Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
The Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (ISSN 2330-5142) presents papers that cover all aspects of the management and conservation of inland, estuarine, and marine fisheries and wildlife. It aims to provide a forum where fisheries and wildlife managers can find innovative solutions to the problems facing our natural resources in the 21st century. The Journal welcomes manuscripts that cover scientific studies, case studies, and review articles on a wide range of topics of interest and use to fish and wildlife managers, with an emphasis on the southeastern United States.
2651 - 2700 of 4822 articles | 50 per page | page 54
A study of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Cades Cove. Great Smoky Mountains National Park was conducted during the summer of 1977 to determine population density, herd behavior, habitat utilization, and neral condition of the herd. Thirty-seven counts were conducted and 2,172 deer observed. The minimum summer population was estimated at 519 deer using the method of bounded counts; the sex ratio was 90.8 bucks per 100 does. Fawn-at-heel counts yielded a ratio of 49.5 fawns per 100 does. Deer utilized hayfields and horse pastures but avoided cow pastures. Feeding was the primary activity during all observation periods: bedding occurred primarily at night. Recommended management was removal of 125 deer with a 9: 10 sex ratio. The large number of deer using the Cove, the apparent importance offood as an attractant. and the fair to good reproduction were the critical factors determining the recommendations.
A total of 107} giant Canada geese (Bran/a canadensis maxima) was artificially propagated and flighted from the Buffalo Springs Research Center during 7 breeding seasons. Annual production increased from less than 50 goslings during the first 2 years to O\\er }OO goslings in the final year. The progressive increases in success were attributed to recogni/ing and accommodating for behavioral characteristics of the species and through the use of sterile technique throughout the procedure.
Deterioration of 35 bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) foods was measured during the fall and winters of 1974-1976 in the Coastal Plains of South Carolina. Poison ivy (Rhus radicans) and pokeberry (Phytolacca americana) seeds resisted deterioration, while soybeans ( G/ycine max) and mungbeans (Phaseolus sinuatus) deteriorated rapidly. Browntop millet (Panicum ramosum), proso millet (P. miliaceum), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), and three Pinus sp. sprouted during winter. Quail preference for the 35 seeds was determined before and after 120 days of ground contact. Quail were selective among food items offered concurrently. Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare), poison ivy and chocolate weed (Me/ochia corchor((o/ia) were preferred. Quail selected against deteriorated seeds. Chocolate weed seemingly offers promise as a managed quail food.
This study comparcs 3 techniques for their effectiveness in detecting lead shot in waterfowl gizzards. X-rays of gizzard contents are more accurate than either X-rays of whole gizzards or manual examination of contents. Manual examination missed 24% and X-rays of whole gi71ards missed at least 28%. The most accurate technique appears to be X-ray of contents with manual verification of all positive X-ray signatures.
Nutria (Myocastor coypus) were collected monthly from June 1976 to December 1978 and examined for sores resulting from the awns of smooth beggartick (Bidens laevis). Nutria became infected in December and were heavily infected from January to March. Eleocharis spp. were the taxa most commonly found in association with Bidens laevis.
The age and growth of red eye bass (Micropterus coosae) in Shoal Creek and Little Shoal Creeks, Alabama, were determined. Shoal Creek red eye bass, on the average, grew faster than red eye bass in other studies. Little Shoal Creek red eye bass grew slower during the first 6 years of life than redeye bass in other areas with the exception of redeye bass in Sheed's Creek, TN; however, by age VII Little Shoal Creek red eye bass were slightly larger than Shoal Creek red eye bass. Condition factors (K") of Shoal and Little Shoal Creak redeye bass relative to Alabama statewide averages for red eye bass and to redeye bass from other waters were computed. The redeye bass from Shoal and Little Shoal Creeks were in poorer condition relative to the average for Alabama redeye bass and to redeye bass in other waters. The condition of redeye bass in Shoal and Little Shoal Creeks improved as the fish grew relative to redeye bass in other waters.
Age-growth relationships, length-weight relationships, and relative abundance ind ices were determined for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) collected from the Cape Fear, Chowan, Pasquotank and Tar-Pamlico river systems in North Carolina during 1976. Largemouth bass in the Pasquotank River had the highest mean annual growth rate during their first and second years when compared to those in the other river systems studied. Largemouth in the Tar-Pamlico River system had the highest mean annual growth rates for age groups III and older. The growth rate of the Chowan River largemouth population was intermediate between those of the Pasquotank and the TarPamlico rivers, while populations in the Cape Fear River had the slowest growth. Largemouth bass in the Chowan, Pasquotank, and Tar-Pamlico rivers attain legal harvestable size and recruit into the fishery at 305 mm in total length during their fourth growing season.
Although the use of rotenone as a fish toxicant is a common freshwater fisheries management technique, little is known of its effect on stream invertebrates. In this study pre- and post-treatment bottom samples of benthic invertebrates, collected from 4 study stations, were compared to determine the short-term effects of rotenone. Continuous drift sample~ collected throughout the treatment period provided additional qualitative information on the vulnerability of the benthic invertebrates to the toxin. Of the 4 major orders of macrobenthic invertebrates represented in Sinking Creek (Trichoptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Diptera), all exhibited substantial decreases in numerical abundance II days after rotenone treatment. Populations of Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Diptera (blackflies and midge larvae) were nearly exterminated, while densities ofthe 2 remaining taxa, Trichoptera (caddisflies) and Ephemeroptera (mayflies) were reduced to 50% of the pretreatment levels.
Gut content analysis of postlarval white bass (Morone chrysops) collected from the Ohio River near Louisville, Kentucky, revealed that prolarval carp (Cyprinus carpio) were the major food item for postlarvae of 7-12 mm standard length (SL), although no larval fish were found in the stomachs of postlarvae 12-13 mm SL. The frequency of occurrence of zooplankton (primarily copepods and cladocerans) in the diet increased steadily from 20 to 100% as the post larvae grew from 6.5 to 13.0 mm SL. The ecological implications of such early piscivory are discussed.
The effects of unionized ammonia on Channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) resistance to aeromonad invasion were tested. Host susceptibility to Aeromonas hydrophila was related to ammonia concentration and time of exposure. Numbers of bacteria recovered from host livers increased as concentrations of un-ionized ammonia were increased in the range of 0.02-0.04 mgj I NH,. The effect of longer exposure time at these concentrations also proved to be significant (P <0.0 I) in lowering host resistance.
Estimates of correlation from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) sib-families reared in intensively stocked tanks showed that it is possible to predict the family influence in market body weight from body weight data taken as early as 4 weeks. Survival during the first 15 weeks was highly correlated with body weights or lengths from 4 'to 12 weeks. Food conversion during the period 20 to 40 weeks was highly correlated with body weights between 16 and 56 weeks. Correlations between survival and food conversion ratio and, also, between 4 to 12 week body size traits and either 16 to 40 or4l to 56 week survival were not significant.
A feeding study with channel catfish fingerlings (Ictalurus punctatus) was conducted in the winters 1975-76 and 1977-78, a mild and severe winter, respectively. In both years, fish in 3 ponds were fed 3 days per week and fish in 3 ponds were fed 6 days per week. In the 1975 study, fish fed 3 and 6 days per week averaged 10% and 45% weight gain with a mean feed conversion of 2.63 and 2.90, respectively; fish fed 6 days per week had significantly (p < .10) greater weight gains than the fish fed 3 days per week. In 1977 fish fed 3 days per week gained an average of24% and had a mean conversion of 1.98. Fish fed 6 times per week had an average weight gain of 29% and a mean feed conversion of 2.50. This was not significantly (P < .10) different than the fish fed 3 days per week.
Estimates of mortality and survival obtained from angler tag returns over a 10month period following tagging were used to define the population changes that occurred in the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population of Lake Tobesofkee. Total mortality (A) of 30-cm and larger fish over the period was estimated at 0.911 and the exploitation rate (u) of these sizes was 0.564. The conditional rate of natural mortality was 0.602. These estimates were used to predict the relative abundance of various sizes of largemouth based on 1977 harvest and abundance data. Also the effects of various minimum length limits were predicted. Increased minimum legal size would have cut harvest to 23.7% and increased survival from 0.089 to 0.308.
The population of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in 2314-ha Melton Hill Reservoir, TN, was estimated by 2 mark and recapture methods. Shoreline electrofishing was used to capture fish for marking, while shoreline electrofishing and a bass fishing tournament were used to obtain recaptures. Both methods yielded estimates of the same magnitude; however, slightly different size selectivities were found with the 2 recapture methods. Species selectivity of shoreline electrofishing and the bass tournament are also compared. The population structure of the black bass population in Melton Hill Reservoir is examined and possible causes for this structure are presented.
Bass club catch records from tournaments held on Norris. Douglas, and Cherokee Reservoirs during 1976 were compared with creel censuses. While not statistically significant, both numbers and weights per hour of bass caught by tournament anglers were less than catch rates by nontournament fishermen. Average weight of bass caught in tournaments was higher than that found in creel censuses. Some advantages of using tournament catch records in evaluating bass fisheries are discussed.
A tag-and-reward procedure was used to estimate exploitation rates of black bass (Micropterussp.) during 1975 and 1976 in Center Hill Reservoir, Tennessee. Returns of reward tags by anglers indicated annual exploitation rates of 13.3 (22.2%) for largemouth ·(M. saltnoides), [2.9 (15.6%) for smallmouth (M. dolomieUl) and [4.8 (18.5%) for spotted bass (M. punctulatus). Within each year, exploitation rates were not significantly different between species or size groups. Rates were lower in 1976 than in [975 for all species, but the difference was significant only for largemouth bass. In [975, when tag reward values were publicly announced, most data suggested that tags with no reward value were returned at rates [ower than those observed for reward tags. In [976, when a random-reward procedure was used, differential rates of return were not detected.
An estimate of the total recreational use of the Thomas Hill Wildlife Area (1,778 ha reservoir and 2,424 ha of adjoining lands) in northern Missouri was made from I July 1972 to 30 June 1974. Recreational activity was determined by interviewing departing recreationists utilizing the non-uniform probability sampling technique. There were an estimated 219,700 recreational trips totaling 1,398,900 hours during the 2-year study. Twenty-two recreational activities were measured. Seven recreational uses; sightseeing, boating, fishing, camping, swimming, picnicking, and hunting accounted for over 99% of all the trips and hours. Sight-seeing made up 25%, boating 21 %, angling 20%, camping 16%, and swimming 9% of the total trips. However in hours, camping made up 42%, boating 22%, angling 21 %, and swimming 6% of the total. There were 63 trips per water surface ha and approximtely 45 trips per land surface ha. Anglers caught an estimated 172,100 fish during the study.
A survey of Federal fish hatcheries in the United States was conducted to determine the extent and severity of avian predation on fish stocks as well as to determine which avian species were the most serious predators. A list of 58 bird species in 14 families was provided. Managers of hatcheries were asked to indicate which species or members of what family caused problems by predation in their hatcheries. They were asked to provide their estimate of the severity of the problem; i.e. severe, significant, trivial, or none. They were also asked which fish species were preyed upon and also to identify any bird predators not on the list provided. The survey elicited a 66% response from 121 managers. Of the 58 species on the survey form, 28 species in 9 families were mentioned by managers as predators visiting fish hatcheries. Additionally, 8 species from 6 other families or subfamilies were added by managers as being pests at hatcheries.
A method of sampling fish populations in the littoral area of reservoirs was developed to estimate the number and standing stock of young-of-the-year (YOY) and adult fishes in West Point Reservoir, Alabama-Georgia. A surface area of 0.0 I ha was surrounded with a net (30.5 m x 2.7 m) and the fish were poisoned with rotenone. The sample sites were chosen randomly by using a grid system. The average monthly standing stock (kg/ hal from April to September 1977 ranged from 74.2 in September to 126.1 in June. The weekly samples yielded data that enabled us to estimate the reproductive success and time of spawning for many species. We determined a weekly mortality rate of YOY largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and could assess the availability of prey species.
Food of larval (5.0-10.9 mm, TL) black crappies (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) from Keowee Reservoir, SC, was determined in 1973, before commercial power generation began from a 2,580-MW nuclear power plant, and in 1976 after 3 years of commercial power generation. Although water temperatures were higher in 1976 than in 1973, food of the larvae appeared to be unchanged by operation of the plant. The principal organisms eaten were Diaphanosoma sp._and copepod nauplii.
Production of gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) was investigated from 17 November 1977 to 10 July 1978 in 0.08 ha, brackish-water, earthen ponds at the Claude Peteet Mariculture Center. Gulf killifish averaging 30.7 g and stocked at 12,500fishjha deposited eggs on Spanish moss spawning mats from 21 March through 16 May 1978. Fifty mats with eggs were transferred to a hatching pond which yielded 82,500 juvenile killifish averaging 0.1 g at harvest on 16 May. Stocked at 250,000 fishj ha in 3 grow-out ponds on 19 May and fed a commercial minnow feed, the juveniles averaged 2.0 g (marketable size) on 10 July 1978 with mean survival of 82%, feed conversion of 1.9, and production of 427 kgjha.
Implementation of minimum size limits is an administratively simple method of maximizing yield-per-recruit and, probably, total yield from reef fisheries. However, size limits may not guarantee ample escapement to older ages and, consequently, adequate reproduction of those species which undergo sex reversal. Further, size limits may place unnacceptably severe restriction on certain portions of reef fisheries. Finally, most undersize reef fishes taken by hook and line from deep water will likely die of injuries caused by pressure change.
Contamination of the James River in Virginia by the organochlorine pesticide Kepone R prompted depuration studies of commercially important species. Approximately 400 croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) were taken from the James River and placed in Kepone-free York River water. Groups of 20 fish, maintained at ambient temperature, were sampled over time to determine depuration rate. Results suggest that there is no substantial depuration of Kepone by croaker until water temperature exceeds 15 C.
Data collected from rotenone samples of 3 coves before (1959-65) and after (1977) infestation by Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) were compared to document changes in the fish populations. Using the mean of the 3 areas for comparison, both weight and number per hectare increased after water-milfoil infestation. The average weight per individual decreased from 0.02 kg (1959-65) to 0.008 kg (1977). The species were separated into 7 groups. Six of the groups had higher mean numbers per hectare and all groups had higher mean weights per hectare. Multivariate analyses of variance showed that the population structure had changed for numbers and weights per hectare. Ictalurids and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) had the greatest proportionate increases in numbers, whereas largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and white perch (Morone americana) had the greatest proportionate decreases.
The distributional responses of fishes to operation of a newly constructed power plant were assessed for indigenous populations of the Anclote Anchorage and River, Florida. Studies conducted during 1976 compared stations removed from potential plant effects with data collected from areas adjacent to plant intake and discharge. Comparisons were also made with preoperational information collected in the vicinity of the Anclote site. Beach seine collections exhibited a marked seasonal pattern related to the inshoreoffshore migration of nonresident species and the nursery function of the estuary. Abundance and species richness were greatest during the warmer months. as reported during preoperational surveys. Fishes at the shore zone station most affected by thermal discharges were more abundant during the coldest months and exhibited decreases during the hottest periods. This reversal of normally expected abundance was attributed to the thermal effluent.
The food habits of Micropogon undulatus, Leiostomus xanthurus, Fundulus similis. Cyprinodon variegatus. Menidia beryllina and Membras martinica were studied in conjunction with the development of a man-made salt marsh planted during 1976 on Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston Bay, TX. Each of the fishes studied fed to a considerable extent on the benthos community, and utilized at least some zooplanktonic and terrestrial insect foods. The dominant food organisms in the fish stomachs examined corresponded, in general, with those previously reported by other investigators. The artificially created salt marsh on Bolivar Peninsula appeared to provide habitats, both for fishes and their foods, similar to those of natural marshland areas along the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States.
A tide gate on the Savannah Back River, constructed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, might decrease survival of the striped bass (Marone saxatilis) eggs and larvae spawned near Savannah, Georgia. An initial season of sampling, with the tide gate held open, yielded striped bass eggs and larvae both up- and downstream from the gate. The distribution of eggs and larvae under normal conditions was established. Maximum numbers of striped bass eggs did not reveal 21m 3 • Spawning occurred at temperatures between 17 and 23 C but 3 spawning peaks coincided with temperatures between 19.5 and 21 C. Slightly more eggs were found farther upstream during the last spawning peak. All stations sampled yielded eggs or larvae at some time, but stations in Back River generally produced the most eggs. Significant numbers of eggs were found in sections of the river flanked by industry but many of these eggs originated in other areas ofthe river.
During 1974, 1975 and 1976, stomachs of 467 adult striped bass (Morone saxatilis) from Keystone Reservoir and its tailwaters were collected and examined for content. Gizzard shad (f)orosol11a cepedianum) was the most abundant food item found in striped bass stomachs. The relationship between the length of striped bass and the length of gizzard shad consumed was not significant (.05%). Seasonal and habitat variations in the diet were not significant (.05%).
Between March and October 1977, methods of local commercial fishermen were simulated to evaluate species composition, catch rates, and potential impact of the commercial fishery on striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in 2 Tennessee River mainstream impoundments. Estimated total commercial harvest rates during the sampling period were 26.6 kg/ ha and 23.1 kg/ ha in Watts Bar and Chickamauga Reservoirs. Because commercial fishing was concentrated in tailwater regions of both reservoirs, experimental catch rates and high estimated commercial harvest rates were probably not representative throughout each reservoir. Low catch rates of striped bass and other game fishes suggested that commercial netting had no negative influence on these species. It does appear, however, that the commercial fishery may be influencing rough fish species composition. Standing crops of buffalofish (fetiohus spp.) have declined in recent years while carp (C.I'prinus carpio) biomass h.as increased.
This study was conducted to identify habitat factors responsible for the success or failure of a striped bass (Morone saxatilis) x white bass (Morone chrysops) hybrid introduction and to measure fisherman benefits from the stocking. Hybrids were introduced into Lake Bastrop, Texas, at a rate of approximately 25 fish! ha in 1973, 1974, and 1975. From 1973 through 1977 water samples were analyzed to monitor physicochemical conditions; seining, gillnetting and cove rotenone sampling were accomplished to estimate composition offish populations; and creel surveys were conducted to measure fisherman effort and harvest. Hybrids exhibited high survival rates but apparently there was insufficient forage to sustain their initial rapid growth. Despite this condition, hybrids attained weights up to 2.0 kg and provided substantial fisherman benefits in terms of harvest and recreation.
Many ponds in the southeastern United States have waters with less than 20 mg/ I total alkalinity and should be limed to insure good response to inorganic fertilization. Water analysis is the only technique for determining if a pond needs liming, and the liming rate can best be estimated from a lime requirement determination of the bottom mud. In some waters total alkalinity may be high, but total hardness low. Such waters frequently develop dangerously high pH when fertilized. Alum rather than acid forming fertilizers should be used as emergency treatment to prevent fish kills during periods of high pH. Data on alkalinity and hardness are therefore needed when making fertilizer recommendations for individual ponds. Sufficiently accurate water analyses may be made with water analysis kits, provided reasonable care is exercised.
Fish populations of Belews Lake, North Carolina, declined during the period of operation of the Belews Creek Steam Station from 1974 through 1977. Reproduction of fish in the main lake was almost completely absent in 1976 and 1977. A survey of trace elements in water and fish fro.m Belews Lake indicated that selenium concentrations were elevated in Belews Lake water, and that fish in the lake had accumulated unusual amounts of selenium. Fish from a remote area of Belews Lake where normal reproduction took place in 1976 and 1977 had much lower selenium concentrations in their tissues than fish from the main basin. Only trace elements of selenium occur naturally in water, soil, or mineral deposits in the Belews Lake drainage. Selenium entered Belews Lake in soluble form by way of the power plant fly ash sluice water return. Selenium concentrations in Belews Lake water were not high enough to be directly toxic to fish.
Characteristics of the intragravel environment of Southern Appalachian trout streams have not been studied. It was the purpose of this study to measure intragravel ~ermeability,apparent velocity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and bottom composition in areas that visually appeared suitable for trout spawning in 8 relatively undisturbed streams in the Pisgah National Forest of western North Carolina. Comparisons were made between these measurements and the development requirements of salmonid embryos. Two types of standpipes were used, the Mark VI groundwater standpipe and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) standpipes. The lowest mean intragravel dissolved oxygen was 3.2 mg/l. Dissolved oxygen measured by the Mark VI was consistently higher than when measured by the PVC standpipes which indicates that the Mark VI gives a better measure of the true intragravel dissolved oxygen than does the PVC standpipes.
The results from cove rotenone sampling and electrofishing population estimates for largemouth bass (Micropterus sa!moides) were compared with the total largemouth bass populations obtained through draining of Sherwood Lake, a 67 ha impoundment in southeastern West Virginia. Rotenone samples over-estimated all size groups of largemouth bass (fingerling, intermediate and harvestable) both in number and weight. Electrofishing (Schnabel population estimates) more closely represented the numbers and weight of largemouth bass recovered at the lake draining. Schnabel estimates were 10,096 (7,870-14,07.9) while total draining produced 9,224 bass. Electrofishing standing crop was estimated at 151 fish/ ha and 8.3 kg/ ha while draining totals were 138 fish I ha and 9.9 kg! ha.
A seining survey of the fish fauna of the beach zone in the James River, Virginia, was conducted from July to December 1977. Weekly collections were made at 4 stations resulting in the capture of 17,602 individuals representing 36 species. Abundance and diversity were influenced by large catches ofschooling and migratory species utilizing nearshore areas as a nursery ground. Freshwater species diversity peaked in August and September, while mesohaline species diversity peaked in July, September, and November. Cluster analysis was used to define 3 freshwater station groups representing warm, moderate, and cool water temperatures, but was not helpful in analyzing mesohaline stations.
Yellow Floy FD-67 internal anchor tags were utilized in an experimental and field study of tag discoloration, tag legibility and fouling organisms. Most tags exhibited some degree of discoloration over time. The rate and extent of discoloration varied between two batches of tags purchased in different years. The legibility of a tag was not affected to a great extent by the degree of discoloration. Legends of some completely discolored tags were still readable. Fouling organisms eroded the vinylite covering and deteriorated the legends of some tags. Bryozoans, barnacles and tunicates were the most commonly encountered fouling organisms. Barnacles were the most erosive of these organisms. Other causes of tag discoloration were believed to be chemical reactions between the vinylite covering and environmental factors such as salt concentration.
A telephone survey was conducted of a stratified, random sample of people holding Florida fishing licenses and of a random sample of members of selected fishing clubs. Questions were asked concerning demographic characteristics, their fishing habits and preferences, opinions about the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and its projects, and their sources of information on freshwater fishing topics. A statistically significant difference was found between the responses of the average fishermen and the fishing club members in 72% of the questions asked in the survey.
This study contained 12 treatments consisting of 6 different trap designs; 6 were baited and 6 were not. A total of 2,770 catfish, blue (lctalurusfurcatus) and channel (l. punctatus) combined, weighing 984.9 kg was captured. Slat traps were highly selective for channel catfish. The highest individual catch was 40 kg by trap type E, a trap with 3.2 cm slat spacings on the rear portion of the sides and end. The sides around the front throats were solid. Highest total catch per trap day was in trap type F (2.5 cm spacing, closed sides around throats). Type F yielded 1.7 kg of channel catfish and 0.7 kg blue catfish per trap day. No statistical difference for total weight harvested was found when the 2 trap types B and E were compared to trap types C and F (P > .05). A highly significant difference existed between the catch of these traps for both species ofcatfish combined that were ofa commercial size (P < .0 I).
Abundance of larval sport fishes in the New River, at Glen Lyn, VA, was calculated from catch, volume of water sampled through drift nets, and daily river discharge for the period June through August 1976. The estimates of larval sport fish drift included 2,410,000 channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus), 162,000 flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), 106,000 rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), 46,900 smallmouth bss (Micropterus do10mieu), and 125,000 spotted bass (M. punctulatus). The seasonal distribution and occurrence of larvae were comparable to literature reports. Drift sampling may be an effective technique for estimating the absolute abundance of fish at an early developmental stage. These estimates may give fisheries managers the lead time necessary for implementation of effective management strategies in large river systems where it is difficult to sample later life stages quantitatively.
Indices of relative importance and forage ratios are presented for food items of channel (/cta!urus punctatus) and blue catfishes (I. furcatus) collected from two large impoundments in western Kentucky. Data reported include samples collected from September 1977 to April 1978. Young of the year catfishes from both lakes relied heavily on zooplankton and aquatic insects. Other food items which were seasonally important included debris, trichopterans, bryozoans, and fish. Teleosts were the most important food items of intermediate sized (150-300 mm TL) catfishes in both lakes. Hexageniid mayflies were important to Kentucky Lake catfishes, but not to Barkley Lake catfishes; the converse was true of bryozoans. Omnivorous feeding habits characterized large harvestable (> 300 mm TL) catfishes. Food items of harvestable catfishes included fish, insect larvae, debris, and one deermouse (Peromyscus sp.); pelecypods occurred consistently in the diet of Barkley Lake catfishes.
Striped bass (Marone saxatilis) were tagged in Virginia beginning in 1968. The 1970 yearclass of striped bass was tagged both in Virginia and New York in 1972. Fish tagged in Virginia were returned from New York to Maine while fish tagged in New York were returned from the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. These data indicated that fish migrate from rivers in which they were spawned at different ages and that fish that migrate as 2 year olds remain together as a group until they are 3+ years. Therefore, within the Chesapeake Bay area there are distinct river populations at least until these populations are 3+ years old.
Striped bass (Marone saxatilis) introduced into Lake E. V. Spence, a west Texas reservoir, showed reduced growth rates as shad (Dorosomasp.) declined. To study the relationship between these pehenomena, scales and stomach samples were collected from striped bass caught in gill nets, and the standing crop of shad was estimated from rotenone samples in August, 1972-1978. Declines in both striped bass growth and occurrence of food items in their stomachs coincided with the depletion of 76 and 178 mm shad after 1972. Surviving gizzard shad (D. cepedianum) grew rapidly, but threadfin shad (D. petenense) virtually disappeared as brood fish were decimated. Reducing the annual stocking rate from 24.7 to 12.4 striped bass fingerlingsjha in 1976 may have allowed gizzard shad to establish sufficient reproductive capacity to provide adequate forage.
Endangered native freshwater fishes are catalogued for 16 southeastern states. The status of each of the 356 species is included at the nationaL regionaL or state levels. A standardized list of categories (endangered; threatened; special concern - national; special concern - state; extirpated) and definitions are suggested for use in state programs. Further recommendations are made to base programs on the state level on sound and manageable endangered species checklists.
Experiments comparing growth and survival of striped bass (Morvne saxatilis) and striped bass4? X white perch (M. americana) chybrids indicated the hybrids were hardier than striped bass under the same experimental conditions. Striped bass exhibited health problems and resulting mortality which were not evident in the hybrids. Overall survival of striped bass in 2 replicate experiments was 42.5% after II months. whereas that of the hybrids was 84.2%. Striped bass and hybrid growth patterns were similar, but striped bass grew somewhat more rapidly than the latter. Mean specific (instantaneous) growth rates were roughly similar throughout the study. with the major differences occurring during the first 4 months. At 17 months of age the mean hybrid fork length was 227.50101 (range. 167 to 282 0101).
A 1975-76 resident fishing license holder survey was conducted to obtain data on the characteristics of Georgia anglers. Sixty-four percent of all anglers were men. The average number offishing trips per person per year was 17. More anglers fished in ponds at least once (51 %) than in any other type of water. Mountain streams supported the heaviest fishing pressure (182 trips! hal. Nearly half of all anglers (45%) supported an increase in license fees if the funds were used solely for fisheries management purposes.
A readership preference survey was conducted among subscribers to Virginia Wildlife. The survey was designed to determine the relative preference of subscribers for major types of articles and more specific articles within major types. Based on median responses, hunting articles were most preferred by subscribers, followed by fishing, wildlife management, natural history, outdoor equipment, wilderness adventure, environmental issues, history-nostalgia, wildlife arts and crafts, and boating articles. A Kruskal-Wallis I-way analysis of variance on ranks procedure was employed to determine if there were significant differences among responses to specific-article questions within each of 8 article classifications and within a question containing rankings of preference of major topics. A significant (P< 0.05) Kruskal-Wallis test was followed by a multiple comparisons test to determine the responses to specific-article questions which were significantly different.
Two identical hunting satisfaction questionnaires were published in Virginia Wildlife (VW) and Colorado Outdoors (CO), both state wildlife agency conservation magazines. State resident hunter-subscribers responded to each of II dimensions of hunting satisfaction (identified by Potter et al. 1973) on a 5-point Likert-type category rating scale. The means of responses of VW and CO hunter-subscribers on each dimension of hunting satisfaction were compared statistically using 2-tailed t-tests. The means of responses of the 2 hunter-subscriber samples differed significantly (P <0.05) on the dimensions of nature, escapism, shooting, harvest, equipment, outgroup verbal contact, and outgroup visual contact.
This study examined attitudes of southern industrial foresters toward the public, media and information and education (I&E) programs. Questionnaires consisting of demographic data, I&E attitude statements and ranking of I&E tasks were mailed to 896 industrial foresters in 6 southern states. Respondents were found to hold discernible attitudes on the need for I&E programs, implementation of such programs and their public image. Field foresters tended to be more favorable toward I&E implementation than staff/ administrative foresters. Both groups perceived a need for I&E as a result of public ignorance about forestry. Foresters felt their public image was incorrect but disagreed as to whether the image itself was good or bad. Those with I&E training appeared to be more media conscious, sympathetic to the public and knowledgeable of I&E than non-I&E trained foresters.
As part of a mail survey of Mississippi deer hunters, specific questions were addressed to participants concerning their exposure to various I & E media of the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission and their attitudes toward hunting antlerless deer. Fifty-five percent of the respondents had read the agency magazine, 83.1% had viewed the agency TV series, 78.1% had heard or seen radio or TV spots, 11.7% had attended a public hearing and 51.3% had read agency newspaper releases. Associations between exposure to the magazine, TV series and public hearings and attitude toward hunting antlerless deer were significant (p<0.06). Exposure to the magazine and pUblic hearings had positive associations with attitudes, but as exposure to the TV series increased, the proportion of those favoring antierless hunting decreased.
A cooperative program involving sportsmen and Mississippi Game and Fish personnel was developed to monitor herd health of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on private lands in Mississippi. Organized hunting clubs and private landowners collected biological data which were analyzed by wildlife biologists. Based on this information, antlerless harvest strategies were developed to accomplish specified management objectives. The system was tested in Kemper and Noxubee Counties, Mississippi, during the 1977-78 season and was evaluated by participants and agency personnel. The program not only provides a means of gathering extensive biological data but also affords opportunities to educate sportsmen through direct observation and by working with professional biologists.