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Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Contact: Mike Wood (318) 343-4045,
wood_mg@wlf.state.la.us
- Habitat Enhancement - To
increase angler success, LDWF is now in the process of developing
guidelines for habitat enhancement. Artificial reefs made of plastic
feed pallets are working well and were deployed in D’Arbonne Lake,
Toledo Bend, and Lake Rodemacher in 2002. The feed pallet structures are
made of food grade polyurethane, inexpensive, durable, and easy to
handle. Original use for the pallets is for stacking animal feed. Pallet
dimensions are 15 inches by 24 inches. Each pallets has a hole large
enough for 3” PVC will go through. A 3inch PVC cap will not. It prevents
the pallets from floating off (they are slightly buoyant).
Gravel beds were also constructed at fishing piers in the D’Arbonne
State Park. Twenty-eight yards of washed rock were spread in a manner
similar to pond liming. Reports of increased success by shoreline
anglers were encouraging.
- Aquatic Habitat Management Twenty-three lakes
were type-mapped to determine and evaluate the status of aquatic weed
infestations, primarily submersed, in these lakes. Species composition
and density were determined on seven lakes. Crews utilizing boats,
airboats, mud boats and roadside spray units effectively applied
herbicide to 26,709 acres of Louisiana’s freshwater wetlands infested
with water hyacinths. Another 4,950 acres were treated by helicopter for
a total of 31,659 acres. Another more recent invasive exotic plant
introduction into Louisiana waters is salvinia. There now are two
species of this aquatic plant in the state. Common salvinia (Salvinia
minima) has been in the state since 1980 and is rapidly spreading
throughout the state. Giant salvinia (S. molesta) was discovered
in Toledo Bend Reservoir in the summer of 1998. It is thought to have
been introduced by the water garden trade. Six hundred seventy-nine
acres of giant salvinia were effectively treated in Toledo Bend
Reservoir. Giant salvinia has been discovered in private waters as well.
A severe infestation in a small pond in Houma was treated with
herbicide. A lighter infestation in a small pond in the Duson area was
stocked with grass carp to determine if these fish can control this
plant in ponds. It was determined that triploid grass carp were not
effective in controlling giant salvinia and herbicide applications were
used to eradicate plants at this site. An attempt is being made to rear
salvinia weevils in greenhouses to evaluate their potential as a
biocontrol agent for common salvinia.
- Lead Net Evaluation for Crappie Sampling -
Gears currently used to assess fish populations (frame nets, gill nets,
electrofishing, and rotenone), are not providing adequate crappie CPUE
to provide accurate appraisals of population characteristics. Current
gear types also create bias for certain length groups within a
population. Sampling with a series of lead nets with mesh sizes from
0.5”–2.0” is being conducted on three Louisiana lakes. Results are
encouraging.
- Largemouth bass virus sampling – Fish from 23
water bodies were sampled for LMBV in 2002 in coordination with the Warm
Springs Fish Health Center. Results ranged from 0-80% positive for
largemouth bass. Other species sampled were bluegill, redear sunfish,
paddlefish, white bass, and crappies (black & white). No species other
than black bass were positive for LMBV.
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North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission
Contact: Lawrence Dorsey (704) 986-6109;
dorseylg@vnet.net
- FERC Relicensing
The NCWRC will be an active participant in the
relicensing of hydroelectric projects on the Yadkin-Pee River and
Catawba River. The current licenses for each of three utilities will
expire in 2008. As a part of the relicensing process, the NCWRC is
developing fish and wildlife management plans for both river basins that
encompass fish and wildlife management issues relating to the
relicensing process. Each utility has released Initial Consultation
Documents for relicensing and meetings will begin later this year to
initiate the process in earnest.
- Flathead Catfish Angler Diary Study
An angler diary survey of the flathead catfish
Pylodictis olivaris sport fishery in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River
system, North Carolina was conducted (1999-2001) to determine if changes
in catch rates and length frequency distributions have occurred since a
similar survey of the same waters was conducted during 1989-1991. Study
participants submitted data for 204 fishing trips that included
reservoir, tailrace, and river habitat types. A total of 400 Flathead
catfish were caught during 1,514 hours of fishing. Because of
differences in reporting procedures between the two studies, to allow
for statistical comparisons among habitats and between years we compared
catch/hour/trip data. The overall catch rate (0.38 fish/hour/trip) in
this study was significantly higher (P < 0.0007) than found in the
earlier study (0.30 fish/hour/trip). Total lengths (N = 228) ranged from
178 to 1,245 mm compared to 152 – 1,219 mm in the earlier study. The
length frequency distributions of flathead catfish captured in the two
studies were significantly different (P < 0.0001) and there is evidence
(P = 0.0677) the mean length in the recent study (633 mm) was smaller
than in the initial study (670 mm). However, there is nothing in the
catch rate or length frequency distribution data to suggest important
changes have occurred in the quality of the flathead catfish fishery in
the intervening decade.
- Lake James Walleye OTC Study
We have just completed year two of a three year study
to examine the proportionate contribution of supplementally stocked
walleye in Lake James. Lake James, located in the foothills of western
North Carolina, is stocked annually with 30,000 walleye fingerlings and
is the only reservoir in NC stocked with walleye. Walleye fingerlings
(50 mm, TL) were marked with OTC in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Age-1 walleye
were captured using gill nets in 2001 and 2002 and 2-5% were OTC marked.
Preliminary results indicate that stocked walleye are contributing at
very low levels to the wild population in Lake James. This study will be
concluded in 2003.
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation
Contact: Gene Gilliland (405) 325-7288;
ggillokla@aol.com
- Determining the Degree of Hybridization in the
Smallmouth Bass Population of the Mountain Fork River.
Jeff Boxrucker, Oklahoma Fishery Research Lab
(405-325-7288, jboxrucker@aol.com)
Objectives: Determine degree of introgression of
"Tennessee lake-strain" genome of smallmouth bass in the down-lake area
of Broken Bow Reservoir, the up-lake transition zone between reservoir
and stream and three stream stretches, progressively upstream from the
reservoir; and compare growth and mortality rates of the different
genetic strains (lake-strain, Ouachita strain, F1 and Fx hybrids) in
each of the five sampling areas.
- Comparison of Striped Bass Egg Production and
Juvenile Striped Bass Abundance Between the Washita and Red Rivers
Jeff Boxrucker, Oklahoma Fishery Research Lab
(405-325-7288, jboxrucker@aol.com)
Objectives: To determine specific spawning sites in
the Red and Washita Rivers and evaluate the relative production of age-0
striped bass from the two major tributaries to the fishery of Lake
Texoma, to determine if gellen balls can be used as surrogate striped
bass eggs to perform mark and recapture estimates of striped bass egg
production in the Red River and Washita River, and to compare juvenile
striped bass and age-0 shad spp. abundance between the Red River Arm and
the Washita River Arm of Lake Texoma.
- Survival, Growth and Recruitment of Larval and
Juvenile Striped Bass in Lake Texoma
Dana Winkleman, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish & Wildlife
Research Unit (405-744-6342,
danaw@okstate.edu)
Objectives: Estimate the contribution of each river
(Washita and Red Rivers) to recruitment; estimate the effects of
salinity on egg and larval survival; determine the effects of flow on
the location of hatching and first feeding and estimate of growth at
various plankton densities associated with hatching location; evaluate
overwinter survival of juvenile striped bass
- Evaluation of the Flathead Catfish Population and
Fishery on Lake Carl Blackwell, OK, with emphasis on the effects of
Noodling
Dana Winkleman, Oklahoma
Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit (405-744-6342,
danaw@okstate.edu)
Objectives: To describe the population status of
flathead catfish in Lake Carl Blackwell, Oklahoma and estimate the
potential effects of harvesting by noodling (hand fishing); assess
population characteristics, such as population size, size and age
structure, growth rate, and condition and estimated fishing pressure and
harvest.
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South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources
Contact: Wade Bales (803) 734-3932 -O,
wadeb@scdnr.state.sc.us
- Lake Murray Drawdown
Lake Murray, a 50,000 ac reservoir in the
midlands region of the state, was recently slated for significant dam
repairs. As a result, the pool level has been reduced fifteen feet and
will remain so for 24-30 months. This 30% reduction in surface acreage
has significantly reduced access by sport fishermen and shoreline
residents as well, causing quite a stir. Among access issues, herbicide
treatment of hydrilla has been halted due to a study conducted by
Clemson University indicating a link between Komeen and corrosion of
aluminum boat hulls. SCDNR has eliminated herbicide treatments as a
viable option for control of nuisance aquatic vegetation. Komeen was
used due to many private water intakes existing on Lake Murray. Stocking
of sterile grass carp will be initiated spring 2003 at a rate of 15
carp/vegetated acre. At the end of 2002, there was approximately 6,000
acres of hydrilla present. Contact: Gene Hayes 864-223-1307
- Lake Russell Striper Proposal
A proposal by the National Striped Bass
Association (NSBA) was submitted to the SCDNR and GADNR to investigate
the possibility of establishing a trophy striper fishery in Lake Richard
B. Russell. Lake Russell is located on the Savannah River system between
Lakes Hartwell and Thurmond. Staff have completed modeling scenarios to
predict the results of such a stocking and management effort. Lake
Russell currently supports a very small striper population, comprised
primarily of fish trapped at impoundment (1984), with some evidence of
fish passed down from Lake Hartwell. Evaluation of prey base and water
quality indicates Lake Russell would support and produce trophy stripers
with appropriate harvest restrictions. At this time, the states are
planning a telephone survey conducted by Responsive Management to assess
angler opinions on such a stocking project. Lake Russell currently
supports a popular largemouth bass and crappie fishery.
Since regulatory authority in SC resides with the
state legislature, often groups such as the NSBA will circumvent the
SCDNR and submit legislation to meet their preferences. In this case
however, the SCDNR has a long-standing working relationship with a
closely related striper club out of Greenville. This group has donated
much time and equipment to the SCDNR hatchery program over the last
twelve years. Because of the relationship between fisheries managers and
these striped bass anglers, they submitted this proposal for our review
and approval before pursuing legislation. They have adopted our
recommendations on harvest restrictions and are moving forward with
legislation. The actual stocking program will not begin until a thorough
survey of other angling groups is completed and issues addressed. This
is a great example of how fisheries managers and angling groups can work
together once trust is established on both sides. Contact: Wade Bales
864-223-2008
- Striper Live-Release System Study
A live-release system for striped bass developed by
the NSBA will be evaluated by SCDNR research biologists during summer
2003. The system design mirrors the design for tuna tubes and
incorporates a re-circulating flow system and restraint chamber.
Anecdotal observations indicate stripers can be kept alive for many
hours. However, information is lacking on potential delayed mortality,
especially during summer months. The study will be conducted on Lake
Murray. Contact: Jason Bettinger 803-353-8232
- Spotted bass
Spotted bass were introduced by anglers to the
Savannah reservoir system in the 1990s. In Lake Keowee, growth and
population expansion happened quickly, doubling black bass harvest by
anglers by 2000. Largemouth bass abundance has not declined and
condition estimates have increased since spotted bass introductions.
Based on telemetry studies, the two species utilize different habitats
during most of the year. Spotted bass have larger home ranges than do
largemouth bass. Over the last year, anglers have indicated a decline in
average size of spotted bass. Recently, Ken Oswald and Hugh Barwick
documented hybridization between spotted bass and native redeye bass
which also occurs in the system. Further investigation of the degree of
hybridization should shed light on potential changes in the spotted bass
population as well as the status of the redeye bass population. The
spotted bass population, while occupying a niche not utilized by the
largemouth bass population, may have surpassed the early years of rapid
expansion and growth, and have settled in to what the reservoir can
support and produce. Keowee is a oligotrophic system. Contact: Dan
Rankin 864-654-6346
An increase in spotted bass abundance has been
documented in Lake Russell, two reservoirs below Lake Keowee. While the
Keowee fish have been identified as Alabama-strain, the Russell spotted
bass are Northern-strain. At this time, changes in the largemouth bass
population have not been documented. Contact: Wade Bales 864-223-2008
- Reservoir Habitat Enhancement
This is a summary of SAV work on Lake Russell.
2001 Plantings
Seven sites were planted in 2001. Final
survival estimates were made in October 2001. Survival of American
pondweed ranged from 0-35 percent, survival of Illinois pondweed was 50
percent, survival of sago pondweed was zero, survival of variable-leaf
pondweed was 0-1 percent, survival of eel grass was zero, and water
willow survival was 100 percent.
Fall planting of American pondweed tubers was
successful. Spring growth was documented in March 2002. By April 2002,
an estimated 80 percent of fall 2001 plantings exhibited active growth.
Spring 2001 plantings also exhibited active re-growth. Growth of spring
and fall plantings indicated American pondweed tubers could withstand
long periods of drought, as some plants remained dry for seven months,
including the peak of the winter season.
Plant expansion beyond exclosures was not observed.
American pondweed exhibited robust growth up to fencing and within
exclosures. In an effort to promote expansion, a 39 m x 15 m section of
fencing was removed from one open water site in June 2002. Plant growth
within this area was robust and covered an estimated 60 percent of the
39 m x 15 m area. Within one week, wave action disrupted all floating
leaves and stems. Plants only remained at the water/shoreline interface;
survival was estimated at one percent.
Survival of variable-leaf pondweed was estimated to be
0-1 percent in October 2001. However, in May 2002, robust growth of
variable-leaf pondweed was documented in one of two sites planted.
Variable-leaf pondweed was also observed growing in many areas of Lake
Russell in spring 2002 where transplants had not occurred. It was
hypothesized that drought conditions had contributed to the growth and
spreading of SAVs. Extensive growth and expansion of other aquatic
plants such as water primrose was also observed.
Eel grass survival was zero and was attributed to high
water temperatures and substrate. Only live plants were transplanted,
with no associated substrate attached. Consultations with other
biologists in the Southeast indicated eel grass responded more favorably
when native substrate was included in the transplant. Also, cooler water
temperatures increased survival (Richard Ott, Texas Parks & Wildlife,
pers. comm.). Future transplants of eel grass should occur during spring
or fall with native substrate attached.
Water willow planted with dibble bars continued to
grow and expand. Expansion was limited however when compared to using
chicken wire as an anchor for plants placed on the ground along the
water’s edge. Future plantings should utilize the chicken wire technique
to increase expansion rates.
2002 Plantings
Forty-one small colony sites were established
in late April-early May. Sites were planted with a minimal number of
American pondweed tubers (4-33 tubers) in order to allow more sites to
be planted and to observe plant expansion capabilities. Twenty-one of
the sites were set with large mesh wire to promote expansion. By mid May
2002, 90 percent of the sites were actively growing within exclosures.
By November 2002, 61% of these sites had plant expansion beyond the
fencing. Twenty-three percent of those sites had greater growth outside
the fencing than inside. Fencing mesh size did not appear to affect
expansion.
Fifteen sites were planted with water willow. All
sites chosen were high-energy sites. Results from these plantings will
determine if water willow can be used to establish littoral zone habitat
along eroded shoreline that receives high frequencies of wind and wave
action.
Contact: Wade Bales 864-223-2008
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Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency
Contact: Tim Churchill (615) 781-6573,
tchurchill@state.tn.us
- Hatchery Improvement Initiative
TWRA allocated $360,000 to be used over a
3-year period for hatchery improvements on its 9 state hatcheries. Many
of these facilities are over 40 years old and badly in need of upgrading
and repair. Improvements will include several new ponds, pond liner
installation, and construction of raceway and storage buildings. It is
estimated that expansions and improvements under this project will
result in additional production of 1 million fingerlings per year.
- Smallmouth Bass Management Plan
A statewide plan to guide TWRA’s management of smallmouth bass in
streams and reservoirs is currently out for public review. The plan will
serve to outline agency policy for the management of this species while
allowing a variety of management options in the state’s varied habitats.
Emphasis is placed on providing optimal access and fishing quality to
the state’s anglers. The plan follows the first statewide study of small
mouth population dynamics in Tennessee streams and rivers.
- Florida Bass Stocking Evaluation
Tennessee Tech University and TWRA are wrapping up studies that evaluate
stocking of Florida largemouth bass into Chickamauga Reservoir. Up to
175,000 per year have been stocked since 2000 and preliminary results
show low contribution of stocked fish to the fishery. Fish stocked in
2002 were marked with OTC for identification during recapture efforts.
Genetic evaluations conducted by TWRA in 2002 reflected relatively low
percentages of Florida genes in year classes containing stocked fish. A
decision will be made will be made about whether to continue stocking
efforts after final evaluations are made in 2004.
- Reservoir Data Management and Reporting
Management survey data collected by TWRA reservoir biologists are now
completely compiled into MS Access-based, relational databases. All
information collected since 1998 have been adapted and entered into the
databases and will be updated annually in the Nashville Office. Creel
survey data has been stored in an Access database since 2000 and will
provide a long-term repository on fishing pressure and angler trends.
Current efforts focus on providing statewide, web-based access for
Agency biologists.
A single, statewide report was generated in 2002
(versus individual lake reports) for all Tennessee reservoirs. This
report summarized all population data and provided management
recommendations in a standardized format. Use of standard tables should
allow biologists to spend less time writing reports and spare
administrators the pain of searching dozens of annual reports for
various summaries and statistics. Anglers have already reported their
satisfaction at being able to access this information in a single
report.
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