National survey of needs for hatchery fish [Part II of II]
No abstract available.
Resource Publication↗
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National survey of needs for hatchery fish [Part I of II]
No abstract available.
Resource Publication↗
Low oxygen: A (tough) way of life for Okavango fishes
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site and biodiverse wilderness. In 2016–2018, following arrival of the annual flood of rainwater from Angola’s highlands, and using continuous oxygen logging, we documented profound aquatic hypoxia that persisted for 3.5 to 5 months in the river channel. Within these periods, dissolved oxygen rarely exceeded 3 mg/L and dropped below 0.5 mg/L for up to two weeks at a time. Although these dissolved oxygen levels are low enough to qualify parts of the Delta as a dead zone, the region is a biodiversity hotspot, raising the question of how fish survive. In association with the hypoxia, histological samples, collected from native Oreochromis andersonii (threespot tilapia), Coptodon rendalli (redbreast tilapia), and Oreochromis macrochir (greenhead tilapia), exhibited widespread hepatic and splenic inflammation with marked granulocyte infiltration, melanomacrophage aggregates, and ceroid and hemosiderin accumulations. It is likely that direct tissue hypoxia and polycythemia-related iron deposition caused this pathology. We propose that Okavango cichlids respond to extended natural hypoxia by increasing erythrocyte production, but with significant health costs. Our findings highlight seasonal hypoxia as an important recurring stressor, which may limit fishery resilience in the Okavango as concurrent human impacts rise. Moreover, they illustrate how fish might respond to hypoxia elsewhere in the world, where dead zones are becoming more common.
Okavango Delta↗
Acidification impacts and goals for gauging recovery of Brook Trout populations and fish communities in streams of the Western Adirondack Mountains, New York, USA
Results from several long‐term monitoring programs in the western Adirondack Mountains, New York, indicate that acid–base chemistry of headwater streams has remained unchanged or improved only marginally since the 1990s. A paucity of quantitative fishery data, however, limits our understanding of the pre‐acidified communities as well as present‐day impacts of acidification on fish assemblages, which impedes efforts to evaluate temporal trends and biological recovery in streams of the region. Fish communities were characterized at 48 streams (chemistry was assessed at 47 streams) in the western Adirondacks at least once during summer 2014–2016 to assess present‐day effects of acidification on fish assemblages, refine important relations, and identify biological targets and chemical effect thresholds that could help gauge biological recovery across the region. Concentrations of inorganic aluminum (Al i ) exceeded chronic and acute toxicity thresholds (1.0 and 2.0 μmol/L) in 21.3% and 8.5%, respectively, of 47 study streams sampled during summer 2014–2016 and in 64.0% and 44.0% of 25 streams sampled during spring 2014–2015. In streams with summer Al i concentrations less than 1.0 μmol/L, community richness, density, and biomass averaged 2.0 species, 444.2 fish/0.1 ha, and 1,924.4 g/0.1 ha, respectively, whereas density and biomass of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations averaged 280.8 fish/0.1 ha and 1,384.0 g/0.1 ha, respectively. These findings identify defensible targets for biological recovery and show that Al i toxicity is not a major concern for fish assemblages in most streams during summer base flow periods but is potentially a serious issue for fish in as many as two‐thirds of streams during spring high flows. Though additional data are needed to address several limitations and information gaps, results from this study provide a sound foundation to gauge biological recovery, detect future effects of climatic stressors, and help ensure that functional stream ecosystems can be sustained or restored in parts of the Adirondacks.
New York↗
Review of Grasse River Lake Sturgeon habitat use and possible post-Superfund remediation agency actions
The Grass River (hereafter Grasse River) historically served as a major source of fisheries production for the Saint Lawrence River (hereafter St. Lawrence River) basin, providing critical spawning habitat and support for other life history stages of numerous species including the culturally and ecologically significant Lake Sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ). Decades of environmental degradation resulted in designation of the lower Grasse River as the Grasse River Superfund site and part of the St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC) at Massena/Akwesasne. The primary problems were severe contamination of sediments and fish, with numerous environmental beneficial use impairments (BUIs) including losses and degradation of habitat and diminished animal populations that limited fisheries production and reduced ecosystem services provided by the Grasse River. Efforts to restore the lower Grasse River within the AOC were initiated in 2019 to remove or isolate contaminants, repair damaged habitats, and rebuild fish and wildlife populations. The purpose of this report is to 1) summarize the history and contemporary status of environmental conditions and fisheries in the Grasse River, with an emphasis on Lake Sturgeon; 2) summarize remediation and restoration activities and how they may affect fisheries habitat and populations; and 3) discuss potential options for continued habitat remediation in addition to currently proposed restoration actions.
New York↗
Observations of American Shad Alosa sapidissima approaching and using a vertical slot fishway at the head-of-tide Brunswick Dam on the Androscoggin River, Maine
American Shad Alosa sapidissima have historically supported an important fishery along the Atlantic coastal waters of North America. However, the construction of dams reduced populations and restricted landings. Fishways are intended to mitigate obstacles to anadromous fish migrations, but a thorough evaluation of their efficiency is warranted. We analyzed data collected from video recordings, hydropower turbine operations, and telemetry conducted by the Maine Department of Marine Resources to evaluate American Shad behavior while approaching and using a vertical slot fishway at the head-of-tide Brunswick Dam on the Androscoggin River in Maine. American Shad passage at the dam has been poor, ranging from 0 to 1,100 fish per year, relative to passage at other facilities in the region. Additionally, our observations indicate that there are relatively high numbers of American Shad present downstream in the river (averaging 50,000) compared with the entrance of the fishway or its pools (<8,000). On average, the rates of observed American Shad on the side of the river near the fishway entrance were significantly higher (6.5–8.6 individuals/min) when the turbine closest to the entrance of the fishway was not operating compared with when it was operating (4.1 individuals/min). Most of the radio-tagged American Shad remained in the river below the dam or went undetected. Eleven of 57 tagged fish were detected at the fishway entrance and of those only five were detected in the lower fishway. Individuals that were detected were observed making multiple attempts at entering the fishway, but movements were restricted to the lower pools. Our results suggest that this fishway is not conducive to the passage of American Shad. Examining the relationship between hydropower operations and other environmental variables on the behavior and passage of migrating anadromous fish remain an area for further study.
Maine↗
Testing pop-up satellite tags as a tool for identifying critical habitat for Pacific halibut ( Hippoglossus stenolepis ) in the Gulf of Alaska
To maintain healthy commercial and sport fisheries for Pacific halibut ( Hippoglossus stenolepis ), critical habitat must be defined by determining life history patterns on a daily and seasonal basis. Pop-up satellite archival transmitting (PSAT) tags provide a fisheries-independent method of collecting environmental preference data (depth and ambient water temperature) as well as daily geolocation estimates based on ambient light conditions. In this study, 14 adult halibut (107-165 cm FL) were tagged and released with PSAT tags in and around Resurrection Bay, Alaska. Commercial fishermen recovered two tags, while five tags transmitted data to ARGOS satellites. Horizontal migration was not consistent among fish as three halibut remained in the vicinity of release while four traveled up to 358 km from the release site. Vertical migration was not consistent among fish and over time, but they spent most their time between 150-350 m. The minimum and maximum depths reached by any of the halibut were 2m and 502m, respectively. The fish preferred water temperatures of roughly 6 °C while experiencing ambient temperatures between 4.3 °C and 12.2 °C. Light attenuation with depth prevented existing geolocation software and light sensing hardware from accurately estimating geoposition, however, information from temperature, depth, ocean bathymetry, and pop-off locations provided inference on fish movement in the study area. PSAT tags were a viable tool for determining daily and seasonal behavior and identifying critical halibut habitat, which will aid fisheries managers in future decisions regarding commercial and sport fishing regulations.
Alaska↗
The whitefish fishery of Lakes Huron and Michigan with special reference to the deep-trap-net fishery
This study of the whitefish fishery of Lakes Huron and Michigan includes: (1) a review of the available statistics of production, 1879-1942; (2) a detailed analysis of the annual fluctuations in the production and abundance of whitefish and in the intensity of the whitefish fishery in the State of Michigan waters of the lakes, 1929-1942, with special reference to the effects of fishing with deep trap nets; (3) an account of the bathymetric distribution and vertical movements of whitefish and certain other species; and (4) a report of field observations made in 1931 and 1932, as related particularly to the destruction of undersized whitefish by pound nets and deep trap nets. The main body of the manuscript and appendices A, B, and C, completed in March 1942, contain statistics through the year 1939. Since that time, records for the years 1940-1942 have become available. Because these additional data did not alter any of the conclusions of the manuscript but actually strengthened them, it was not deemed justifiable to expend the considerable amount of time and money that would be required to revise the study. The 1940-1942 records are therefore presented in appendix D. From a relatively high production in the earlier years of the period, 1879 to 1942, the yield of whitefish declined to a lower level about which the catch fluctuated until the late 1920's and early 1930's when a general increase in production occurred. This recent increase was higher and the subsequent decline more severe in the Michigan waters of Lake Huron than in other areas.
Lake Huron, Lake Michigan↗
The importance of genetic verification for determination of Atlantic salmon in north Pacific waters
Genetic analyses of two unknown but putative Atlantic salmon Salmo salar captured in the Copper River drainage, Alaska, demonstrated the need for validation of morphologically unusual fishes. Mitochondrial DNA sequences (control region and cytochrome b) and data from two nuclear genes [first internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) sequence and growth hormone (GH1) amplification product] indicated that the fish caught in fresh water on the Martin River was a coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch, while the other fish caught in the intertidal zone of the Copper River delta near Grass Island was an Atlantic salmon. Determination of unusual or cryptic fish based on limited physical characteristics and expected seasonal spawning run timing will add to the controversy over farmed Atlantic salmon and their potential effects on native Pacific species. It is clear that determination of all putative collections of Atlantic salmon found in Pacific waters requires validation. Due to uncertainty of fish identification in the field using plastic morphometric characters, it is recommended that genetic analyses be part of the validation process. ?? 2003 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
Journal of Fish Biology↗
Side-scan sonar as a tool for measuring fish populations: Current state of the science and future directions
Side-scan sonar (SSS) is a powerful tool that can be used to address many key questions in fisheries science. In principle, SSS uses dual transducers to transmit a narrow-beam, wide-angle acoustic signal as the survey vessel transits an area. The intensity of reflected sound is recorded to generate an image mosaic comprised of benthic substrates and targets in the water column, including organisms such as fish. Although SSS has been around for decades, recent advancements have opened new opportunities to leverage this technology to directly measure fish populations. In this paper, we review the current state of the science and identify opportunities to further refine SSS for fisheries applications.
Fisheries↗
Effects of the proposed California WaterFix North Delta Diversion on flow reversals and entrainment of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) into Georgiana Slough and the Delta Cross Channel, northern California
The California Department of Water Resources and Bureau of Reclamation propose new water intake facilities on the Sacramento River in northern California that would convey some of the water for export to areas south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (hereinafter referred to as the Delta) through tunnels rather than through the Delta. The collection of water intakes, tunnels, pumping facilities, associated structures, and proposed operations are collectively referred to as California WaterFix. The water intake facilities, hereinafter referred to as the North Delta Diversion (NDD), are proposed to be located on the Sacramento River downstream of the city of Sacramento and upstream of the first major river junction where Sutter Slough branches from the Sacramento River. The NDD can divert a maximum discharge of 9,000 cubic feet per second (ft 3 /s) from the Sacramento River, which reduces the amount of Sacramento River inflow into the Delta. In this report, we conducted three analyses to investigate the effect of the NDD and its proposed operation on entrainment of juvenile Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) into Georgiana Slough and the Delta Cross Channel (DCC). Fish that enter the interior Delta (the network of channels to the south of the Sacramento River) through Georgiana Slough and the DCC survive at lower rates than fish that use other migration routes (Sacramento River, Sutter Slough, and Steamboat Slough). Therefore, fisheries managers were concerned about the extent to which operation of the NDD would increase the proportion of the population entering the interior Delta, which, all else being equal, would lower overall survival through the Delta by increasing the fraction of the population subject to lower survival rates. Operation of the NDD would reduce flow in the Sacramento River, which has the potential to increase the magnitude and duration of reverse flows of the Sacramento River downstream of Georgiana Slough. In the first analysis, we evaluate the effect of the NDD bypass rules on flow reversals of the Sacramento River downstream of Georgiana Slough. The NDD bypass rules are a set of operational criteria designed to minimize upstream transport of fish into Georgiana Slough and the DCC, and were developed based on previous studies showing that the magnitude and duration of flow reversals increase the proportion of fish entering Georgiana Slough and the DCC. We estimated the frequency and duration of reverse-flow conditions of the Sacramento River downstream of Georgiana Slough under each of the prescribed minimum bypass flows described in the NDD bypass rules. To accommodate adaptive levels of protection during different times of year when juvenile salmon are migrating through the Delta, the NDD bypass rules prescribe a series of minimum allowable bypass flows that vary depending on (1) month of the year, and (2) progressively decreasing levels of protection following a pulse flow event. We determined that the NDD bypass rules increased the frequency and duration of reverse flows of the Sacramento River downstream of Georgiana Slough, with the magnitude of increase varying among scenarios. Constant low-level pumping, the most protective bypass rule that limits diversion to 10 percent of the maximum diversion and is implemented following a pulse-flow event, led to the smallest increase in frequency and duration of flow reversals. In contrast, we found that some scenarios led to sizeable increases in the fraction of the day with reverse flow. The conditions under which the proportion of the day with reverse flow can increase by greater than or equal to 10 percentage points between October and June, when juvenile salmon are present in the Delta, include October–November bypass rules and level-3 post-pulse operations during December–June. These conditions would be expected to increase the proportion of juvenile salmon entering the interior Delta through Georgiana Slough. In the second analysis, we assessed bias in Delta Simulation Model 2 (DSM2) flow predictions at the junction of the Sacramento River, DCC, and Georgiana Slough. Because DSM2 was being used to simulate California WaterFix operations, understanding the extent of bias relative to USGS streamgages was important since fish routing models were based on flow data at streamgages. We determined that river flow predicted by DSM2 was biased for Georgiana Slough and the Sacramento River. Therefore, for subsequent analysis, we bias-corrected the DSM2 flow predictions using measured stream flows as predictor variables. In the third analysis, we evaluated the effect of the NDD on the daily probability of fish entering Georgiana Slough and the DCC. We applied an existing model to predict entrainment from 15-minute flow simulations for an 82-year time series of flows simulated by DSM2 under the Proposed Action (PA), where the North Delta Diversion is implemented under California WaterFix, and the No Action Alternative (NAA), where the diversion is not implemented. To estimate the daily fraction of fish entering each river channel, entrainment probabilities were averaged over each day. To evaluate the two scenarios, we then compared mean annual entrainment probabilities by month, water year classification, and three different assumed run timings. Overall, the probability of remaining in the Sacramento River was lower under the PA scenario, but the magnitude of the difference was small ( 3 /s. At flows greater than 41,000 ft 3 /s, we hypothesize that entrainment into the interior Delta is relatively constant, which would have caused little difference between scenarios at higher flows.
California↗
Influence of anglers' specializations on catch, harvest, and bycatch of targeted taxa
Fishery managers often use catch per unit effort (CPUE) of a given taxon derived from a group of anglers, those that sought said taxon, to evaluate fishery objectives because managers assume CPUE for this group of anglers is most sensitive to changes in fish taxon density. Further, likelihood of harvest may differ for sought and non-sought taxa if taxon sought is a defining characteristic of anglers’ attitude toward harvest. We predicted that taxon-specific catch across parties and reservoirs would be influenced by targeted taxon after controlling for number of anglers in a party and time spent fishing (combine to quantify fishing effort of party); we also predicted similar trends for taxon-specific harvest. We used creel-survey data collected from anglers that varied in taxon targeted, from generalists (targeting “anything” [no primary target taxa, but rather targeting all fishes]) to target specialists (e.g., anglers targeting largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides ) in 19 Nebraska reservoirs during 2009–2011 to test our predictions. Taxon-specific catch and harvest were, in general, positively related to fishing effort. More importantly, we observed differences of catch and harvest among anglers grouped by taxon targeted for each of the eight taxa assessed. Anglers targeting a specific taxon had the greatest catch for that taxon and anglers targeting anything typically had the second highest catch for that taxon. In addition, anglers tended to catch more of closely related taxa and of taxa commonly targeted with similar fishing techniques. We encourage managers to consider taxon-specific objectives of target and non-target catch and harvest.
Fisheries Research↗
Community fisheries in eastern South Dakota: Angler demographics, use, and factors influencing satisfaction
We surveyed anglers on five community fishing lakes near Brookings, South Dakota to assess angler use and satisfaction. The community lakes attracted younger anglers when compared to statewide and national averages. Overall, satisfaction was generally high (74%) among anglers fishing community lakes. Logistic regression analysis showed that harvest rate, anglers targeting trout, familiarity with the lake, adults fishing with children, and fishing during open water periods were significantly related to angler satisfaction. Angler parties consisting of adults fishing with children were 1.7 times more likely to respond as “satisfied” compared with adults-only angler groups. Fishing opportunities provided by community lakes can enhance participation by younger anglers while simultaneously providing family-oriented recreation (i.e., adults fishing with children) that enhances trip satisfaction.
Human Dimensions of Wildlife↗
An experimental trap net fishery, Lake Oahe, South Dakota, 1965
Large trap nets were evaluated as a commercial gear for capturing buffalo fish during July-September 1965. During the 72-day fishing period, 13,171 fish weighing 21,669 kg were taken. Bigmouth buffalo ( Ictiobus cyprinellus ) and smallmouth buffalo ( Ictiobus bubalus ) dominated the catch (78.2% by weight). Eight sport species accounted for 3.6% of the total catch. Both 7.0-cm and 12.7-cm mesh (extended measure) were used in the back of the bailing crib of the nets to determine the effect of the 12.7-cm mesh in reducing the catch of sport species and nonmarketable size groups of commercial species. The 12.7-cm mesh reduced the catch of nonmarketable bigmouth buffalo 29%, smallmouth buffalo 11%, river carpsucker ( Carpiodes carpio ) 18%, carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) 8%, freshwater drum ( Aplodinotus grunniens ) 35%, and sport species 68%.
Technical Paper↗
Evaluation of a field protocol for internally-tagging fish predators using difficult-to-tag ictalurid catfish as examples
Tagging protocols that result in high tag retention will benefit fisheries professionals who use telemetry data. Ictalurid catfish historically have had very poor telemetry tag retention. Here, we use these difficult-to-tag taxa to address two research objectives. First, we evaluated our field-based internal tagging methodology by quantifying six tag retention metrics using data from 48 acoustically-tagged blue catfish ( Ictalurus furcatus ) released into Milford Reservoir, KS, USA. Second, to better understand the results of this field evaluation, we evaluated tag retention and survival in the hatchery for the closely-related channel catfish ( I. punctatus ). Field and hatchery studies provided complementary information. Eighty percent of tagged blue catfish were detected at the end of our 5-mo field study (1,139,402 = total detections; 24,243 = average detections per fish). A 13-week hatchery evaluation of our field methodology also had high tag retention (100%). Hatchery treatments that used a lateral-ventral incision had higher tag retention and survival than those treatments that included a mid-ventral incision. Time invested in training, protocol refinement, and field organization were also important. Furthermore, monitoring the surgical history and recovery of individual fish allowed us to correct problems before mortality occurred. Because a need exists for a range of internal tagging methodologies that are effective on an assortment of fish species tagged under a variety of circumstances, our high tag retention methodology may be useful to the expanding research community that studies native and non-native catfish, as well as, other telemetry researchers who seek beneficial refinements to their tagging protocols.
Kansas↗
Migratory Patterns of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Returning to a Large, Free-flowing River Basin
Upriver movements were determined for Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha returning to the Yukon River, a large, virtually pristine river basin. These returns have declined dramatically since the late 1990s, and information is needed to better manage the run and facilitate conservation efforts. A total of 2,860 fish were radio tagged during 2002–2004. Most (97.5%) of the fish tracked upriver to spawning areas displayed continual upriver movements and strong fidelity to the terminal tributaries entered. Movement rates were substantially slower for fish spawning in lower river tributaries (28–40 km d -1 ) compared to upper basin stocks (52–62 km d -1 ). Three distinct migratory patterns were observed, including a gradual decline, pronounced decline, and substantial increase in movement rate as the fish moved upriver. Stocks destined for the same region exhibited similar migratory patterns. Individual fish within a stock showed substantial variation, but tended to reflect the regional pattern. Differences between consistently faster and slower fish explained 74% of the within-stock variation, whereas relative shifts in sequential movement rates between “hares” (faster fish becoming slower) and “tortoises” (slow but steady fish) explained 22% of the variation. Pulses of fish moving upriver were not cohesive. Fish tagged over a 4-day period took 16 days to pass a site 872 km upriver. Movement rates were substantially faster and the percentage of atypical movements considerably less than reported in more southerly drainages, but may reflect the pristine conditions within the Yukon River, wild origins of the fish, and discrete run timing of the returns. Movement data can provide numerous insights into the status and management of salmon returns, particularly in large river drainages with widely scattered fisheries where management actions in the lower river potentially impact harvests and escapement farther upstream. However, the substantial variation exhibited among individual fish within a stock can complicate these efforts.
Alaska, Yukon Territory↗
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↗
A predictive model to inform adaptive management of double-crested cormorants and fisheries in Michigan
The proliferation of double-crested cormorants (DCCOs; Phalacrocorax auritus ) in North America has raised concerns over their potential negative impacts on game, cultured and forage fishes, island and terrestrial resources, and other colonial water birds, leading to increased public demands to reduce their abundance. By combining fish surplus production and bird functional feeding response models, we developed a deterministic predictive model representing bird–fish interactions to inform an adaptive management process for the control of DCCOs in multiple colonies in Michigan. Comparisons of model predictions with observations of changes in DCCO numbers under management measures implemented from 2004 to 2012 suggested that our relatively simple model was able to accurately reconstruct past DCCO population dynamics. These comparisons helped discriminate among alternative parameterizations of demographic processes that were poorly known, especially site fidelity. Using sensitivity analysis, we also identified remaining critical uncertainties (mainly in the spatial distributions of fish vs. DCCO feeding areas) that can be used to prioritize future research and monitoring needs. Model forecasts suggested that continuation of existing control efforts would be sufficient to achieve long-term DCCO control targets in Michigan and that DCCO control may be necessary to achieve management goals for some DCCO-impacted fisheries in the state. Finally, our model can be extended by accounting for parametric or ecological uncertainty and including more complex assumptions on DCCO–fish interactions as part of the adaptive management process.
Natural Resource Modeling↗