Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

An illegally introduced exotic fish species has now become a significant and extremely popular fishery in the Everglades Water Conservation Areas (WCA's). The oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) was accidentally introduced in the 1950s and became established in south Florida waterways. A gradual range expansion occurred; however, oscar populations remained low until the mid-1980s. For approximately 25 years, catches were infrequent and singular. Following an unexplained and accelerated population expansion, angler catches became more frequent and multiple. Recent peak season angler surveys in the Everglades have documented a substantial oscar fishery in terms of harvest and effort. The total number of oscar harvested in WCA-2A peaked at 11,583 in 1986-87, but dropped to 0 by the last year of the survey in that area (1989-90) for reasons which are unclear. During 3 consecutive surveys (1990-93) in WCA-3A, oscar was the number one species harvested.

Sportfishing in the turbulent waters downstream of Wilson and Wheeler dams on the Tennessee River is widely regarded as superior quality by anglers, sports writers, and fishery scientists. Access point creel surveys were conducted from February 1988 through January 1989 and January through December 1990 in the Wilson Dam and Wheeler Dam tailraces, respectively. The objectives of the surveys were to document fishing effort, catch, harvest, and other fishery characteristics, particularly for smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), in popular tailrace areas in the Alabama portion of the Tennessee River. During the 1988 Wilson Dam tailrace survey, 280,948 angler-hours of effort were expended, of which 117,207 hours (42%) were directed at smallmouth bass. Catfish {Ictalurus spp.) were the most exploited group, representing 29% of the harvest by weight, and temperate basses (Morone spp.) and smallmouth bass combined for almost 50% of the harvest.

Equal numbers of tagged sunshine bass (Morone chrysops female X M. saxatilis male) and palmetto bass {Morone saxatilis female x M. chrysops male) were stocked in the Escambia River for 4 years to determine which striped bass hybrid was better suited for stocking based on tag returns. Total tag return rates after 4 years was 11.2% for sunshine bass and 10.1% for palmetto bass. Over 90% of all tag returns occurred during the first 9 months after stocking. There was no consistent difference found in return rates between palmetto and sunshine bass. Although not statistically significant for all year classes, return rates seemed to be related more to the size of fish at stocking rather than the types of striped bass hybrid stocked.

A roving creel survey was conducted on the Greers Ferry tailwater, Arkansas, from 1988 through 1992. Estimated angler use was high, averaging 295,319 angler hours and 1,006.5 angler hours per hectare annually. Estimated harvest of rainbow trout was high and consisted of mostly catchable size, stocked fish. Only 25% of rainbow trout caught were released. Catch of trophy size brown trout declined after the implementation of a 406-mm (16-inch) minimum length 2 fish per day creel limit in January 1990.

Removal of Dead Lake Dam in December 1987 reduced low pool elevation an additional 1.3 m, resulting in approximately 85 percent bottom exposure. Increased fluctuation provided short-term benefits to the sport fish community in the form of strong largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) year classes and improved water quality. Percent composition of dominant sport fish changed little after dam removal, but total fish species observed increased from 34 to 61 after dam removal. Increased elevation in the Apalachicola River resulted in reduced flow and depressed dissolved oxygen levels in Dead Lake. Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) have been observed in limited numbers above Dead Lake since removal of the dam.

Mississippi Office of Pollution Control staff collected catfish from 69 sites from 1991-1994 for contaminant monitoring. Of these, 12 sites were sampled 5 or more times per year. Environmental conditions varied dramatically between site and season facilitating observations for effects of both intersite variability (e.g., water conductivity and manipulation of pulsator settings) and intrasite seasonal variability (e.g., water temperature and river stage). Flathead catfish {Pylodictis olivaris) and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) were most susceptible to the gear in water temperatures >22 C, while channel catfish (/. punctatus) were efficiently collected from cooler waters. Flathead catfish were susceptible to low pulse frequencies and these frequencies were necessary to collect this species from preferred deep water habitats. Channel and blue catfish were collected over a wide range of pulse frequencies.

Gill netting (mesh sizes from 13 to 64 mm) and electrofishing were conducted in April and October 1987-1989, to compare their utility for providing precise estimates of relative abundance and size structure of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) populations in 2 Ozark impoundments. Catches of gizzard shad <120 mm were extremely variable for electrofishing and very low for gill netting and were excluded from further analysis. Electrofishing captured more gizzard shad ≥120 mm with less effort (68-339 fish/hour) than gill netting (2-48 fish/net day). However, neither method provided precise estimates of catch per unit effort (CPUE) for gizzard shad >120 mm; coefficients of variation ranged from 44% to 144% for electrofishing and 39% to 131% for gill netting. Sample sizes required for a CV8 (SE/mean) of 20% ranged from 5 to 52 for electrofishing runs and 5 to 43 sets for gill netting. There was no significant difference in CPUE between April and October for either gear.

A 2-phase study of 6 variations of hoop nets was conducted in 3 Louisiana lakes to determine if mesh size or the addition of escape rings could be used to regulate the catch of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in hoop nets. Commercial and recreational fishermen in Louisiana must abide by a 279.4-mm minimum total length restriction during a year long season. A total of 10,226 channel catfish were caught in 1,033 net days during both phases of the study. In Phase 1, 25.4-, 28.6-, and 31.8-mm (bar) mesh hoop nets were fished. For all channel catfish total lengths, the catch per unit effort (CPUE) of the hoop nets in Phase 1 increased with the decrease in mesh size of the hoop nets. There was no significant difference in the CPUE of lengths >279.4 mm among all 3 mesh sizes. CPUE of lengths <279.4 mm for the 25.4-mm mesh net (6.6) was significantly greater than the 31.8-mm mesh net (0.2).

We evaluated microtag retention in fingerling striped bass (mean total length: 58.5 mm) that were tagged during routine hatchery operations. Striped bass were tagged vertically in the cheek muscle using a Northwest Marine Technology Mark IV tagging machine. Tags were implanted dorsal to ventral, approximately 2 mm deep. During each of 10 days of tagging, 24 tagged fish were randomly selected and placed into each of 4 865-liter circular tanks. At 11-13 weeks after tagging, retention averaged 92.4%. Most tag loss occurred in the first 2 weeks after tagging, and all occurred within 34 days.

The Trophic State Index (TSI) has been widely used to rank and classify lakes and has proven useful in limnological investigations, but it has not been widely used in fisheries investigations. Trophic State Index was developed from chlorophyll a (Chi a), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and Secchi disk (SD) transparency measurements for 69 Florida lakes. A combination of TSI parameters was used to develop multiple regression models to predict lake capacity for supporting sportfish biomass (kg/ha). The developed, predictive model could be used by other states with modifications to investigate fish biomass from trophic state information. Also, fish estimates predicted from the model would provide fishery managers feedback for future resource planning.

Small bluegills {Lepomis macrochirus) were collected weekly with unbaited minnow traps from stands of water lily (Nymphaea odorata), water shield (Brasenia schreberi), and pondweed {Potamogeton nodosus) located in Bluff Lake, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, during July-October 1990 (JV = 1 5 sample dates). Average stem density within macrophyte stands was 19.25 (SD = 2.31), 208.81 (SD = 12.92), and 866.50 (SD = 75.11) stems/m2 for water lily, water shield, and pondweed, respectively. Pondweed exhibited significantly higher surface coverage (proportion of sample plot covered on surface, mean = 0.93, SD = 0.03) than water lily (mean = 0.72, SD = 0.06) or water shield (mean = 0.76, SD = 0.06). Catch per unit of effort (CPUE) for number of bluegill (fish/trap-night) and CPUE for weight of bluegill (g/trap-night) were significantly greater for samples from pondweed than for those from water lily or water shield.

Vegetated areas of the littoral zone of Lake Okeechobee were sampled with 0.8-ha block nets during fall 1989, 1990, and 1991 to estimate fish assemblages and standing crops in 5 vegetation communities common in Florida. Data were used in conjunction with economic impact data of known-cause fish kill events, Rule 17-11.01 (animal damage valuation), Chapter 403, Florida Statutes, to estimate monetary values of the fisheries of important Lake Okeechobee vegetation communities. Mean total impact values per hectare of vegetated area ranged from $44,626 for Illinois pondweed (Potamogeton illinoensis) to $59,738 for hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). Replacement economic values made up at least 88.9% of the total impact value in the valuation of all vegetation types. Recreational values per hectare of vegetated area ranged from $447 for eel-grass (Vallisneria americana) to $5,378 for bulrush (Scirpus californicus and S. validus).

The age-size structure of gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) from Ft. Pierce, Florida, to Grand Isle, Louisiana, was examined. Otolith sections from 432 fish collected in 1991 to 1993 were used to compare 2 methods (direct proportion and regression) of back-calculation of size at age. The observed age range was 1 to 25 years and the size range was 236 to 764 mm total length. Differences were observed in back-calculated sizes at age between the 2 back-calculation methods, between sexes and geographic divisions. The back-calculated size at age was larger for ages 1 to 10 years from the direct proportion than from the regression method. Males were larger than females for ages 4 to 15 years using the direct proportion method, but only for ages 13 and 14 years using the regression method. Northern fish were larger at age than southern fish using both back-calculation methods.

A landowner shortcourse entitled "Wildlife and Forest Management for Profit and Recreation" was developed to teach South Carolina landowners the basics of forest management that can be used to improve wildlife habitat. Between 1991 and mid-1994, 9 shortcourses were held throughout the state. Over 260 landowners and resource managers attended who owned over 40,000 ha or managed over 190,000 ha of land, respectively. Ninety-one percent of the respondents rated the shortcourses favorably. In addition, shortcourse participants indicated that they believed the knowledge gained as a result of the shortcourse will help them earn a total of $2,282,500 on their lands in the future. Plans are being made to expand the shortcourse in response to clientele suggestions.

We investigated the usefulness of focus groups, an interview methodology, in human dimensions research. We used a focus group to interview people interested in wildlife conservation to determine the technique's efficacy in assessing public perception of wildlife habitat management on electric transmission line rights-of-way (ROWs). Most respondents had some basic knowledge of wildlife habitat needs and considered ROWs as potentially useful to wildlife. Respondents were concerned about the use of herbicides and generally preferred mechanical treatments. There was considerable distrust of information generated via government chemical approval processes, private company research, and popular media. While additional groups are needed to fully assess the range of attitudes this and other publics hold on this subject, our results suggest that focus groups can be an effective tool for baseline public perception of wildlife studies or as a precursor to quantitative surveys.

In the fall and spring of each year, the Talladega National Forest becomes a classroom for second and fifth grade students. Students hike a 2-mile trail stopping at 6 to 7 learning stations. Students receive instruction on wildlife management, fisheries management, botany, forestry, fire prevention, litter control, and outdoor ethics. The program is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Forest Service, Talladega and Sylacauga school systems, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and the Pinecrest Garden Club. Since 1989, over 4,000 students have attended the Talladega Open Air Classroom. This hands-on concept of environmental education is well received by students, teachers, parents and community volunteers.

Recreational fishing has been on a decline. This can be attributed to various reasons such as increasing numbers of single parent families, increased urbanization, and less leisure time. To help reverse this trend, the Sportfishing Promotion Council (SPC) is combining the marketing expertise of industry with the fishery management expertise of agencies into state-level partnerships that are successfully introducing more people to fishing and teaching about the conservation needs of aquatic habitats. Through programs such as youth fishing derbies, toll-free telephone systems, and mass media communications, the SPC is currently providing state agencies with increased public outreach capabilities and new methods of interacting directly with constituents. With funding provided by Sportfish Restoration funds and industry contributions, the SPC program is free to state agencies and 20 state partnerships have to date been assembled.

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (CEWC), comprised of Preaching Rock Wildlife Education Center (PRWEC), Marben Public Fishing Area (PFA), and Clybel Wildlife Management Area (WMA), is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division to serve a variety of user groups, including students, hikers, teachers, anglers, hunters, birdwatchers, and others. The area contains 2,438 ha (6,023 acres) of land, 29 ponds, and a 2-ha (5-acre) rock outcrop. This paper outlines the site development plan for PRWEC and discusses programs and facilities that are to be developed. The mission of PRWEC is to educate Georgia's youth and adults about wildlife, natural resources, and outdoor skills to help them become wise stewards of the environment. Proposed youth education programs include a 3-day residential program, a wildlife outreach program, and a day-use program.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conducted a survey of students from 38 high schools (1,459 useable respondents) to ascertain the effects of the Conservation Education Program. Of the surveyed individuals, 15.7% had attended Department classes and camps, 55.3 % had attended Department classes only, and 29% had not attended any Department programs. The students were asked questions on the environment, attitudes toward outdoor recreation including hunting and fishing, and their own potential for supporting outdoor recreation. Results showed that students who had attended Department programs were significantly more interested in: environmental issues, participating in outdoor recreation, and encouraging their own children to participate in outdoor recreation.

In 1993, the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), National Trails Fund Act (NRTFA), Georgia Cooperative Extension Service (Georgia 4-H), Georgia Department of Natural Resource (DNR), Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), and United States Forest Service (USFS) combined forces to provide jobs for youth and maintain Georgia's recreational trail structure. Project Opportunity (PO) was designed to provide 14- and 21-year-old youth with much needed jobs. PO also provided youth with on-the-job training, job-seeking skills, knowledge about the environment, and remedial programs in mathematics and reading. PO had a positive impact on participants in terms of knowledge, attitude, and skill development, and 105 km of trails were maintained and augmented. Although PO was designed as a pilot program for youth in the North Georgia area, it can easily be modified to address the specific needs of groups in other areas of the United States.

In January 1992, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission purchased an 11-m trailer mounted aquarium for use in its Aquatic Resources Education Program. Although quite costly and very labor intensive, this project has proven to be one of the finest public relations tools anyone could have imagined. Over .5 million people per year have viewed the 13,250-1 display in its first 2 years of operation. The display is erected at fairs, schools, boat shows, town festivals, fishing seminars, clinics, etc. It is often stocked with 25 or 30 different species of fish, all indigenous to Arkansas waters. The Aquarium provides an excellent tool for teaching various fishing techniques, lure demonstrations, and fish behavior.