Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Creel survey and cove rotenone data from 17 reservoirs in Piedmont North and South Carolina were subjected to correlation and regression analysis to examine environmental factors influencing fish production and taxonomic composition and to develop models for the prediction of total harvest and biomass. Summer surface chlorophyll concentration was the best univariate predictor of total harvest (r2 = 0.93) and one of the best predictors of total biomass (r2 = 0.79). The morphoedaphic index was a good predictor of both biomass (r2 = 0.79) and harvest (r1 = 0.83), but explained no more variation than conductivity alone. Mean depth was not a strong predictor of biomass (r2 = 0.55) or harvest (r2 = 0.61), and total phosphorus concentration was not significantly correlated with biomass or harvest. Multivariate models based on phosphorus loading and reservoir morphometry/hydrology explained up to 91% of variation in biomass and 92% of variation in harvest.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Environmental Permit Review Program was evaluated. The objective was to classify and compare a sample of environmental permit reviews conducted in 1989 with permit disposition. A secondary objective was to assess the degree of incorporation of conditions attached to permits recommended by NCWRC personnel for approval with modification. One hundred and ten permit applications were reviewed. State and federal regulatory agencies, with few exceptions, denied fewer permit applications than were recommended for denial by the NCWRC. Survey data indicate 72% of NCWRC recommended conditions for avoiding, minimizing, or compensating for impacts to wetland areas are incorporated into permits.

Research and development studies involving red drum and hybrid striped bass culture in coastal ponds have been seriously impacted by avian predators, especially when overwintering was required. Studies were conducted at the Waddell Mariculture Center to document the effect of predation by birds and also to test various non-lethal control techniques. Use of pyrotechnics, flash tape, "evil-eye" balloons, aerial balloons, and various wire grid patterns over a pond offered only short term protection. Mortality of fish in ponds protected by these devices ranged from 42.0% to 99.7% depending primarily on duration of the studies. Phase II red drum reared in unprotected "control" ponds exhibited mortalities of 79.5% to 83.1% after 1 month and 99.8% after 8 months. Double-crested cormorants were by far the most destructive predator and they quickly learned how to ignore or avoid the various discouragement devices tested.

I estimated variance-mean (s2-x ) relationships for gill net catches of 8 forage and sportfish species plus a composite group composed of all species combined. These relationships explained 75%-95% of the variation in loge(s2). Predictive equations for loge(s2) were back-transformed to a linear scale, adjusted to correct for transformation bias, and substituted into a standard equation for estimating sample size requirements as a function of the desired level of precision and expected sample mean. Sample size requirements for all species increased with an increase in the desired level of precision or with a decrease in the expected mean. Based on statewide mean catches, all species studied can be sampled with a precision ≤0.3 with a sample size of 25 gill nets and most could be sampled with a precision of ≤0.2 with 50 gill nets; these results represent approximate 95% confidence intervals about estimates of mean catch of x ± 0.6x (precision= 0.3) or x ± 0.4x (precision = 0.2).

Size selective predation has been documented in many species of fish. The majority of these studies have focused on the feeding behavior of adults. I examined the size selection predation of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides ≤200 mm total length (TL), with particular emphasis on shift size bass. Shift size bass (approximately 100 mm TL) were those fish just changing from invertebrate prey to piscivory. Shift size bass were size selective and consumed prey 35% their own TL. As they grew larger, they consumed proportionately smaller sized prey. Whether the decrease was due to selection, opportunistic availability, or increased abundance of small prey is not known.

This study evaluated the relation between young-of-year (YOY) largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) density (TV/ha) and monthly rainfall, make-up water, and discharge of a 547-ha power plant cooling reservoir in Bexar County, Texas, for 1983-1992. Young-of-year largemouth bass density and total dilution (rainfall, makeup water, and discharge combined) during January-February were significantly related (r2 = 0.68, P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that in a eutrophic, closed aquatic system, the total amount and timing of reservoir dilution can be important to the relief of a spawning repressive factor and can help increase YOY largemouth bass abundance.

During 1978-1991, Floy FD-68B "T bar" type tags and Floy internal anchor tags were used on Lake Walter F. George to estimate exploitation of the largemouth bass population. Tag loss and non-reporting of tags by anglers were calculated in an attempt to adjust exploitation and total catch estimates. Over the 5-year period, tag loss averaged 20% per year for Floy FD-68B tag and <1% for the Floy internal anchor tag. Non-reporting of tags by anglers was estimated to be 33%. Based on tag returns, exploitation was estimated to be 23% for fish tagged with FD-68B tags and 28% for fish tagged with internal anchor tags. Estimates of the total catch of tagged bass were 48% and 58% for FD-68B and internal anchor tags, respectively. These estimates differed significantly by tag type used, even when adjusted for tag loss.

Percent year class contribution was evaluated for genetically-marked Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) x northern largemouth bass (A/. 5. salmoides) stocked in 3 Texas reservoirs. Electrofishing catch rate and size structure data were used to determine population characteristics of each study reservoir. Stocking rates of genetically-marked fingerlings ranged from 30 to 200 fish/ha. Post-stocking collections were made by electrofishing at permanent stations over a 4-year period. Town Reservoir, which had the highest largemouth densities and recruitment, had the lowest percent contribution by stocked fish (l%-7%). Conversely, Meredith and Braunig reservoirs, which had lower largemouth bass densities and historical recruitment and reproduction problems, respectively, had relatively high returns (41 %—45%). Year class strength at the time of stocking influenced success at Town and Braunig reservoirs.

An ultrasonic-telemetry study was conducted to compare spatial and temporal distribution and habitat use of Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus, FLMB) and northern largemouth bass (M. s. salmoides, NLMB). Twentyfour largemouth bass (12 FLMB and 12 NLMB) were implanted with ultrasonic transmitters and released in Waco Bay, a 1,215-ha major arm of Lake Tawakoni, Texas. Eleven FLMB and 10 NLMB were located at least once during the year-long study period (range 1-24). Average 75% and 95% contour level home ranges for FLMB were 19.0 and 44.2 ha, respectively; for NLMB they were 21.5 and 66.1 ha, respectively. Aquatic vegetation, pier/boathouse, brushy shoreline, and clean shoreline were the most important habitat types selected by both subspecies. Habitat overlap was evident between the subspecies. Both inhabited relatively shallow water, most in water ≤2.1 m deep. However, FLMB were located in deeper water further from shore than were NLMB.

North Carolina implemented delayed harvest regulations in 1992 to diversify trout angling opportunities. Delayed harvest regulations allowed only catch-and-release fishing of stocked catchable-sized trout from 1 March-5 June 1992. Creel surveys were conducted on 2 streams to assess differences in angler trip characteristics, particularly catch rates, between delayed harvest and regular put-and-take (hatchery supported) trout streams. Catch rates of 3.16 and 6.54 trout per hour in delayed harvest areas were significantly higher than those of hatchery supported areas (1.87-2.52 trout per hour). The catch-and-release aspect of the regulation resulted in each stocked trout being captured an estimated 2.4-2.8 times. A higher percentage of nonlocal anglers used the delayed harvest areas and overall >75% of anglers rated their trips as good to excellent. The program was considered a successful addition to North Carolina's catchable trout program and expansion is being considered.

A roving creel survey was conducted on Lake Hartwell, Georgia and South Carolina, in 1992 to evaluate spatial and temporal differences in anglers' awareness of a fish consumption advisory and their fish consumption habits. A higher percentage of Georgia residents were interviewed in areas of Lake Hartwell that included large proportions of the Georgia shoreline. The frequencies of anglers that ate fish they caught from Lake Hartwell and percentages of anglers not aware of the current health advisory were generally higher in these areas. Mean per capita fish consumption estimates were higher in spring and summer than in winter and fall. Within season comparisons of mean per capita estimates among lake strata indicated consumption rates were higher in areas of Lake Hartwell closer in proximity to Georgia and in one particular area encompassed by South Carolina. Anglers consumed an estimated 0.23 kg of fish per month in 1992 lake-wide.

A creel survey was conducted from 1 September 1990 through 31 August 1991 to estimate fishing pressure and catch rates, initial mortality, and value of fishes captured in an entanglement gear fishery at Wright Patman Reservoir, Texas. Mean daily net fishing pressure ranged from 3,508 m/day (fall) to 763 m/day (summer). Commercial nets accounted for 85% of the annual netting pressure. Catch rates of sport and commercial fishes declined as bar mesh size increased from 76 to 102 mm. Smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) was the dominant species represented in entanglement gear, comprising 70% of all fish and 84% of the rough fish/catfish captured. By-catch of sport fishes in nets was highest during winter months (12.7 fish/1,000 m of net) and represented 41% of that season's catch. Crappies (Pomoxis spp.) were the dominant sport species represented in nets, comprising 55% of the sport fish and 8% of all species captured.

A volunteer angler diary program was evaluated as a data source compared to traditional fisheries census techniques (i.e., electrofishing, gill netting, and on site creel surveys). Anglers were supplied fishing diaries and asked to record lengths of fishes caught, location, and time fished in Texas public waters, 1986-1988. Volunteer angler-supplied (ANG) length and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data were then compared to traditional fisheries census data for the same season and water body. Although ANG data were reported for 4,581 trips, 144 reservoirs, and 10 species or species groups, sufficient data for analysis was obtained only for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Regression analysis of ANG and traditional data indicated significant but variable relations existed for PSD (r2 = 0.28; P = 0.0159), RSD (r2 = 0.56; P = 0.0002), and CPUE (r2 = 0.42; P = 0.0050). Cost of ANG data on a per fish basis was about one-third that of traditional methods.

A network of cooperating taxidermists provided liver samples for phenotypic determination and scale samples for age and growth analysis of trophy largemouth bass (≥3.6 kg). This network provided data not available through standardized sampling methods. Two hundred fifty-one samples were received from 34 lakes over a 6-year period. Ninety-three percent of these bass contained Florida largemouth bass alleles. Florida largemouth bass and Fl hybrids were generally longer and heavier than northern largemouth bass or Fx phenotypes. Florida largemouth bass had significantly faster mean growth rates than other phenotypes. This study showed that stocking Florida largemouth bass into newly constructed lakes, continuous stockings into known trophy bass lakes, and protection of bass to trophy sizes with restrictive creel and length limit regulations may be necessary management practices to produce, enhance and maintain trophy bass fisheries in Oklahoma.

A 305-406 mm protective slot and 4 fish daily creel limit, allowing harvest of 2 fish <305 mm, was placed on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in Lake Sutton during July 1989. The purpose of the regulation was to protect slot length bass and increase the angler catch rate for bass >400 mm. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the regulation's effectiveness by comparing size distributions, PSD and RSD40 of fish captured by electrofishing and anglers, as well as angler catch rates of bass >400 mm, before and after the regulation change. Daytime spring shoreline electrofishing was conducted annually between 1988 and 1992. An angler diary program spanned 1986 to 1992. Post-regulation PSD and RSD40 values of largemouth bass captured by electrofishing were significantly greater than 1988 and 1989 values. Length of angler caught bass also increased after the regulation change.

The minimum length limit for smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in Meredith Reservoir, Texas, was increased from 254- to 305-mm TL in 1986 and to 356 mm TL in 1988. Population assessments indicated these limits contributed to an abundance of 178- to 280-mm bass which displayed low condition indices and slow growth. Angler catch rates of smallmouth bass increased but harvest rates and yield decreased following implementation of length limits. A 305- to 381-mm slot length limit was recommended to improve population structure and increase growth, condition, and harvest.

Changes in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and forage populations were analyzed in Lake Fuqua, Oklahoma, following its designation as a Trophy Bass Lake. A 356-558 mm slot limit for bass was established in 1990 after anglers reported catching many large bass, including a state record. The electrofishing catch-per-hour (C/f) of bass >355 mm in 1993 (C/f = 24) was significantly higher than in 1989 (C/f = 7). The abundance of bass >508 mm also increased significantly from 1989 (C/f = 1.4) to 1993 (C/f = 5.0). The electrofishing C/f of trophy bass (>558 mm) did not change. Relative weight values declined for bass in the slot range and gizzard shad {Dorosoma cepedianum) became rare by 1993. A recommendation was made to raise the slot range (to 406-585 mm) to allow harvest of abundant bass and further protect potential trophies. Certified Florida bass (M. s.

The effects of a slot length limit of 381-533 mm and a daily bag limit of 3 fish on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) catch and harvest, abundance, and size structure in Gibbons Creek Reservoir, Texas, a newly-opened heated impoundment, were monitored for 3 years, 1985-1988. Randomized creel surveys conducted from March through May each year were used to evaluate angler catch and harvest. Spring and fall electrofishing provided abundance and population structure data. Initial overharvest did not occur because 94% of all largemouth bass caught during the first 5 days of angling were protected from harvest by the restrictive limit. Total spring and fall electrofishing CPUE (catch per hour) increased from 1985 to 1988. CPUE increased for most length groups below and within the slot. The proportion of slot-length largemouth bass did not change after angling commenced although CPUE increased.

A 1993 hunt for Canada geese (Branta canadensis) on 15,390-ha Lake Sidney Lanier, near Atlanta, was the most controversial hunting event to date in Georgia. The hunt was proposed principally as an effort to reduce nuisance problems from a goose flock numbering 1,500-2,000 birds. Media and public attention was intense for several months preceding the hunt with at least 29 articles published in both local and statewide newspapers. Media attention peaked on the first day of the hunt with 4 television stations, 2 newspapers, and 1 radio station covering the hunt on site. Special regulations that limited the number of hunters and that designated specific sites at least 305 m from human development were devised to satisfy safety concerns of the public. Intense enforcement patrols were successfully used to prevent problems during the hunts.

The southeastern United States is home to numerous species of endemic reptiles. The public's desire to possess reptiles, especially turtles, has increased substantially in recent years, perhaps because of the "ninja turtle craze." A new lucrative interstate and international market for the sale of "pet" turtles has developed. Loss of suitable habitats combined with commercialization have depleted populations of several species resulting in their being listed as threatened or endangered or otherwise being legally protected. Rareness of a species increases market demand. Covert investigators with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Game and Fish Division and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service infiltrated operations in the turtle trade in Alabama and Louisiana. After 12 months of work, targeted suspects were identified and prosecuted.

English wildlife law has been well documented for over 1,500 years. Since the Middle Ages the English have tried implementing, at one time or another, almost every law that could be imagined for the taking and harvesting of wildlife. The penalty for violations of these laws have ranged from a fine, prison, mutilation, transportation, to even death. Despite all these laws and draconian punishments, poaching still persisted. Before we propose or try to change any of our current laws, we should review the past and see if this new law or change has failed or worked earlier. Let us ask the question each time we propose a change, "Are we trying to reinvent the wheel?"

Wildlife conservation is an extremely complex matter. Not only must the different species be managed but also their habitat. Any factor that impacts the habitat is of concern to the wildlife manager. Man's activities are key factors in the destruction and loss of habitat. The bulldozing of habitat to make way for new buildings and factories creates by-products that endanger not only wildlife and their habitats but also people. These by-products are wastes and other pollutants. As a component of natural resources management, the Law Enforcement Section of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources must concern itself with violations of environmental laws.

The utilization of paintball scenarios is a viable part of any department's ongoing advanced firearms training program. They isolate potential tactical problems, allowing the firearms instructor to concentrate his efforts in these areas during regular live fire exercises. Most importantly, paintball training gives the individual officer much needed, and henceforth unavailable feedback from a living, breathing target.

In 1989, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon. The mission of the laboratory is to provide forensic support to law enforcement investigations at the federal, state, and international levels. The primary difficulty is that commonly accepted species-defining characteristics are often not present on wildlife parts and products seized by wildlife law enforcement officers and submitted to the lab as evidence. Thus one of the primary goals of the lab is to research, develop, and verify new species-defining characteristics that will enable the lab staff to make positive species-source identifications of the submitted evidence and to testify to those identifications in a court of law.

A coalition of natural resource agencies and private interests in Tennessee is currently enhancing a statewide network of conservation lands and developing a supportive public constituency by creating and promoting watchable wildlife opportunities. This program addresses the national and statewide trends for growing public interest in viewing and photographing wildlife and native plants. In Tennessee, program development has been underway for 12 years. Components are similar to those of the National Watchable Wildlife Program (recreation, education, and conservation) although the element of emphasis may vary from site to site. Goals for the future include improved linkage of both tourist and resident expenditures with conservation programs and local economies; ongoing linkage with Project CENTS (an award-winning statewide conservation education program); and support for the existing statewide Biodiversity Program based on results of an ongoing statewide GAP analysis.