Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

The red·cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) presumably was fairly com· mon historically in the pinelands of southeastern Oklahoma. The species requires oldgrowth timber for nests and roosts, and in the past century their populations have declined due to logging operations and clearing of forestland. Remnant populations of red· cockadeds were located in the McCurtain County Wilderness Area, and on Weyerhaeuser Company lands in Pushmataha County and may still occur in Beavers Bend State Park, McCurtain County. Between 145 and 165 birds occupy 48 to 53 colonies, with 84 to 90% of the population occurring in the McCurtain County Wilderness Area. The population inhabiting the Wilderness Area is the only one in the state whose habitat and population density appear secure. Continued survival of the species in Oklahoma depends upon maintenance of old-growth pine in the Wilderness area.

In 1976-7721 attempts were made to capture wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Michigan and North Carolina with whole corn mixed with trichloroethanol. Many attempts failed and mortality of birds captured was unacceptably high. Trichloroethanol was not recommended for use in capturing wild turkeys.

A tagging and telemetry study of translocated raccoons (Procyon lotor) was conducted during 1975, 1976 and 1977 in Kentucky. In areas of good cooperation from hunters, the reported tag return rate was 19.1% for Kentucky raccoons, 5.5% for Virginia raccoons and 1.7% for Florida raccoons. Mean dispersal distances for tagged Florida, Virginia and Kentucky raccoons was 25.7 km, 7.4 kam and 6.4 km, respectively. Twelve radiotagged Florida raccoons were monitored an average of 65 days. The probability rate of Florida raccoons released in the spring surviving until hunting season in November is less than 10%. Pen-raised raccoons moved only a few km from their release site and had a higher survival rate than Florida raccoons.

Ecological observations of gallinules on Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge from 1 April 1975 through 28 February 1976 indicate common gallinules (Gallinula chloropus) arrive earlier and begin nesting before purple gallinules (Porphyrula martinica). Eleven nests of common gallinules, characteristically positioned low in the vegetation and con· structed of bulltongue (Saggitaria lanci/olia), contained an average of 8.1 eggs. The more elevated nest of the purple gallinule contained an average of 4.5 eggs, in a sample size of 12, and was constructed primarily of maidencane (Panicum hemitomon). Common gallinule chicks form a tight cluster or grouping and follow the parent bird(s) along linear feeding paths. The more precocial purple gallinule chicks form a more dispersed aggregation around the parent(s) which feed in circular patterns. Within the first 10 days of hatching mortality may be as high as 40% for common and 30% for purple gallinules.

Wildlife scientists have been challenged for many years with the need to de· velop cost effective t.echniques for evaluating wildlife habitat. This study sought to develop such a technique utilizing LANDSAT digital imagery. The criterion on which the analysis system was based was vegetative cover diversity (VCD). In order to assess the applicability of the results of the VCD index as a measure of habitat productivity, ground·generated veg.etative and faunal diversity data were collected and compared to the VCD index. Comparisons were made for 19 plots of 65 ha each. VCD correlated positively (P < 0.05) with both plant species diversity (PSD) and faunal species diversity (FSD) for the plots ov.eralJ. This analysis indicates that the use of computer manipulated J"ANDSAT digital data is a valid technique for evaluating wildlife habitat.

The species composition and relative abundance of fishes in West Point Reservoir, a main stem Chattahoochee River reservoir, changed after impoundment in 1975. Strong year classes of gizzard shad, threadfin shad, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, carp, bowfin, and many sunfishes were produced in 1975. Sixteen species disappeared from the present reservoir region; 11 were not collected after impoundment, and 5 others disappeared during the first year. Forty-three species were found in the reservoir 2 years after impoundment, of which 6 did not occur in preimpoundment sampLes from the West Point Reservoir region. By 1977 the dominant species were gizzard shad, threadfin shad, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, and black crappie.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fail to spawn in association with dense populations of sunfish (Lepomis sp.). Previous studies have demonstrated that suppression is behavioral in nature and linked to interspecific competition for space within spawning areas. In 1976 a series of ponds were stocked with 3 pairs of bass and densities of sunfish from 0-458 kgJha to determine the density necessary to effect suppression. Results were inconclusive with spawning occurring in all ponds but only late in the season in ponds stocked at 250 kgJha or above. It was not clear whether the growth of aquatic vegetation or cropping of the sunfish population resulted in spawning in these ponds. In 1977 a second series of paired ponds (1 with vegetation, 1 without) were stocked with 3 pairs of bass and sunfish at densities of 0-448 kgJha.

Simazine (2-chloro·4, 6-bis (ethylamino)-s - triazine) applied at a rate of 11.2 kg/ha as a preflooding treatment of striped bass (Morone saxatilisWalbaum) rearing ponds effectively controlled aquatic weed growth for periods of up to 172 days. In untreated ponds, weed species were dominant in 9 of 16 replications (56%). Where simazine at a rate of 11.2-14.0 kg/ha was applied to the pond bottom just before flooding, only 3 of 17 replicates (18%) supported nuisance aquatic plant species. Survival and growth of striped bass fry and fingerlings was as good or better in the treated ponds as in the untreated ones.

Information relative to control of problematical clam shrimp (EubranchiopodaConchostraca) with Masoten (Dylox) was accumulated over a 10. yr period at several Southwestern hatcheries. Laboratory and field studies showed that control could be achieved with single applications of Masoten as low as 0.01 mgl (active ingredient). No deleterious effects on fry, fingerlings, or adult fish of several species were noted. Decomposition of the chemical, as well as effects on plankton and bottom fauna, are discussed. The paper places on record the efficacy of Masoten against clam shrimp, a level of treatment for same, and a suggested approach to control.

A biological testing program was conducted during 1974·75 to determine the efficiency of an air·bubble curtain in reducing fish impingement at Arkansas Nuclear·One Unit I, on Dardanelle Reservoir, AR. Air curtain operation did not effectively deter fish from entering the intake canal or substantially reduce impingement. Seasonal varia· tions in species composition and length·frequency distribution of impinged fish were independent of air curtain operation. There was a significant inverse correlation between water temperature and impingement levels during fall 1974 and spring 1975. Highest impingement rates occurred during late fall, winter, and early spring, regardless of air curtain status. Impinged individuals were predominantly young-of-the·year-fish, especially threadfin (DoTOsoma petenense) and gizzard shad (D. cepedianum), assumed to be thermally stressed by low « 15.5 C) water temperatures.

Specific swimming speeds (L sec-1 ) of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) were linearly related (S = -0.16+0.93X) to tail·beats/sec (x) over speeds ranging from about 1.5 - 4.0 length/sec. Maximum sustained swimming speeds were measured at salinities ranging from 10 to 45 ppt in intervals of 5 ppt. At about 20 to 25 ppt, maximum sustained swimming speeds were close to 4 lengths/sec, but performance was reduced at salinities above or below this range. At 45 ppt, maximum sustained speeds were only about 2 lengths/sec. These results indicate that maximum sustained swimming perform3. p.ce can provide an effective method for evaluating salinity stresses.

Present taxonomic status permits discussion of larvae of vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens), other snappers combined (Lutjanidae), and all groupers com· bined (Serranidae, subfamily Epinephelinae). Larvae of these groups together comprise less than 1% of the total larval fish catch from neuston and bongo samplers in shelf waters of the South Atlantic Bight. Larvae of groupers and snappers are most abundant in spring and in summer respectively. Larvae are distributed in outer shelf and upper slope waters, where current is northerly. Northerly current may predominate in affecting larval drift (in which case populations may primarily be recruited from the Caribbean 01' Gulf of Mexico) or a significant proportion of larvae spawned in the Bight may be retained by currents throughout development to settling.

Epistylis infestations occurred on 16 of 32 fish species collected from Mountain Island Lake and Lake Norman, North Carolina, during 1974 and 1975. Percichythids, centrarchids, and ictalurids were the fishes most commonly infested, while infestations were rare on clupeids, cyprinids, and percids. Epistylis was generally more prevalent on fishes during fall (September through November). Percichthyids, followed by centrarchids, had the highest intensity of infestation. Intensity of infestation increased with surface area and length of percichthyids, but not with that of centrarchids. Although the attachment site varied among fish species, Epistylis infestations were restricted primarily to the bony parts. The prevalence of Epistylis on fishes did not correlate with the abundance of Epistylis in the plankton.

Weekly samples of river shrimp (Macrobrachium ohione) were collected from the commercial bait fishery located at Port Allen, Louisiana. Mean size was 30.6 ± 0.2 mm (total length) (n = 7,058); the mode was 27 mm (n = 851); and the range was 17-92 mm. Mean size declined from approximately 39 mm in early March (when fishing began) to approximately 28 mm in mid-August (when fishing ended). The mean size of ovigerous females was 66.1 ± 1.7 mm (n = 88); and the range was 27-92 mm. Bopyrid parasitization is discussed. A comparison is made with data collected from the same area in the early 1930's prior to extensive industrialization.

A sonar fish counter installed at the Pinopolis Dam navigation lock near Moncks Corner, South Carolina in 1975 was used during the last 3 springs to enumerate blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis Mitchill) passing into the Santee-Cooper Lakes. Construction of the biomass fish counter was based on the design of salmon smolt counters used successfully in Alaska. Characteristics of fish movement and schooling patterns were determined and their relationship to accurate counting of herring was evaluated. Initial tests to prove the accuracy of counts were not successful. However, other population indices indicated that trends were accurately assessed.

Sustained voluntary swimming speeds of 5 species of juvenile estuarine fish were determined in a laboratory circular flume, 2.5 m in mean circumference. Successful tests depended on the fish's ability to avoid downstream displacement through positive rheotaxis. The following swimming speeds, in body lengths (BLjsec, were measured: 3 to 6 em Atlantic menhaden (Brcvoortia tyrannus), the species of primary interest, swam 5 (at 13 C) to 11 (at 30 C) BLjsec; striped mullet (Mugil cephalus), 3 em, swam 8 (at 15 C) to 12 (at 25 C) BLjsec; pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), 4 em, swam 11 BLjsec (27 C); spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), 4 em, swam 6 BLjsec (25 C); Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus), 7 em, swam 5 BLjsec (30 C). An evaluation of the apparatus and implications of the data for predicting impingement of juveniles on power plant intake screens are included.

Techniques have been developed for spawning adult southern flounder. (Paralichthys lethostigma), spotted seatrout (Lynoscion nebulosus), and red drum (Setaenops ocellata) and rearing their larvae for freshwater acclimation and introduction into heated freshwater reservoirs in Texas. Egg production, percentage egg fertilization, percentage hatch, percentage return of larvae stocked into laboratory aquaria and hatchery ponds, and potential for fingerling survival in fresh water were compared for the 3 species. Red drum was found to be the most suitable for culture and introduction into fresh water. A diagram and estimated construction cost of a laboratory facility for holding and spawning marine fishes is presented.

Prey selection by sauger (Stizostedion canadense) was monitored from November 1976 through April 1977 in the portion of Watts Bar Reservoir, Tennessee, near the Kingston Steam Plant. Threadfin shad (Dorsoma petenense) provided the entire forage base for sauger until the population of threadfin was almost completely eliminated by low temperatures in December and January. Some sauger switched to alternate prey, but food consumption was greatly reduced in February-March as > 75% of stomachs were empty. Food consumption of sauger smaller than 30 em was restricted earlier in the year by the lack of threadfin less than 8.0 em. Digestive rate studies in the laboratory indicated digestion continued at a reduced, but effective, rate at temperatures < 10 C.

Scales from blue tilapia (Tilapia aurea) captured in gillnets indicated that annulus formation occurred primarily in March and April in 1973 and 1974, but in April and May 1975,. Average back-calculated total lengths of males were 197 and 258 mm at Age I and II and for females 183 and 248 mm. Total population of blue tilapia in December 1974 was estimated as 4,856,963. Of this total 3,120,810 were Age 0 and 1,591,823 were Age I. Biomass of the tilapia population was estimated to be 799,978 kg or 2,640 kg/ha. Survival of blue tilapia from Age I to II was calculated to be 7%. From these estimates the potential yield of harvestable blue tilapia would be 1,629,501 fish weighing 521,153 kg.

Copper sulfate was evaluated as a potential control for parasitic fungal infestations on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Treatments were planned to reduce the incidence of free-swimming zoospores of the fungi. Largemouth bass fingerlings (15-20 cm T.L.) were stocked in 0.04 ha ponds and given multiple treatments of copper sulfate at 0.5; 1.0 or 2.0 ppm or Dimethylamine salt of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy (acetic acid) at 2.0 ppm. Chemical treatments were made on the day before stocking and at regular' intervals thereafter for 6 treatments. Survival rates of largemouth bass treated with copper sulfate were 96, 91.7 and 100'70 at concentrations of 0,5,; 1.0 and 2.0 ppm respectively; only 10.7% of the controls survived. No significant difference of survival rate between control and 2,4-D treated fish was noted. Striped bass adults were treated with multiple copper sulfate treaments a 1.0 ppm after being captured in gill nets.

The need to suspend newly hatched striped bass (Marone saxatilis) larvae until swim-up prompted comparison of holding techniques. Fingerling returns were tabulated over a 3 yr period from fry held in aquaria vs. returns from fry held in Saran cages in rearing ponds. Mean production for a 3 yr period from ponds stocked with fry held in cages was better overall than other methods. The success of holding cages resulted in a substantial saving in manpower as constant care of fry was not needed. The cage holding method is only I of many facets of striped bass rearing and is only a contributing factor to high production, not a critical factor such as the quantity and quality of food available. This technique would apply to those situations where unsuitable temperature, turbidity or limited facilities make the tank or aquaria method impractical.

A simple recurrence model is developed for the prediction of DDT flux through Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus). The DDT body burden in young-of-the-year menhaden at any time is equal to the body burden on the previous day plus the DDT accumulated on the current day minus the DDT turnover. Accumulation of DDT is simulated and compared with field observations. Estimations of DDT ingestion, assimilation, turnover, and egestion are made on both per fish and population bases. It is estimated that emigrating juvenile menhaden export 20 g DDT year -, from the Newport River estuary in North Carolina.

In the Dixon Springs area of the Cumberland River, Tennessee, larval Lepomis spp. began feeding upon crustacean zooplankton, especially Bosmina longirostris, when the fish attained lengths of 6.7 mm in 1975 and 8.8 mm in 1974. Cladooerans remained the dominant food item throughout the larval stage. The fish food selection diversified [to include other taxa.] larva reached approximately n.5 mm. At greater lengths, Lepomis spp larvae and postlarvae begin to rely more on chironomid larvae.

Laboratory spawning and larval rearing studies were conducted with red drum (Scianenops ocellata) and southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) from 1974 through 1977. Adult fish were placed in 29.92 kl spawning tanks equipped with biological filters and subjected to photoperiods and temperatures regulated to simulate seasonal variations. Red drum spawned 52 times producing 6.0 X 107 eggs. Southern flounder spawned 13 times producing 1.2 X 105 eggs. Eggs were collected and incubated, and larvae were reared to fingerling size. This paper describes techniques used to produce fingerling red drum and southern flounder.

The effects of Masoten, an organophosphate parasiticide, on phytoplankton and zooplankton in earthen ponds were studied. In 2 separate trials, 3 ponds (0.04 hal received a single application of Masoten at a rate of 0.25 mg/l (active ingredient) and 3 ponds served as untreated controls. Net plankton samples were collected at pretreatment, and 5, 24 and 48 hI's following treatment. Toxic effects were based on quantitative.qualitative plankton analyses. Phytoplankton and rotifers were unaffected by treatment. The copepod Diaptomus sp. and nauplii were also unaffected. However, variability in response of copepods and nauplii to Masoten can be anticipated. Cladocerans were the most sensitive to Masoten; losses are to be expected when the compound is employed for control purposes. Information regarding residues and decomposition of Masoten is presented.