Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

No paper was submitted with this abstract. Abstract was too long so please refer to pdf. Keywords: Wildlife agency partnerships, public support, funding

Beginning in September 1998, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) conducted a three-year creel survey on the trout fishery below Beaver Dam, Arkansas, to collect current information on angler effort, catch, and harvest. Angler catch rates for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) remained high (>1.0 fish/h) throughout the study. However, a reduction in angling effort coupled with a high rate of voluntary release resulted in low exploitation of the put-and-take rainbow trout fishery. The annual catch of brown trout (Salmo trutta) exceeded the number stocked in all three years suggesting that survival rates for this species are high. Conversely, mean catch rates for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) (0.06 fish/h) and cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) (0.03 fish/h) were very low and the annual catch was typically much lower than numbers stocked.

Stomachs of 171 muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) ranging in length from 358 to 1270 mm were examined to evaluate fish diet and to estimate through bioenergetics modeling the predatory impact of muskellunge on smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the New River, Virginia. Fifty-five percent of muskellunge stomachs examined contained food. Ninety percent of muskellunge stomachs that contained food contained fewer than six items. Muskellunge exhibited an ontogenetic shift in diet at approximately 800 to 900 mm, changing from a diet consisting primarily of cyprinids to one consisting primarily of catostomids. Smallmouth bass comprised a relatively minor (4% by wet weight) component of muskellunge diet overall, although consumption of smallmouth bass did increase with muskellunge length. At an initial abundance of 100 age-1 fish, muskellunge were estimated to consume 0.18 kg•ha-1•yr-1 of smallmouth bass.

Population characteristics for black Pomoxis nigromaculatus and white crappies P. annularis combined were simulated using a dynamic pool model to determine if the current 254-mm length limit is practical at Lake Chicot, Arkansas. Catch curve regressions were used to estimate annual mortalities, and exploitation was estimated with two consecutive tag reward studies. Exploitation was adjusted for tag loss, tagging mortality, and non-reporting. Average annual mortality was 78% and adjusted exploitation was 17%. The model predicted no significant changes in PSD, RSD-P, RSD-M, or population abundance as a result of removing the length limit. However, the model predicted a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the number of crappies harvested and yield if the length limit is removed. The length limit probably has not affected most population characteristics because of low exploitation and high recruitment variability.

A method of evaluating white bass (Morone chrysops) populations sampled with gill nets during fall in Missouri's large reservoirs was developed by establishing objectives for growth, size structure, and age structure parameters. Growth objectives were 300 and 350 mm mean total lengths for age-1 and -2 white bass in reservoirs where gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) are the primary prey, and 330 and 380 mm in reservoirs where threadfin shad (D. petenense) are the primary prey. Objectives for size and age structure were determined by modeling population structures of white bass with acceptable growth and intermediate total annual mortality rates (about 40%-50%). Objectives for size structure (percentages of white bass ?age 1 that were also ?300 mm and 380 mm) were 65%-85% and 5%-25% for gizzard shad prey reservoirs, and 80%-100% and 30%-50% for threadfin shad prey reservoirs. The objective for age structure (percentages of fish ? age 1 that were ?

We measured total length and weight and estimated daily age of 50 young-of-year shoal bass (Micropterus cataractae) collected from a hatchery pond in southwest Georgia. Daily age was estimated using otoliths and was considered the median age of ring counts from one reader who counted rings in each otolith independently three times. This sample of young-of-year shoal bass averaged 28.55 days old, 24.04 mm in total length, and 0.13 grams in weight. Daily growth rates averaged 0.85 mm day-1. The length-weight relationship was described by the equation: weight = 0.0043e0.1399*length. The frequency distribution of daily ages was skewed, suggesting one main spawning period later in the season, lasting approximately 12 days, with young-of-year swim-up beginning 27 March 2003. These are among the first data on young-of-year shoal bass characteristics and we recommend further research to validate daily ring formation in otoliths of this species.

The interaction of prey fish body depth and predator gape size may produce prey assemblages dominated by invulnerable prey and excessive prey-to-predator biomass ratios. Peacock cichlids (Cichla ocellaris) were stocked into southeast Florida canals to consume excess prey fish biomass, particularly spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae). The ecomorphologically similar largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was already present in the canals. We present relations of length-specific gape size for peacock cichlids and largemouth bass. Both predators have broadly overlapping gape size, but largemouth bass ?126 mm total length have slightly larger gape sizes than peacock cichlids of the same length. Also, we experimentally tested the predictions of maximum prey size for peacock cichlids and determined that a simple method of measuring gape size used for largemouth bass also is appropriate for peacock cichlids.

The blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus fishery at Lake Texoma has been increasing in popularity. Guides that typically seek striped bass Morone saxatilis switch to blue catfish, particularly during the winter months when the largest individuals are most vulnerable. Low frequency electrofishing samples, collected since the early 1990s by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, indicate that population abundance is stable but concerns have been raised over the long term viability of the fishery in the face of increased angling pressure on the largest individuals. Baseline age and growth data, using otoliths, were collected from both the Red River arm and Washita River arm in 2003 (N = 333). Mortality rates were estimated using the Fishery Analysis Simulation Tools model. Growth rates, particularly of fish age ? 6, were highly variable. The oldest fish collected was age 16 and weighed 20.43 kg.

Catfishes are among the most frequently sought freshwater fishes in the United States. Yet despite the popularity of catfish angling, few angler surveys have been conducted to describe the demographics, social characteristics, and opinions of catfish anglers to assist in improving fisheries management in Missouri. Thus, the Missouri Department of Conservation conducted a statewide survey of licensed anglers in Missouri in 2002. The survey asked questions specifically related to angler demographics, species preferences, angling behavior, and angler opinions on catfish management. Our results indicate that catfish anglers in Missouri are a diverse group and their preferences often differ by demography. In general, Missouri's catfish anglers are primarily male (79%), between the ages of 36 and 55 years old (52%), and live mostly (73%) in rural communities or small towns. Seventy-five percent of catfish anglers indicated that channel catfish was their favorite species to harvest.

Upstream migration of the Cooper River, South Carolina, population of shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) is severely limited at Pinopolis Dam (river km 77). Shortnose sturgeon congregating and spawning in the tailrace of the dam has been documented but data is lacking on the group's population dynamics. From 1995 through 1999, the population was sampled in the tailrace with 91.4 m long bottom-set gillnets during the spawning season when fish were concentrated in the area. Fish captured during 1996-1998 were tagged for a multiple census mark-recapture population estimate using the modified Schnabel method. Most captured fish were measured and weighed, and the data were fit to a weight-length regression. Pectoral fin rays were removed from a sub-sample of 35 fish for determination of the spawning population's age structure. Length-at-age data were then used to develop a von Bertalanffy growth equation. Population viability was modeled with the MOCPOP 2.0 age-structure model.

Despite the large number of low-head dams on North Carolina streams and rivers, fishways have rarely been used to restore access to habitat upstream of dams. The goal of this study was to determine the use of a prefabricated Alaska steeppass fishway installed at a low-head dam on Black Creek, a blackwater tributary of the Neuse River near Smithfield, North Carolina. Between 21 February and 2 June 2003 study period, the ladder was used by 949 gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), 2 American shad (Alosa sapidissima), and 1 golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas). Upstream passage of gizzard shad was marginally correlated (P = 0.06) with stage height of a nearby stream. These results illustrate that fish passage should be considered not only for anadromous fishes but also riverine species that undertake a spring spawning migration or that make upstream movements for feeding or other life cycle requirements.

Our study attached a monetary value to marine resources associated with fishing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 2001, we conducted on-site surveys (N = 475) to collect expenditures of marine onshore anglers and marine fishing tournament participants in the Mississippi Gulf Coast three-county region. We then determined the extent and economic impacts of these activities and integrated marine onshore angler economic impacts and attendances into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our survey response rate was 86%. Total sales impacts generated from fishing-related expenditures totaled approximately $2.6 million in the three-county Mississippi Gulf Coast region and $2.9 million statewide. We also determined whether onshore fishing locations attendances were affected by their proximity to a casino.

This paper demonstrates the applicability of human dimensions research to the development of programmatic priorities and strategies for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Freshwater Fisheries (FWF) Section. Responsive Management (RM), a Virginia-based research firm specializing in public attitudes toward natural resources, conducted telephone surveys in 1998, 2002, and 2004 of South Carolina residents and licensed anglers to examine their attitudes and opinions toward fishing, fisheries management, aquatic resources, and various programs of the SCDNR. Survey results showed that South Carolina residents valued the State's aquatic resources and wanted more emphasis and education on aquatic resource programs rather than fishing-specific programs. Furthermore, research revealed public support for a shift from the FWF?Section's primary mission of sport fishery management to a more broad-based aquatic resources program.

We evaluated voluntarily completed catch cards as an alternative to access point surveys at intensively managed state-owned fishing lakes in Mississippi. Catch cards, with signs encouraging participation and completion, were conspicuously available to anglers. Five percent of anglers voluntarily completed catch cards; response rate increased to 13% when agency personnel verbally requested participation in the catch card program from those anglers they encountered on-site. Anglers who voluntarily obtained and completed cards (respondents) were older, fished more often, and caught more fish on the day they completed the catch card than non-respondent anglers. Fish harvest reported on the catch cards did not differ from observed harvest. However, considering the response bias and low precision of estimates resulting from low response, voluntarily completed catch cards are not a viable substitute for creel surveys at Mississippi State lakes.

Urban fishing programs in Arkansas rely primarily on put-take stockings of channel catfish and rainbow trout. We evaluated hybrid striped bass as a potential addition to urban fisheries by stocking this fish at densities of 95 and 96 fish/ha in two urban fishing ponds. Angler surveys were conducted three times daily for five weeks following stocking to determine angler demographics, fishing success, and attitudes/preferences. We surveyed 320 anglers comprised primarily of local urban residents. They exerted 686 hours of fishing effort, catching 574 fish, including sunfish (38%), channel catfish (30%), and hybrid striped bass (22%). Of the anglers who caught hybrid striped bass, over 90% said that it added to their fishing experience and they were more likely to return to the lake to fish. Of all anglers surveyed, 90% said that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission should begin stocking hybrid striped bass as part of urban fisheries management.

The Canoochee River originates in the Southern Coastal Plain of Georgia and flows through the Coastal Flatwoods to terminate at the Ogeechee River. The Canoochee Drainage is the largest tributary of the Ogeechee River and is a fifth-order woodland stream. Investigators surveyed 83 sites for freshwater bivalve presence, noting species and counting individuals. We analyzed water chemistry parameters including nitrate nitrogen, total inorganic nitrogen, total dissolved phosphate, and total dissolved copper. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis indicated mussel densities and catch per unit of effort to be positively correlated with nitrate nitrogen concentrations and pH even though mussel densities are low on the Canoochee River Drainage. We found highest densities of mussels in the Canoochee River as well as in Wolfe Creek.

The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest freshwater wetland in the United States; however, population dynamics of the fish assemblage within the swamp are poorly understood. Fish surveys from 1992-2001 indicate that two species, bowfin (Amia calva) and flier (Centrarchus macropterus), are the numerically dominant taxa of the eastern portion of the swamp, representing over 88% of all fishes collected. Results indicated that the fish assemblage was persistent and stable in terms of constancy of dominant species presence and their abundances. The four most abundant species, bowfin, flier, chain pickerel (Esox niger), and warmouth (Lepomis gulosus), had high relative conditions in all years. When combined with high catch-per-unit-effort and angler-preferable sizes, these results suggest that the eastern swamp has the potential to support an excellent flier and bowfin fishery, as well as a lesser fishery for chain pickerel and warmouth.

Fish communities were sampled from macrotopographical features found in created wetlands of different ages (termed young, old, and reference) designed by the Wetland Reserve Program in three counties in east-central Arkansas. Wetlands were sampled from March-June 2003 using mini modified-fyke nets and experimental gill nets in pool and ditch habitats. A total of 8,952 fishes representing 49 species was collected. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences in fish diversity or evenness between different-aged wetlands in pool habitats; a significant pattern of greater fish species richness in pools associated with reference wetlands occurred relative to young and old created wetlands. In ditch habitats, fish diversity and evenness tended to increase significantly through time in reference wetlands compared to created wetlands, whether young or old, though overall means were not significantly different among the three different-aged wetlands.

From April 1999 through February 2000, we electrofished fixed transects in two freshwater tidal wetlands of the Cooper River, South Carolina, to examine how spatial and temporal variation in these habitats influenced fish community composition. The Dean Hall site consisted of a collection of tidal creeks with intertidal, emergent vegetation and large fluctuations in submersed habitat due to tide. The Bonneau Ferry site was lacustrine, dominated by submergent vegetation, and fluctuated very little with the tide. We found 34 total species. Most were a species of Centrarchidae (41%) or an estuarine migrant (27%). Abundance and species richness varied among months, with a peak in April and June. Differences in fish community structures were noted between wetlands with Dean Hall generally containing a more specious, but variable, community whereas Bonneau Ferry contained a more stable fish community with slightly fewer species.

In 2004, the Southeastern Cooperative Fish Disease Project completed 40 years of research, education, and disease diagnosis in support of the fisheries management goals of the members of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA). This project has been possible because of the cooperation of biologists and support from the Southeastern states. Major areas of research included parasites of warmwater sport fish, bacterial and viral diseases of fish, and environmental effects on fish health. These research topics arose from problems identified because of the disease diagnostic activities of this cooperative project. Continuing education courses provided basic instruction about fish diseases and also transferred new research information to biologists in the SEAFWA states. In addition, the training of fish disease specialists increased the availability of personnel to assist SEAFWA members.

Several diseases of fish present challenges to both fishery managers and aquaculturists in the Southeast. Emerging diseases along with a suite of known and persistent diseases can present management challenges for native species and biodiversity, can cause loss of recreational fishing opportunities, and can affect local economies or reduce profitability in commercial aquaculture. Emerging diseases such as mycobacteriosis in striped bass, epizootic ulcerative syndrome in menhaden, and spring viremia of carp present some new challenges to fishery managers. Likewise, recurring epizootics resulting from such etiologic agents as Streptococcus and Vibrio in estuarine fishes or Aeromonas and Edwardsiella in freshwater fishes have challenged managers for decades. Pathogens including Photobacterium damselae piscicida and several of the Mycobacterium species may represent health risks to managers, anglers, or fish culturists.

Cages as tools for in situ bioassays have a proven track record in monitoring the effects of effluent and sediment toxicity. Application to biomonitoring, however, has received comparably little attention. With the increasing threat of harmful algal blooms to both humans and aquatic organisms, their use as sentinels for early warning and for the examination of organism response in situ is evident. During efforts to monitor and describe the response of juvenile menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) to the reportedly toxic dinoflagellates of the genus Pfiesteria, we devised a simple, inexpensive cage for the conduct of in situ bioassays. This design, in combination with fish husbandry and transport techniques specific for menhaden, allows for rapid, inexpensive deployment of cages in at least a 4-h radius of the holding facility with an acceptable level of mortality and minimal caging effects.

The anesthetic properties of clove oil and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) were tested in a laboratory setting on the southern redbelly dace (Phoxinus erythrogaster), a small cyprinid common to upland streams of the Mississippi River basin. We used southern redbelly dace as a surrogate species to indicate the lowest, most effective anesthetic level for our work with the closely related blackside dace (Phoxinus cumberlandensis), a federally protected species. Concentrations of 20, 40, and 60 mg L-1 clove oil and 20, 40, and 60 mg L-1 MS-222 were used to anesthetize southern redbelly dace at water temperatures of 11, 17, and 21 C, representing a natural range of temperatures encountered in research streams from spring through autumn. For clove oil, induction rates were dependent on dose, temperature, and the interaction between these two variables. Recovery rates, on the other hand, were dependent only on temperature (quicker recovery at warmer temperatures).