtis, Gower), (iv) multivariate groupings (e.g., cluster analysis, ordination), and (v) attributes of interaction webs. Based on an NMDS that compared all metrics, many biodiversity metrics provided duplicate information. However, no single metric adequately captured all essential ecological and quantitative information. For the eastern Kansas dataset from the Neosho-Cottonwood Rivers, KS (1,902 individuals, 28 species, 7 families), a combination of trait-based ecological classifications and quantitative metrics, based on number of species and individuals, provided useful information about trends in biodiversity among sites. Standardizing collection and analysis methods will help a wide range of researchers and conservation organizations maintain and restore native biodiversity. |
| Title: |
Establishment of Management Objectives for the Shovelnose Sturgeon Commercial Fishery on the Upper Mississippi River in Missouri |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 11:00 am – 11:20 am |
| Authors: |
Vincent H. Travnichek, H. Ross Dames, Quinton E. Phelps, David P. Herzog – Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Abstract: |
This study was conducted on the upper Mississippi River (UMR) in Missouri to describe and model shovelnose sturgeon population characteristics under an existing 610-813 mm harvest slot length limit to determine if current commercial fishing regulations provided for a sustainable population. Piecewise nonlinear regression was the best model examined that explained population mortality rate, and indicated that younger fish (age 9-13) had an annual mortality rate of 6% while older fish (age 14-23) had an annual mortality rate of 39%. Shift in mortality rates occurred at age 13.7. An annual mortality cap was estimated at 45% to maintain an average harvested length of 635 mm by commercial fishers given the existing 610 mm minimum harvestable size limit. Modeling of spawning potential ratio (SPR) indicated that with the existing 610 mm minimum harvestable size limit and 39% annual mortality, the SPR precautionary reference point of 40% was exceeded with modeled conditional natural mortality (cm) rates of 0.06 and 0.105, but not when cm = 0.15. However, if the existing minimum harvestable size limit was increased to 635 mm, then the SPR precautionary reference point was not exceeded when cm was 0.105 or 0.15 with an annual mortality rate of 39%. To buffer against potential increases in commercial harvest pressure in the UMR, changes to the lower end of the existing current harvest slot length from 610 mm fork length to 635 mm fork length could be a first step to ensuring a sustainable population and maintain harvestable size fish. |
| Title: |
The Effects of Bisphenol-A on the Feminization of Danio Rerio |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 11:20 am – 11:40 am |
| Authors: |
Lina Wang, Department of Chemistry and Biology, Water Resources Center, Minnesota State University; Dr. Shannon Fisher, Department of Biology, Director of Water Resources Center, Minnesota State University |
| Abstract: |
In waters across the globe, an endocrine disrupter-related increase in the feminization of male fish has been observed. Bisphenol-A (BPA), farm runoff, and soil contaminants from wastewater treatment plants can increase aquatic endocrine disrupter concentration. Three replications of four 42-liter tanks with BPA concentrations of 0.0, 0.2, 2.0, and 20.0 parts per billion (ppb) were run for 1 week. Eggs were collected on day 7 after a 14:10 hour light:dark cycle. The ANOVA among BPA concentrations was significant (P<0.001). The Holm-Sidak test detected a significant difference in mean fertilization percentage between 20.0 ppb (1.78%) and all of the lower concentrations (0.0, 0.2, and 2.0 ppb; all >85%; P<0.050). Visually, the offspring appeared to have a larger female:male ratio in higher BPA concentrations; however, visual gender identification is not always reliable. Further testing (phase 2) for P250 aromatase using Reverse Transcriptase- Quantitative Real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-QPCR) is being done to more accurately determine the male: female ratios. RNA isolation was done using the RNeasy procedure from Qiagen for three offspring from 0.0, 2.0, and 20.0ppb and two offspring from 0.2ppb. 2-step RT-PCR method was used to analyze cDNA obtained from the RNA isolation with high capacity cDNA reverse Transcription Kit. Efficiency curves and PCR analysis is currently being conducted. |
| Title: |
The Disturbed-disturbance Hypothesis |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 11:40 am – 12:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Kyle R. Winders, Vincent H. Travnichek – Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Abstract: |
The intermediate-disturbance hypothesis (IDH) predicts moderate levels of disturbance (i.e. flow fluctuations) will lead to the greatest diversity in communities. The IDH is consistent with diversity patterns observed in natural and altered river ecosystems. The extent of channelization in the Lower Missouri River, however, has influenced the availability of shallow-water habitat patches with slow current velocity. Availability of these habitat patches, which is associated with survival and growth of young fishes, in the Lower Missouri River is maximized during years with extreme low flows or overbank flows. This phenomenon may result in patterns opposite of the IDH and instead of high diversity being a function of moderate pertubation it may be extreme disturbances that enhance the spatio-temporal heterogeneity in fish communities. We investigated this theory and assessed the species diversity of young fishes in the Lower Missouri River during 2006-2012. The summer of 2011 was one of the greatest overbank flow events on record and the summer of 2012 was one of the greatest drought and extreme low flow events on record. Our hypothesis was that the extreme events of 2011 and 2012 led to the greatest diversity in young fish communities and other years with intermediate flows were less diverse. |
|
| SPORT FISH MANAGEMENT ~ 10:20 am - 3:00 pm |
| Title: |
The Influence of Harvest Sector on Paddlefish Population Characteristics in the Middle Mississippi River |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 10:20 am – 10:40 am |
| Authors: |
Ryan N. Hupfeld, Quinton E. Phelps – Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Abstract: |
Commercial and recreational fishing can occur simultaneously in some situations, and when excessive, may cause population declines. Although many studies have shown both harvest sectors have the potential to exhibit negative impacts on fish populations, commercial fishing has been implicated as the primary component contributing to declines. However as of recent, the recreational sector has also been portrayed to exhibit negative impacts on fish populations. These deleterious effects can be especially prominent on species such as paddlefish Polyodon spathula that are a K-selected species that exhibits late age at maturation and spawning periodicity, especially in those areas where commercial and recreational fishing occur simultaneously. Here, we contrast the relative influence of the commercial and recreational harvest sectors on the middle Mississippi River paddlefish population. We conducted a creel survey of commercial and recreational fishers on the middle Mississippi River to gather population characteristics information to make comparisons between sectors. We found that the commercial harvest sector harvested larger and older individuals than that of the recreational sector. Because these sectors are harvesting different portions of the population, the relative influence on the dynamic rate functions (i.e., recruitment, growth, and mortality) must be taken into account for fishery management decisions. Thus obtaining an accurate assessment of catch and effort for both sectors is imperative for the management and allocation of a shared resource in order to provide a long term sustainable fishery for both harvest sectors. |
| Title: |
When Creel Limits Change, Size Matters |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 10:40 am – 11:00 am |
| Authors: |
Keith Hurley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Chris Chizinski, Dustin Martin, and Kevin Pope –U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska Lincoln |
| Abstract: |
A long-standing but seldom documented concept states that anglers often display a self-imposed length limit in making harvest and release decisions on their catch. While fishery managers have long-realized that these self-imposed sizes are important to consider when setting regulations, seldom are the interactions of anglers’ self-imposed limits and creel regulations examined. We theorized that self-imposed length limits may differ based on the restrictiveness of bag limits and the perceived attainability of harvesting their creel limit. Fish harvest was examined from creel studies conducted at eight Nebraska reservoirs in 2010 and 2011 in light of changes to statewide creel limits for bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, white bass, and catfish. In both years, there were significant relationships between the length of a fish and the probability of harvest, with the probability of harvest increasing with fish length. Changes in anglers self-imposed length limits indicate that restrictiveness of creel limits does have an influence on size of fish being harvested from a population. |
| Title: |
Temporal Trends in Hunting and Angling Participation in the United States |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 11:00 am – 11:20 am |
| Authors: |
Dustin R. Martin, Lindsey N. Messinger – Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska Lincoln; Kevin L. Pope, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska Lincoln |
| Abstract: |
Hunting and angling participation have been in decline for the past two decades causing concern for many state and federal natural resource management agencies. Agencies rely on hunting and fishing license sales for operating dollars and therefore hunter and angler participation is paramount to their success. We examined state-level trends in hunting and angling participation across the United States using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation from 1991-2011. We also examined the rates of importation of non-resident participation days to the exportation of resident days to determine states that are gaining and losing participants across the United States. Finally, we related this information back to searches for state-level hunting and fishing information from Google Insights for Search, using search terms such as ‘Nebraska hunting’ to determine the feasibility of using Google Insights as a means to determine hunter and angler participation on a shorter (1-year) time scale. These analyses provide important information to natural resource management agencies on the past and current state of hunting and angling participation in the United States. |
| Title: |
Seasonal Prey Consumption by Lake Trout and Northern Pike in Pactola Reservoir |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 11:20 am – 11:40 am |
| Authors: |
Natalie C. Scheibel, South Dakota State University, Department of Natural Resource Management; Steven R. Chipps, South Dakota State University, South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit; Jacob L. Davis, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks |
| Abstract: |
Pactola Reservoir, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, has historically been managed as a trout fishery. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were initially stocked in Pactola Reservoir during the late 1970s, then supplemented in 2003 and 2005. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been consistently stocked since the early 1990s. Recently, northern pike (Esox lucius) have been illegally introduced into the system, first observed in 2003. Our objective was to quantify prey consumption by lake trout and pike in Pactola Reservoir to better understand growth and condition of lake trout and pike, as well as any impacts from the pike with specific regards to stocked salmonids. Stomach contents were obtained from lake trout (N = 140) and pike (N = 152) collected in gillnets from June through September 2012. Additional seasonal diet data were obtained from pike (N = 70) gillnetted in 2011. Seasonal diet shifts were apparent for both lake trout and pike. Lake trout (>400 mm) primarily fed on rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) in early summer and subsequently became more reliant on bluegill in August and September. In early summer pike (>580 mm) fed heavily on smelt and progressed towards a fall diet mainly consistent of stock-size rainbow trout (~28 cm). Pike diets are concurrent from 2011-2012. Seasonal diet composition and growth rates will be incorporated into a bioenergetics model to estimate feeding rates. These results provide information needed by managers to effectively generate strategies for future harvest regulations and stocking of salmonids. |
| Title: |
Partnerships in Action: Using Social Capital and Social Planning in Collaborative Programs |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 11:40 am – 12:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Angie Carter, ISU PhD Student; Dr. Rebecca Christoffel, ISU faculty |
| Abstract: |
The shift in natural resource management from an expert-driven to a community-based model presents challenges and opportunities as managers engage new demographics in collaborative natural resource management. Navigating the formation, maintenance, and evolution of partnerships within community-based natural resource management is not a straightforward process. From 2010-2012, we conducted a case study of a pilot urban fishing program in Des Moines, IA. The lessons learned from this case study informed the development of two tools- a strategizing stakeholders template and process model--to assist natural resource managers and their partners at any stage of a collaborative management process. Our presentation will present how the concept social capital may be combined with a social planning approach to better manage the collaborative process with the future in mind. We will share how managers might use our two tools within a social planning framework to define goals and plan next steps in collaborative programs. Knowing that many agencies face challenges in staffing and funding, we present this approach as one option to assist managers in facilitating more productive collaborations and sustainable programs. |
| LUNCH ~ 12:00 pm - 1:20 pm |
| Title: |
A Dynamic Population Model for Stocked Muskellunge Fisheries |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 1:20 pm – 1:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Jonathan R. Meerbeek, Iowa DNR |
| Abstract: |
Previous research in Iowa’s natural lakes determined that spring-stocked, minnow-reared yearling (SY) muskellunge Esox masquinongy survival to age-4 was superior to other fall-stocked techniques. Consequently, only spring-stocked yearling muskellunge have been stocked biennially in Iowa since 2003. Since this change in stocking strategy, Iowa’s adult (= 30 in) muskellunge management objectives (0.10-0.15 fish/acre) have not been consistently met. Contribution and survival of stocked SY muskellunge was evaluated by marking yearlings and later recapturing adult muskellunge during annual broodstock surveys. Adult fish were implanted with passive integrated transponder tags and population statistics were estimated via the Jolly-Seber open population model. Overall, SY survival to age-4 varied substantially among years (8.3-52.6%). However, individual cohort SY survival was either good (42.1-52.6%) or poor (8.3-21.5%) and occurred at a ratio of 1:3. Although survival rates for SY muskellunge were considerably better than fall stocked minnow-finished fingerling (FF; 2.5-20.9%) muskellunge, inconsistent SY and adult (60-95%) survival limited adult recruitment into the population. Using these data, a model was developed that incorporated variable FF, SY, and adult survival to predict adult densities at various stocking rates and frequencies. Based off model iterations, 2.5 times more FF than SY are required to meet management objectives. In addition, stocking SY annually increased the probability of meeting management objectives. Cost analysis based on survival to age-4 revealed a 35% cost savings in stocking SY as opposed to FF. Based on these findings, more frequent stockings and more (24-33%) SY are required to meet muskellunge management objectives in Iowa. |
| Title: |
The Effectiveness of Gull Island Shoal Lake Trout Refuge, Lake Superior |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 1:40 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Melissa J. Johnson, UW-Stevens Point Graduate Student; Michael J. Hansen, USGS Research Fishery Biologist, Field Station Supervisor; Michael J. Seider, US-Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Biologist |
| Abstract: |
Historically, commercial fishing in Lake Superior has been excessive, causing the collapse and ultimate closing of the lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) fishery in the early 1960s. Gull Island Shoal refuge was created in 1976 in response to the lake trout population collapse in the Apostle Islands. My first objective is to determine if lake trout population characteristics differ inside versus outside the refuge, before and after 1976. My second objective is to create an animation of lake trout CPUE since WDNR assessments in 1981 to 2010. Lake trout abundance was quantified using the net-saturation model of CPUE and geometric mean of all stations for each year, then comparisons inside versus outside the refuge and before versus after refuge implementation was done using ANOVA. The lake trout CPUE animation is modeled using ArcGIS (ESRI 10). Spring native lake trout abundance increased significantly (F1,48=31.445; P<0.001) and stocked lake trout abundance decreased significantly (F1,48=10.632; P=0.002) since refuge implementation. Native lake trout had greater abundance inside the refuge versus outside (F1,64=41.36;P<0.001) and stocked lake trout had less abundance inside versus outside the refuge (F1,64=6.81; P=0.011). Future work of summer and autumn abundance needs to be done and included with the spring abundance results. Expected results are that summer and autumn lake trout CPUE will be increasing since refuge implementation and a measurable spillover zone will be created in waters surrounding the refuge. Applications of finding a refuge effect would provide fisheries managers with an objective evaluation of the refuge in fishery management. |
| Title: |
Largemouth Bass in Northern Wisconsin: Potential Dietary Interactions with Walleye |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm |
| Authors: |
Craig J. Kelling, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Daniel A. Isermann, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Brian L. Sloss, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit;
Keith Turnquist, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit |
| Abstract: |
Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides abundance has increased in many northern Wisconsin lakes over the last decade and this has caused some concern among anglers and biologists due to potential interactions with walleye Sander vitreus. Previous studies have provided evidence of a negative interaction between the two species occurring through predation of adult largemouth bass on juvenile walleyes and competition for prey. However, the extent of these interactions remains poorly understood. Our objective was to determine if diet overlap and predation occurs between walleye and largemouth bass in 2 northern Wisconsin lakes. Stomach samples were collected from adult largemouth bass and walleyes at 2-week intervals during May-November 2012 on Big Sissabagma Lake and Teal Lake in Sawyer County, WI. Whole genomic DNA extraction and sequencing was used as a supplementary identification protocol for visually unidentifiable fish in the diet samples. Preliminary diet analysis suggests that crayfish Orconectes spp. and yellow perch Perca flavescens constitute the major diet items for largemouth bass and walleyes, respectively. Some diet overlap between largemouth bass and walleyes was observed as both species regularly preyed on yellow perch and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Furthermore, no predation on juvenile walleye by adult largemouth bass has been observed at this point. |
| Title: |
Uncovering Recruitment Bottlenecks in a Great Plains Bluegill Population |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 2:20 pm – 2:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Mark A. Kaemingk, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University; Kristopher J. Stahr, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University; Jeffrey C. Jolley, United States Fish and Wildlife Service; David W. Willis, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University |
| Abstract: |
Multiple studies have investigated bluegill Lepomis macrochirus recruitment and the contribution of early and late hatching cohorts to subsequent life stages. Conclusions reached from these studies have been ambiguous, likely because systems are inherently variable and typically examined during a short duration (i.e., < 2 years), which often leads to inconsistent results. Therefore, our objectives were to examine bluegill larval and juvenile growth and mortality rates, and larval cohort contribution (early versus late hatched) to the juvenile life stage (fall age-0) in a Nebraska Sandhill lake using a seven year dataset. Ultimately, our goal was to identify potential bottlenecks or periods of high mortality between the larval and juvenile life stages. We then related these patterns to potential biotic and abiotic drivers. Larval and juvenile bluegills were collected from 2004 to 2010 along with other abiotic and biotic factors that may influence growth and survival. Larval daily growth rates typically did not differ between early and late hatching cohorts within a year; however, differences in growth rates between years were identified. Similarly, juvenile bluegill growth rates did not differ between cohorts within years although growth rates were higher in some years compared to others. Larval mortality rates were similar across the years examined between early and late hatched cohorts. Bluegill recruitment bottlenecks may occur past the larval stage and thus investigating the time period between the larval life stage and the juvenile life stage may further elucidate which drivers are primarily involved in shaping recruitment for this species. |
|
| PALLID STURGEON SYMPOSIUM ~ 3:20 pm - 5:00 pm |
| Title: |
Scaphirhynchid Sturgeon Early-Life History |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 3:20 pm – 3:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Quinton Phelps , Sara Tripp, David Herzog – Open Rivers and Wetlands Field Station, Missouri Department of Conservation; James Garvey, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University |
| Abstract: |
To understand sturgeon early-life history we determined river of origin, habitat use, and early-life dynamics in the Mississippi River. Our trace element analyses suggest that age-0 sturgeon captured in the middle Mississippi River have drifted from as far upstream as the Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River (> 1200 Km), while other individuals originated locally in the Middle Mississippi River. Post-drift, age-0 Scaphirhynchus sturgeon catch rates were highest around artificial structures (i.e., wing dikes) and island areas while main channel habitat comprised the lowest catch rates. Within these habitats, young sturgeon frequently occupied low velocities (i.e., ~0.1 ), moderate depths (i.e., 2 to 5 m), and sand substrate. Although determination of river of origin and specific habitats used are imperative for restoration they likely regulate early-life dynamics. Mean sturgeon growth rates ranged from 1.42-1.50 mm/d over the four years; however, growth rates did not differ among years. Individuals hatched over a 25 to 50-d period and peak hatch dates were between 10- 20 May in all years. Moreover, hatch timing coincided with optimum spawning temperatures of 17-20 oC and an increase in river stage. Abundance appeared to be regulated by river stage; longer durations of high water related to higher relative abundance. Mortality increased with the number of days where water temperature exceeded 28 oC. In the end this study has laid the framework for understanding early-life ecology of Scaphirhynchus sturgeon. Furthermore, we believe that this research will be used to begin to rehabilitate these imperiled sturgeon populations. |
| Title: |
Fish Habitat Use in the New Madrid Floodway |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 3:40 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Quinton Phelps, Sara Tripp, David Herzog – Open Rivers and Wetlands Field Station, Missouri Department of Conservation; James Garvey, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University |
| Abstract: |
The New Madrid Floodway in southeast Missouri was created to divert part of the Mississippi River flow during catastrophic floods and thus alleviate flood risk on nearby population centers. The Floodway extends from Birds Point, Missouri south to New Madrid, Missouri and encompasses the area between the Birds Point-New Madrid secondary levee and the Mississippi River primary levee. The surface area of the New Madrid Floodway is approximately 475 square kilometers. Prior to development, the New Madrid Floodway was dominated by bottomland hardwoods that periodically provided aquatic habitats used by fishes. This area has subsequently been cleared for agriculture related uses. As such, land use in the area is primarily agricultural with bottomland hardwoods and wetlands constituting the minority. Since its creation, it was opened once during the extreme 1937 flood. However, during 2011 the floodway was again opened and provided an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate the influence of floodplain inundation on fishes. Specifically, we sampled the floodplain and the adjacent river at three stratified random locations (with replication) biweekly from the commencement of inundation (early June) through September. We found that species richness and relative abundance was higher in the floodway then the main river. Our data supports many previous examinations that suggest floodplain inundation may be important for riverine fishes. |
|
| RESERVOIR PARTNERSHIP SYMPOSIUM ~ 1:20 pm - 2:20 pm |
| Title: |
Friends of Reservoirs Foundation: Building Capacity Using a 501 (c) (3) |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 1:20 pm – 1:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Jeff Boxrucker, Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership |
| Abstract: |
The Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP) established the Friends of Reservoirs (FOR) Foundation to assist in fund-raising efforts to support reservoir fisheries habitat restoration projects. A website was developed (www.waterhabitatlife.org) as a FOR outreach tool and fund-raising forum. Memberships in FOR are offered to groups and individuals. Memberships are focused on building local capacity for project development and funding and creating a link among FOR members and management agencies. FOR membership provides tax-deductible status for locally-raised funds. FOR's non-profit status also expands granting opportunities because many grants are available only to non-profit organizations. FOR membership provides grant-writing assistance and banking services to hold funds until needed for specific projects. FOR members are given bonus points in RFHP's project selection process. Locally-raised funds can be used as match for larger grants available through government and non-profit organizations. Local sponsorship of projects is vital for outreach efforts and to garner public support for watershed-level restoration efforts that are key to approaching major reservoir impairment issues. |
| Title: |
A Classification System for Large U.S. Reservoirs and its Application to the Midwest |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 1:40 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Jeff Boxrucker, Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership; Rebecca M. Krogman, Rebecca M., L.E. Miranda, U.S. Geological Survey, Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research |
| Abstract: |
In order to prioritize conservation efforts, the Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership needs information regarding the condition of reservoir fish habitats, and reservoir classification provides a framework within which to assess fish habitat condition. Using a combination of ecologically-based spatial partitioning and cluster analysis, we developed a classification system for large U.S. reservoirs. First, we conducted a survey of fisheries biologists to evaluate habitat of reservoirs 100 ha in the U.S. Questions covered numerous habitat attributes - including availability, water quality, water regime, and degradation processes - as well as selected aspects of the fish community and recreational fishery. A total of 1,276 useable responses were received. Second, we examined several extant systems of spatial partitioning reflecting ecological differences among regions (i.e., Omernik’s Level II and III ecoregions, EPA Wadeable Streams Assessment [WSAs], and Landscape Conservation Cooperatives). Using habitat variables from the survey, we conducted cluster analysis within each region of each partitioning system. Our goal was to balance recognition of inherent ecological differences and recognition of natural groups within the data. Our final classification system utilized WSAs and yielded 22 unique reservoir classes that showed various types and levels of habitat impairment. Reservoir class characteristics for the Midwest are presented. |
| Title: |
Iowa's Lake Restoration Program and its Linkage to the National Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 2:00 pm – 2:20 pm |
| Authors: |
Mike McGhee, George Antoniou, Fisheries Bureau, Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Abstract: |
Iowans value water quality and desire safe healthy lake systems. Iowa’s lakes program originated in 1978 as a result of the Clean Water Act’s Clean Lakes Program and received financial support from the U.S. EPA. Significant federal funding was lost in 1994 but was replaced and expanded in 2006 with state of Iowa funding that was appropriated, following a comprehensive five year Iowa lake and watershed assessment study. Since 2006 over $52 million of state funds have been directed toward lake water quality/aquatic habitat improvements, these funds have been leveraged with $43 million from numerous partners to complete 10 projects with an additional 44 projects in the implementation or planning phase. The recent development of the National Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership was initially viewed by Iowa as an opportunity to capture federal funding for our lake restoration projects. However, with similar project goals “to protect and improve healthy aquatic habitat in reservoir systems”, we would like to expand Iowa’s participation and support of this partnership. This comprehensive systems approach to achieve long-term water quality improvements and to establish quality, sustainable aquatic habitat fits Iowa’s needs. We also believe the partnership provides a mechanism for groups to transfer knowledge, share rehabilitation techniques and evaluate/compare project outcomes. |
| Title: |
Nebraska’s Aquatic Habitat Program: Past, Present and Future |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 2:20 pm – 2:40 pm |
| Authors: |
Mark T. Porath and Steve J. Satra, Fisheries Division, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
| Abstract: |
In the early 1990’s, anglers and biologists began working together to address declining aquatic habitat conditions associated with the aging of reservoirs and the resulting impacts to the quality of recreational fishing opportunities.Following several years of public meetings and educational workshops, anglers became advocates, stimulating legislation and supporting an increase in fishing license fees as long as the additional revenue was designated to improving aquatic habitats and fishing at specified locations throughout the state. Beginning in 1997, a $5 aquatic habitat stamp was required with the purchase of most Nebraska fishing licenses. Generating $9.5 million dollars in revenue through 2011, these funds have been leveraged with numerous partners to complete58 rehabilitation projects across the state at a cost of nearly $45 million. Each project is unique, designed to address specific aquatic habitat deficiencies and can range from the simple installation of an aeration unit to improve water quality, structures to increase habitat complexity or large earthmoving equipment to construct sediment retention basins. The program is extremely successful and popular with Nebraska’s anglers, but is facing challenges to sustain levels of partnership funding and how to best evaluate project successes at both a component and ecological scale. The aquatic habitat stamp is now $10, with an additional 100 eligible locations and up to 30% of revenues designated to improve angler access. |
| Title: |
Application of a Fish Barrier to Reduce Fish Entrainment at Lovewell Reservoir, Kansas |
| Date/Time: |
Tuesday, December 11 ~ 2:40 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Scott Waters, District Fisheries Biologist, Kansas, Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
|
| Abstract: |
High numbers of fish are flushed (entrained) from Lovewell Reservoir annually during the irrigation season between May and September. A multi-year study was developed to estimate entrainment rates and associated indices during the 2005-2007 irrigation seasons. Estimated number of fish entrained was 5.5 million in 2005, 2.9 million in 2006, and 6.1 million in 2007. Species composition was consistent each year with gizzard shad accounting for 77-98% of the entrained fish, freshwater drum varied between 2 and 15%, crappie accounted for 0.3 to 8%, and white bass and walleye were each less than 1%. Cove rotenone data was used to estimate the percent of the gizzard shad, white bass, and white crappie year class that was lost to entrainment each year. Gizzard shad losses were 45-55% in 2005 and 2007, and 1-5% in 2006. White bass estimates were 90% in 2005, but only 1-5% in 2006 and 2007. Crappie exhibited the highest losses with estimates of 50-60% in 2006 and 2007 and 95% in 2005. A negative effect of entrainment on sportfish populations was evident based on standard reservoir sampling and entrainment estimates, thus a fish barrier will be utilized annually. The barrier will be installed upstream of the outlet gates prior to the irrigation season in April and removed in September. Fish entrainment estimates will be conducted in 2014 and 2015 to determine the effectiveness of the barrier, and annual sampling data will be used to monitor changes in reservoir fish populations following fish barrier installation. |
|
| PERCIDAE SESSION ~ 8:00 am - 10:00 am |
| Title: |
Sauger Life History in the Lower Portion of the Upper Mississippi River |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 8:00 am – 8:20 am |
| Authors: |
Kasey Yallaly, Justin Seibert – Missouri Department of Conservation; Sara Tripp, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; David Herzog,Quinton Phelps – Missouri Department of Conservation |
| Abstract: |
Over the last century, sauger Sander canadensis populations have declined. These declines have been attributed to habitat alteration, hybridization and exploitation. However, a unique situation still occurs in the Upper Mississippi River in which a viable sauger fishery still exists. Therefore, in order to maintain a sustainable sauger population and subsequent sport fishery, it is important to thoroughly understand sauger life history. Because relatively little is known concerning sauger life history within the Upper Mississippi River, we sought to evaluate the dynamic rate functions and reproductive ecology of sauger. Using these population parameters, we also simulated the Upper Mississippi River sauger population to varying levels of recreational harvest at multiple length limits. Overall, sauger exhibited fast growth, erratic recruitment patterns, high mortality, and females were extremely fecund. Given these population characteristics, our population simulation models suggest current recreational harvest levels (regardless of size restrictions) would have minimal effects on the population. To this end, we have uncovered unique insight into the upper Mississippi River sauger population and suggest current recreational harvest levels should be sustainable. |
| Title: |
Variation in River Discharge Used to Assess Walleye Population Demographics in an Intensive Agricultural Landscape |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 8:20 am – 8:40 am |
| Authors: |
Brett D. Nelson, Shannon J. Fisher – Water Resources Center, Minnesota State University |
| Abstract: |
Natural flow regime is often claimed to be the primary driver for ecological integrity in rivers. The Minnesota River basin is characterized by a row-crop agricultural landscape with an extensive network of drainage tiles and ditches to improve land productivity. Some studies suggest that intensive surface and subsurface drainage alters flow regimes, increasing the magnitude and frequency of high flows. Changes in river hydrology lead to alterations in geomorphology, including increased bank erosion, channel widening, and downward incision that can lead to floodplain disconnection. Moreover, chemical composition, temperature, nutrient cycling, and organic matter processing of materials can also be altered. Disruption of historical hydrology, energy flow and connection to specialized habitats can affect important aquatic communities and populations valued by local anglers. Therefore, the objective of this research was to assess population attributes of walleye Sander vitreus in the Minnesota River in relation to river discharge. A total of 66 walleye were sampled April-September of 2012 using boat electrofishing. Population demographics of walleye were assessed within three segments of the Minnesota River. Demographic data are still be finalized and will be analyzed in relation to hydrologic variation along the river. Multiple hydrologic parameters related to flow regime have been quantified using various ‘Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration’. Project results will facilitate insight on the impacts of changing hydrology on walleye population dynamics that may guide future watershed management decisions within the Minnesota River Basin to improve the walleye fishery. |
| Title: |
Yellow Perch in Upground Reservoirs: Emphasizing Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 8:40 am – 9:00 am |
| Authors: |
Joseph D. Conroy, Inland Fisheries Research Unit, Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Abstract: |
Yellow perch represent important fisheries in upground reservoirs (above-ground, diked storage basins commonly constructed as a municipal water supply), especially in northwestern Ohio. Here, to better understand variability in yellow perch relative abundance (YP CPE), I use known stocking frequency and densities plus metrics of predator relative abundance (channel catfish and either walleye or saugeye relative abundances), reservoir productivity, and reservoir morphometry from 26 upground reservoirs to determine how YP CPE varied as affected by top-down (= predator), bottom-up (= productivity), and habitat (= morphometry) factors. Mean YP CPE ranged 0.02-23.0 perch per net-hour and did not correlate with stocking frequency (# of years stocked) or density (total number stocked during 2004-2011 per surface acre); YP CPE was similar (F = 4.0, P = 0.269) between stocked and unstocked reservoirs. Further, predator populations differed (F = 36.0, P < 0.000001, Wilks ’ ? = 0.0091) among reservoir groups constructed with cluster analysis as did reservoir productivity-based groups (F = 12.4, P < 0.000001, Wilks ’ ? = 0.0008) and shape (F = 20.5, P < 0.000001, Wilks ’ ? = 0.0007). This analysis did not identify a direct connection between yellow perch abundances and predictor variables but I did derive reservoir groups based on important biotic and abiotic variables. Hence, these findings emphasize the inherent complexity of sportfish populations and their environs and also provide the starting point for ecosystem-based fisheries management. |
| Title: |
Spatial Synchrony of Yellow Perch Recruitment in South Dakota Glacial Lakes |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 9:00 am – 9:20 am |
| Authors: |
Daniel J. Dembkowski, South Dakota State University; Brian G. Blackwell, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks; David W. Willis, South Dakota State University; Melissa R. Wuellner, South Dakota State University |
| Abstract: |
Yellow perch Perca flavescens populations in most South Dakota waters typically exhibit erratic recruitment with substantial fluctuations in year-class strength. Previous research indicated that yellow perch recruitment is largely influenced by climatic variables that have the potential to synchronize population fluctuations over large spatial scales. We evaluated the extent of spatial synchrony in recruitment and estimated factors related to recruitment variability in yellow perch populations among 37 eastern South Dakota glacial lakes sampled with gill nets in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Distance between lakes ranged from 1.7 km to 134.5 km. The extent of spatial synchrony among lakes was assessed using cross-correlation analysis of cohort catch per effort data. Correlation coefficients for the 136 bivariate correlations included in correlative analyses ranged from -0.47 to 0.99 (mean = 0.71), with 79% of correlations greater than 0.50, 64% of correlations greater than 0.70, and 37% of correlations greater than 0.90, suggesting synchronous population fluctuations. The extent of synchrony was not related to distance between lakes, at least not within the spatial scale included in this study. Synchronous population fluctuations may be a result of broad-scale climatic variability but recruitment variability may also be influenced by local abiotic factors including morphometric, physicochemical, and hydrological variables or biotic factors including competition, predation, and spawning stock characteristics. |
| Title: |
Assessment of Predator Functional Density on Mortality of Stocked Yellow Perch |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 9:20 am – 9:40 am |
| Authors: |
Seth A. Lundgren, Casey W. Schoenebeck – University of Nebraska at Kearney; Keith D. Koupal Nebraska Game and Parks Commission |
| Abstract: |
Because largemouth bass predation is the primary limiting factor to the survival of stocked yellow perch in I-80 lakes, the objective of this study was to quantify the predation mortality of stocked yellow perch in these systems estimated by lavaging bass stomachs during a 50 day post-stocking period. Predator functional density and nonlinear regression were used to estimate total consumption of stocked yellow perch. After comparing the results of eight study lakes from replicate years of data, we found differences in the percentage of stocked yellow perch consumed among lakes and between years. Estimated total consumption of stocked yellow perch ranged from 0-100%, with 11 of the 16 stockings resulting in =66% survival. The percentage of stocked yellow perch consumed was negatively correlated with largemouth bass size structure (PSD); suggesting that stocking yellow perch in lakes where bass have a larger size structure is a viable option in Nebraska I-80 lakes. |
| Title: |
Using Back-calculation at Age-1 to Identify Large Fingerling Walleye Stocked in Iowa’s Natural Lakes |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 9:40 am – 10:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Jonathan R. Meerbeek, Iowa DNR |
| Abstract: |
Previous research found that long-term survival of <6-inch fall stocked fingerling walleye Sander vitreus was poor in Iowa’s natural lakes and >8-inch fall walleye fingerlings were needed to improve survival by reducing size-related mortality. Recent advancements in walleye culture techniques have significantly increased the size of fall stocked walleye fingerlings. However, it is unknown if these improvements have increased stocking survival. Since these fall stocked fingerlings are much larger than their natural or fry stocked counterparts we sought to determine if back-calculated length at age-1 could be used as a batch mark. We held a subsample of fish past their first growing season and removed sagittal otoliths, scales and spines to identify the most reliable structure for back-calculated measurements. In a blind test with known wild and stocked yearling walleye, 93.0-98.6% were correctly identified using either whole view otoliths or dorsal spines; whereas, only 77.9% were correctly identified using scales. We used long-term age-0 electrofishing datasets and stocked fingerling lengths to develop a logistic regression model that would designate walleye origin (i.e., hatchery or natural) using back-calculated length at age-1 from dorsal spine sections. Of 974 fish collected during 2004-2011 from three natural lakes, 10.8% were identified as large stocked fingerlings using the logistic regression model. Mean percent contribution in each lake ranged from 7.5% to 12.1% and was as high as 41.7% of a single year class. Although year class survival was variable, large fingerling walleye have provided valuable additions to year classes in many natural lakes. |
|
| RIVERS AND STREAMS ~ 8:00 am - 10:00 am |
| Title: |
The Development of a Collaborative Telemetry Technique for Augmented Tracking of Migratory Fishes in Large Navigable Water Ways |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 8:00 am – 8:20 am |
| Authors: |
David P. Herzog, Quinton E. Phelps, Sara Tripp – Missouri Department of Conservation; Harry Brock, AEP River Operations |
| Abstract: |
Telemetry of fishes in large navigable water ways is logistically challenging given that migratory distance commonly exceeds jurisdictional boundaries. Recent advances in stationary telemetry receivers have provided a cost effective means for the continuous monitoring of fixed point stations across these boundaries and within large navigable waterways. However, the fixed station monitoring is only useful when the fish species are within range of the receiver and thus many times provides only a single location event. Boat mounted telemetry is commonly used to locate a transmitted animal. Although with boat mounted telemetry researchers commonly spend hundreds of hours searching for transmitter implanted fish. Stationary telemetry receivers coupled with boat mounted telemetry improves detections yet jurisdictional boundaries restrict the information of large scale movement patterns. During summer 2012, the Missouri Department of Conservation Big Rivers and Wetlands Field Station began a collaborative effort with American Electric Power (AEP) River Operations to investigate the use of towboats for telemetry monitoring of fish. Several different AEP motor vessels traveled the United States inland river system with stationary telemetry receivers attached. GPS was used to track motor vessel locations and was later synchronized with date and time of detection with the stationary receiver. AEP motor vessels detected several different transmitters in the inland river system while traveling across jurisdictional boundaries. We present results of an innovative method for tracking migratory fishes in large navigable water ways. |
| Title: |
Antimicrobial Resistance of Channel Catfish Intestinal Microflora in the Arkansas and Ninnescah Rivers in Kansas |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 8:20 am – 8:40 am |
| Authors: |
Jordan R. Hofmeier, Dr. Bill Stark, and Dr. Eric Gillock – Department of Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University |
| Abstract: |
Antibiotics, oxytetracycline being the most common, are frequently used in aquaculture as growth promoters and therapeutic treatments for fish diseases. Subsequently, selection can occur for resistant organisms in these systems. If there is a significant proportion of fish that contain resistant bacteria in aquaculture facilities, it is likely that continuation of the same antibiotic treatment is inefficient and uneconomical. As a result of this antibiotic regime, antibiotic residues and resistant bacteria are often transferred from aquaculture ponds to surrounding aquatic environments. Rivers are the main receiving body for antibiotics and resistant bacteria from effluents and agricultural runoff. Once in the aquatic environment, water provides a means of distribution for antibiotic resistant bacteria to aquatic ecosystems. This also allows for resistance genes to be established in natural bacterial ecosystems, causing natural environments to serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistant genes. Although antibiotic resistance has been well-documented in aquaculture, riverine systems have received relatively little attention. The goal of this study was to determine if antibiotic resistant bacteria are present in the intestinal tracts of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in two river systems (Arkansas and Ninnescah) of south-central Kansas. During the spring of 2012, intestinal content samples were taken from channel catfish in both rivers. Six antibiotics were used to screen samples for resistant organisms. |
| Title: |
Detection of Erosion and Sediment Changes Near Road/River Crossing in the Badriver Watershed, WI |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 8:40 am – 9:00 am |
| Authors: |
Ming-Chih Hung, Ph.D., Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Northwest Missouri State University; Maureen Gallagher, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3 Coordinator,National Fish Habitat Action Plan |
| Abstract: |
Rivers and streams are dynamic, causing frequent changes in sediment and erosion patterns along the shoreline. Many factors contribute to the dynamic nature of rivers and streams. Human activities can contribute to the changes in sediment or erosion, intentionally or unintentionally. Bridge pillars can cause changes in river water velocity and direction, and therefore changes in sediment and erosion downstream, and possibly upstream. These changes can be dangerous to local ecosystems if they are not monitored regularly. This is an apparent problem for small watersheds, such as the Badriver Watershed in northern Wisconsin, due to a lack of funding and labor. Several different sources of remote sensing imagery were evaluated for their suitability in detecting sediment and erosion. Our conclusion is that NAIP (National Agriculture Imagery Program) with yearly updates is a suitable source to detect and monitor changes in sediment and erosion. |
| Title: |
Influence of Flow Regime on Condition of Native Large River Fishes in the Lower Missouri River |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 9:00 am – 9:20 am |
| Authors: |
Hilary A. Meyer, Clayton J. Ridenour, Tracy D. Hill – USFWS Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office |
| Abstract: |
Flow regime is an important factor that shapes the life history and drives the distribution and abundance of riverine species. Although large upstream dams have regulated much of the Missouri River since 1960, the diverse native fauna in the lower Missouri River (LMR) still experience a wide range of flow variation. Condition of native fluvial specialist species in an altered river system may serve as an indicator of ecosystem integrity. We evaluated condition (relative weight; Wr or relative condition factor; Kn) of four native fluvial specialist species (shovelnose sturgeon, pallid sturgeon, paddlefish and blue suckers) in the LMR at differing flow types (high, intermediate and low) between 2003-2011. We developed a set of a priori candidate models using parameters from Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration to build an explanatory model with Wr as the response variable. Models were evaluated using an information-theoretic approach. Preliminary results indicate blue suckers (Cycleptus elongatus) had the highest mean Wr (89.6) during years with intermediate growing season discharge and intermediate values of the annual mean of the 30-day maximum discharge. Mean Wr of blue suckers during low and high flow years were similar (86.8 and 85.1, respectively), and were 3-5% lower in high flow years. Our results indicate that intermediate flow types may beget environmental conditions supporting higher blue sucker condition in the LMR. We hypothesize that condition of fluvial specialist species will have similar responses to intermediate flow conditions. Years with intermediate flow in the LMR most likely mimic ecologically relevant components of a natural flow regime. |
| Title: |
A Review of Fish Responses to Stream Flow Metrics |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 9:20 am – 9:40 am |
| Authors: |
Emily Tracy-Smith, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri; Craig Paukert, US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri; Del Lobb, Missouri Department of Conservation, Resource Science Center;Paul Blanchard, Missouri Department of Conservation, Resource Science Center |
| Abstract: |
Numerous studies have attempted to identify metrics that best represent hydrologic alteration caused by dams, diversions, withdrawals, land use, and other anthropogenic activities. However, there is no consensus on how these hydrologic indices are linked to ecological processes and fishes. Our objective was to identify biological links to stream flow alteration metrics. We summarized metrics used to link flow alteration to biological responses from over 400 references including peer-reviewed literature, agency reports, flow assessment programs, and software for a period of 1980 - 2011. Completion of our detailed literature review identified less than 100 studies that directly related biological responses to flow. Of these, 44 studies were conducted in the U.S. linking biological responses of fish to flow. Our review showed that there are over 200 occurrences of stream flow metrics used and approximately 200 significant biological responses to varying flow components. More common metrics linked to biotic responses included changes in mean annual flow, peak flows, low flows and flow variability. The most common biotic metrics linked to stream flow included abundance and diversity metrics. Our review will help identify future research needs and help managers identify the specific stream flow metrics associated with biotic responses that can be incorporated into ecological flow assessments. |
| Title: |
Fish Communities in the Missouri River Floodplain Lakes after the 2011 Flood |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 9:40 am – 10:00 am |
| Authors: |
Josh Wilhelm, NGPC |
| Abstract: |
The Missouri River flood of 2011 resulted in an altered floodplain, creating new lakes and wetlands as the strong currents flowed across the historic floodplain. Sampling during the flood documented extensive fish production and usage in these unique habitats. As floodwaters receded fish remained in these floodplain lakes isolated from the main channel. Four sites were chosen for this study: Lake Wubbena (R.M. 644.7), Nathans Lake (R.M. 633.0), Schilling Backwater Complex (R.M. 592.0) and Van Horns Lake (R.M. 575.5), and were sampled monthly from June through September with a sweet of 3 gears including gillnets, frame nets and mini-fyke nets. Schilling Backwater Complex and Nathans Lake were existing bodies of water that have been previously sampled while Lake Wubbena and Van Horns Lake were created during the flood. Preliminary results showed diverse fish communities that varied spatially. We will compare the species composition, abundance, and reproduction among sites. Other efforts will be taken to analyze habitat variations that affected the fish communities at each site. This study will give us a better understanding of the relationship between floodplain lakes and wetlands with the river during flood events. |
| BREAK ~ 10:00 am - 10:20 am |
| Title: |
Recovery of the West Fork White River following a Major Fish Kill in 1999, Indiana |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 10:20 am – 10:40 am |
| Authors: |
Sandy Clark-Kolaks, Indiana DNR |
| Abstract: |
In December 1999, a fish kill devastated the West Fork White River in Indiana. All fish were killed from an estimated 69 km of river with a partial kill extending another 31 kilometers downstream killing an estimated 4.3 million fish weighing 180 tons. From 2000 to 2005, 13 species totaling nearly 1.15 million fish were stocked throughout the kill zones. Recovery of the fish populations throughout the WFWR has been monitored continuously at 16 stations. In January 2000, an average of 5.3 species per station was collected in the total kill zone and by fall of 2002 that number had risen to an average of 20.9 species per station. A final survey was conducted in fall 2011 where a total of 57 species were collected with game species comprising about 12.4% of the total catch. No significant differences in average number of species per station were found between the reference, total kill zone, and partial kill zone for 2011. The average number of species per station was significantly different in January and March of 2000 but by July 2000 the community was recovering and the average number of species was not significantly different from subsequent sampling events. Game species have also rebounded with largemouth bass and smallmouth bass stock density indices improving. The WFWR has recovered with the help of fish stockings, monitoring, habitat improvements, and public awareness and provides an important recreational opportunity for anglers. It also provides insight on river recovery following a major fish kill. |
| Title: |
Summer Fish Community in Two Missouri River Tributaries |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 10:40 am – 11:00 am |
| Authors: |
Emily K. Pherigo, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri; Craig P. Paukert, USGS, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri |
| Abstract: |
Tributaries provide important habitat for spawning, rearing, feeding and refuge of big river fishes but river alteration may affect how fish use these important systems. This study investigates the seasonal patterns of fish abundance, species richness, and big river fish presence in the lower portions of the Osage and Gasconade rivers, two tributaries of the Missouri River. The Osage River system is altered by a hydroelectric dam and engineering structures while the Gasconade is free-flowing for 482 river kilometers (rkm) to its confluence with the Missouri River, resulting in different discharges and water temperatures. Boat electrofishing, benthic trawls, and bag seines were used to sample the fish community in the lower 30 rkm of the Osage River and the lower 19 rkm of the Gasconade River from June to August 2012. Three hundred sixty gear deployments, including 276 in the Osage and 84 in the Gasconade, resulted in 9,981 individual fish of 72 different species, 66% of which were found in both rivers. The Gasconade was the more speciose with 65 different species captured while the Osage had 55. Twenty-two big river species comprised 30% of the total fish caught. Three species of conservation concern, the Alabama shad (Alosa alabama), highfin carpsucker (Carpiodes velifer), and crystal darter (Ammocrypta asprella) were captured in the Gasconade River but not in the Osage River. As large-scale ecosystem restoration continues in the Missouri River basin, knowing the use of these tributaries by big river fishes will contribute to the planning of future restoration efforts. |
| Title: |
Comparison of Creek Chub Populations in Shadley Creek, South Dakota and Kings Creek, Kansas: Using Latitudinal Gradients to Predict the Effects of Climate Change on Fish in Prairie Streams |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 11:00 am – 11:20 am |
| Authors: |
Megan E. Leonard, Eli A. Felts, Matthew Wagner, Katie N. Bertrand – South Dakota State University; Keith Gido, Division of Biology, Kansas State University |
| Abstract: |
Fish population dynamics are strongly influenced by environmental conditions and will likely be altered as climate changes. Great Plains environments are predicted to experience longer, warmer summers in the future. The existing temperature gradient between Kansas and South Dakota could offer insight into the effects of increasing growing season length on stream fish populations. We compared population dynamics of a common stream fish species, creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), along this latitudinal gradient to understand how growth may change as a result of climate change. We predicted that earlier warming and a longer growing season would increase spawning effort by fish, causing decreases in growth rate, mean size at age and condition. Forty-seven creek chub were collected in April 2012 from Shadley Creek in South Dakota, and a minimum of 30 fish each were collected in July and August 2012 from Kings Creek in Kansas. We measured total length of each fish to compare length frequencies between populations. On South Dakota fish, we also measured somatic and gonad weights to estimate condition and aged each fish using otoliths, anal fin rays, and scales to estimate precision among structures. The South Dakota population exhibited longer median length-at-age than the Kansas population, suggesting that factors other than water temperature and length of growing season influence life history plasticity within species. |
| Title: |
Impacts of Connectivity on Larval Fish Communities in Backwaters of the Minnesota River |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 11:20 am – 11:40 am |
| Authors: |
Adam D. Nickel, Shannon J. Fisher – Water Resources Center, Minnesota State University |
| Abstract: |
Backwater habitats are valuable nursery areas for many larval fishes and often support higher larval fish densities than main channel habitats. The objective of this study was to assess larval fish communities in three backwaters of the Minnesota River (Anderson, St. Peter, and Harris), each with differing connectivity. Sampling was conducted before (period 1), during (period 2), and after (periods 3 and 4) a flood pulse occurred in the summer of 2012. Anderson backwater connected on the upper and lower ends, whereas, the St. Peter backwater connected only on the lower end, and Harris backwater connected through a series of small canals. During each sample period, 10 light trap nights and 10 sled net pulls (30-m each) were completed in each backwater. For all sample periods combined, 1,554 larval fishes were captured by the sled net and 881 with light traps; however, 96.3% of the sled net larvae and 96.9% of the light trap larvae were collected during period 3. Larval fish identification is still underway. Sled net catches will be identified and indexed as number/L of water sampled. Light trap catch will be indexed as number/trap night. Comparisons of larval fish species richness and density between gears and among periods and backwaters will allow inferences on the impacts of varying degrees of connectivity with the main channel to be formulated. As a result, this study could be used to identify suitable nursery areas in river systems similar to the Minnesota River and provide guidance on backwater habitat restorations. |
| Title: |
Impact Assessment of Bendway Wiers on Neosho Madtoms, Noturus Placidus, in Neosho County, Kansas |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 11:40 am – 12:00 pm |
| Authors: |
James R. Triplett, University Professor, Biology Department, Pittsburg State University; Dixie L. Smith, Chair, Biology Department, Pittsburg State University |
| Abstract: |
In August, 2005, Neosho County contracted with the Biology Department at Pittsburg State University to provide environmental impact assessment services to assist in complying with the conditions listed in the biological opinion issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service dated November 4, 2004. Specifically, the scope of work was to 1) map and characterize the gravel bars in the project reach and 2) assess Neosho madtom populations following the protocol provided in Appendix A of the USF&WS opinion prior to installation of the bendway weirs, rock vanes and armored stone toe protection. Sampling began in September 2005, prior to the construction which was completed the following summer. Post construction sampling began in August 2006 and was repeated each fall until 2010. Between 427 m2 and 563 m2 were sampled each of the 6 years, yielding 6, 0, 3,15,7, and 9 total Neosho madtoms each year successively. Substrate samples showed an increase in the percent silt from 2005 to 2010, but the greatest association with madtom numbers appeared to be river flows. |
|
| ICTALURIDAE SESSION ~ 10:20 am - 12:00 pm |
| Title: |
Effects of Manufactured Feed Provision on Juvenile Channel Catfish Production in Ponds |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 10:20 am – 10:40 am |
| Authors: |
Jesse E. Filbrun, David A. Culver – Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology; Xiaoxue Yang, School of Environment and Natural Resources; Stuart A. Ludsin, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology – The Ohio State University |
| Abstract: |
Manufactured feeds are commonly added to aquaculture ponds to enhance juvenile fish growth and survival above levels supported by ambient live prey production. However, feeds can have complex indirect effects on fish production through multiple pathways. In this study, we tested the effects of three different rates of manufactured feed provision (no feeding, 1%, or 3% body-weight/day, BW/d) on diets, growth, and survival of 14 - 70 day-old channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and habitat quality in ponds at the Hebron State Fish Hatchery, Ohio. Differences in fish growth rates among feeding treatments were strongly associated with the onset of feed assimilation; growth rates did not differ across treatments during the first 3 weeks, but then increased with increasing feeding rate. Natural prey items were ingested by catfish in all treatments throughout the experiment and feeding rate did not affect selection of zooplankton by size or taxon. However, feeding rate strongly influenced habitat quality in ponds; the 3% BW/d ponds had chronic hypoxia (dissolved oxygen < 2 mg/L) and rampant growth of mat-forming filamentous green algae that entangled fish during pond draining. As a result, there were no differences across feeding treatments in fish survival, size, or yield at harvest. We recommend that managers leverage live prey support of fish growth during the early weeks post-stocking, then provide manufactured feed at levels to supplement further fish growth and maintain suitable habitat quality. |
| Title: |
Where are those $$#@@ Fish? Distribution and Movement of a Top Predator (Blue Catfish) in a Large, Highly-variable Midwestern Reservoir |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 10:40 am – 11:00 am |
| Authors: |
Kayla Gerber, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Martha Mather, USGS Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Zachary Peterson, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Joseph Smith, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; John Reinke Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Jason Goeckler Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism |
| Abstract: |
Top predators are model organisms for movement research because they can select profitable habitat patches based on temperature, physical habitat, resource availability, and environmental changes, and thereby influence their own growth, survival, and fitness. In this research, we quantified the seasonal distribution of blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in a large, Midwestern reservoir with a range of habitat types. Prior to evaluation of fish movement, tagging protocols were evaluated using hatchery raised blue catfish. In the field, 48 blue catfish, (400-500mm TL), were caught at three different locations within Milford Reservoir, KS, on June 26-28, 2012. These fish were internally tagged with Vemco coded transmitters (V9-2H, V9TP-2H) and released at the capture locations. Tagged fish were tracked throughout summer and fall, 2012, with 20 stationary receivers (VR2W) and a monthly, 50-site manual survey (VR100 tracker and omni-directional hydrophone). In the hatchery, all fish survived and retained their tags after 7 days. In the field, 100, 98, 98, and 96 percent of the original tagged catfish (46-48 individuals) were detected at least once a month in June, July, August, and September. No tagged fish left Milford Reservoir. Nor were all parts of the reservoir utilized equally. Blue catfish were detected at 17 of 20 receiver locations with most detections concentrated in the center of the reservoir. In addition, individual catfish exhibited different behavioral patterns. Knowledge of fish movement, as provided by our research, can increase our understanding of general ecological patterns and processes, as well as improve the efficiency of sportfish management. |
| Title: |
Comparison of Catfish Diets in the Missouri River, Nebraska During High and Low Water Years |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 11:00 am – 11:20 am |
| Authors: |
Nick Hogberg, Mark Pegg – University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Abstract: |
Current large river paradigms suggest that floodplain inundation results in a bottom-up increase in productivity across multiple trophic levels. This influx in production is likely to affect feeding dynamics of higher level consumers, particularly those using floodplain habitats. We collected stomach contents from channel catfish, Ictaluris punctatus, and flathead catfish, Pylodictus olivaris, on the floodplain during the Missouri River flood of 2011 and in the adjacent main channel during a lower water year in 2012. Pulsed gastric lavage was used to collect stomach contents from 128 channel catfish and 171 flathead catfish in 2011. In 2012 we collected 458 flathead catfish, but were unable to capture a sufficient number of channel catfish to compare diet contents with 2011. Dominant taxa in adult flathead catfish stomachs were crayfish and Ictaluris spp. fish, while adult channel catfish samples were comprised of crayfish and caddisfly larvae in family Hydropsychidae. Juvenile individuals of both species preyed heavily upon caddisfly larvae in family Hydropsychidae and midge larvae in family Chironomidae. Analyses to compare diets across years included stomach fullness, percent empty stomachs, frequency of occurrence of prey items, percent by number of prey items, and percent by weight of prey items. |
| Title: |
Population Dynamics of Channel Catfish in South Dakota Impoundments: Influences of Abundance and Impoundment Productivity |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 11:20 am – 11:40 am |
| Authors: |
Tanner M. Stevens, Brian D.S. Graeb – Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University; David O. Lucchesi, Gene F. Galinat – South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks |
| Abstract: |
South Dakota biologists want to increase utilization of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fisheries in impoundments. To set realistic goals for these fisheries, there is a need to understand the population dynamics and harvest potential. Our objective was to quantify the population dynamics of channel catfish in South Dakota impoundments and identify how they are affected by channel catfish abundance and system productivity. Six South Dakota impoundments in two regions (Eastern and Western South Dakota) were sampled with tandem set hoopnets over a two year period. Each impoundment had varying levels of channel catfish abundance and system productivity. Large differences in growth, mortality, size structure and biomass were observed between regions. Eastern impoundments typically had higher trophic state index (TSI) and morphodaphic index (MEI) values than western impoundments, while also supporting higher channel catfish biomass, growth rates, and mortality rates. Within each region, growth and mortality rates were not related to productivity; however, they were related to channel catfish relative abundance. System productivity and relative abundance appear to play a role in structuring lightly exploited channel catfish populations, and may establish a lower and upper limit to growth and mortality for each region. These limits could be used to identify management actions (i.e. liberalized harvest, increased stocking) that can maximize angler utilization. |
| Title: |
Are Trophy Catfish Regulations Warranted in the Ohio River? |
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, December 12 ~ 11:40 pm – 12:00 pm |
| Authors: |
Sara Tripp, Doug Henley, Gerry Buynak, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources |
| Abstract: |
In reaches of the Ohio River, commercial fishing for catfish has recently switched from harvest for flesh to harvesting trophy sized fish to sell to pay lake owners. At the same time, a high quality, primarily catch and release trophy catfish fishery has developed in the recreational angler community. This has lead to conflict between recreational anglers and commercial fisherman, initiating a push among the recreational anglers for trophy catfish regulations in Kentucky. Because of this, in 2006 the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife began evaluating some basic population parameters of two of the three major catfish species (channel and blue catfish) in the Ohio River. We collected baseline information on age, growth, and mortality using baited trotlines. In the summer of 2012, we again quantified the dynamic rate functions to compare these parameters to the previous data and determine if any changes have occurred in the catfish populations over time. The data collected will now be used to evaluate the utility of trophy catfish regulations on the Ohio River to ensure a sustainable fishery for both the commercial and recreational fishermen. |
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