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Some effects of Heptachlor on bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus)

In complementary studies of the chronic effects of heptachlor on bluegills, four similar earthen ponds were treated once with different concentrations of heptachlor, and the fish in six plastic pools were routinely fed different levels of heptachlor. A fifth pond and two plastic pools were used as controls. Higher dosages resulted in higher concentrations of heptachlor residues, more pronounced tissue pathology, and higher mortality in the test fish. Heptachlor reached a maximum in the pond fish about 3 days after treatment, and could no longer be found in the fish or mud after 56 days. The fish fed continuous levels of heptachlor developed their highest residues at 56 days. Invertebrate populations in the two higher treatment level ponds were eliminated. Lesser effects appeared in the two lower concentrations. At the termination of the experiment, invertebrate populations in the treated ponds and the control were not significantly different, and had achieved or surpassed pretreatment levels. Degenerative liver lesions became pronounced in fish from the two higher exposure ponds, but a heavy infestation of trematode metacercariae in the fish of all the test ponds, except the control, clouded further interpretation of histopathological examinations. Pathology results from the fish in the feeding test, although inconclusive, tended to support the trends which were developing in the contact test. There was an inverse proportional relationship between growth of fish in the feeding test and the amount of heptachlor introduced. The control group showed the highest growth rate, and the groups with progressively higher intake of heptachlor had progressively lower growth rates.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Clinostomum marginatum in steelhead trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) and cutthroat trout ( Salmo clarki ) in a western Washington lake

Clinostomum marginatum (Trematoda: Clinostomatidae), the yellow grub parasite, was recorded in epizootic proportions from Lynch Lake, King County, Washington, in 1961 and 1962. The parasite larvae occurred principally in steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri); cutthroat trout (S. clarki) were infected to a relatively minor degree. Fish and snail host populations were destroyed by rotenone and copper sulfate treatments.

Washington↗

Seasonal and depth distribution of larval bloaters (Coregonus hoyi) in southeastern Lake Michigan

Larvae of bloaters (Coregonus hoyi) were sampled systematically in southeastern Lake Michigan, off Saugatuck, Michigan, from 9 April to 22 August 1964; limited additional sampling was done on 15 October. All collections were made with a 1-m plankton net of 0.66-mm mesh. A standard series of samples consisted of oblique tows for each 10-fathom (sometimes 5-fathom) stratum over bottom depths from 5 to 50 fathoms by 5-fathom intervals. Some additional oblique tows were made at 60, 70, 80, and 88 fathoms, and a single day-night series of horizontal tows was made at 40 fathoms. Few bloater larvae were taken when sampling began in early April. Numbers increased steadily thereafter until late June and early July, after which the catch declined rather rapidly. Few were caught on 22 August and none on 15 October. Hatching appeared to be at its peak about mid-June. Approximately 83% of all bloater larvae were taken where the lake was between 40 and 60 fathoms deep. The depth of greatest abundance appeared to be between 50 and 60 fathoms. Larvae were present at all depths sampled except at 5 fathoms, but were scarce in areas 10, 15, and 20 fathoms deep. Most were found near bottom, except during the April and early May collections. About 96% were taken from strata in which the maximum temperature was not more than 4.7 C. There was evidence that weak swimming ability of the larvae as well as water temperature influenced vertical depth distribution. A limited but definite upward vertical migration occurred at night.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Diatoms as food of larval sea lampreys in a small tributary of northern Lake Michigan

The food and food preferences of sea lamprey ammocoetes have not been investigated. The food of the larval American brook lamprey, Lampetra lamottei, in the Great Lakes region consisted mainly of diatoms and desmids according to Creaser and Hann. Schroll discussed the biology of feeding of ammocoetes of Lampetra planeri and Eudontomyzon danfordi in Europe. This report presents data on the availability and use of diatoms by sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus Linnaeus, ammocoetes in a small tributary of northern Lake Michigan.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Growth of lake trout in Lake Superior before the maximum abundance of sea lampreys

The growth in length of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from the inshore water of Lake Superior in 1953 increased with age from the 3rd to 9th year, and was nearly constant from the 9th to the 12th year. Growth was greatest in the 1st year (4.0 inches) and least in the 2nd and 3rd years (2.3 inches). Between the 4th and 9th years the increments increased from 2.6 to 3.5 inches. Growth was calculated from a curvilinear body‐scale relation. Intraseasonal growth in length extended from late April until well after October; most growth was in late summer and fall. The younger fish started growth earlier, and some mature fish did not increase in length until after the October spawning. Lake trout reached the minimum legal weight (1.5 pounds) in the 7th year of life and the average size taken in the commercial fishery (about 3 pounds) in the 8th year. The annual increase in weight in the 8th year of life was over 64%. Fish used in this study grew more slowly than those from Lakes Michigan and Huron taken during the period when sea lamprey abundance was increasing, but at about the same rate as lake trout of Lake Michigan before the sea lamprey appeared.

Lake Superior↗

The effect of the lamprey larvicide, 3-trifluormethyl-4-nitrophenol, on selected aquatic invertebrates

The chemical compound 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) is used to control the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the upper Great Lakes. It is introduced into streams in which sea lampreys have spawned, to kill the larvae. These 'treatments' are carried out at intervals shorter than the larval phase of the sea lamprey's life cycle (about 4 to 7 years) to prevent movement of the metamorphosed parasitic lampreys into the lakes. Most of the streams which contain sea lamprey larvae also have valuable resident fish or serve as spawning and nursery areas for fish of the Great Lakes. These species must be protected from both the direct toxic effects of the control method and from indirect effects such as destruction of food supplies. Studies have shown that TFM is nontoxic to most species of fish when used at the concentrations that kill larval lampreys. Information on the effect of TFM on aquatic invertebrates is meager. Applegate et al. reported that TFM was not harmful to selected invertebrates which they included in simulated stream tests. They also stated that no harmful effects to invertebrates were observed during actual stream application. The variety of invertebrate species used in simulated stream tests was limited, and close observation of invertebrates under stream conditions is difficult. Therefore, the present laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the toxicity of TFM to representatives of a number of groups of invertebrates.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Growth changes of the bloater (Coregonus hoyi) of the Apostle Islands region of Lake Superior

Studies were based primarily on 3,097 bloaters collected in experimental gill nets and bottom trawls fished in 1958-65 in the Apostle Islands region of Lake Superior. The average size of bloaters increased considerably during the period. The percentage longer than 8.9 inches increased from 45% in 1959 to 99% in 1965. Calculated lengths were without exception higher in 1962-65 than in 1958-61. Growth in length and weight showed nearly steady improvement from 1951 to 1964. The species composition of chubs has apparently changed considerably over the past 40 years. The bloater has replaced the shortjaw cisco (C. zenithicus) as the principal species in commercial landings of chubs in Wisconsin. Annulus formation of bloaters extended from mid-May to August. Growth was slow during the spring and early summer but increased sharply in August. Age-group VI was dominant in the samples. Fluctuations in year-class strength were slight. Females outnumbered males in all age groups above III. The sex composition varied according to season of capture. Some bloaters matured at age II and all fish older than III were mature. The shortest length of mature bloaters was 6.0 inches for males and 7.0 inches for females; all fish longer than 8.4 inches were mature. Apostle Island bloaters spawn principally in February and March. The average number of eggs produced by 20 females, 8.4 to 11.7 inches long, was 6,533. Crustaceans were the most common food.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Some effects of mirex on two warm-water fishes

The effects of mirex on two species of warm-water fishes were studied in three experiments in which the fish were exposed either by feeding a mirex-treated diet, or by treating the holding ponds with a mirex formulation. Bluegills were used in the feeding experiment, where three different levels of mirex were incorporated into the diet and fed to fish held in plastic pools, and in the first pond-exposure experiment, in which the fish were held in earthen ponds treated once with a mirex-corncob grit formulation. The third experiment used goldfish held in earthen ponds which also were treated once with the mirex-corncob grit formulation. In general, higher rates of exposure produced higher whole-body residues of mirex in the fish, and, except in bluegills from the lower-treatment ponds of the first contact experiment and in control fish, whole-body residues increased throughout the terms of these experiments. Soil, water, and vegetation samples from the two contact experiments, although subject to large differences between individual samples, contained relatively unchanging mirex concentrations, illustrating that this chemical is highly resistant to degradation or removal. No mortality or tissue pathology in the bluegills could be ascribed to mirex exposure, but the gills and kidneys of mirex-exposed goldfish showed reactions beginning with the samples taken 56 days after treatment, and the numbers of these fish surviving until termination of this experiment were inversely related to treatment level. Total serum protein and hematocrit percentages had no apparent relationship to treatment levels, nor was mirex exposure a demonstrable factor in growth rates in the contact experiments. However, growth of the bluegills in the highest treatment groups of the feeding experiment was adversely affected. Invertebrate populations seemed not to be affected by the mirex treatment in either of the earthen pond experiments.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Fish furunculosis, 1952-1966

A review is made of the furunculosis literature based on a bibliography of papers published from 1952–1966. It is noted that furunculosis is still a serious problem. Rapid diagnostic procedures have been developed. New therapeutic drugs have been introduced for treatment of sulfa resistant strains of A. salmonicida. Genetic resistance to and oral immunization against furunculosis show promise but require further study.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

An electric beam trawl for the capture of larval lampreys

The chemicals used to control the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus , in the Great Lakes have drastically reduced populations of larval lampreys in tributary streams. These larvicides are too costly and difficult to apply, however, in inland lakes, estuaries, and bays. Populations of sea lampreys in these areas constitute a threat to the refinement of the control. The gear available to locate, ample, and evaluate larval populations in deep water are inefficient. Electric shockers, satisfactory for collecting ammocoetes in streams, are limited to shallow water. The use of mechanical devices such as the Petersen dredge, anchor dredge, and the orange-peel dredge is time consuming, inefficient, and relatively ineffective in providing reliable quantitative evaluation of population size and composition over large areas of bottom. A device was required to sample adequately many areas in a short period of time, regardless of the depth of water. Mobility also was essential to permit operation of the unit in the various Great Lakes and in inland waters. An electrified beam trawl has been developed that most nearly meets these requirements. It has been used successfully to collect larvae of the sea lamprey, American brook lamprey ( Lampetra lamottei ), northern brook lamprey ( Ichthyomyzon fossor ), and silver lamprey ( I. unicuspis ). Effectiveness of the trawl did not appear to differ with species.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Movements of adult lake trout in Lake Superior

Returns from mature lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) tagged in western Lake Superior in 1959 and 1962-65 described here suggest that trout disperse widely from the spawning grounds after spawning and return in subsequent years. Although the data were not extensive, returns from lake trout tagged near Keweenaw Point in 1950 and off Marquette, Michigan, in 1952 suggested similar movement. Loftus stated that river-spawning lake trout of eastern Lake Superior returned annually to the same spawning streams. Movements of lake trout must be understood to manage and evaluate the rehabilitation of lake trout stocks in Lake Superior, especially when the trout move across interstate and international boundaries and are subject to different fishing regulations and fishing pressures.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Production of sea lamprey larvae from nests in two Lake Superior streams

The life history of the landlocked sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, has been described by several authors, the two most recent of which are Applegate and Wigley. The only information on the production of larvae from nests of the sea lamprey was reported by Applegate, who counted the larvae from three nests in the Ocqueoc River, a tributary of Lake Huron. The present report presents data on the hatching success of sea lamprey larvae from 19 nests in two small tributaries of southern Lake Superior and indicates greater production per nest than that recorded by Applegate. Studies were conducted by personnel of the U.S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries on the Little Garlic River, Marquette County, Michigan, and on the Traverse River, Keweenaw County, Michigan.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Chemical composition of rainbow trout urine following acute hypoxic stress

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) were anesthetized with MS-222, catheterized, and introduced into urine collecting chambers. Twenty-four hours after introduction, a 4-hour accumulation of urine was collected to serve as the control. Water flow to the chambers was then discontinued for 30 minutes during which the oxygen content of the water exiting in the chamber dropped from 4.9 to 2.8 mg/l. Following this hypoxic stress fresh water was restored and accumulated urine samples were taken for analysis at 1, 4, and 20 hours post-hypoxic stress. Rainbow trout excrete abnormally high concentrations of Na, K, Mg, Cl, and inorganic PO 4 following hypoxia.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Bacteria in blood and kidney of apparently healthy hatchery trout

Aseptic examination of blood and kidney material from three species of apparently healthy trout at two hatcheries showed that 12.5% of examined trout at one hatchery and 26.1% of trout at the other carried low numbers of bacteria. In addition, sera from these trout had agglutinins against some of the isolated bacteria and bacterial types found in trout were the same as those cultured from raceway water in which fish were raised. Although the presence of these bacteria does not constitute a disease state, the potential for an epizootic is present should trout be placed under stress conditions.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

Some factors influencing susceptibility of rainbow trout to the acute toxicity of an ethyl mercury phosphate formulation (Timsan)

This study determined the influence of water temperature (55–68° F), dissolved oxygen (4–12 ppm), water hardness as CaCO 3 (20–256 ppm), and chloride ions (to 2 mM) on the susceptibility of rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) to the acute toxicity of ethyl mercury phosphate (EMP). The fish were exposed for one hour to 0.125 ppm EMP, the active ingredient of Timsan, a commercial EMP formulation. The death rate because of the exposure to EMP increased with an increase in water temperature, a decrease in dissolved oxygen, and an increase in chloride ions; calcium appeared to have no effect. The effect of water temperature and dissolved oxygen was ascribed to changes in the respiration rate of the fish, and a chemical explanation is presented for the effect of chloride ions.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

A hematopoietic virus disease of rainbow trout and sockeye salmon

A previously undescribed virus disease epizootic of hatchery rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) in British Columbia, Canada is presented. In the same locality, a similar virus disease was experienced among hatchery sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ). Typical symptoms included flashing, fecal casts, hemorrhagic areas at the base of fins, and petechial hemorrhages on the visceral fat and membranes in the abdominal cavity. Histopathologic changes were typified by extensive degeneration and necrosis in the hematopoietic tissues of the kidney and spleen. A virus was isolated from both species of fish on tissue culture and the viruses showed cross-infectivity. Based upon the pathological changes in the hematopoietic tissue and the demonstration of a vital infection, a tentative descriptive name was designated Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis. The isolated viruses were distinctly different from the infectious pancreatic necrosis or viral hemorrhagic septicemia viruses of trout, but did show similarities to the Oregon sockeye and Sacramento River chinook viruses. Positive identification awaits further tests. The significance of these observations is the reporting of a new viral disease of rainbow trout and the extension of the geographic range of sockeye salmon viruses.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

The effect of temperature on the rate of development and survival of alewife eggs and larvae

Eggs from Lake Michigan alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) were incubated at 79 different temperatures from 42.1 to 87.0 F. Hatching occurred at 44.4-84.9 F and was optimum (38% hatched) at about 64 F. Incubation time varied from 15 days at 45 F to 3.7 days at 70 F and 2.1 days at 84 F. Time from start to finish of hatching ranged from 13 days at about 46 F to 2-3 days at 68-70 F and 1-2 days at 80-84 F. Survival of unfed larvae held at incubation temperatures increased from 3.8 days at 51 F to 7.6 days at 58-59 F and then decreased to 2.4 days at 80-82 F.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗