Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

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.