Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Ninety-eight thousand walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) x sauger (S. canadense) hybrid (saugeye) fingerlings were stocked in Thunderbird Reservoir, Oklahoma, in May 1985, and 129,400 fingerlings were introduced in April 1986 to evaluate the possibilities of a superior put, grow, and take fishery where previous walleye fry stockings have failed. Saugeye showed rapid growth rates; age-0 fish attained a mean length of 270.8 ± 8.2 mm (mean ± 95% CL) by October 1985, and 256.1 ± 11.2 mm by October 1986. Both year classes preferred inland silversides (Menidia beryllina) as a forage species, with 75% of the stomachs sampled containing inland silversides. Although ≤200 mm largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) also utilize inland silversides, they do so only during periods when other forage species are limited. Therefore, competitive interaction during saugeye early life history is not suspected.

Within-bank disposal of dredged material has detrimentally impacted natural habitats and gamefish of the Apalachicola River. Between 1947 and 1980 40 km of natural bank habitat has been altered by disposal of dredged material resulting from navigational maintenance activities by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Gamefish catch per unit of effort (CPUE) values from natural bank habitats were significantly greater (P < .05) than those from "new," "recent," and "old" disposal sites. Gamefish CPUE values measured on "new," "recent," and "old" disposal sites were 75%,66%, and 50% less than gamefish CPUE values on natural bank habitats.

Parasite loads of 4 larval fish species in a lower Mississippi River overflow pond were compared. Differences in parasite loads appeared to be related to adult spawning locations and larval fish habitat preferences. Allacanthochasmus sp. was the only parasite found in larval fishes, with maximum infestations of I metacercarial cyst in bluegill and 2 cysts in shad and inland silverside. No parasitism was observed in crappie. Total percent parasitism was highest in silverside (mean ± SE, 2.2 ± 0.5%), followed by bluegill (0.9 ± 0.2%) and shad (0.9 ± 0.3%). Results indicated that adult reproductive tactics, larval fish habitat preferences, and cercarial development of Allacanthochasmus sp. may influence rates of parasitism in larval fishes.

Relationships between fish abundance and diversity and stream pH and alkalinity were assessed to evaluate potential impacts of acidic precipitation on fish assemblages of southern Appalachian Mountain headwater streams. Data were obtained from first- and third-order reaches of 12 stream systems during spring and fall 1983 and spring 1984. Assemblages exhibited low diversity and typically had low biomass. All streams were slightly acidic (mean pH = 6.62; range 6.25-7.00) and very poorly buffered (mean total alkalinity = 58 /µeq/liter; range 16-33), indicating extreme chemical sensitivity to acidification. However, statistically significant relationships between fish biomass or diversity and stream sensitivity were not consistently detected. The absence of such relationships suggests that acidification probably has not had a substantial impact on fish populations in headwater streams of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) were obtained from 3 lakes in southeastern Louisiana during the fall of 1986. A truss network of morphological measurements was developed, resulting in 10 variables measured on each individual fish. Morphological variables were adjusted to remove the effect of standard length through least-squares regression. Multivariate analysis of variance of adjusted variables yielded significant (P < 0.01) differences among lakes. Factor analysis of the partial correlation matrix of adjusted variables yielded 4 non-orthogonal dimensions descriptive of body shape variation, interpretable as: I) overall depth of body, 2) length of posterior portion of body, 3) caudal peduncle depth and location of anal and adipose fin insertions, and 4) location of dorsal fin insertion. Univariate analysis of factor scores showed significant (P < 0.05) differences among lake populations only on the first factor.

Stress due to confinement in a net caused higher mortalities in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides salmoides which were extensively-reared in ponds on zooplankton and other invertebrates than in those which were intensively-reared in raceways on pelleted food. Fish that were intensively-reared weighed more than the fish reared in ponds, although both groups were sorted with the same bar-grader. Intensively-reared fish exhibited 3% and 9% mortalities after 13- and 16-hour net confinements, respectively, compared to 34% and 38% for those fish reared in ponds. Fish reared intensively may be better able to tolerate the stress of harvest, handling, and transportation than extensively-reared fish.

The effectiveness of a catch-and-release regulation for largemouth bass (Mieropterus salmoides) was assessed from 1982 to 1987 at Webb Lake, Florida. The objective was to prevent rapid overharvest of bass and maintain high angler success rates in this new 158-ha lake. Prior to opening the lake to public fishing, experimental angling for largemouth bass resulted in catch rates (C/E) averaging 3.3 fish/ hour. During 30 months of public fishing, the average C/E dropped to 1.3 fish/hour. Decreases in largemouth bass biomass estimates, population density, and proportional stock density indicated that the largemouth bass population experienced high angling mortality during the first 6 months of public fishing. Few documented incidents of angler noncompliance were reported; however, it is possible that even low levels of illegal harvest, combined with hooking mortality, caused this decline.

A Delphi exercise conducted on sauger (Stizostedion canadense) with a panel of 17 experts resulted in II habitat suitability index curves that associate various life stages or activities of sauger with 5 variables: velocity, depth, substrate type, temperature, and cover. The curves are preliminary but should be useful for assessing habitat suitability for sauger until empirical curves are developed and for focusing future research and information exchange.

The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission conducted a telephone survey of 602 licensed resident fresh water anglers to assess the effectiveness of agency programs and delineate future direction. Over 70% of license holders were primarily largemouth bass fishermen. Licensed anglers have a higher socioeconomic status than the general public. At least 60% of licensed bass anglers support restrictive regulations to improve bass fishing. Presented with 6 major fisheries programs, more licensed anglers felt lake restoration and largemouth bass management (37% and 22%, respectively) should receive primary emphasis. Of 10 fisheries research or management initiatives, only 2 were known to 50% or more of licensed anglers. Thirty percent of licensed anglers felt television and newspapers should be used more often to communicate fisheries information, and 18% felt more brochures should be used.

An on-site interview and mail questionnaire survey of 409 anglers on the Shenandoah River, Virginia, was conducted to compare the characteristics, motivations, perceptions, and preferences of anglers fishing under 3 different minimum black bass length limit regulations (no size limit, a 279-330 mm slot length limit, and a 305 mm minimum limit). Considerable uniformity was found in the 3 regulation areas in harvest behavior, equipment expenditures, perceptions of fish quality (size), components of fishing enjoyment, motivations for fishing, and fisheries management and regulation preferences among anglers regardless of length limit regulations. Anglers in the 3 length regulation zones differed significantly only in their trip expenses, travel distances, catch and harvest rates, knowledge of existing regulations, and preferred length limits.

A stocked rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) fishery in newly impounded Tellico Reservoir, Tennessee, was evaluated through creel surveys. In 1980, the first year of impoundment, trout made up 41.1% by weight of all fish harvested declining to a mean of 9.8% over the next 4 years. Estimated annual effort for trout averaged 53,000 hours. Rainbow trout catch rate averaged 0.067 fish per hour, and the harvest return of stocked rainbow trout averaged around 69% by weight over the 5-year period. Average catch per hour was lower than observed from other southeastern, 2-story trout fisheries. Insects comprised the primary food source and fish were second, based on percent total weight of food items ingested. Coefficients of condition indicated that the upper reservoir area was superior to the lower reservoir as trout habitat during spring and summer, apparently due to cool water releases of an upstream reservoir.

The effect of body size on the temporal spawning sequence of female largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) was examined in 2 Mississippi reservoirs by monitoring gonadal development through portions of the spawning seasons. Largemouth bass began spawning in late March when water temperature was near 15° C, gizzard shad in about mid-April at temperatures nearing 17° C, and bluegill in late April when temperatures reached 21° C; however, spawning seasons of the 3 species overlapped. Ovarian activity of largemouth bass and gizzard shad suggest strongly that the larger females spawned earlier than smaller ones, but the evidence in bluegill was weaker. Considering that the spawning season of the bass and 2 prey species overlapped, the bass that were spawned earliest and parented by the largest females in the population were larger and more likely to begin eating shad and bluegill earlier in life.

Population dynamics of yellow perch, Perca fiavescens Mitchill, were examined during the initial 7 years of impoundment of West Point Lake (1975-1981). Preimpoundment lengths of yellow perch at successive ages for the 1972 to 1974 year classes were greater than lengths at successive ages for the 1976 to 1981 year classes. The 1975 year class was intermediate to those before and after impoundment. Yellow perch reached maturity in 2 years, and the number of young-of-theyear (YOY) was highly correlated (r = 0.99; P < 0.05) to the number of YOY 2 years earlier. There was no correlation of YOY numbers (r = 0.04; P > 0.05) and weak correlation of standing stock (r = 0.40; P < 0.05) to days of spring and summer flooding.

A 5-month series of biweekly metazoan zooplankton samples from vegetated and unvegetated littoral areas and their respective adjacent limnetic areas was collected from Lake Fayetteville, Arkansas. No significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in densities of Rotatoria and Cladocera were detected among any of the sample areas. However, densities of Copepoda in the vegetated littoral area were significantly less than those associated with the unvegetated littoral area. Predation by littoral-dwelling planktivorous fishes on copepods is suggested. This study further suggests that the trophic foundation of the fishery provided by euplanktonic zooplankton is not functionally inhibited by the presence of macrophytes in this system.

Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in Oklahoma lakes and rivers were sampled using gasoline-powered generators with variable voltage pulsators (VVP), magneto «telephone» generators, and micro-electronic «pacemaker» electrofishing devices. VVP gear produced the highest numbers of flathead observed surfacing (O/f) and collected (C/f) per electrofishing attempt. Telephones and pacemakers produced somewhat lower Olf and Clf values but length frequencies were similar to VVP samples. Pulse frequencies of 20 Hz appeared to be the most critical electrical output parameter influencing catch rates, with electrode configuration, site selection, and water temperature also being contributing factors. Assistance of a «chase» boat to aid picking up surfacing catfish is recommended for all gear.

The anode and cathode arrangements on an electrofishing boat using pulsed D.C. output were manipulated to increase the effective area of the electric field. Voltage gradient (volts/cm) measurements were taken at various distances and depths at 90 and 180 degrees in relation to the long axis of the electrofishing boat. The objective of the study was to improve the efficiency of the electrofisher in low conductivity waters. The maximum distance and depth of field increased an average of 71% and 72%, respectively, for the 2 sample sites when comparing the initial configuration (IS-cm anode droppers and a 30-cm side dropper array as the cathode) to the final configuration (30-cm anode droppers and the boat hull with paint removed as the cathode).

Two types of commercial wire catfish traps were fished in lakes Dora and Eustis between January and May 1984. Catches at shoreline and offshore fishing sites were evaluated for both trap types. Door throat traps harvested 4.1 catfish, 0.6 game fish, and 0.1 non-game fish per trap day. Open throat traps harvested 0.8 catfish, 0.6 game fish, and 0.2 non-game fish per day. Door throat traps were 5.7 times more efficient at harvesting catfish than open throat traps. Overall, shoreline fishing sites yielded more fish (catfish, game fish, and non-game fish) than offshore sites. Initial mortality was greatest among non-game species (97.8% for gizzard shad), followed by non-harvestable game fish, catfish, and harvestable game fish. Mortality was greatest in door traps and was correlated with density of fish in traps (r = 66).

Non-radioactive rare earth elements (REE) were evaluated as potential markers in scales of hatchery-reared juvenile striped bass Marone saxatilis over a 12week feeding study. Uptake and retention levels of europium (Eu) and terbium (Tb) detected by neutron activation analyses at below 1 p,g/g could be related directly to dietary concentrations of the 2 elements and duration of feeding. Decreased relative concentrations following post-feeding could be related to scale mass increases and the inherent problem with detection techniques which analyze for amounts per unit mass. We compared our 1981 study with more recent similar studies as well as studies using different applications and detection techniques for REE.

The 4 North American species of the genus Morone were evaluated using isoelectric focusing for determination of species specific protein phenotypes. Each species could be characterized by a pair of protein bands that had isoelectric points in the 3.0 to 5.0 pH range. These diagnostic protein bands were then used to successfully identify 3 congeneric hybrids. The technique of isoelectric focusing yields results that are accurate in determination of species within this genus and serves as a powerful complement to other electrophoretic techniques in analyses of Morone populations.

Estimates from aerial surveys (Nov-Feb 1983-87) of ducks, geese, and American coots (Fulica americana) wintering on catfish ponds in western Mississippi are presented. Estimates did not appear to be biased by the time of day clusters were surveyed, by changing observers, or by changing clusters surveyed between years. Estimates increased from an average of 54,000 birds in 1983-84, to 121,000 in 1985--86, but decreased to 105,000 in 1986-87. Numbers of birds generally peaked from late November through early December, but declined thereafter, followed by a second peak in late December to mid-January.

Characteristics and activities of hunters leasing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hunting rights in South Carolina and Mississippi during 1984 were assessed by mail survey. Of 520 questionnaires delivered, 66% were returned. Safety (81 %), fellowship (76%), and higher quality hunting (70%) were ranked as the most important reasons for leasing hunting rights by respondents in both states. The majority of hunters in both states felt that the right to post leased lands was very important, with about 50% indicating they would discontinue leasing if posting rights were taken away. Over 30% of the respondents in both states reported they would stop deer hunting if they could not lease hunting rights. In South Carolina, 41% of the hunters were primarily still hunters, and 59% hunted deer primarily with dogs; while in Mississippi 59% still hunted, and 41% hunted with dogs.

Regeneration of 10,000 ha of mixed forest to loblolly pine over 14 years resulted in extensive vegetative changes. One hundred forty-five herbaceous and 68 woody plant species were recorded from the study area. Forty-nine percent of herbaceous species encountered were forbs. Grasses were the most dominant plant group with 25.2% coverage at the initiation of the study. Mean percent coverage of all herbaceous plant groups increased through year 2, then gradually decreased. Plant coverage increased for all groups except woody vines following a controlled burn in year 11. Highest coverage of legumes (8.8%) occurred in year II following the controlled burn. Food availability (FA) was highest for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during years 2 and 3 of the study. Hunter effort and harvest for deer generally increased except for dog deer hunting. Physical condition of deer declined during the study.

Nest box use by gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) was studied in 2 isolated hardwood stands in the South Carolina Piedmont from December 1980 through December 1983. Over a 3-year period, an average of 94% of 100 boxes were used by squirrels. The number of squirrels occupying boxes increased (P < 0.001) over the 3-year period. Parturition dates and litter sizes were determined for 104 litters containing 283 squirrels. Two peaks of parturition occurred: 47% of the litters were born during January to March, and 46% were born during August to October. Differences in nest box use by squirrels between study areas, box use by other species, and effects of nest boxes on estimated squirrel densities are discussed.

Canopy cover of vegetation was sampled at bed sites of 30 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns in south Texas during August 1986. Visual obstruction by vegetation to I m height was sampled at the bed sites, within 25 m of the bed sites, and at random points within 2 pastures. Mean canopy cover at bed sites was greatest for grasses (50.2%) and forbs (15.9%). Cover of woody plants within 25 m was 19%. Mean visual obstruction at the bed sites was consistently greater than that within 25 m or at random points within the 2 pastures. Fawns selected bed sites with more screening cover than the surrounding area and often (50%) bedded under or next to a woody plant. Net productivity of deer in October in the 2 pastures sampled averaged 0.28 fawns/female, based on results from a helicopter flight.

Line transect, mark-recapture, and 200-m strips counted from a truck were compared as methods of estimating numbers of Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) on a 5,700-ha south Texas study area. Line transect produced the highest population estimate (N = 561, SE = 78), followed by 200-m truck strip (N = 312, SE = 53), and mark-recapture (N = 278, SE = 28). Compliance with underlying assumptions was assessed for each method. The line transect method was judged most promising for further evaluation.