Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), were reared in 1.0 m' cages suspended in the intake canal of a cooling reservoir. Effects of density were tested by stocking cages in replicates of 4 at densities ranging from 500 to 900 fish in increments of 25 individuals. There was a significant increase in net production and variation in length and a signifi· cant decrease in feed efficiency, mean fish weight, and percentage of harvestable-size fish as stocking density increased. Survival was not affected by number of fish per cage.

Quantitative samples of fish were obtained from warm-water streams with detonating cord. Preliminary results indicate this explosive is an effective tool for fish sampling in streams. Numbers of fish collected per kilometer of stream ranged seasonally from 200 to 473.

The relationships of abundance of brown shrimp (Penaeus azteeus Ives) and white shrimp (P. setiferus L.) to spring and fall river flow into San Antonio Bay, Texas were studied. Standing crop indices determined from trawl sampling and bay commercial landings were poorly correlated; only those indices obtained from trawl samples were deemed valid. Brown shrimp abundance showed no detectable relationship to changes in freshwater inflow; white shrimp abundance, however, showed a significant positive correlation with May-June inflow and with the previous year's September-October inflow.

Length at maturity computed for female flathead catfish (Pylodietus olivaris) from marshes of southwest Louisiana was 589 mm. Empirical data showed males approach maturity in the 390-439 mm size range. The length-weight regression for flathead catfish was best described by: Log W = -8.9640 + 3.3732 Log L, where W = weight in kg and L = length in mm, r = 0.97. The computed total length-collarbone length conversion equation for flathead catfish was Y = 10.3428 + 0.7251, where Y = total collarbone length in mm and X = total body length in mm, r = 0.99. Dressout-live weight relationship for flathead catfish was Y = 0.3308 + 0.7123 X, where Y = cleaned ( headed and eviscerated) weight in kg and X = live weight in kg, r = 0.70. Computed length at maturity for blue catfish (letalurus fureatus) was 481 mm.

A total of 259 sauger (Stizostedion canadense) was tagged and released downstream of Bull Run Steam Plant during the winters of 1974-75 and 1976. Gill nets and electrofishing gear were used to recapture sauger that moved into the discharge basin or past the plant. Over the study period 7 sauger were recaptured upstream from the discharge; 3 of these had moved past the plant while it was continuously operating. Fourteen sauger were caught in the discharge. The thermal plume from Bull Run Steam Plant had no significant effect on the movement of sauger.

Creel surveys were conducted at TVA's Gallatin, Kingston, and John Sevier Steam Plant discharge basins from March 1975 through May 1976. The highest period of angler use at all plants occurred between April and June. Peak harvest and pressure in the 3 discharge basins were significantly related, and high periods usually occurred later in the year than has been reported from other areas. At least 18 species were found in the combined creel from the 3 plants, and species diversity was greatest during the warm months. Three species, channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and white bass (Morone chrysops), comprised over 50% of the combined creel. Angler harvest remained uncommonly high from March through August with lowest levels observed in the winter months. The overall angler catch per hour (c/h) was 0.5 fish while the highest monthly c/h recorded was 2.3 at John Sevier in May 1975.

Distribution of fish in the heavily impounded Tennessee and Cumberland River systems shows definite longitudinal zonation similar to that in nonimpounded river systems. Ten of 11 physical variables examined were highly correlated with one another, reflecting the complex of conditions accompanying changes from storage reservoirs in upper elevations to mainstream reservoirs in the lowlands. Elevation was the variable most highly correlated with the number of species. Cluster analysis indicated 4 associations of reservoirs: lower mainstream, upper mainstream and large storage, upper Holston, and Blue Ridge.

A graphical method of illustrating dominance in fish communities is presented. This procedure incorporates both numeric abundance and frequency of occurrence data and illustrates the relative dominance of each species.

The fishery for rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in the Bull Shoals tailwater has developed as a seasonal boat fishery which in peak years provides more than 250,000 angler days of fishing, and a catch of more than 750,000 trout. Use was concentrated along the upstream one-third (48 km) of the tailwater in 1971-73, where about 60 percent ot the total fisherman effort, 50 percent of the catch, and 75 peroent of the total guided fishing occurred. Since many anglers traveled long distances, rented boats and motors, and employed guides to fish the tailwater, the economic value of the fishery was high. As in most fisheries in cold tailwaters in the South, erratic patterns of water release strongly influenced fisherman use and harvest. During 1971 and 1972, y,ears of below average water release, fishermen caught about 95 percent of the trout stocked.

Larval spotted seatrout (Cymoscion nebulosus) grew faster on 1 and 2 day prefed brine shrimp (Artemia salina) nauplii than fish fed newly-hatched nauplii. Fish growth and survival were reduced when 3 and 4 day pref.ed, as compared with newlyhatched nauplii were offered. Proximate analysis and calorimetry demonstrated the occurrence of a temporal decline in the nutritional value of both fed and unfed brine shrimp nauplii. At the relatively low levels of algal cell concentration available for prefeeding brine shrimp, this study indicates that I day old unfed nauplii are nutritionally equal to algae prefed nauplii as a food source for larval spotted seatrout. One day old brine shrimp nauplii are a better food organism for larval spotted seatrout 12 to 21 days of age than newly-hatched nauplii because of the larger size of the former.

The diets of r,edbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) and spotted sucker (Minytrema melanops) in the Satilla River, Georgia, were shown to be quantitatively different using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. The index of overlap of Pianka by number and weight showed considerable overlap in the diet during the fall. Chironomids were the main food component contributing to this overlap. The index of electivity of Ivlev indicated moderate to high selectivity by both species for chironomids in the winter, spring, and summer and some selectivity in the fall. The diet overlap between the 2 species was not considered to be a problem.

Methandrostenolone was not effective in promoting growth in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) at the 2.5 mg/kg of body weight/day dosage level. There were no significant differences (.05 level) in treated and untreated fish with respect to total weight gain, percent crude protein, and moisture content of the Hesh. No differences were observed in gross morphology, liver to body weight ratios, or microscopic examination of liver sections. However, after approximately 3 to 4 wks in a distilled water bath, the hemotoxylin/eosin stain had cleared only from liver sections of the catfish receiving the steroid.

We monitored fish populations in a southwest Florida cypress (Taxodium distichum) strand system through an annual wet season-dry season cycle. Populations increased from zero when the site was inundated to densities of 3-8 fish m2 and biomass of .3-.4 g/m2 in late wet season. Two months after drydown began, fish became concentrated. In wet prairie and "pond" cypress habitats concentration continued until the sites went dry, but "bald" cypress populations reached high densities early, then stabilized until just prior to complete drydown, when they decreased drastically. Wet season populations were probably controlled by hydrologic factors, but predation was important in determining dry season density, biomass, and species composition.

Individual heat resistance times were determined in 180 min experiments during June 1974 through September 1975 for 8 species of crustaceans and 47 fishes taken directly from the intake canal of the P. H. Robinson Generating Station, Bacliff, Texas. Indi· vidual r,esistance times increased with an increase in capture temperature and with a decrease in test temperature. June-September is the most thermally critical period of the year for animals transported by the power plant from intake water and exposed to hot discharge effluent. During the rest of the year, nearly all organisms survived 3 h at temperatures higher than average discharge canal temperature.

This paper outlines procedures used in obtaining approval of a management program. After intense inter-division communication and cooperation, field personnel of the Fisheries, Law Enforcement, and Information-Education Divisions of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission presented an outline ofthis controversial plan to respective division chiefs for review and refinement. The program was presented to the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission by the supervisory staff for approval. Local civic, conservation, and governmental bodies were contacted by field level personnel to provide general concepts ofthe program. Public meetings were held to assess public reaction to the plan. After economic analysis indicated feasibility of the program, enabling legislation was obtained to provide funds and additional personnel to supervise the program.

Through many years of participation, I have found that hunting and trapping furbearers offers some of the finest sport in the field of outdoor recreation. It can be enjoyed by almost any interested person. The resulting rewards are an invigorated spirit, mind and body and, at times, a handsome economic supplement. Consequently, all efforts should be directed to refine the taking offurbearers in the most ethical manner in order to enhance and perpetuate the fascinating sport.

Problems in communicating research results by means of professional meetings and conferences in the field ofwildlife science and management are discussed. Emphasis of discussion is placed on purpose and organization of meetings, facilitation of more rapid communication and use of research results, and alternate means of conducting meetings.

A state 4-H wildlife food plot contest entitled F.A.C.E. (Food And Cover Establishment) For Wildlife was started in Tennessee in 1972. The contest involves 4-H members planting perennial food and cover plots with 5 lb. seed packets furnished free by the Wildlife Resources Agency. The 4-H'ers are required to keep accurate records on their plots. Plots are judged at the county level by the county Extension Agent and the Wildlife Officer, at the regional level by the WRA Regional Farm Game Biologist and one other person from another agency, and at the state level by the Extension Wildlife Specialist and the WRA State Farm Game Biologist. Awards include ribbons, shoulder patches, and conservation magazine subscriptions at the county level, cash at the regional level, and cash and trophies at the state level. Data concerning the value of food plots to wildlife were gathered during judging, and from records kept by 4-H'ers.

The increasing need for a "specialized" Wildlife Officer to insure compliance with the multitude of complex State and Federal laws governing the exhibition, importation, exportation, propagation, and sale of wildlife and fresh water fish has prompted the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to establish the Wildlife Inspections Section. The regulation of these activities continues to pose obstacles to most state conservation agencies; therefore, this paper will identify Florida's methodology toward resolution of these issues through personnel and program specialization.