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The following schedule is subject to change (as of October 11, 2016). Please check back for updates. For more information about this meeting, go to: www.seafwa.org/conferences/2016
AUTHORS: Craig Gothreaux, Heather David, Rebecca Hillebrandt, Mariana Steen, Ashley Ferguson - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Mark-recapture studies have been used for centuries to improve our understanding of the biology, ecology, and movements of fish. Fish marking technology has evolved into a myriad of possible tools and techniques that can be used by fishery biologists to gather valuable information about the species involved. Marking fish helps elucidate details often hidden beneath the water’s surface, and also provides spatial and temporal data on how fish utilize and interact with an ever-changing coastal zone. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) supports multiple tagging programs throughout state waters, all with a common goal - gaining better understanding about movement patterns and habitat preferences of marine fishes. Tagging efforts span the spectrum from conventional tagging efforts utilizing citizen scientists to electronic tags that allow remote sensing and repeated measures of individual fish. The objective of this presentation is to summarize the evolution of ongoing marine fish tagging programs in Louisiana. Specific discussions will include the Louisiana Cooperative Marine Fish Tagging Program and the inclusion of elite citizen scientist for field studies, the integration of controlled tank experiments conducted at the LDWF Grand Isle Fisheries Research Laboratory, and information derived from acoustic telemetry research in Calcasieu Lake and Lake Pontchartrain.
Monday October 17, 2016 1:00pm - 1:20pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Jennifer A. McKinney, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Brett Falterman, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: In 2012 the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries initiated a Shark Electronic Tagging Program to better understand habitat use of commercially important and protected species of Elasmobranches off the coast of Louisiana. Worldwide many populations of sharks are in decline due to human impact, so effective management is vital for conservation. This study focuses on three species of conservation and management concern: the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini; n=28), the whale shark (Rhincodon typus; n=16), and the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus; n=15). Pop-up satellite archival tags (PSAT) and smart-position-only tags (SPOT) were used to examine habitat use and address data needs identified by management agencies. Scalloped hammerhead tag data suggest a strong affinity for shelf-edge habitats along Louisiana’s coastline within a narrow depth contour. Whale shark seasonal utilization distributions demonstrate a distinct preference for north-central Gulf of Mexico waters during warmer months and southward movement into the southern Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea in cooler months, documenting distinct seasonal shifts and connectivity into the southern GOM and Caribbean Sea. Tags deployed on blacktip sharks were part of a pilot study to develop methodologies for assessing post-release survival. Future studies on blacktips will examine stress physiology and habitat use. This collaborative research focuses on proactive fisheries management for coastal and pelagic sharks.
Monday October 17, 2016 1:20pm - 1:40pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Brett Falterman, Jennifer McKinney, Cijii Marshall, Erik Lang - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: The yellowfin tuna is a popular target of both offshore recreational anglers and the commercial pelagic longline fishery. The majority of user groups that target this species in the northern Gulf of Mexico are based in Louisiana. Nevertheless, significant data deficiencies exist in almost every aspect of the yellowfin tuna’s biology in the region. Beginning in 2012 the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) initiated an attempt to address many of those critical data gaps by both sampling yellowfin tuna from the Louisiana recreational catch and initiating a directed yellowfin tuna electronic tagging program. To date over 2400 yellowfin tuna have been sampled from the recreational fishery and samples from these fish have significantly contributed to novel projects on natal origin, age and growth, reproductive biology, feeding ecology, and genetic population structure of the Gulf yellowfin resource. In addition, both pop-up satellite tags (PSATs; n=26) and internal archival (IA; n=163) tags have been attached to yellowfin tuna in the northern Gulf. Results to date suggest higher retention and slower growth in the Gulf of Mexico that previously suggested.
Monday October 17, 2016 1:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Ashley Ferguson, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Craig Gothreaux, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: The Bonnet Carré spillway flood control structure was opened on January 10, 2016 for 22 days, redirecting freshwater from the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain. The ongoing acoustic telemetry project within Lake Pontchartrain allowed biologists the unique opportunity to observe fish movements in response to the diverted river water. In 2012, 90 acoustic receivers were deployed throughout the lake to study the movement patterns and habitat use of fishes. A total of 244 adult spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, 64 adult red drum Sciaenops ocellatus, and 18 juvenile bullsharks Carcharhinus leucas have been cooperatively tagged with acoustic transmitters since project initiation. At the time of the spillway opening, 26 spotted seatrout and 28 red drum with active tags were present in Lake Pontchartrain. Data from receivers were downloaded after the spillway closed and were uploaded and integrated onto the department’s telemetry visualization website (louisianafisheries.net/telemetry/). Representative fish locations were overlaid with MODIS satellite images to observe movement in relation to the sediment plume. Additionally, these data were overlaid with salinity maps, which display salinity gradients in the lake before, during, and after the spillway opening. Spotted seatrout and red drum did show an avoidance response to the river water, moving away from the plume and toward the north east portion of the lake. Tagged spotted seatrout and red drum returned to the center of the lake after the spillway was closed. Results from this study provide insight to the poorly understood behavior of fishes in response to large sediment-loaded freshwater inputs.
Monday October 17, 2016 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Erik T. Lang, Chris A. Levron - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Spotted seatrout is a primary target species in the coastal recreational fishery in Louisiana. The most accurate characterization of the spawning stock of a species, uses annual fecundity for each age of that species. Louisiana currently uses the biomass of the adult spotted seatrout population to represent the spawning stock but is now developing a data set of annual fecundity at age. To compile this data set, we assessed age, spawning season duration, spawning frequency, and batch fecundity. Specimens were captured using gill nets and hook and line. Ages for spotted seatrout sampled to date range from one to three years, which restricts our resolution of fecundity at age data. However, there could be a large difference in fecundity from one to three years considering that the average gonadosomatic index (GSI) during spawning months is much higher in age three individuals. Additionally, based on macroscopic staging, the frequency of age three individuals undergoing vitellogenesis is higher than age one or two, suggesting more frequent spawning. Overall, more fish need to be sampled from older age classes and further histological and fecundity work needs to be completed.
Monday October 17, 2016 2:20pm - 2:40pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Mariana E. Steen, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: In this report, the results of a four-year alternative gear study for yellowfin tuna using greenstick fishing gear are given. The goal of this research was to characterize the catch and bycatch of greenstick gear in the northern Gulf of Mexico and to investigate the economic viability of developing a commercial greenstick gear fishery in the region. Results from this work indicated that the greenstick catch was comprised primarily of blackfin and yellowfin tuna. No species of concern, threatened, or endangered were caught using the gear and no bluefin tuna interactions were recorded. The gear proved to be selective for target species with dead discards accounting for only 2.5% of the total catch compared to 56.2% for pelagic longline gear, but average dressed weights for yellowfin tuna caught using greenstick in this study were substantially less than those reported for pelagic longline gear, 31 lb and 86.3 lb (NOAA 2011), respectively. The majority of yellowfin tuna caught using greenstick gear was either sub-legal or just over the legal limit (27-39 inches curved fork length). Large gradable yellowfin landed ranged from 64 - 101 lb dressed weight, and grades assigned to the fish from a local fish house increased over time. Total revenue per trip was never enough to cover operating costs. Consequently, all sampling trips experienced a net loss. Additional sampling should be conducted in the future in order to more accurately determine if a dedicated greenstick fishery in the northern Gulf of Mexico is truly economically viable.
Monday October 17, 2016 3:20pm - 3:40pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Kelcee L. Smith, Louisiana State University; Dr. John K. Carlson, NOAA Fisheries Service-Southeast Fisheries Science Center; Dana M. Bethea, NOAA Fisheries Service-Southeast Fisheries Science Center; Dr. Michael Kaller, Louisiana State University; Dr. William Kelso, Louisiana State University; Dr. Sabrina Taylor, Louisiana State University
ABSTRACT: A fundamental parameter in mathematical models that underpin ecological, conservation, and evolutionary theory is population size. It can be estimated as census size (NC), i.e. the number of individuals in a population, or effective population size (NE), which only counts individuals contributing genes to future generations. Estimating both NC and NE allows for a better understanding of potential demographic, environmental, and genetic risks that populations face. However, both methods are rarely used together to examine both components of population size. Here, we compare NC and NE estimates for a juvenile population of endangered Smalltooth Sawfish, Pristis pectinata, in Southwestern Florida, U.S. Capture-mark-recapture data (2000-2015) were analyzed in program MARK to estimate NC with recapture probabilities and apparent survival from individual capture histories, assuming a closed population. Models with time dependent capture probability and constant recapture probability estimated an NC of 385 juveniles per year. To estimate NE, small tissue samples (n = 375) taken from captured individuals were genotyped at 18 microsatellite loci. Estimates of NE included temporal, linkage disequilibrium, and sibship methods. Overall, NC can be evaluated with genetic tools, like NE, to determine effects of harvest, environmental change, or species fitness. Monitoring imperiled species in this way can reveal specific issues not evident in estimates of NC that can be addressed to facilitate recovery.
Monday October 17, 2016 3:40pm - 4:00pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Erin Leonhardt, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: The Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery in Grand Isle, Louisiana opened in the summer of 2015 and is operated by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in collaboration with Louisiana Sea Grant. Raising hatchery-produced oyster larvae requires detailed management of water filtration, larval production, and algal production systems. Getting these systems up and running required learning new technologies and developing and modifying standard operating procedures and protocols. Experience gained during the 2015 hatchery season allowed for a more streamlined and successful production of larvae and algae in 2016. Hatchery systems, operating methods, total larval production, larval and spat deployment locations, and pediveliger production for creating spat-on-shell will all be discussed.
Monday October 17, 2016 4:00pm - 4:20pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Jennifer M. Hill, Louisiana Tech University; Olivia Caretti, North Carolina State University; Kenneth L. Heck, Dauphin Island Sea Lab
ABSTRACT: Asian tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) have steadily appeared in commercial shrimp catches from North Carolina to Texas since 2011. Their consistent presence is ecologically concerning because the tiger shrimp’s large body size, broad diet, aggressive carnivory, and estuarine distribution suggest they may consume native shrimp or other crustaceans and that biotic resistance to invasion may be limited due to gape-limited fish predators. To assess these concerns, we used a series of mesocosm experiments to determine: a) the predation rates of tiger shrimp on adult and juvenile native shrimp; b) the behavioral responses of native shrimp to tiger shrimp, c) tiger shrimp diet preferences in estuarine environments, and; d) the abilities of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) predators to consume adult tiger shrimp. In contrast to the initial fears, predation rates on native shrimp species were generally low. However, despite their success at evading most tiger shrimp predation attempts, native shrimp often displayed avoidance behaviors that displaced them from their preferred habitats. Diet experiments also indicated juvenile blue crabs, an important commercial species, will be threatened by tiger shrimp as they were the preferred prey in multispecies diet experiments. Consequently, tiger shrimp will likely have context and species specific impacts on estuarine prey. Conversely, when tiger shrimp were offered as prey to red drum, tiger shrimp were consumed as often as similarly-sized native white shrimp suggesting native predators may provide some biotic resistance to the tiger shrimp invasion occurring on the Gulf Coast.
Monday October 17, 2016 4:20pm - 4:40pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Troy M. Farmer, Auburn University; Matthew J. Catalano, Auburn University; Nicholas G. Feltz, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
ABSTRACT: Many management agencies across the southeastern United States inconsistently sample large reservoir sportfish populations with boat-mounted electrofishing surveys to monitor recruitment, growth, and mortality rates (i.e., vital rates). Statistical catch-at-age analysis (SCAA), which is commonly used in marine fish stock assessments but not for inland recreational fisheries, provides a platform for rigorous analysis of these inconsistent samples. However, the performance of SCAA in inland recreational fisheries has not been rigorously evaluated. Herein, we evaluate the performance of SCAA using simulated population data for two common inland sportfishes (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides and black crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus) with differing recruitment dynamics to determine the bias and accuracy of vital rates derived from SCAA. For each species, we use latitudinal variation in life-history traits (e.g., growth, mortality schedules) to evaluate the bias and accuracy of SCAA vital rate estimates for simulated populations in Southeastern and Midwestern reservoirs. We also evaluate how sampling frequency and assumptions regarding the structural form of the vulnerability-size relationships (e.g., dome-shaped, sigmoidal) and natural and fishing mortality estimates might bias vital rates. Ultimately, our results will assist management agencies in determining the optimal sampling frequency and provide insight into the sensitivity of SCAA to incorrect assumptions regarding vulnerability and mortality rates. By evaluating how well SCAA performs in response to interspecific variation in recruitment dynamics across latitudinal gradients in life-history traits, our analysis will offer a broad evaluation of the potential of SCAA models to inform management of inland, freshwater fisheries.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 8:00am - 8:20am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Michael D. Kaller, Joshua C. Herron, A. Raynie Harlan, Tiffany E. Pasco, William E. Kelso - School of Renewable Natural Resources Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
ABSTRACT: Published reports indicate night electrofishing may be superior to day sampling to estimate density and diversity of collected fishes. However, shallow, highly turbid waters characteristic of river floodplains present detection, navigation, and safety concerns during night electrofishing, and many southeastern floodplain sampling programs have focused on day electrofishing. To assess potential day electrofishing bias, we collected fishes during continuous (200 m distance for eight minutes) and point abundance electrofishing (1 minute at eight points spaced 25 m apart) during paired day and night efforts at 12 sites in the Atchafalaya River floodplain during 2013. Analyses compared day and night estimates of overall density (CPUE), CPUEs of Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus, and assemblage richness and evenness by electrofishing method. General linear mixed models used day or night sample as a fixed effect, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, water depth and specific conductance as fixed covariables, and sampling month as a random effect. We also compared day and night assemblages with redundancy analysis. Point-abundance sampling at night resulted in significantly greater overall (P=0.03) and Bluegill (P=0.03) CPUE, with continuous sampling yielding greater nocturnal richness (P=0.02) and diurnal Largemouth Bass CPUE (P=0.02). No differences were detected for estimates of Black Crappie CPUE, evenness, or between day and night assemblages for either sampling method. Thus, selection of day or night electrofishing may depend on sampling goals, habitat characteristics, particularly turbidity, and the electrofishing method employed.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 8:20am - 8:40am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Aaron Bunch, Bob Greenlee, John Odenkirk - Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Coastal rivers can support quality largemouth bass fishing and tournaments, but recruitment failure and habitat availability can influence population size and structure because of the dynamic nature of these systems. Management actions, i.e., stocking, can improve populations in closed systems (e.g., lakes and ponds) in poor recruitment years, but stocking effectiveness in a coastal river system is often questioned and evaluations are few. Oxytetracycline (OTC) marked F1 intergrade (Micropterus salmoides floridanus X M. s. salmoides) fingerling largemouth bass were stocked at a density of 62 fish/ha in the tidal Chickahominy River and tributaries in spring of 2006 and 2007. Stocking success was evaluated using: 1) angler creel surveys, 2) standardized long-term monitoring surveys, and 3) otolith collections to evaluate growth and percent contribution of stocked fish. Angler catch rates from creel surveys indicated drastically improved fishing success peaking in 2010. Length-at-age data revealed that a large proportion of largemouth bass ages 3–4 were at or above the preferred size (>38 cm). The stable and additive contribution of stocked fish to these age classes during peak angler catch rates indicates a direct benefit to anglers. Otolith sampling in 2015 revealed stocked origin fish (8 year old) remain in the system. Stocking enhanced the bass fishery in this coastal system; however, spatiotemporal habitat dynamics (both physical and chemical) may limit success in other systems. Understanding the mechanisms leading to success in some systems and failure in others is an important next step.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 8:40am - 9:00am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Tiffany E. Pasco, Debra G. Kelly, A. Raynie Harlan, Sabrina S. Taylor, William Kelso, Michael Kaller - Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources
ABSTRACT: Louisiana has been stocking Florida Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) since 1982 to improve the overall size composition and trophy potential of the state’s largemouth bass fisheries. To monitor stocking effects on genetic composition of native Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides), we have genotyped bass from over 65 lakes across the state over the last 30 years with two diagnostic allozymes (IDH and AAT). More recently, we analyzed genetic composition of bass from 5 lakes with both allozymes and 12 microsatellite loci to further examine the: 1) extent of introgression of Florida Largemouth Bass into the native Largemouth Bass populations; 2) sensitivity of allozymes versus microsatellites in detecting Fx hybrids, and; 3) potential effects of differences in these datasets on development of fisheries management strategies. Preliminary results from the 5 water bodies indicate general agreement between the two genotyping methods regarding identification of low, medium, and high introgression lakes. Further, microsatellites suggest minimal introgression in Finch and Yucatan lakes (never stocked by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries) and the Atchafalaya River Basin (minimal stocking relative to water body size), and high, but lake-specific introgression in False River (extensive stocking history, primarily hybrids with greater ancestry from native LA Largemouth Bass) and Caney Creek Lake (extensive stocking history, primarily hybrids of Florida Largemouth Bass ancestry). Additional data analyses from three more lakes are on-going.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Bryant R. Bowen, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Eric Peatman, Auburn University; Scott Robinson, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Tim Bonvechio, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
ABSTRACT: Black bass are the most sought after sport fishes in the country. Many state fisheries agencies, including Georgia, consider black bass management a high priority. Largemouth bass are the most common native black bass species found throughout Georgia’s lakes, ponds and rivers. Anglers in the state spend more days fishing for largemouth bass than any other freshwater species, and Georgia consistently produces some of the heaviest largemouth bass in the country. A 17.6-pound largemouth bass was caught in 2015 from Georgia waters that weighed more than the current state records of 46 other states. Using allozymes, Phillip et. al 1983 described an intergrade zone between two subspecies; Florida bass Micropterus floridanus and largemouth bass M. salmoides, in Georgia waters where many of these large bass are produced. In this study, we are using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s) to resolve the genetic population structure and current levels of introgression among populations of largemouth bass, Florida bass, and their interspecific hybrids from lakes and rivers across the state. Determining these genetic population characteristics using the latest and most sensitive technology will inform future management efforts for largemouth bass to protect the genetic integrity of our diverse populations and ensure the highest quality bass fisheries for our anglers.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 9:20am - 9:40am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Brac Salyers, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Atchafalaya Basin and surrounding waters suffered massive fish kills, with estimates upwards of 200 million fish. Efforts to offset the damage to the fishery included fish stockings and a protective length limit that restricted harvest of largemouth bass (LMB) under 14” in total length (TL). The regulation was implemented in 1993 for LMB within these waters. Justification for the 14” MLL was that bass would be protected and allowed to spawn at least once before being subjected to angler harvest. The resulting spawns would replenish the local fishery. In the absence of large predators, the bass population responded with a tremendous resurgence in a short period of time. Instead of recognizing the resilience of the native bass population, many anglers credited the 14” MLL regulation. The 14” MLL gained popularity and soon began to also receive support as a tool to produce larger size bass. In time, the regulation that had originally been designed as a temporary protective measure was extended indefinitely and linked with expectations beyond original intent. LDWF had been managing black bass populations before Hurricane Andrew. LDWF fisheries biologists began sampling fish populations and angler catch with standardized techniques as early as 1989. Using this long term data set and the results of a 3 year study specifically designed to evaluate the 14” MLL regulation for LMB, we concluded that this regulation was not effective as a management tool in these waters to produce larger size bass and recommended its removal.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 10:20am - 10:40am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Matthew J. Catalano, Auburn University; Graves Lovell, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
ABSTRACT: Controlling largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) recruitment to reduce their population density in small impoundments ( < 40 ha; hereafter “ponds”) is an important management challenge but is necessary to maintain desirable growth rates, body condition, and size structure in these populations. Recruitment of these populations is difficult to control directly because common gears (hook-and-line, electrofishing) for the mechanical removal of largemouth bass are inefficient at capturing age-0 fish. We evaluated the shoreline application of the piscicide rotenone to reduce age-0 largemouth bass density in five small impoundments in Alabama. Rotenone was applied twice at each pond, with treatments spaced two weeks apart in early to mid-June of 2015. Age-0 largemouth bass density was assessed via 15-ft seine hauls one day prior to and one day after rotenone application at treated ponds and also at nearby untreated control ponds. Reductions in age-0 largemouth bass seine catch rates averaged 69% and ranged from 41 – 94 % across ponds. Follow-up seine hauls two weeks post-treatment indicated that these reductions were still evident and had not been diminished by new recruitment of age-0 largemouth bass to the shoreline. Our findings suggest that shoreline rotenone has the potential to reduce age-0 largemouth bass density during summer shortly after recruitment to the littoral zone. However, more work is needed to assess whether these reductions give rise to lower recruitment to age-1 in these systems, and if the recruitment reductions are large enough to improve largemouth bass growth and condition.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 10:40am - 11:00am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: John T. Perry, University of Georgia; Brian J. Irwin, U.S. Geological Survey; Timothy F. Bonvechio, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Patrick M. O'Rouke, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
ABSTRACT: In the southeastern U.S., black bass (Micropterus spp.) are widely targeted by anglers, and these species potentially intermix and compete for resources. We evaluated the relative abundance, age and size structures, length-weight and length-at-age relationships, and annual mortality rates for angler targeted bass populations in 3 north Georgia reservoirs: Lakes Lanier, Chatuge, and Nottely. Fish were collected by electrofishing, and individuals were measured (total length, mm) and weighed (g). Data were grouped as either Largemouth Bass (M. salmoides) or Spotted Bass (M. punctulatus), although genetic information remains incomplete. Electrofishing catch per effort (number of fish/hour) of Spotted Bass was highest in Chatuge (50.2 + 5.1; + S.E.), intermediate in Nottely (43.2 + 5.9), and lowest in Lanier (25.2 + 5.2 fish). Largemouth Bass catch per effort was higher in both Chatuge and Lanier (29.6 + 8.4 and 29.5 + 6.4, respectively) than in Nottely (11.8 + 1.2). Length-weight relationships were similar for Spotted Bass across reservoirs. Based on von Bertalanffy models fit to the available data, the highest estimate for theoretical maximum length-at-age was for Spotted Bass from Nottely, but this reservoir also had the smallest proportion of larger individuals (i.e., total length ≥ 356 mm). Likewise, the age and size structures of Lake Nottely Spotted Bass were more skewed towards younger and smaller fish than for Chatuge or Lanier. For all three systems, annual mortality estimates for Spotted Bass were near 0.4. In Lake Lanier, Spotted Bass had a higher estimate of annual mortality than Largemouth Bass (approximately 0.25).
Tuesday October 18, 2016 11:00am - 11:20am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Richard A. Snow, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; James M. Long, U.S. Geological Survey Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Bryan D. Frenette, Division of Biology, Kansas State University
ABSTRACT: Accurate age and growth information is essential in successful management of fish populations and for a complete understanding of early life history. We validated daily ring formation, including the timing of first ring formation, for Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), a species of conservation concern, through 127 days post-hatch. From fry produced from hatchery-spawned specimens, up to 10 individuals per week were sacrificed and their otoliths (sagitta, lapilli, and asteriscus) removed for daily age estimation. Daily age estimates for all three otolith pairs were significantly related to known age (r² ≥ 0.95), but the strongest relationship existed for measurements from sagittae (r² = 0.98) and the lapillus (r² = 0.98). Age prediction models all resulted in a slope near unity, indicating that ring deposition occurred approximately daily. Timing of ring formation varied among otolith types; sagitta approximately 3 days after hatch, lapillus 7 days after hatch (i.e., swim-up), and asteriscus 9 days after hatch. These results fill a gap in knowledge and can aid understanding of evolutionary processes as well as provide useful information for management and conservation.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 11:20am - 11:40am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: David L. Buckmeier, Nathan G. Smith, Daniel J. Daugherty, *Daniel L. Bennett - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
ABSTRACT: Observations of alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) spawning events indicate that recruitment may be linked to spring and summer flood pulses. However, because data have not typically come from formal experimentation, it is unknown to what degree these data represent true requirements for successful recruitment. We collected and reviewed existing data regarding alligator gar spawning and early development to draft habitat suitability criteria related to recruitment success and then tested these criteria against historic annual recruitment variability (i.e., year class strength) in the Trinity River and Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas. Habitat suitability criteria were identified for water temperature (20 to 30°C), hydrology (inundation of floodplain habitats to a depth of at least 1 m for a minimum of 5 d), and spawning habitat characteristics (open canopy with herbaceous or small woody vegetation within 0.5 m of the water surface where there is little or no flow). In general, in both systems we found that alligator gar recruitment variability corresponded closely with the historic availability of suitable environmental conditions based on our proposed habitat suitability criteria. Alligator gar recruitment was highly variable with above average recruitment occurring in about 30% of the years. These years accounted for 75 – 86% of the age sample and the strongest two year classes in each system comprised about half of the population. While additional research is needed to refine these habitat suitability criteria, our study verifies a link between alligator gar recruitment success and the availability of floodplain spawning habitats in the spring and summer.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 11:40am - 12:00pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Robert Maxwell, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Daniel Hill, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; and Sean Kinney, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) has received increased attention in recent years due to world pressure on United States stocks, passage barriers, and lack of available life history information. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed the status of the American eel in 2007 and 2015, and found that protection under the Endangered Species Act was not needed. Gulf of Mexico populations of American eel are data deficient compared to Atlantic populations, so we set out to capture eels to gather sex, size, age, and genetic data from eels in Southwest Louisiana. Using trapping methods similar to Savoie and Casanova (1982), we set traps monthly for a year in Lake Misere and Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge in Cameron Parish, LA. Though we caught bycatch consisting of preferred prey items, we failed to catch eels in our study pots, and only caught one in a “test pot” run parallel to the study. Failure to catch eels led us to reach out to multiple state and federal agencies in the region. It was discovered that very little interstate communication concerning eels was taking place, and many research goals and methods were overlapping. Failures were being repeated, and successes were not being shared. In early 2016, in conjunction with the University of Texas, we set up a listserv to share information about Gulf eel populations. It currently has 49 subscribers, and is growing. With increased communication across Gulf States, research can proceed more efficiently and effectively in the future.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 1:00pm - 1:20pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Sean Kinney, Bobby Reed - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were studied on Toledo Bend Reservoir from 2008 to 2010 with vertically set hoop nets to better understand population characteristics. The length and age at which 50% of the specimens have achieved sexual maturity (M50) was estimated for both sexes and was similar to other studies from Louisiana (male total length (TL) = 274 mm, age = 3+) (female TL = 279 mm, age = 3+). Relative weight (Wr) for all but the largest of catfish sampled was poor. This was attributed to excess competition of the size class 228 to 330 mm TL. Gonad somatic indices (GSI) for females showed the highest proportion of body weight designated to reproduction was found in the month of June. Estimates of total annual mortality (80%), natural mortality (62%), and fishing mortality (20% - commercial gear only) were estimated using catch curve analyses and were within the range of results reported in the literature. Yield per recruit was maximized when natural mortality was high, exploitation was low, and minimum length limit was below 228 mm (9 inches). Results indicated that channel catfish in Toledo Bend Reservoir exhibit the characteristics of a stunted population. Increased commercial harvest is suggested to reduce competition and increase yield per recruit.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 1:20pm - 1:40pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Bobby Reed, Eric Shanks, Kristi Butler - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: While primarily an inhabitant of the Mississippi River basin, several disjunct populations of paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) occur in the smaller rivers along the western gulf coast of Louisiana. Paddlefish were studied in the Mermentau River in southwest Louisiana to better understand population characteristics in this small coastal river. The growth, mortality, fecundity, age frequency, sex ratio, and population estimates were determined from paddlefish (n = 1,414) collected from 1990 to 2006. The gender-combined sizes ranged from 496 to 1,017 mm eye-fork length, and ages ranged from 2 – 16 years (males) and 5 – 16 years (females). Instantaneous mortality rates were moderate (Z = 0.36, r2 = 0.91) when compared to other Louisiana populations from the Mississippi River basin. Observed annual growth rates of paddlefish from mark and recapture efforts ranged from 7 mm to 35 mm per year. The sex ratios of fish collected on the spawning grounds ranged from 1.0 : 1.1 to 6.6 : 1, males to females, while those sampled in summer habitat were nearly 1 : 1. Fecundity determined from 90 hatchery spawned females ranged from 38,400 to 226,800 ova with an average of 125,040 per spawn. The population of breeding adults was estimated to be 27,273,000 (95% CI = 19,013 – 40,769). While geographically separated from the Mississippi River population, Mermentau River paddlefish exhibit similar life history characteristics.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 1:40pm - 2:00pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Jeremy T. Risley, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; Ronald L. Johnson, Arkansas State University; Jeffrey W. Quinn, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
ABSTRACT: Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) are a commercially-exploited species harvested primarily for their roe. The objectives of this study were to describe population characteristics of paddlefish in the Lower Mississippi River (LMR), and use population simulation software to determine the length limit required to prevent recruitment overfishing by maintaining spawning potential ratios over 30%. In cooperation with commercial fishers, paddlefish were collected from the LMR during the 2008 – 2011 commercial seasons (n = 534). Sizes ranged from 150 – 1,095 mm and ages from 2 – 24 years. Total annual mortality was estimated at 28%, and exploitation was derived to be 11% with 17% conditional natural mortality. Only 10% of gravid females were protected by the existing 864-mm minimum length limit (MLL), and changing to 889-mm protected an additional 10%. Growth curves were used to predict fish require 10.8 and 11.8 years to reach 864-mm and 889-mm, respectively. Population simulations predicted SPRs would fall below 30% at 26% and 37% exploitation for 864-mm and 889-mm MLLs. Exploitation in excess of 72% was required to lower SPR below 20% with an 889-mm MLL. Simulations predicted an 889-mm MLL would only reduce flesh yield by 9% versus the existing MLL. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission instituted an 889-mm MLL in 2013, based on the results of this study, to protect the sustainability of the paddlefish population in the LMR.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 2:00pm - 2:20pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Patrick O'Rouke, Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (Current affiliation, Georgia Power Company)
ABSTRACT: The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) performed a tagging study from April 2011 to May 2012 to study the growth of wild brown trout in the Lanier Tailwater section of the Chattahoochee River. Sampling occurred monthly at four sites and fish were tagged through March 2012 for subsequent recapture. Finer-scale samples later in 2012 confirmed a lack of movement between sites by any tagged brown trout that was seen in the previous samples. Growth increments between tagging and recapture events were calculated and used to estimate average length at age. Brown trout appear to initially grow rapidly and reach stock size (200-260 mm) within two years. However, it can take more than ten years for the average brown trout to reach 300 mm TL based on calculated von Bertalanffy growth curves. More than 80% of brown trout collected measured between 175 and 275 mm TL. Some individuals did display much faster growth rates which could only partially be explained by obvious variables such as seasonality, location, or size. The strong decline in growth rate among larger fish is potentially a result of limited forage in a relatively unproductive river, while the individual variability between similar fish may be a result of behavior (e.g. a transition to piscivory).
Tuesday October 18, 2016 2:20pm - 2:40pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Tomas J. Ivasauskas, Wilson N. Xiong, Augustin C. Engman, Jesse R. Fischer - North Carolina State University Department of Applied Ecology; Thomas J. Kwak, North Carolina State University Department of Applied Ecology, U.S. Geological Survey, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Kirk R. Rundle, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
ABSTRACT: Urban fisheries provide unique angling opportunities for people with limited transportation and from traditionally underrepresented demographics. Prior studies have shown that these fisheries differ from rural counterparts in terms of factors affecting angler satisfaction, as well as effort and harvest rates. Lake Raleigh is a 38-ha impoundment located on North Carolina State University campus in Raleigh; little is known about angler use and satisfaction or how angling success relates to fish availability in this urban fishery. We simultaneously characterized the Lake Raleigh recreational fishery and sport fish assemblage with an angler survey and boat electrofishing in 2015. In total, 197 anglers were interviewed over 68 occasions. Pulsed-DC boat electrofishing was conducted on 25 dates, and 1,985 fish were sampled. On average, anglers spent 1.6 hours fishing per trip and caught 0.24 fish per hour. Forty-six percent of anglers targeted multiple species, 34% targeted Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, 11% targeted catfish (bullhead catfishes and Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus), and 9% targeted panfish (e.g., Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, Black Crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus). A majority of anglers surveyed (73%) were satisfied with their experience, and satisfaction was not related to catch rate. Angler catch rate was not related to electrofishing catch rate, indicating that anglers’ success was independent of fish density. The addition of fish attractor structures did not have an immediate effect on angling or electrofishing catch rates. Our results highlight the unique preferences and behaviors of urban anglers, and demonstrate that even minimally managed urban fisheries can provide high angler satisfaction.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 3:20pm - 3:40pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Dan Bennett, Kris Bodine, Warren Schlechte, Richard Ott, Jacob Norman - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
ABSTRACT: In 2011, the Texas state legislature legalized hand fishing as a harvest method for catfish in Texas. Although large catfish (> 600 mm) are expected to be vulnerable to this fishing method; little is known about hand fishers or their harvest practices. To help make informed management decisions, we used a statewide survey to collect information on demographics and fishing practices of those who hand fish. Survey respondents (N = 118) were primarily preexisting catfish fishermen who already utilized other gear types to fish for catfish; 5.6% of respondents exclusively hand fished. Despite a willingness to use other gear types, 40% of those surveyed (N = 47) considered hand fishing their most important catfishing activity. Respondents indicated they hand fished a median of 15 days annually, primarily during the spawning period. Hand fishers reported catching about eight catfish per day while hand fishing, yet harvesting only two or three. The median size of flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) and blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) caught was 762 and 508 mm, respectively. The maximum size flathead catfish and blue catfish hand fishers indicated they would keep was 1016 mm and 914 mm, respectively; which corresponded to the suggested trophy size for each species. Results suggest that whereas hand fishers target large fish, harvest may not be a primary objective. The addition of hand fishing does not appear to have recruited many new fishermen to catfishing, and the overall impact to Texas’ fisheries resources will likely be minimal.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 3:40pm - 4:00pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Caylor Romines, University of Tennessee; Dr. Brian Alford, University of Tennessee
ABSTRACT: Over the course of the last century, Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) have been reduced in high elevation streams throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These fish are being affected by many anthropogenic factors, including warming temperature in the downstream portion of watersheds and acid deposition in the headwaters of the streams. These impacts will restrict the distribution of Brook Trout across the longitudinal gradient of the stream. Overall, the Southern Appalachians contain some 18,000 km of coldwater streams with the potential for supporting salmonid populations. Wild trout inhabit about 9,660 km of these streams and native Brook Trout are found in approximately 2,580 km. In order to develop a restoration suitability index, thirty trout streams were randomly selected across the north zone of the Cherokee National Forest. Each of these streams will be evaluated by estimating Brook Trout abundance, examining instream habitat characteristics and riparian forest structure. Habitat characteristics will be modeled against Brook Trout abundance to determine the variables that are most significant to a Brook Trout restoration suitability index. If validated, then models of restoration suitability will provide state and federal agencies in the Southern Appalachians a valuable guide towards selecting locations for Brook Trout restoration projects. This model will also work as a guide to determine the particular instream and forest habitat characteristics that should be improved to successfully restore Brook Trout within stream reaches.
Tuesday October 18, 2016 4:00pm - 4:20pm CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Craig Gothreaux, Mike McDonough, Rebecca Hillebrandt, Mariana Steen, Ashley Ferguson - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: The Louisiana Artificial Reef Program has been very successful since its inception in 1987 thanks to mutually beneficial partnerships and an adaptive management approach. Artificial reef development in Louisiana began at offshore sites using donated oil and gas structures through a process commonly referred to as Rigs-to-Reefs. Over time, efforts have expanded towards developing, monitoring, and enhancing the artificial reef potential of Louisiana including the creation of fishing opportunities closer to shore. Louisiana’s artificial reef sites are categorized into zones based on location and water depth: offshore, nearshore, and inshore. A preponderance of reef sites are located offshore, which are comprised primarily of decommissioned oil and gas platforms. Nearshore reef sites lie between the 100-ft depth contour and the coastline, representing an area containing the bulk of platforms slated for removal. Inshore reef sites are located within the coastline, spread throughout each of Louisiana’s coastal basins, and provide access to the largest number of anglers. Within each zone, artificial reef development presents both challenges and opportunities. Nearshore and inshore zones are unique due to the shallower waters and utilization by multiple user groups. At the same time, these areas are also much more accessible to anglers; therefore, site selection, reef design, and material utilization are tailored to the situational conditions. To balance these issues, distinctive plans have recently been established which embrace an adaptive management approach that maximizes the economic and biological benefits of artificial reef development across Louisiana’s coastal waters.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 8:00am - 8:20am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Jason O'Connor, John Knight - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
ABSTRACT: Saltmarsh Topminnows Fundulus jenkinsi are listed as a species of special concern in Florida and are candidates for federal listing. They occur in estuarine marshes along the gulf coast from extreme northwest Florida to Galveston Bay, Texas. The Saltmarsh Topminnow Action Plan was created to guide conservation and research actions within Florida with the goal of improving the status of the species to the point that it can be delisted. We began implementing the plan in August 2014. Our initial research objective was to develop site occupancy models to create unbiased estimates of the current distribution of saltmarsh topminnows within Florida. We surveyed 28 randomly selected sites from all available saltmarsh habitat within Perdido, Escambia, Blackwater, and East Bays. Sites were surveyed 7 times each between Mar 2016 and Mar 2017. We used ranked an a priori set of occupancy models using AICc to select the best occupancy model. Assuming constant detection and occupancy across sites, we estimated that a given patch of saltmarsh habitat within the sampling area had a 70% chance of being occupied by Saltmarsh Topminnows and that using our methods we would expect to detect Saltmarsh Topminnows at sites of known occupancy on 67% of surveys. The top ranked occupancy model included a quadratic effect of site salinity on occupancy probability. Additional sampling will help improve the occupancy and detection estimates and allow for development of more complex occupancy models. Future research will explore methods for estimating density will be investigated.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 8:20am - 8:40am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Dennis J. Renfro, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
ABSTRACT: In Central Florida in the 1950’s a levee system was constructed that resulted in isolating 10,000 acres of marsh from the 9,417 acres main body of Lake Griffin. The marshland was subsequently drained and transformed into productive farmland to support the increased need for agricultural land. In recent years, the state has purchased lands to undertake a restoration project to reconnect the vital marsh habitat to Lake Griffin. Florida has reconnected two marshes, Area 2 (400 acres) in 2005 and Area 4 (660 acres) in 2007 resulting in 11 percent return of the drained marsh habitat to the major system. With completion of the reconnection of the Area 3 (1,000 acres) the lake will have a total net gain of 21 percent of the vital marsh habitat reconnected. The first phase of the project encompasses breaching the internal levees at six locations, removing the rock surface used for vehicle access of the interior levees and creating four 30 x 15 feet habitat islands. Reconnection will be accomplished by breaching the external levees in four locations, a single 600 feet breach and three 200 feet long breaches. Reconnection of 1,000 acres of wetlands will create new fishing opportunities, improve access to Lake Griffin, manage wetlands/aquatic vegetation for waterfowl hunters and provide wildlife viewing opportunities through habitat management. This project meets the goals of FWC’s strategic plan in providing residents and visitors with quality fishing, hunting, boating and wildlife viewing opportunities while also providing for the sustainability of natural resources.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 8:40am - 9:00am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Raynie Harlan, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; Michael D. Kaller, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; William E. Kelso, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center; Daniel Kroes, US Geological Survey; Robby Maxwell, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Tiffany E. Pasco, Louisiana State Agricultural Center; Steve W. Roberts, US Army Corps of Engineers; Brac Salyers, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Since 2005, Louisiana State University has collected bi-weekly water quality, flow velocity, habitat, and fish community data in support of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers restoration project in the Buffalo Cove Water Management Unit of the Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System (ABFS). As part of this project, several water input elements and water blockage elements were constructed at strategic points within Buffalo Cove to improve water circulation and sedimentation patterns with the ultimate goal of improving water quality (EA#366). Using the Ecological Limits of Hydrologic Alteration framework (ELOHA; N.L. Poff et al. 2009) as a guide, we calculated pre-alteration and post-alteration hydrograph statistics at multiple Areas of Influence (AOI) delineated for each of the constructed flow alteration elements. We then related the differences detected between pre/post hydrograph statistics for each AOI to the restoration activities employed, and tested whether critical ecological parameters, such as dissolved oxygen and temperature, were positively or negatively impacted. We believe the ELOHA framework, although recommended mainly for use in developing regional instream flow standards, can also be an effective framework to guide quantitative analysis of the effects of floodplain restoration projects when flow alteration is a primary objective. We also believe that rigorous evaluation of restoration activities is a critical step in refining floodplain models for future restoration efforts and describing ecological health and flow regime relationships in the ABFS.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Gary Vitrano, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: On August 13, 2011 at 1300 hours, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality responded to several calls from the public about an extensive fish kill occurring in the lower Pearl River from just below Bogalusa, LA to Pool’s and Walkiah Bluffs downstream. Several agencies closely coordinated efforts to mobilize their collective fisheries personnel to provide a comprehensive account of the aquatic resources impacted on the Pearl River Basin from the unauthorized release of pot liquor by Temple-Inland Inc. An estimated total of 591,561 fish and mussels were lost as a result of the event. A major point source fish kill has many implications and consequences. The long-term implications may vary, but the initial responses and follow up actions can have a direct impact on restitution amounts, legal actions, intra- and inter- agency relations, and management policies and philosophies. This report addresses the Pearl River incident with a focus on three sequential segments: the initial response and report; the monitoring effort and report; and post incident management philosophies.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 9:20am - 9:40am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: J. Brian Alford, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture; Debra L. Miller, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
ABSTRACT: We investigated the prevalence and severity of intersex condition in male Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Greenside Darter, and Banded Darter in tributaries of the Upper Tennessee River watershed. During March 2015, we found 6% occurrence of intersex (oocytes present in testes) in male Largemouth Bass (N = 28, Tennessee and Nolichucky rivers) and Smallmouth Bass (N=2, Nolichucky River) combined at 2 of 5 sites sampled. In May-June 2015, we found no evidence of intersex in male darters sampled in shallow riffles of the Nolichucky River at sites heavily-impacted (HI) and least-impacted (LI) by agriculture and urban land use and point-sources of pollution. Occurrence of intersex in male Smallmouth Bass (N=75) was high in the Little Pigeon, Pigeon, and Nolichucky Rivers. Fish collected from LI sites had similar prevalence (88%) as those from HI sites (85%). However, severity of intersex was mild and did not differ between site classifications. Mean hepatosomatic index for males and females was low and did not differ between site classifications (HI = 0.83, LI = 0.80). We attempted to discern a baseline level of intersex in fishes by sampling in sites thought to be little impacted by endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) from agriculture and point-source effluents from wastewater treatment plants. However, it may be that (1) freshwater sites cannot avoid pollution from EDC (e.g., via atmospheric deposition or low-level, chronic runoff), (2) that the baseline level of intersex in Smallmouth Bass is just high, or (3) that other confounding factors need to be discovered.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 10:20am - 10:40am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Jeff Sibley, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
ABSTRACT: Lake Bistineau is an aging, shallow, eutrophic impoundment located in northwest Louisiana. There are more than 1,000 homes along the shoreline, and it is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Vegetation problems have plagued the lake since it was first created in 1938. These vegetation issues combined with dense stands of cypress trees and a large watershed have contributed to an overabundance of non-decomposing organic material on the lake bottom which contributed to a decline in sportfish populations. The management of aquatic resources within Lake Bistineau were further complicated by the discovery of giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) in 2006. Early efforts to control giant salvinia included physical removal and foliar herbicide applications to the scattered plants. Giant salvinia weevils (Cyrtobagous salviniae) were introduced in 2007. Personnel from across the state assisted with control efforts prior to hiring additional local personnel. Despite these efforts by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the plants continued to expand covering 7,386 acres by September of 2009. Public outcry to the deteriorating conditions on the lake was tremendous. An integrated vegetation management strategy has been adopted that includes strategic herbicide applications, weevil stockings, water level fluctuations and an increased focus on public education. The strategy is designed to reduce vegetation levels while maximizing the recreational use of the lake and simultaneously slowing the eutrophication process. Since 2010, salvinia has been held in check to an average, annual, maximum coverage of 1,863 acres. Additionally, sportfish populations have responded positively to the frequent water fluctuations.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 10:40am - 11:00am CDT
Riverview A
AUTHORS: Elise. R. Irwin. U.S. Geological Survey, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Jeffery Terhune. School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University
ABSTRACT: Fisheries management problems are often termed “wicked” to describe complex socio-ecological systems encumbered by issues of scale, stakeholder conflict and structural uncertainty with respect to the influence of management on the resource. Consequently, agencies that manage fisheries actively seek employees that can demonstrate problem-solving skills. To enhance development of critical thinking skills, problem-based learning was incorporated into an undergraduate introductory fisheries class using a structured decision making (SDM) framework. Student teams identified a problem of national or regional significance then defined the problem’s scope and scale, decision maker and stakeholder multiple, conflicting objectives and alternative actions designed to meet objectives. Finally, students analyzed consequences of actions on objectives using a decision analysis tool allowing for determination of preferred management actions or portfolios and associated tradeoffs. One team’s problem (Elk River Boulder Darter Conservation) is used to illustrate the framework employed. Although students lacked the expertise to develop completely accurate analyses, they used various sources of data—from expert opinion to published literature—to inform the decision. The SDM framework allowed students to identify and acknowledge key uncertainties related to various aspects of the problem and determine the influence of lack of information on the decision. Because State and Federal natural resources agencies (FWS, USFS, USGS, ALDCNR, GADNR) are increasing their use of SDM and adaptive management frameworks (i.e., the iterative form of SDM) for fisheries management problems, teaching these techniques to the next generation of managers will give our students tools to help frame, decompose and solve future wicked problems.
Wednesday October 19, 2016 11:00am - 11:20am CDT
Riverview A
