Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

A study was made to determine the level of dietary protein needed by channel catfish for optimum growth. The experimental work was conducted in the Farm Ponds Laboratory of Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. Each of 40 stainless steel troughs was stocked with 25 six- to seven-inch fish. These fish were fed experimental diets at a rate of 2.5 percent of their body weight per day. Every 14 to 21 days from June 22 to September 3, 1961, the fish were re-weighed and their daily amount of food adjusted to the new weight. Eight purified diets were fed, each to five randomly-assigned troughs. These diets contained protein levels of 6.3, 15.8, 25.3 and 34.8 percent at carbohydrate levels of 9.8 and 18.6 percent. Samples of fish were randomly selected at the beginning and at the end of the experiment for carcass analysis. Growth for each diet was compared along with the amount of protein deposited in an effort to determine the level of protein which produced optimum growth.

A study comparing pressed cottonseed cake with fresh cut fish as baits for catfish baskets was conducted at High Rock Reservoir in Piedmont North Carolina. The average weight of catfish taken in cut-fish baited baskets was 0.29 lb. while those taken in cake-baited baskets averaged only 0.14 lb. Catch per basket-day in cut-fish baited baskets was: catfish, 1.170 lb.; carp, 0.009 lb. ; crappie, 0.025 lb.; sunfish, 0.001 lb.; and miscellaneous fishes, 0.003 lb. Comparable data from cottonseed cake-baited baskets were: catfish, 1.135 lb.; carp, 00405 lb.; crappie, 0.080 lb.; sunfish, 0.002 lb.; and miscellaneous fishes, 0.002 lb. The total weights of catfish caught by the two baits differed by only 3 percent. Cake-baited baskets caught carp while fish-baited baskets caught very few. Cake-baited baskets also caught more crappie and sunfish than fish-baited baskets.

The toxicity to bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque, of granular formulations of ten commercial herbicides is presented. The following chemicals are included: three esters of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; potassium salt of 2- (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy) propionic acid; disodium salt of 3,6-endoxohexahydrophthalic acid; a mixture of the latter two materials; 2,3,6-trichlorophenylacetic acid; 2-methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid; isopropyl n- (3-chlorophenyl) carbamate; and 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile. The difference in the median tolerance limit of bluegill sunfish to liquid and granular formulations is discussed. Of the ten herbicides tested, most proved less toxic as granular formulations than as liquid formulations. The difference in toxicity as affected by granule size and type is also discussed.

Experiments were conducted to determine the preferred temperatures and the final preferenda of Pimephales promelas and Lepomis cyanellus. Specimens of P. promelas and L. cyanellus were acclimated to five and four different temperatures for 30 days. A gradient tank was built permitting a temperature gradient of 2° C. per chamber. Openings in the partitions between the chambers let the fish move freely throughout the tank. One fish was used to a test and ten tests for each acclimation level. Recordings of the position of each fish were made every 15 seconds for 40 minutes. The temperatures corresponding to the modes were averaged to obtain the preferred temperature for the acclimation level. Pimephales promelas and L. cyanellus acclimated rapidly to high temperatures but required about two weeks to acclimate to low temperatures. Preferred temperatures increased as the acclimation temperatures increased for both species until the final preferendum was reached.

The age and rate of growth of channel and blue catfish were determined by the pectoral spine section aging technique. At the end of their first year's growth, channel catfish weighed 0.10 pound and were 4.3 inches in length (total length), and blue catfish weighed 0.12 pound and were 5.3 inches in length. At the end of ten years, channel catfish weighed 9.2 pounds and were 25.2 inches long, and blue catfish weighed 24.26 and were 33.3 inches long.

Channel catfish fry, ranging in age from one day old to about two weeks old, are routinely transported in polyethylene plastic bags with an oxygen atmosphere between fish hatcheries in Arkansas. Approximately 10,000 fry are transported per 18" X 32" bag in 1.5 gallons of well-oxygenated spring water of moderate hardness. These fish are transported by both airplanes and station wagons.

Potassium permanganate is dissolved in fish hatchery ponds and minnow hatchery ponds at the rate of from two to six parts per million to produce oxygen during acute oxygen shortage caused by excessive organic decay and to counteract hydrogen sulfide gas during seining operations. Potassium premanganate treatments are also used as prophylactic measures to prevent expected oxygen depletion. Empirical evidence indicates the efficaciousness of these treatments. A specially designated boat for the application of the chemical to the water was developed.

A pied or variegated six inch fingerling channel catfish, letalurus puntatus, was discovered when a pond of normal colored fingerling channel catfish was harvested in the fall of 1959 at the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery, Lonoke, Arkansas. This fish was saved and reared for two additional years before it was finally lost in the spring of 1962. The authors believe this to be further evidence supporting the belief held by many fish culturists that the "Arkansas Strain" of channel catfish is domesticated. Previous color mutations discovered in this strain was a solid, sooty-black individual and albinism which is common.

Methods and results of population investigation and alteration in Georgia farm ponds for approximately seven years is presented. Results of fishing pressure is also included.

A study was conducted which tested the orientation of the slotted opening in welded wire catfish baskets. Comparisons were made as to the catfish and gamefish catches when the slotted openings were set horizontally, vertically, or at random. Catch rates are presented in 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour set periods. Catfish (primarily white catfish) comprised 97.79 percent of the total weight, and were caught at an overall rate of 1.16 pounds per basket-day. The random, horizontal, and vertical opening baskets yielded 1.28, 1.06, and 1.15 pounds of catfish per basket-day, respectively. Catch rates for crappie were 0.021, 0.005, and 0.023 pounds per basket-day in the same order. The catch of gamefish species other than crappie was insignificant when compared with the total catch.

Studies by the U. S. Study Commission, Southeast River Basins, and cooperating agencies have disclosed that utilization of many streams in the study area is curtailed in part by excessively low stages and sometimes by excessively high stages during the fishing season. The U. S. Study Commission has considered the regulation of low flows by controlled discharge from upstream storage reservoirs as one means of improving such streams for fishing. Concepts and methods employed in the determination of flow-storage relationships, flow-fishery relationships, storage required to regulate flows, and measurement of fishery benefits are described in this paper. Results of the study indicate that the utility of some streams may be increased from two to five times with low-flow regulation; however, a much better understanding is needed of flow-storage-fishing relationships on which to base more accurate determinations of desired stages and potential benefits.

A quantitative creel census was conducted for eight years on the Missouri portion of Bull Shoals Reservoir; on the Little North Fork Arm from 1953 through 1958, and on the White River Arm from 1955 through 1960. Sport fishing catch from the Little North Fork Arm averaged 39.2 pounds per acre (44.0 fish) over the six-year period. About 89.3 percent of the weight of fish taken was of predacious game fishes, including 49.6 percent (19.6 pounds per acre) of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), 9.2 percent (3.5 pounds per acre) of spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) , and 23.1 percent (9.4 pounds per acre) of black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus). Total fishing pressure per acre ranged from 35.5 hours (7.5 trips) to 105.3 hours (22.4 trips) with an average of 61.2 hours (12.6 trips). The rate of catch increased from 0.57 fish per hour in 1953 to 0.86 fish per hour in 1958. The percentage of successful anglers varied from 78.1 to 88.0 percent.

Black bass fishing in the White River Arm of Bull Shoals Reservoir, Missouri, was regarded as sensational for several years following its impoundment in 1952. In 1958, just after a tagging program was added to test netting and creel census programs, an unpredicted decline in black bass fishing began. Only largemouth bass nine inches or longer were tagged so population estimates include only that portion of the population. In 1958, black bass numbers reached an all-time high, but late that year the population began a decline which continued throughout the study. The average length of bass captured by electro-fishing increased each succeeding year, indicating a population of larger bass fewer in number. According to various measurements, 1958 began with a high predator population and a low forage population. Few schools of shad were seen, and large· mouth bass scales showed poor growth.

Quantitative creel census techniques were employed on Missouri tailwaters for the fist time during 1961. Specific areas below Table Rock and Taneycomo Reservoirs on White River and below Clearwater Reservoir on Black River were censused using a stratified sampling technique throughout the year. Estimated fishing pressure on Table Rock tailwater was 608 hours per acre and the rate of catch amounted to 0.62 fish per hour. The yield per acre was about 380 fish, weighing 192 pounds. Hatchery reared rainbow trout comprised nearly 90 percent of the yield by number. Taneycomo tailwater supported an estimated 609 hours of fishing per acre. Rate of catch amounted to 0.55 fish per hour; the yield per acre was 343 fish weighing 408 pounds. White bass made up more than 37 percent of the total creel, followed by drum, crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill. Estimated fishing pressure on Clearwater tailwater was 1,607 hours per acre, with a catch rate of 0.55 per hour.

Data is presented over a four-year period on population changes and dynamics in an 8,500-acre reservoir following rotenone treatment for selective shad reduction. Population data for four years prior to the shad kill is also discussed and analyzed. An analysis of the operation including methods, techniques, and results is presented. Records of fish stocking, creel census, age and growth and population studies after treatment is discussed and evaluated. Particular emphasis is directed toward two introduced species, white bass and threadfin shad. Data on the expansion and establishment of these introductions and the rapid growth rates encountered are presented. Year class dominance, reproduction, and fisherman success are compared, and the overall effect of selective shad kills on fish population changes is discussed and summarized.

Past research by the Georgia Game and Fish Commission on lime treatment of farm ponds has indicated a definite improvement in fertilization results following lime application. Management recommendations for problem areas has been one ton of agricultural lime per acre. This study was initiated to determine the effects of lime treatment on the qualitative and quantitative production of benthic organisms in upper coastal plain and piedmont ponds. Lime added at the rates indicated above will significantly increase production of benthic fish food organisms. This increase of bottom food organisms was accompanied by changes in soil and water pH and an increase in plankton production and total hardness of the water. In some instances it is believed that the addition of lime at the rate of one ton per acre is not sufficient to attain maximum benthos production.

An electro-fishing unit developed for use on large impoundments was tested for efficiency in capturing Largemouth and Spotted Bass during the winter months for a tagging program. Experiments were conducted to determine mortality rate of fish captured under actual field conditions for the electro-fishing units described. Two body locations on Largemouth and Spotted Bass were tested for their ability to retain the Petersen Tag. Tagging mortality for one of the locations is given.

Good productivity of fish and aquatic life are dependent upon clear, clean water at favorable temperatures and with sufficient concentrations of needed dissolved gases and solids. The number of individuals and species of bottom animals or plankton present in streams and lakes are important criteria of water quality. Siltation is one of the most damaging and widespread pollutants; it causes reduction of light penetration, destruction of shelter, and smothering effects on eggs. For short periods fishes tolerate turbidities up to 100,000 parts per million, but under long-term exposure, concentrations of 100-200 ppm can be directly harmful. Fishes may tolerate dissolved solids up to 3,000 ppm or more if they are nontoxic earth metals and physiologically balanced. Bass and bluegill eggs and fry can survive in salt water up to about 10 percent sea strength. Temperatures of 93° to 96° F. represent the critical level for most species of warmwater fishes.

The toxicity of fifteen chemicals used in vegetation control or disease treatment was studied. The fry of largemouth black bass, Micropterus salmoides, bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, and channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus were used as test animals. Chemicals included were three forms of silvex, three formulations of endothal, simazine, atrazine, diquat, two forms of benzenehexachloride, roccal, acriflavine, malachite green and methylene blue. Results of toxicity tests were used to arrive at a safe concentration of the various chemicals for the species of fry used as test animals. Several of the chemicals showed evidence of species specificity and one herbicide was sufficiently toxic to these species of fishes to warrant consideration as a fish toxicant.

A study involving macro-invertebrate populations, fish populations, and water quality determinations was conducted on Bicycle Path Creek and Parkerson Mill Creek, Lee County, Alabama, during a nine-month period in 1959. The streams, averaging 7.0 and 5.8 inches in depth and 10.0 and 12.8 feet in width, respectively, received domestic sewage from approximately half of the 16,000 inhabitants of Auburn, Alabama. Sewage was diverted from Bicycle Path Creek and pumped via a lift station to a sewage treatment plant located on Parkerson Mill Creek. The plant became operative about halfway through the study and the treated effluent was discharged into Parkerson Mill Creek.