Geology topics

Kelsie A. Murchy

Publications and source records attributed to Kelsie A. Murchy.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2022

Behavioral responses of native and invasive fishes of the Upper Mississippi River to 100 hp boat motor acoustic stimulus

Acoustic deterrents are currently being considered for deployment at strategic bottlenecks, such as lock and dams of major rivers, to deter upstream movement of invasive carp. Previous studies have demonstrated that bighead and silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and H. molitrix , respectively) display negative phonotaxis to playbacks of broadband sound recordings produced from a 100 hp outboard boat motor. However, there is concern that acoustic deterrents may impact the movement of non-target native fishes in the Upper Mississippi River. We evaluated the potential impacts of a broadband underwater acoustic deterrent on native ostariophysans [bigmouth buffalo ( Ictiobus cyprinellus ), channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) and fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas )], invasive ostariophysans [bighead carp, common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ), grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) and silver carp], and native non-ostariophysans [(American eel ( Anguilla rostrata ), gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ), hybrid striped bass ( M. saxatilis × M. chrysops ), lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ) and paddlefish ( Polyodon spathula )]. Fish were exposed to playback of the broadband sound (60–10000 Hz), and their behavior was evaluated. Bighead carp showed a strong negative phonotaxis response to the stimulus [12.3 ± 7.5 (SD) mean consecutive reactions], silver carp and grass carp showed moderate responses (4.5 ± 5.2 and 3.8 ± 3.5 reactions), and common carp displayed low responses (1.3 ± 1.9 reactions). Of the native fish, bigmouth buffalo (2.1 ± 2.9 reactions) and hybrid striped bass (0.3 ± 0.5 reactions) were the only species to demonstrate observable response to the acoustic stimulus. Based on this small-scale behavioral screening, acoustic deterrents should have minimal impact on native species; however, larger pond and field trials are necessary to confirm this finding.

Wisconsin↗

USGS2019

Evaluation of an acoustic fish deterrent system in shallow water application at the Emiquon Preserve, Lewistown, IL.

Expansion of non-native fish have caused ecological and economic damage and can negatively impact native fish populations. Current research on deterrent technologies for bighead Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp H. molitrix have primarily focused on reducing upstream movement in large river lock approaches. However, there is also interest in excluding carp from smaller-scale locations. A water control structure at Emiquon Preserve, Lewistown, Illinois, USA reconnected the Preserve’s wetland lakes to the Illinois River, and is a pinch point that site managers seek to deter immigration of non-native fishes without restricting native fish movement. One possible deterrent strategy that was evaluated within the water control structure in 2017 was the use of a 100 hp boat motor acoustic stimulus. Two underwater speakers were installed in each of two culverts to discourage fish movement though the water control structure. Fish passage was monitored using a series of passive integrated transponder (PIT) antennas in a confined study area. A combination of 176 fish consisting of seven different species (native and non-native) were implanted with PIT tags and relocated downstream of the water control structure. Over 2 days of periodic playback of the acoustic stimulus, 29% of tagged silver carp that were detected crossed though the active underwater speaker array. The acoustic treatment did not significantly reduce silver carp or native centrarchid passage through the culverts. However, numerous silver carp were observed jumping out of the acoustically active culvert at the onset of the stimulus. The acoustic stimulus, especially the frequencies to which silver carp are most sensitive to (< 2000 Hz), rapidly attenuated in the water control structure (water depth 0.55–0.38 m). Depth related attenuation observed in and around the water control structure may have reduced the efficacy of the acoustic fish deterrent system at this location.

Illinois↗