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USGS2019

Does incorporating gear selectivity during macroscale investigations of fish growth reduce size-selective sampling bias in parameter estimates?

Understanding of fish growth, the spatial variability in individual growth, and the potential drivers of such variability is a fundamental component of many ecological investigations. However, sampling gears are always size-selective, and this selectivity can result in biased parameter estimates that can lead to, for example, biased stock assessments that use growth estimates. Using seven flathead catfish ( Pylodictis olivaris ) populations from across the USA as an example, we investigated to what degree the incorporation of gear selectivity in growth models reduces size-selective bias in the estimation of growth parameters during macroscale investigations of fish growth. We developed a series of simulation scenarios by combining different sampling methods to obtain fish samples and different gear selectivity assumptions to estimate parameters. Results showed that the efficacy of incorporating gear selectivity in growth models to reduce size-selective sampling bias during macroscale investigations depends on multiple factors, including ( i ) the size distribution of small and large fish in the sample (which is a function of sampling methods), and ( ii ) consistency of sampling methods across populations. Incorporation of gear selectivity may reduce bias when data are lacking for large fish and when sampling methods are inconsistent across populations. Demographics of the sampled populations and the growth parameter of interest can also affect the utility of directly incorporating gear selectivity into growth models. Because multiple factors can influence the efficacy of incorporating gear selectivity into growth models, the decision to do so likely needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. This study extends the existing gear selectivity research by focusing on macroscale fish growth investigations across multiple populations and provides guidance on how to handle gear selectivity assumptions during such investigations.

Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗

USGS2022

Incorporating antenna detections into abundance estimates of fish

Autonomous passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag antennas are commonly used to detect fish marked with PIT tags but cannot detect unmarked fish, creating challenges for abundance estimation. Here we describe an approach to estimate abundance from paired physical capture and antenna detection data in closed and open mark-recapture models. Additionally, for open models, we develop an approach that incorporates uncertainty in fish size, because fish size changes through time (as fish grow bigger) but is unknown if fish are not physically captured (e.g., only detected on antennas). Incorporation of size uncertainty allows for estimation of size-specific abundances and demonstrates a generally useful method for obtaining state-specific abundances estimates under state uncertainty. Simulation studies comparing models with and without antenna detections illustrate that the benefit of our approach increases as a larger proportion of the population is marked. When applied to two field data sets, our approach to incorporating antenna detections reduced uncertainty in abundance substantially. We conclude that PIT antennas hold great potential for improving abundance estimation, despite the challenges they present.

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗

USGS2005

Ecology of the Lake Huron fish community, 1970-1999

We review the status of the Lake Huron fish community between 1970 and 1999 and explore the effects of key stressors. Offshore waters changed little in terms of nutrient enrichment, while phosphorus levels declined in inner Saginaw Bay. Introduced mussels ( Dreissena spp.) proliferated and may have caused a decline in Diporeia spp. This introduction could have caused a decline in lake whitefish ( Coregonus clupeaformis ) growth and condition, with serious repercussions for commercial fisheries. Bythotrephes , an exotic predatory cladoceran, and other new exotics may be influencing the fish community. Sea lampreys ( Petromyzon marinus ) remained prevalent, but intensive control efforts on the St. Mary's River may reduce their predation on salmonines. Overfishing was less of a problem than in the past, although fishing continued to reduce the amount of lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) spawning biomass resulting from hatchery-reared fish planted to rehabilitate this species. Massive stocking programs have increased the abundance of top predators, but lake trout were rehabilitated in only one area. Successful lake trout rehabilitation may require lower densities of introduced pelagic prey fish than were seen in the 1990s, along with continued stocking of hatchery-reared lake trout and control of sea lamprey. Such reductions in prey fish could limit Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.) fisheries.

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗

USGS2009

The Lake Huron pelagic fish community: persistent spatial pattern along biomass and species composition gradients

Spatial patterns in the biomass of pelagic fish in Lake Huron have persisted over 10 years even though biomass decreased 86% and the fish community shifted from dominance by non-native species (rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax) to dominance by native species (bloater, Coregonus hoyi). Based on multivariate analyses of acoustic biomass data and abiotic variables from the years 1997, 2004, 2005, and 2007, the strength of relationships between abiotic variables (primarily bottom depth) and fish community composition gradients decreased with fish biomass, suggesting that at high biomass, the influence of the measured abiotic variables is minimal. We observed consistently higher biomass in the North Channel and Georgian Bay than in the Main Basin, and as a result, we conclude that these smaller basins are likely important contributors to lakewide fish biomass, production, and dynamics. These results suggest that at current biomass levels, efforts to understand ecology, population dynamics, and lakewide abundance need to incorporate the effects of depth and geographic variation on fish distributions and ecology.

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences↗

USGS2004

Fish assemblage structure and relations with environmental conditions in a Rocky Mountain watershed

Fish and habitat were sampled from 110 reaches in the Salt River basin (Idaho and Wyoming) during 1996 and 1997 to assess patterns in fish assemblage structure across a Rocky Mountain watershed. We identified four distinct fish assemblages using cluster analysis: (1) allopatric cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki (Richardson, 1836)); (2) cutthroat trout - brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchell, 1814)) - Paiute sculpin (Cottus beldingi Eigenmann and Eigenmann, 1891); (3) cutthroat trout - brown trout (Salmo trutta L., 1758) - mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi Girard, 1850); and (4) Cyprinidae-Catostomidae. The distribution of fish assemblages was explained by thermal characteristics, stream geomorphology, and local habitat features. Reaches with allopatric cutthroat trout and the cutthroat trout - brook trout - Paiute sculpin assemblage were located in high-elevation, high-gradient streams. The other two fish assemblages were generally located in low-elevation streams. Associations between habitat gradients, locations of reaches in the watershed, and occurrence of species were further examined using canonical correspondence analysis. The results suggest that stream geomorphology, thermal conditions, and local habitat characteristics influence fish assemblage structure across a Rocky Mountain watershed, and they provide information on the ecology of individual species that can guide conservation activities. ?? 2004 NRC Canada.

Canadian Journal of Zoology↗

USGS2017

Estimating incision healing rate for surgically implanted acoustic transmitters from recaptured fish

Background Intracoelomic implantation of electronic tags has become a common method in fishery research, but rarely are fish examined by scientists after release to understand the extent that surgical incisions have healed. Walleye ( Sander vitreus ) are a valuable, highly exploited fishery resource in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Here, fishery capture of walleye with internal acoustic transmitters combined with a high reward program provided multiple opportunities to examine photographs and quantify the status of surgical incisions. Walleye ( n = 926) from reef and river spawning populations in Lake Erie and Lake Huron were implanted with acoustic transmitters during spring spawning events from 2011 to 2016. Incisions were closed with polydioxanone monofilament using two to three interrupted sutures. Out of 276 recaptured fish, 60 incision sites were clearly visible in photographs, and these were scored by two independent readers for incision closure, inflammation, and the presence of sutures. Results While incision sites were completely closed by 61 days post-release (95% CI 44–94), sutures remained for up to 866 days. Sutures were expelled serially during a protracted period, and the probability of observing at least one suture in a recaptured fish declined below 50% after 673 days (95% CI 442–1016). Inflammation at the incision increased during the first 71 days and then declined monotonically, remaining detectable at low levels. Conclusion Our results emphasized that sutures remained in free-ranging fish past the time when they were beneficial for incision healing. Most dissolvable sutures have been designed for use in endotherms where the body temperature and internal milieu differ dramatically from the conditions experienced by fishes in temperate climates. Identification of new suture materials for fish that facilitate healing while absorbing or dissolving in a reasonable period (e.g., a few weeks to three months) in colder temperatures (e.g., <12 °C) would be beneficial to mitigate potential adverse impacts from inflammation at the incision.

Animal Biotelemetry↗

USGS2025

Linking bathythermal habitat selection to management of a migratory freshwater fish

Background For migratory fishes, habitat selection in dimensions of temperature and depth may be jointly used to define the bathythermal niche. Seasonal and long-term changes in the availability of bathythermal habitat can cause behavioral responses that have consequences for managing interjurisdictional fisheries that target migratory fishes. Management of such fisheries typically relies on standardized surveys to provide knowledge of stock status, yet changes in fish behavior may complicate interpretation of survey results. For example, changes in bathythermal habitat selection could uncouple fish availability from surveys designed to intercept migrating fish in predefined bathythermal habitats. Methods We applied electronic tagging methods to Lake Erie walleye ( Sander vitreus ) to address spatial management and stock assessment questions regarding bathythermal habitat. Specifically, we sought to determine if bathythermal habitat use varied in relation to body size, season, and time of day, with a particular focus on how these may influence availability to fisheries-independent surveys conducted during September-November. Results As predicted, bathythermal habitat distribution fluctuated substantially throughout the year, was most limited during spawning months, and most expansive during fall migration. During the summer stratified months, walleye primarily selected epilimnetic habitats, despite the prevailing notion that colder hypolimnetic waters would be preferred during this time. Conclusions While our results did not support a previous hypothesis that smaller fish were more available to assessment survey gears, our results did support previous assertions that walleye were more active and available to suspended gill nets during late crepuscular periods in fall. Considering uncertainties in water quality and long-term warming trends, our case study could improve decisions regarding spatial management of this species in the context of independent water quality management objectives.

Detroit River, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair↗

USGS2010

Influence of fish oils in production catfish feeds on selected disease resistance factors

Healthy channel calfish, Ictalurus punctatus (mean weight: 62.5g), were fed two production feeds that were identical except for the lipid portion, which was either catfish oil or menhaden oil. Fish were held at 18 or 28°C and fed the experimental feeds for four monlhs. A subsample of fish from each of the four treatments was then used to measure scrum antibody titers to Edwardsiella ictaluri , macrophage phagocytic index, phagocytic capacity, and production of intracellular and extracellular superoxide anion. The remaining fish were vaccinated with an E. icraluri bacterin, held for 18-24 days, and the assays were repeated. Fatty acid profiles of the diets indicated catfish oil had a higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids and slightly higher n-6 fatty acids. The menhaden oil diet had a higher percentage of the n-3 fatty acids. At 28°C, weight gain and feed conversion were slightly higher in calfish fed the feed containing menhaden oil. Weight gains and feed conversion were similar in fish maintained on the two feeds at 18°C. At the lower temperature, fish fed the diet containing menhaden oil appeared to have enhanced disease resistance factors, particularly phagocytic capacity. However, at 28°C, fish fed the diet containing catfish oil had enhanced phagocytic ability and intracellular superoxide production. Antibody titers were not sigmficantly (P > 0.05) affected by dietary lipid in this study. Vaccination amplified phagocytic ability in both diets at both temperatures and intensified the production of superoxide anion at 28°C.

Journal of Applied Aquaculture↗

USGS1999

Immunostimulants in fish diets

Various immunostimulants and their methods of application in fish culture are examined in this review. Important variables such as life stage and innate disease resistance of the fish; immunostimulant used, its structure and mode of action; and the fish's environment are discussed. Conflicting results have been published about the efficacy of immunostimulants in fish diets. Some researchers have had positive responses demonstrated as increased fish survival, others have not. Generally, immunostimulants enhance individual components of the non-specific immune response but that does not always translate into increased fish survival. In addition, immunostimulants fed at too high a dose or for too long can be immunosuppressive. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com ].

Journal of Applied Aquaculture↗

USGS2024

Management of tidal wetland restoration and fish in the upper San Francisco Estuary: Where are we now and how do we move forward? A summary of the 2023 Wetland Science Symposium

Tidal wetland restoration to benefit at-risk fish species in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Suisun marsh has gained momentum over the past decade, much of it in response to mitigation requirements for the State Water Project and Central Valley Project. In fall 2023, the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Contractors convened a symposium, entitled Delta-Suisun Tidal Wetland Restoration Symposium: State of the Science and Future Directions, to discuss the latest wetland restoration research and future directions. The symposium was held 10 years after the 2013 symposium “Tidal Marshes and Native Fishes in the Delta: Will Restoration Make a Difference?”, so served as an opportunity to follow up on the progress that has been made over the past decade. This paper synthesizes the key findings from the 2023 workshop. The paper begins with the historical context of wetland restoration in the Delta and Suisun marsh, then outlines the restoration process as it is currently implemented. It then describes the monitoring of tidal wetlands in terms of their capacity to support fish (capacity), the opportunity fish have to use the habitat (opportunity), and the realized functions provided when fish are actually using the site. Finally, the paper identifies priority science actions to advance our understanding and management of tidal wetland restoration sites. These actions include further research into fish habitat utilization, improved monitoring techniques, and enhanced adaptive management strategies. This list of information needs is intended to inform future monitoring of restoration sites, scientific studies, funding, and prioritization of wetland research.

California↗

USGS2008

Management concerns about known and potential impacts of lead use in shooting and in fishing activities

We present a summary of the technical review, jointly requested by the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society, addressing the hazards to wildlife resulting from lead objects or fragments introduced into aquatic and terrestrial environments from the use of ammunition and fishing tackle. Impacts from lead are well documented in humans, as well as in terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Concern about impacts from lead ammunition and fishing tackle has resulted in the development of non-lead alternatives, educational campaigns, and regulations to restrict their use. This article discusses the general biological impacts of lead exposure from fishing and shooting activities to fish, wildlife, and humans; summarizes existing and proposed regulations to reduce lead exposure to biota; reviews alternatives to lead materials that are currently available for fishing; and outlines options for further actions to reduce wildlife and human exposure to lead from fishing activities.

Fisheries↗

USGS2009

FishTraits: a database of ecological and life-history traits of freshwater fishes of the United States

The need for integrated and widely accessible sources of species traits data to facilitate studies of ecology, conservation, and management has motivated development of traits databases for various taxa. In spite of the increasing number of traits-based analyses of freshwater fishes in the United States, no consolidated database of traits of this group exists publicly, and much useful information on these species is documented only in obscure sources. The largely inaccessible and unconsolidated traits information makes large-scale analysis involving many fishes and/or traits particularly challenging. We have compiled a database of > 100 traits for 809 (731 native and 78 nonnative) fish species found in freshwaters of the conterminous United States, including 37 native families and 145 native genera. The database, named Fish Traits, contains information on four major categories of traits: (1) trophic ecology; (2) body size, reproductive ecology, and life history; (3) habitat preferences; and (4) salinity and temperature tolerances. Information on geographic distribution and conservation status was also compiled. The database enhances many opportunities for conducting research on fish species traits and constitutes the first step toward establishing a central repository for a continually expanding set of traits of North American fishes.

Fisheries↗

USGS1997

Episodic acidification and changes in fish diversity in Pennsylvania headwater streams

Current water chemistry and fish communities in 70 Pennsylvania streams were compared with historical records to determine whether fish species richness had declined and, if so, the possible role of acidification. First‐, second‐, and third‐order streams were selected, and stream sites sampled during the 1961–1971 survey were resampled during May and June 1994 in the Appalachian Plateaus province and during June 1995 in the Valley and Ridge province. Streamflow was measured and a habitat assessment was completed at each site. Dominant bedrock types influencing the stream sampling site were determined for the Appalachian Plateaus streams. Episodic water chemistry was collected for 39 of the 50 Appalachian Plateaus streams and 14 of the 20 Valley and Ridge streams during the winter and spring of 1996. Thirty‐eight (76%) streams of the Appalachian Plateaus province and 13 (65%) streams in the Valley and Ridge province had a loss of fish species since the 1961–1971 sampling period. Habitat scores were not related to losses of fish species. Of the 53 streams sampled during runoff episodes 22 (42%) increased in total dissolved aluminum by more than 50 μg/L, and 31 (58%) streams decreased in pH by 0.5 units or more. Minnows (Cyprinidae) and darters (Percidae) are sensitive to acidity and were the species most often lost. Streams draining watersheds of the Appalachian Plateaus province dominated by Pottsville bedrock had more acidic water quality during base flow and storm flow sampling periods than streams dominated by Pocono bedrock. The results of this study indicate that many Pennsylvania streams have undergone an alarming reduction in fish diversity during the past 25–34 years. In many of these streams the loss in fish diversity may be attributed to episodic acidification.

Pennsylvania↗

USGS2002

Observations of the distributions of five fish species in a small Appalachian stream

The notion has been growing that resident stream fishes exhibit a greater capacity for movement than was previously thought. In this study, we recorded the distributions of four resident fish species (longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae , blacknose dace R. atratulus , mottled sculpin Cottus bairdi , and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ) and one nonresident species (central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum ) in Rock Creek, a small tributary of Cosby Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, over the period 1979-1995. During this study, 1,998 individuals of resident species were collected from stream sections considered to be within a common area of distribution for each species. Forty-five individuals of resident and nonresident species were captured upstream of these areas, and eight of these fish were considered to be larger than individuals considered typical for each species. Small mammal dispersal theory concepts were used to classify and describe fish movements outside of common areas of distribution. These movements were identified as important in maintaining population connectivity within stream drainages, contributing to reducing the potential for local extinctions of populations and to the recolonization of unoccupied habitats. This study highlights the need for continued study of fish movements in stream drainages and for development of appropriate resource management strategies based partly on the spatial dynamics of fish populations and communities.

Cosby Creek, Rock Creek↗

USGS2003

Assessing the efficacy of single-pass backpack electrofishing to characterize fish community structure

Two-pass backpack electrofishing data collected as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program were analyzed to assess the efficacy of single-pass backpack electrofishing. A two-capture removal model was used to estimate, within 10 river basins across the United States, proportional fish species richness from one-pass electrofishing and probabilities of detection for individual fish species. Mean estimated species richness from first-pass sampling (p s1 ) ranged from 80.7% to 100% of estimated total species richness for each river basin, based on at least seven samples per basin. However, p s1 values for individual sites ranged from 40% to 100% of estimated total species richness. Additional species unique to the second pass were collected in 50.3% of the samples. Of these, cyprinids and centrarchids were collected most frequently. Proportional fish species richness estimated for the first pass increased significantly with decreasing stream width for 1 of the 10 river basins. When used to calculate probabilities of detection of individual fish species, the removal model failed 48% of the time because the number of individuals of a species was greater in the second pass than in the first pass. Single-pass backpack electrofishing data alone may make it difficult to determine whether characterized fish community structure data are real or spurious. The two-pass removal model can be used to assess the effectiveness of sampling species richness with a single electrofishing pass. However, the two-pass removal model may have limited utility to determine probabilities of detection of individual species and, thus, limit the ability to assess the effectiveness of single-pass sampling to characterize species relative abundances. Multiple-pass (at least three passes) backpack electrofishing at a large number of sites may not be cost-effective as part of a standardized sampling protocol for large-geographic-scale studies. However, multiple-pass electrofishing at some sites may be necessary to better evaluate the adequacy of single-pass electrofishing and to help make meaningful interpretations of fish community structure.

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society↗

USGS1996

Natural thermal refugia for temperate warmwater stream fishes

The seasonal use of an Ozark spring branch by fishes was evaluated from January 1993 to January 1995. Temperatures in the spring branch were fairly constant, at 13.5 ± 1°C, and usually exceeded the temperature of a receiving stream during the November–March coldwater period. Black redhorse Moxostoma duquesnei , smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu , shadow bass Ambloplites ariommus , and longear sunfish Lepomis megalotis showed a temporal pattern of use in the spring branch. The lowest use was during the April–October warmwater period, and the greatest use was during the coldwater period. During cold periods, biomass of these four species in the spring branch was significantly greater and fish size significantly larger than in similar habitats in the adjoining stream. The weight per unit length of fish using the spring branch during cold periods was also significantly greater. Shadow bass and longear sunfish had significantly greater relative stomach contents than conspecifics in equivalent habitats from the adjoining stream, but had similar relative numbers of eggs. Large concentrations of adult fish used spring branches during the coldwater period, and these fish may be more vulnerable to angling than conspecifics in similar habitats in adjoining streams dominated by surface water. Thus, we suggest that stream managers consider the usefulness of fish refuges in spring branches and adjacent thermally influenced areas.

Missouri↗

USGS2004

Fish populations associated with habitat-modified piers and natural woody debris in Piedmont Carolina reservoirs

A primary concern associated with reservoir shoreline residential development is reduction of littoral habitat complexity and diversity. One potential approach to compensate for this is the deployment of artificial-habitat modules under existing piers, but the benefit of this practice has not been demonstrated. To evaluate the effect of pier habitat modifications on fish populations in two Piedmont Carolina reservoirs, we studied 77 piers located on forty-seven, 100-m transects that were modified using plastic "fish hab" modules augmented with brush (brushed habs), hab modules alone (habs), or left unaltered for reference purposes. We sampled fish from all piers and transects during April, July, and October 2001 using a boat-mounted electrofisher. With few exceptions, catch rates were higher at brushed-hab piers and piers with habs than at reference piers during all seasons. Similarly, during spring and summer, fish abundance was generally higher on transects containing natural woody debris, brushed habs, and habs than on reference-developed transects; however, during fall, there were exceptions. Therefore, fish abundance associated with shorelines in these reservoirs appears to be related to the structural complexity of available habitat rather than structure composition. One year after installation, 92% of pier owners responding to a mail survey expressed satisfaction with pier modifications. Supplementing piers with habitat structures is recommended to enhance littoral habitat complexity for fishes in residentially developed reservoirs.

North American Journal of Fisheries Management↗

USGS2005

Efficacy of a benthic trawl for sampling small-bodied fishes in large river systems

We conducted a study from 1998 to 2001 to determine the efficacy of a benthic trawl designed to increase species detection and reduce the incidence of zero catches of small-bodied fishes. We modified a standard two-seam slingshot balloon trawl by covering the entire trawl with a small-mesh cover. After completing 281 hauls with the modified (Missouri) trawl, we discovered that most fish passed through the body of the standard trawl and were captured in the cover. Logistic regression indicated no noticeable effect of the cover on the catch entering the standard portion of the modified trawl. However, some fishes (e.g., larval sturgeons Scaphirhynchus spp. and pallid sturgeon S. albus) were exclusively captured in the small-mesh cover, while the catch of small-bodied adult fish (e.g., chubs Macrhybopsis spp.) was significantly improved by use of the small-mesh cover design. The Missouri trawl significantly increased the number and species of small-bodied fishes captured over previously used designs and is a useful method for sampling the benthic fish community in moderate- to large-size river systems.

North American Journal of Fisheries Management↗