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At least 847 records · Page 47Linked to original sources

USGS2018

Dietary bioprocessed soybean meal does not affect the growth of exercised juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Context : This 88-day experiment evaluated the rearing performance of juvenile rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) fed one of three isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets and reared at velocities of either 2.3 or 18.7 cm s -1 . Objective : Evaluate the effects of diet and exercise during rainbow trout rearing. Design : Fishmeal was the primary protein source for one diet, with bioprocessed soybean meal (BSM) replacing either 60 or 85% of the fishmeal in the other two diets. Setting : This study was performed at Cleghorn Springs State Fish Hatchery in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA. Results : At the end of the experiment there were no significant differences among the dietary treatments in gain, percent gain, specific growth rate (SGR), or percent mortality. However, fish fed the fishmeal-based diet ate significantly more, experienced a significantly higher feed conversion ratio (FCR), and had a significantly higher hepatosomatic index than the fish fed the 85% BSM diet. Intestinal histology was not affected by the inclusion of BSM. Fish reared at 2.3 cm/s -1 had significantly lower FCRs, gain, percent gain, and SGR than the fish reared at 18.7 cm/ s -1 . There was a significant interaction in food consumed between diet and velocity, but no other significant interactions between the dietary and exercise treatments were observed. Conclusion : Based on these results, BSM can replace at least 85% of the fishmeal in juvenile rainbow trout, even if the fish are exercised.

South Dakota↗

USGS1990

Bear use of cutthroat trout spawning streams in Yellowstone National Park

Grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos ) and black bears ( U. americanus ) prey on spawning cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki , formerly known as Salmo clarki ) in tributary streams of Yellowstone Lake. These tributary streams were surveyed from 1985 to 1987 to determine the presence and level of trout spawning activity and bear use. Indices were developed to enumerate spawner density and levels of bear use. Of 124 known tributaries of Yellowstone Lake, 48% had a spawning run. Of these spawning streams, 93% had associated bear activity, and 61% had associated evidence of bear fishing. Bears were apparently using more spawning streams and fish compared to 10 years earlier. Bear use of cutthroat trout spawning streams appeared to be largely a positive function of volumetric spawner density. We hypothesize that abundance and quality of stream-side vegetation relative to other foraging options influenced bear use. Intra- and interspecific avoidance among bears was suggested by patterns of spawning stream use. Less bear use of spawning streams than expected occurred within 1 km of park developments.

Idaho, Montana, Wyoming↗

USGS1976

Choline metabolism and nutritional requirement of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Duplicate lots of 2-g lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were fed a purified diet alone and with equimolar supplements of aminoethanol, methylaminoethanol, dimethylaminoethanol, choline or betaine. Supplements of choline, methyl- and dimethylaminoethanol significantly increased growth rate and reduced liver fat content, whereas aminoethanol and betaine did not. These results suggest that trout biosyn-thesize choline from methyl- and dimethylaminoethanol but not from aminoethanol or betaine. In another experiment triplicate lots of 5-g trout were fed diets containing graded levels (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 mg/kg) of choline. Growth results showed that the requirement for choline is no greater than 1,000 mg/kg of diet.

Journal of Animal Science↗

USGS2024

Structurally selective ozonolysis of p-phenylenediamines and toxicity in coho salmon and rainbow trout

The tire rubber-derived ozonation product of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (6PPD-Q), was recently discovered to cause acute mortality in Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). para-Phenylenediamines (PPDs) with variable side chains distinct from 6PPD have been identified as potential replacement commercial antioxidants, but their structure-related ozone reactivities and toxicities remain unexplored. We herein tested the multiphase gas-surface ozone reactivity of four select PPDs and evaluated the toxicity of their reaction mixtures in Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). 6PPD and N-Isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (IPPD) were found to rapidly react with ozone to form 22 and 16 transformation products, respectively, including PPD-Qs. No significant multiphase ozone reactivity was observed for N,N'-Diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) or N-Cyclohexyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (CPPD) despite their structural similarity to 6PPD. The viability of Coho Salmon CSE-119 cells was strongly affected by the ozonolysis products of 6PPD, but not by those of the other three PPDs. The cytotoxicity of the 6PPD reaction mixture increased with ozonolysis time, with the strongest toxicity being observed after 7 days of oxidation by 100 ppb of ozone. As with Coho Salmon cells, acute mortality was only observed in juvenile Rainbow Trout that were exposed to the oxidized 6PPD reaction mixture, suggesting a common mechanism of toxic action in the two salmonid fish species. Compound- and regio-selective formation of hydroxylated metabolites of 6PPD-Q were detected in Rainbow Trout exposed to the 6PPD reaction mixture, which may be related to its selective toxicity. This study reports the structurally selective ozone reactivity of PPDs, and the unique toxicity of 6PPD ozonolysis mixtures, which demonstrates that other PPDs are potential alternative antioxidants.

ChemRxiv↗

USGS2017

Bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) telemetry and associated habitat data collected in a geodatabase from the upper Boise River, southwestern Idaho

Bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ), listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, are among the more thermally sensitive of coldwater species in North America. The Boise River upstream of Arrowrock Dam in southwestern Idaho (including Arrowrock Reservoir) provides habitat for one of the southernmost populations of bull trout. The presence of the species in Arrowrock Reservoir poses implications for dam and reservoir operations. From 2011 to 2014, the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Geological Survey collected fish telemetry data to improve understanding of bull trout distribution and movement in Arrowrock Reservoir and in the upper Boise River tributaries. The U.S. Geological Survey compiled the telemetry (fish location) data, along with reservoir elevation, river discharge, precipitation, and water-quality data in a geodatabase. The geodatabase includes metadata compliant with Federal Geographic Data Committee content standards. The Bureau of Reclamation plans to incorporate the data in a decision‑support tool for reservoir management.

Idaho↗

USGS2000

Trout Lake, Wisconsin: A water, energy, and biogeochemical budgets program site

The Trout Lake Watershed is in the Northern Highlands Lake District in north-central Wisconsin. The study area includes four subbasins with five lakes and two bog lakes. The objectives of the Trout Lake WEBB project are to (1) describe processes controlling water and solute fluxes in the Trout Lake watershed, (2) examine interactions among those processes and (3) improve the capability to predict changes in water and solute fluxes for a range of spatial and temporal scales (Elder and others, 1992).

Wisconsin↗

USGS2013

Using broad landscape level features to predict redd densities of steelhead trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) and Chinook Salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) in the Methow River watershed, Washington

We used broad-scale landscape feature variables to model redd densities of spring Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) and steelhead trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) in the Methow River watershed. Redd densities were estimated from redd counts conducted from 2005 to 2007 and 2009 for steelhead trout and 2005 to 2009 for spring Chinook salmon. These densities were modeled using generalized linear mixed models. Variables examined included primary and secondary geology type, habitat type, flow type, sinuosity, and slope of stream channel. In addition, we included spring effect and hatchery effect variables to account for high densities of redds near known springs and hatchery outflows. Variables were associated with National Hydrography Database reach designations for modeling redd densities within each reach. Reaches were assigned a dominant habitat type, geology, mean slope, and sinuosity. The best fit model for spring Chinook salmon included sinuosity, critical slope, habitat type, flow type, and hatchery effect. Flow type, slope, and habitat type variables accounted for most of the variation in the data. The best fit model for steelhead trout included year, habitat type, flow type, hatchery effect, and spring effect. The spring effect, flow type, and hatchery effect variables explained most of the variation in the data. Our models illustrate how broad-scale landscape features may be used to predict spawning habitat over large areas where fine-scale data may be lacking.

Washington↗

USGS2014

Bull trout in the Boundary System: managing connectivity and the feasibility of a reintroduction in the lower Pend Oreille River, northeastern Washington

Many of the World’s rivers are influenced by large dams (>15 m high) most of which have fragmented formerly continuous habitats, and significantly altered fish passage, natural flow, temperature, and sediment fluxes (Nilsson and others, 2005; Arthington, 2012; Liermann and others, 2012). In the Pacific Northwest, dams on major rivers have been a major focus for fishery managers, primarily in regard to passage of anadromous salmonids (principally Pacific salmon and steelhead trout [ Oncorhynchus mykiss ], for example, Ferguson and others, 2011), but more recently other species, such as Pacific lamprey ( Entosphenus tridentatus ) and resident (non-anadromous) salmonids, are receiving more attention (Neraas and Spruell, 2001; Moser and others, 2002; Muhlfeld and others, 2012). In the case of resident salmonids, fish can adopt a wide range of migratory behaviors that often bring them into mainstem rivers where they can come into direct contact with large dams. When this occurs, some of the most important direct effects of dams on salmonids include barriers to upstream and downstream movement and mortality associated with entrainment within the dam or spill over dams. Biologically, these direct impacts can lead to (1) disruption of natural historical (pre-dam) genetic and demographic connectivity among local populations, (2) loss of access to historically used migratory destinations, (3) loss of individuals to the population through mortality associated with entrainment. In this report, we address these issues for the case of Boundary Dam, located immediately south of the Canadian border on the lower Pend Oreille River in northeastern Washington (fig. 1). Specifically, we addressed the following objectives: Evaluate the justification for bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) passing over Boundary Dam in the context of likely historical patterns of gene flow that occurred prior to dam construction, current patterns of movement, and status of existing populations. Assess the role of passage over Boundary Dam, in the context of other factors in the system that may influence the feasibility of establishing a self-sustaining bull trout population in the Boundary system.

Washington↗

USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 30 (MNTGTH00410030) on Town Highway 41, crossing the Trout River, Montgomery, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure MNTGTH00410030 on Town Highway 41 crossing the Trout River, Montgomery, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in northern Vermont. The 46.1-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover on the left bank is pasture upstream and downstream of the bridge with dense woody vegetation along the immediate banks. The upstream and downstream right bank surface cover is brush. In the study area, the Trout River has an incised, meandering channel with a slope of approximately 0.005 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 130 ft and an average bank height of 6 ft. The channel bed material ranges from sand to cobble with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 68.3 mm (0.224 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on June 27, 1995, indicated that the reach was laterally unstable. At this site there is visible lateral channel movement upstream and downstream of the bridge with meanders and cut banks. The Town Highway 41 crossing of the Trout River is a 90-ft-long, one-lane bridge consisting of one 87-foot steel-beam span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, August 3, 1994). The opening length of the structure parallel to the bridge face is 86.7 ft.The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 10 degrees to the opening while the opening-skew-toroadway is 0 degrees. A scour hole 4.5 ft deeper than the mean thalweg depth, was observed 35 ft downstream of the bridge during the Level I assessment. The scour counter-measures at the site included type-1 stone fill (less than 12 inches diameter) at the upstream left wingwall, at the left abutment, along the upstream right bank, and at the upstream end of the downstream left wingwall. There was also type-2 stone fill (less than 36 inches diameter) along the downstream right bank. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and recommended rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows was 0.0 ft. Abutment scour ranged from 2.5 to 8.9 ft. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. The computed scour depths are well above the pile depths set in bedrock. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scouredstreambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particlesize distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗

USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 19 (SHEFTH00440019) on Town Highway 44, crossing Trout Brook, Sheffield, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure SHEFTH00440019 on Town Highway 44 crossing Trout Brook, Sheffield, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the White Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in northeastern Vermont. The 3.0-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is grass on the upstream and downstream right overbanks, while the immediate banks have dense woody vegetation. The surface cover of the upstream and downstream left overbanks is shrub and brushland. In the study area, Trout Brook has an incised, sinuous channel with a slope of approximately 0.03 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 45 ft and an average bank height of 6 ft. The channel bed material ranges from sand to boulder with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 116 mm (0.381 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 31, 1995, indicated that the reach was stable. The Town Highway 44 crossing of Trout Brook is a 24-ft-long, one-lane bridge consisting of a 22-foot steel-stringer span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, March 28, 1994). The opening length of the structure parallel to the bridge face is 19.8 ft. The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 10 degrees to the opening while the opening-skew-to-roadway is zero degrees. Scour depths and recommended rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995) for the 100- and 500-year discharges. In addition, the incipient roadway-overtopping discharge was analyzed since it has the potential of being the worst-case scour scenario. Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows resulted in zero ft. Left abutment scour ranged from 4.4 to 5.6 ft. The worst-case left abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Right abutment scour ranged from 3.6 to 4.8 ft. The worst-case right abutment scour occurred at the incipient roadway-overtopping discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particlesize distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗

USGS2010

Water quality (2000-08) and historical phosphorus concentrations from paleolimnological studies of Swamp and Speckled Trout Lakes, Grand Portage Reservation, northeastern Minnesota

A paleolimnological approach was taken to aid the Grand Portage Reservation, in northeastern Minnesota, in determining reference conditions for lakes on the reservation. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa Indians and the Science Museum of Minnesota, conducted a study to describe water quality (2000-08) and historical total phosphorus concentrations (approximately 1781-2006) for Swamp and Speckled Trout Lakes. Results from this study may be used as a guide in establishing nutrient criteria in these and other lakes on the Grand Portage Reservation. Historical phosphorus concentrations were inferred through paleolimnological reconstruction methods involving diatom analysis and lead-210 dating of lake-sediment cores. Historical diatom-inferred total phosphorus concentrations in Swamp Lake ranged from 0.017 to 0.025 milligrams per liter (mg/L) based on diatom assemblages in sediment samples dated 1781-2005. Historical diatom-inferred total phosphorus concentrations in Speckled Trout Lake ranged from 0.008 to 0.014 mg/L based on diatom assemblages in sediment samples dated 1825-2006. In both lakes, historical changes in diatom-inferred total phosphorus concentrations did not exceed model error estimates, indicating that there has been minimal change in total phosphorus concentrations in the two lakes over about two centuries. Nutrient concentrations in monthly water samples collected May through October during 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 were compared to the diatom-inferred total phosphorus concentrations. Total phosphorus concentrations from water samples collected from Swamp Lake during 2000-08 ranged from less than 0.002 to 0.160 mg/L (median= 0.023 mg/L) compared to diatom-inferred total phosphorus concentrations of 0.018 to 0.020 mg/L for 2002 to 2005. Total phosphorus concentrations in water samples collected from Speckled Trout Lake during 2000-08 were similar to those of Swamp Lake, ranging from less than 0.002 to 0.147 mg/L (median=0.012 mg/L), whereas the diatom-inferred total phosphorus concentrations were smaller, ranging from 0.009 to 0.010 mg/L for 2003 to 2006. Differences in total phosphorus concentrations between the two lakes may be because of differences in watershed characteristics, particularly the number of wetlands in the two watersheds. Similarities between recent total phosphorus concentrations in water-quality samples and diatom-inferred total phosphorus indicate that diatom-inferred phosphorus reconstructions might be used to help establish reference conditions. Nutrient criteria for Grand Portage Reservation lakes may be established when a sampling program is designed to ensure representative phosphorus concentrations in water samples are comparable to diatom-inferred concentrations.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2015

Geomorphic, flood, and groundwater-flow characteristics of Bayfield Peninsula streams, Wisconsin, and implications for brook-trout habitat

In 2002–03, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study of the geomorphic, flood, and groundwater-flow characteristics of five Bayfield Peninsula streams, Wisconsin (Cranberry River, Bark River, Raspberry River, Sioux River, and Whittlesey Creek) to determine the physical limitations for brook-trout habitat. The goals of the study were threefold: (1) to describe geomorphic characteristics and processes, (2) to determine how land-cover characteristics affect flood peaks, and (3) to determine how regional groundwater flow patterns affect base flow. The geomorphic characterization consisted of analyses of historical aerial photographs and General Land Office Survey notes, observations from helicopter video footage, surveys of valley cross sections, and coring. Sources of sediment were identified from the helicopter video and field surveys, and past erosion-control techniques were evaluated. Geomorphic processes, such as runoff sediment erosion, transport, and deposition, are driven by channel location within the drainage network, texture of glacial deposits, and proximity to postglacial lake shorelines; these processes have historically increased because of decreases in upland forest cover and channel roughness. Sources of sediment for all studied streams mainly came from bank, terrace, or bluff erosion along main stem reaches and along feeder tributaries that bisect main-stem entrenched valley sides. Bluff, terrace, and bank erosion were the major sources of sediment to Whittlesey Creek and the Sioux River. No active bluff erosion was observed on the Cranberry River or the Bark River but anecdotal information suggests that landslides occasionally happen on the Cranberry River. For the Bark River, sources of sediment were somewhat evenly divided among road crossings (bridges, culverts, and unimproved forest lanes), terrace erosion, bank erosion, and incision along upper main stems and feeder channels along valley sides. Evaluation of past erosion-control techniques indicated that bluffs were stabilized by a combination of artificial hardening and bioengineering of the bluff base and reducing mass wasting of the tops of the bluffs. Flood hydrographs for the Cranberry River were simulated for four land-cover scenarios—late 20th century (1992–93), presettlement (before 1870), peak agriculture (1928), and developed (25 percent urban). Results were compared to previous simulations of flood peaks for Whittlesey Creek and for North Fish Creek (southern adjacent basin to Whittlesey Creek). Even though most uplands are presently forested, flood peaks simulated for 1992–93 were 1.5 to 2 times larger than presettlement flood peaks. The increased flood peaks caused (1) increased incision along upper main stems and tributaries that bisect entrenched valley sides, (2) bluff and terrace erosion along reaches with entrenched valleys, (3) overbank deposition and bar formation in middle and lower main stems, and (4) aggradation in mouth areas. A base-flow survey was conducted and a groundwater-flow model was developed for the Bayfield Peninsula to delineate groundwater contributing areas. A deep aquifer system, which includes thick deposits of sand and the upper part of the bedrock, is recharged through the permeable sands in the center of the peninsula. Base flow is unevenly distributed among the Bayfield streams and depends on the amount of channel incision and the proximity of the channels to the recharge area and coarse outwash deposits. Groundwater contributing areas for the five streams do not coincide with surface-water-contributing areas. About 89 percent of total recharge to the deep aquifer system discharges to Bayfield streams; the remaining 11 percent directly discharges to Lake Superior. Historical land-cover changes have had negligible effects on groundwater-flow from the deep aquifer system. Available brook-trout habitat is dependent on the locations of groundwater upwellings, the sizes of flood peaks, and sediment loads. Management practices that focus on reducing or slowing runoff from upland areas and increasing channel roughness have potential to reduce flood peaks, erosion, and sedimentation and improve brook-trout habitat in all Bayfield Peninsula streams.

Wisconsin↗

USGS2015

Evaluation of mercury in rainbow trout collected from Duck Valley Indian Reservation reservoirs, southwestern Idaho and northern Nevada, 2007, 2009, and 2013

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, analyzed mercury (Hg) concentration in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) collected from three reservoirs on the reservation (Mountain View, Lake Billy Shaw, and Sheep Creek) during sampling events in 2007, 2009, and 2013, to determine the risk of Hg exposure to Tribal members and the general public. Mercury concentration in predatory fish tends to increase with fish length, and this tendency was true for rainbow trout in the reservoirs on the reservation (r 2 = 0.44–0.70). Mean (average) and median Hg concentrations in fish tissue were determined for each reservoir for each sample year. All Hg concentrations were less than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s water-quality criterion of 0.30 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg wet weight [ww]) and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s reasonable potential to exceed threshold of 0.24 mg/kg. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare toxicologists determined that the Hg concentrations in rainbow trout in this study would not warrant a fish-consumption advisory for this species. Throughout this report, statistical findings with a p -value of less than 0.05 are referred to as “significant.” Mean Hg concentrations in fish-tissue samples collected from Mountain View Reservoir were higher in 2007 (0.12 mg/kg ww) than in 2009 and 2013 (0.07 and 0.06 mg/kg ww, respectively), indicating a significant mean decrease. Mean Hg concentrations in fish-tissue samples collected from Lake Billy Shaw showed no significant differences among sample years (2007, 0.12 mg/kg ww; 2009, 0.07 mg/kg ww; 2013, 0.09 mg/kg ww). Mean Hg concentrations in fish-tissue samples collected from Sheep Creek Reservoir significantly increased in 2013 (0.10 mg/kg ww) from concentrations in 2007 and 2009 (0.06 and 0.05 mg/kg ww, respectively). These temporal and spatial variations are not unexpected, as each body of water may differ in the factors and conditions affecting the rate of methylation and demethylation. Coupled with the dynamic put-and-take fishery, the outcomes reflect the system complexities among reservoirs despite their fairly close proximity to one another. The influence of these other factors is evident when the analysis of atmospheric Hg deposition at Mercury Deposition Network site NV02 in northern Nevada showed no significant linear trend in wet Hg deposition rates for 2003–2013 (average 3.02 micrograms per square meter).

Idaho, Nevada↗

USGS2019

Sand Creek characterization study for Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis (Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout), Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

The Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis (Rio Grande cutthroat trout, RGCT) has undergone extensive declines in distribution and population. The RGCT is the southernmost distributed subspecies of cutthroat trout. Native to the Rio Grande Basin in Colorado and New Mexico, the subspecies is also found in the headwaters of the Pecos River and Canadian River basins in New Mexico. Currently, RGCT populations represent approximately 12 percent of the historic distribution. There are many factors that have contributed to the decline of the RGCT including small population sizes; hybridization with non-native salmonids; competition with non-native salmonids; angling; and loss of habitat resulting from wildfire, stream drying, disease, increased water temperatures; and poor land management. The eastern side of Colorado’s Rio Grande Basin is also home to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Sand Creek watershed. This study was designed to (1) characterize current physical and biological conditions of waterbodies within the Sand Creek watershed, from headwaters to lower terminus near the dune field; (2) characterize the spatial extent of existing fisheries within the Sand Creek watershed to inform the scope of potential future reclamation efforts; and (3) evaluate key limiting factors for a future native RGCT reintroduction. Bathymetric profiles were completed for two lakes within the upper Sand Creek drainage to characterize the physical geometry of each lake and to estimate the total lake volume required for future piscicide treatment and (or) fish removal efforts. Physical and biological conditions evaluated included stream water temperature and intermittency, discharge, and the genetics and existing fish community distribution and composition within the Sand Creek watershed were key components of this study. A baseline established the geographic extent and biological constraints factored into future piscicide treatment planning and native trout reintroduction efforts. As a result of this work, the Sand Creek watershed can be broken up into several distinct categories: Lakes that are good candidates for reclamation and reintroduction of RGCT, lakes that are poor candidates for reclamation, streams that currently have fish and are good candidates for reclamation and reintroduction, streams that currently lack fish and may be good candidates for introduction of RGCT, and streams that currently lack fish and are not good candidates for introduction of RGCT. This characterization study report is intended to inform State and Federal managers of the likelihood that the Sand Creek watershed can support a sustainable population of RGCT should they be reintroduced.

Colorado↗

USGS2012

Genetic basis of differences in myxospore count between whirling disease-resistant and -susceptible strains of rainbow trout

We used a quantitative genetics approach and estimated broad sense heritability (h 2 b ) of myxospore count and the number of genes involved in myxospore formation to gain a better understanding of how resistance to Myxobolus cerebralis, the parasite responsible for whirling disease, is inherited in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. An M. cerebralis-resistant strain of rainbow trout, the German Rainbow (GR), and a wild, susceptible strain of rainbow trout, the Colorado River Rainbow (CRR), were spawned to create 3 intermediate crossed populations (an F1 cross, F2 intercross, and a B2 backcross between the F1 and the CRR). Within each strain or cross, h 2 b was estimated from the between-family variance of myxospore counts using full-sibling families. Estimates of h 2 b and average myxospore counts were lowest in the GR strain, F1 cross, and F2 intercross (h 2 b = 0.34, 0.42, and 0.34; myxospores fish −1 = 275, 9566, and 45780, respectively), and highest in the B2 backcross and CRR strain (h 2 b = 0.93 and 0.89; myxospores fish −1 = 97865 and 187595, respectively). Comparison of means and a joint-scaling test suggest that resistance alleles arising from the GR strain are dominant to susceptible alleles from the CRR strain. Resistance was retained in the intermediate crosses but decreased as filial generation number increased (F2) or backcrossing occurred (B2). The estimated number of segregating loci responsible for differences in myxospore count in the parental strains was 9 ± 5. Our results indicate that resistance to M. cerebralis is a heritable trait within these populations and would respond to either artificial selection in hatcheries or natural selection in the wild.

Diseases of Aquatic Organisms↗

USGS2025

Genetics of wild, whirling disease resistant rainbow trout populations in Colorado

Introduction: Myxobolus cerebralis , the parasite responsible for salmonid whirling disease, was unintentionally introduced to and became established in Colorado in the 1990s. Mortality of young-of-year fish due to infection by M. cerebralis resulted in recruitment failure and subsequent significant declines in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) populations. The complex multistage lifecycle of M. cerebralis makes it difficult to eradicate and manage, and hatchery control strategies do not work in the wild. A viable method that has been utilized for wild populations is enhancing host resistance. Myxobolus cerebralis resistant Rainbow Trout were discovered at a hatchery in Germany and subsequently incorporated into Colorado's brood stock program. Since 2004, M. cerebralis resistant strains have been stocked into all major Colorado coldwater drainages to re-establish Rainbow Trout populations after whirling disease-related declines, with documented survival and reproduction of stocked disease resistant fish. Methods and results: Genetic population assignment tests (via putatively neutral microsatellite markers) were used to monitor the stocked populations and indicated that, after only a few years, many of the individuals in these populations unexpectedly assigned to genetic strains that were historically susceptible to M. cerebralis . To further investigate the genetic composition of these fish, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel was used to determine the percent genetic composition of resistant strain in these individuals. Microsatellites and SNPs provided similar results, indicating a low percentage of ancestry from the resistant strain in these fish, but they continued to survive exposure to M. cerebralis , suggesting that these individuals possessed genetic loci necessary for resistance. Finally, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) region (termed WDRES-9) was used to identify individuals with alleles associated with disease resistance. Implementation of the WDRES-9 QTL test allowed for more accurate determination of M. cerebralis resistant individuals within wild populations and better described their variability in resistance.

Colorado↗

USGS2019

Standardized IMGT nomenclature of salmonidae IGH genes, the paradigm of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout: From genomics to repertoires

In teleost fish as in mammals, humoral adaptive immunity is based on B lymphocytes expressing highly diverse immunoglobulins (IG). During B cell differentiation, IG loci are subjected to genomic rearrangements of V, D, and J genes, producing a unique antigen receptor expressed on the surface of each lymphocyte. During the course of an immune response to infections or immunizations, B cell clones specific of epitopes from the immunogen are expanded and activated, leading to production of specific antibodies. Among teleost fish, salmonids comprise key species for aquaculture. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are especially important from a commercial point of view and have emerged as critical models for fish immunology. The growing interest to capture accurate and comprehensive antibody responses against common pathogens and vaccines has resulted in recent efforts to sequence the IG repertoire in these species. In this context, a unified and standardized nomenclature of salmonid IG heavy chain (IGH) genes is urgently required, to improve accuracy of annotation of adaptive immune receptor repertoire dataset generated by high-throughput sequencing (AIRRseq) and facilitate comparisons between studies and species. Interestingly, the assembly of salmonids IGH genomic sequences is challenging due to the presence of two large size duplicated IGH loci and high numbers of IG genes and pseudogenes. We used data available for Atlantic salmon to establish an IMGT standardized nomenclature of IGH genes in this species and then applied the IMGT rules to the rainbow trout IGH loci to set up a nomenclature, which takes into account the specificities of Salmonid loci. This unique, consistent nomenclature for Salmonid IGH genes was then used to construct IMGT sequence reference directories allowing accurate annotation of AIRRseq data. The complex issues raised by the genetic diversity of salmon and trout strains are discussed in the context of IG repertoire annotation.

Frontiers in Immunology↗

USGS2007

Distinguishing wild vs. stocked lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) in Lake Ontario: Evidence from carbon and oxygen stable isotope values of otoliths

We investigated the potential for using carbon and oxygen isotope values of otolith carbonate as a method to distinguish naturally produced (wild) lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from hatchery-reared lake trout in Lake Ontario. We determined δ 13 C (CaCO 3 ) and δ 18 O (CaCO 3 ) values of otoliths from juvenile fish taken from two hatcheries, and of otoliths from wild yearlings. Clear differences in isotope values were observed between the three groups. Subsequently we examined otoliths from large marked and unmarked fish captured in the lake, determining isotope values for regions of the otolith corresponding to the first year of life. Marked (i.e., stocked) fish showed isotope ratios similar to one of the hatchery groups, whereas unmarked fish, (wild fish or stocked fish that lost the mark) showed isotope ratios similar either to one of the hatchery groups or to the wild group. We interpret these data to suggest that carbon and oxygen isotope values can be used to determine the origin of lake trout in Lake Ontario, if a catalogue of characteristic isotope values from all candidate years and hatcheries is compiled.

Journal of Great Lakes Research↗