2025 Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference: Full Schedule

1:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Effects of Flow Variation on Recruitment in a Central Missouri Stream Fish Assemblage

Monday January 20, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST

AUTHORS: Connor S. Church, University of Missouri School of Natural Resources; Allison A. Pease, University of Missouri School of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: In the Central U.S., we are experiencing more frequent extreme high-flow events (floods) in many stream systems associated with climate change. Large swaths of the globe are expected to experience wetter conditions with more frequent, high-magnitude precipitation events in the future. Our objectives were to determine if the effects of extreme flows on fish recruitment are predictable based on life history traits, and to learn how extreme flows affect habitat characteristics and food availability for age-0 fishes. To provide these data, we sampled age-0 fishes by seining in Richland Creek and a side channel of the Lamine River in central Missouri 2023-2024. Each site was surveyed twice monthly from May-September. To characterize food resource availability and quality in relation to flows across the season, we sampled benthic macroinvertebrates using dip net sweeps, and we collected zooplankton using a plankton trap. In 2023, a year with an exceptionally dry spring followed by one summer flood, abundance of age-0 native fishes was low in the Lamine River side channel compared to Richland Creek, Western Mosquitofish, an opportunistic species, predominated in 2023. In 2024, two spring floods occurred, along with multiple rain events during the spring and early summer that allowed floodplain and side channel access to spawning fishes and age-0 individuals. Age-0 individuals of periodic species such as longnose gar, bigmouth buffalo, and skipjack herring were only detected in 2024. Aquatic invertebrate diversity and abundance were higher in 2023 than in 2024. Our research will help address how timing, frequency, and magnitude of flow events affect recruitment in stream fish assemblages.

Speakers

Connor Church

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

1:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Identifying Walleye and Lake Whitefish Spawning Habitat to Inform Habitat Improvements for Lake Sturgeon in the Lower Fox River below De Pere Dam

Monday January 20, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Braden Lensing, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Daniel Dembkowski, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Joshua Raabe, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Jason Breegemann, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Daniel Isermann, U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

ABSTRACT: Previous research indicates that lake sturgeon Acipenser fluvescens recruitment is limited in the Lower Fox River below De Pere Dam. Habitat enhancements in the form of an offshore reef have been proposed to potentially improve the recruitment of lake sturgeon. However, identifying spawning habitats for other species could help to ensure that restoration efforts for lake sturgeon do not result in loss of spawning habitat for other species. The Lower Fox River supports spawning runs of walleye Sander vitreus and lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis, both of which support important fisheries in southern Green Bay. Our objectives are to 1) describe spatial variation in walleye and lake whitefish egg densities in the LFR below De Pere Dam to inform placement of the lake sturgeon spawning reef; 2) determine if spatial variation in egg densities are related to a suite of environmental variables (e.g., flow, depth, and substrate), 3) determine if spatial distributions of eggs are similar for walleye and lake whitefish, and 4) describe the timing (e.g., start, peak, end, and duration) of walleye and lake whitefish spawning. Heat maps generated from relative egg densities illustrate the spatial distribution of walleye and lake whitefish egg densities and reveal significant overlap in egg deposition between the two species, as well as notable overlap with three of four proposed reef locations. The 2023 lake whitefish spawning period spanned 14 days, beginning on November 8 and concluding around November 21. In contrast, the 2024 walleye spawning season lasted 38 days, commencing on March 18 and ending about April 25.

Speakers

Braden Lensing

Graduate Research Assistant, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Monday January 20, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

2:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Diet and Niche Overlap of Blue Catfish and Resident Reservoir Sportfishes to Inform Stocking Decisions

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Jacob L Bentley, The Ohio State University; Stuart A Ludsin, The Ohio State University

ABSTRACT: The intentional introduction of nonnative predators to generate novel fisheries, while common, has the potential to threaten existing fisheries through numerous mechanisms such as competition and predation. Similarly, stocking success could be hampered by these same mechanisms, highlighting the need to understand habitat use and niche overlap among biota. In Ohio reservoirs, Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) has been stocked since 2010 to create novel trophy fisheries. However, the potential exists that the success of Blue Catfish will either threaten the success of existing fisheries or threaten the success of the stocking program if niche overlap among species is high. To assess niche overlap and the potential for competition among stocked Blue Catfish, native predators (e.g., Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus; Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides), and stocked saugeye (Sander canadensis x S. vitreus), we analyzed the diets and stable isotope ratios (nitrogen, carbon, and sulphur) of muscle tissue from fish collected during spring, summer, and fall of 2021-2023 in two Ohio reservoirs: one stocked with Blue Catfish (Hoover Reservoir) and one not stocked with Blue Catfish (Alum Creek Lake). We hypothesized that niche overlap would be highest between catfish species, with Largemouth Bass and saugeye also overlapping. Our hypothesis was only partially supported. Results show niche partitioning between Blue Catfish and all other species. Blue Catfish consumed more and larger fish prey (e.g., large-bodied Gizzard Shad) relative to all other species, with Channel Catfish feeding mostly on aquatic insect larvae (e.g., chironomids). By contrast, Largemouth Bass and saugeye primarily fed on smaller-bodied Gizzard Shad than Blue Catfish, with their diets being similar as expected. In addition to quantifying niche envelopes for these species, we discuss how our findings, and stable isotopes in general, can be used to help inform stocking decision-making in reservoir ecosystems.

Speakers

Jacob Bentley

Master's Student, The Ohio State University

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

2:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Identifying Spawning Sites and Fidelity of Ogaa (walleye Sander Vitreus): Implications for Fishery Stewardship

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Kayla Lenz, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Aaron Shultz, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Adam Ray, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Carl Klimah, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

ABSTRACT: Mille Lacs Lake located in the 1837 Ceded Territory in central Minnesota offers a unique site for assessing the movement of fish throughout a large temperate lake. The relative shallowness of the lake and resultant lack of a thermocline allows ogaawag (walleye Sander vitreus) to forage throughout the lake, thus maximizing their range. Ogaawag , have been impacted by the many changes happening in this system over the past several decades, resulting in a variable but overall decreasing population between 1980 and 2016, when the population seems to have plateaued. This decrease has largely been attributed to a decrease in annual recruitment from hatching to age-2, but the root cause of that recruitment problem is yet unclear. In other large lake systems, ogaawag frequently display spawning site fidelity, making them especially reliant on a relatively small spawning area. Disturbances and changes in these areas may decrease overall reproduction and decrease fry survival. Identifying and protecting these critical sites may maintain annual recruitment of Mille Lacs ogaawag. The purpose of this study was to identify ogaawag spawning sites across years, characterize habitat type, and quantify spawning site fidelity of adult ogaawag in Mille Lacs Lake. Here we examine the movements of 70 tagged adult ogaawag during the spawning periods of 2019, 2020, and 2021 to determine the proportion of ogaawag that display spawning site fidelity and which areas of the lake were “hotspots” for spawning. Using an acoustic telemetry array, we examine the relationships between sex, length, detection depth, average residence time at each receiver, and spawning site fidelity to establish patterns of behavior among ogaawag. We found that ogaawag in Mille Lacs display spawning site fidelity at high rates (96%) and identified areas with rocky and/or hard substrate, lots of wind/wave action, and that are near undeveloped shoreline to be hotspots of ogaawag activity during the spawning season. We also observed what is likely an occurrence of skipped spawning in a female ogaa. Findings from this study should be used to create new stewardship plans to protect in-lake, shoreline, and upland habitats near spawning aggregation sites in Mille Lacs Lake. These approaches may be applicable to other large lake ecosystems.

Speakers

Kayla Lenz

Fisheries Research LTE, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

2:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Evaluating the influence of climate change on walleye and largemouth bass consumption rates in a northern Wisconsin lake

Monday January 20, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Jeston Hassler, South Dakota State University; Maxwel Wilkinson, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Quinnlan Smith, University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology; Joseph Mrnak, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Escanaba Lake Research Station/University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Limnology

ABSTRACT: In recent decades, some lakes in the Ceded Territory of Wisconsin (approximate northern third of the state) have experienced increasing largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides abundance coupled with declining walleye Sander vitreus abundance. These shifts in abundance have become of management concern, as largemouth bass have been hypothesized to negatively influence walleye populations through potential competitive or predatory interactions. Yet, a mechanistic understanding of these ecological interactions remains relatively unknown. As climate change continues to alter thermal habitat in northern Wisconsin lakes, understanding how warming water temperatures may influence largemouth bass and walleye interactions, specifically their consumption rates of prey items, could assist in the future management of the two species. Thus, our objectives in this study were to 1) calculate diet overlap and consumption rates of common prey items for largemouth bass and walleye in a northern Wisconsin lake and 2) simulate consumption rates of largemouth bass and walleye in predicted climate change scenarios. Our study site, Little John Lake located in Vilas Co., Wisconsin, contains a naturally recruiting walleye population and fish assemblage similar to many other northern Wisconsin lakes. We intensively sampled diets of largemouth bass and walleye in Little John Lake from May-October in 2024 and took a bioenergetics approach to estimate and simulate consumption rates of these species under climate-change scenarios. Increased rates of consumption were apparent for both species, notably of yellow perch Perca flavescens and Lepomis spp., yet walleye consumption rates slowed when water temperature began reaching their thermal tolerance. Understanding how largemouth bass and walleye consumption rates may differ under climate-change scenarios may give valuable insight into future interactions between these species in northern Wisconsin lakes.

Speakers

Jeston Hassler

Undergraduate Student, South Dakota State University

Monday January 20, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

2:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Zooplankton in the Upper Mississippi River System

Monday January 20, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Molly Sobotka;
Jessica Fulgoni;
Ashley Johnson;
Alex Bell

ABSTRACT: Zooplankton link microbial primary producers to larger consumers (primarily fish) in aquatic food webs. Despite their importance, assessment of zooplankton populations in large rivers is rare, especially across large spatial scales and during the winter. We collected zooplankton alongside summer, fall, and winter water quality sampling events in the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program’s Long Term Resource Monitoring element key reaches during 2019 and 2020. We used generalized additive models to assess the relationships between measures of zooplankton abundance and local and site level habitat variables. Zooplankton abundance was strongly tied to measures of productivity (chlorophyll) and water clarity (suspended solids), but the strength and shape of these relationships was not the same between seasons. Abundance of crustacean zooplankton was greatest during the winter however we did not find a significant relationship between abundance and chlorophyll during that season. Crustacean density and biomass were negatively associated with the presence of invasive carps and positively associated with abundant aquatic plants.

Speakers

Molly Sobotka

Resource Staff Scientist, Missouri Dept of Conservation

Monday January 20, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

2:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: First occurrence of American Brook Lamprey (Lethenteron appendix) in the Cuyahoga River, OH

Monday January 20, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Zane McAdams, U.S. Geological Survey; Dustin Broaddus, U.S. Geological Survey; Ryan Trimbath, U.S. National Parks Service; Eric Waits, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Marc Mills, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Alexander V. Catalano, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Matthew R. Acre, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: The Cuyahoga River watershed was designated as an Area of Concern by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1987. Of the original nine Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs), five remain, three of which address water quality, fish population status, and habitat availability. The American Brook Lamprey (Lethenteron appendix; ABL), is a non-parasitic, cold-water species sensitive to habitat degradation and considered an indicator species– presence reflects good habitat quality while absence suggests poor habitat quality. Though widely distributed, population status assessed at the HUC-8 watershed scale are highly variable depending on local conditions. Since 1984, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) has consistently monitored the Cuyahoga River as part of their standardized sampling to document all fish biodiversity in the river. The first ABL occurrence in the watershed was recorded in 2000 in Salt Run, a cold-water tributary located at river kilometer (rkm) 49 within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Since then, sporadic occurrences have been documented in Salt Run and Dickerson Run, both cold-water tributaries. In 2023, we recorded the first ABL ammocoete, confirmed through genetic analysis, in the mainstem Cuyahoga River near the confluence with a cold-water tributary at rkm 43. We developed a standardized backpack electrofishing sampling protocol in 2024 to explore potential habitat in the mainstem that may be suitable for the species near cold-water tributaries, including the two known ABL tributaries. We discovered the species at one new location, Columbia Run (rkm 41.2), not represented in historical samples. Two specimens were collected at various metamorphic stages suggesting that recruitment has been occurring near Columbia Run. These findings suggest expansive restoration efforts such as, but not limited to, dam removals appear to be resulting in range expansion of ABL, including into the mainstem of the Cuyahoga River.

Speakers

Zane McAdams

Biological Science Technician, United States Geological Survey

Monday January 20, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

2:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Movement of Walleye and Sauger assessed using acoustic telemetry in Lewis and Clark Lake, a Missouri River reservoir

Monday January 20, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: William J. Radigan, University of Nebraska; Dr. Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska; Christopher Longhenry, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, Dr. Cameron Goble, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas; Dr. Kevin Pope, United States Geological Survey—Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Walleye Sander vitreus and Sauger Sander canadensis are both socioeconomically important sportfish species in Lewis and Clark Lake, an interjurisdictionally managed mainstem Missouri River reservoir fishery. Adult Walleye (n=136) and adult Sauger (n=82) movement patterns were assessed from March 2021 to September 2024 among four management zones corresponding roughly to quarters of Lewis and Clark Lake using acoustic telemetry. We used a multistate live-dead model approach to assess survival, detection, and movement probabilities. Walleye survival probabilities (mean 85%) varied over time. Detection (mean 81%) and movement (mean 14%) probabilities varied by zone. Sauger detection probabilities varied by zone (mean 58%), and transition probabilities varied by sex, with female Sauger more likely (mean 14%) to transition among zones than male Sauger (mean 6%). Approximately 34-44% of all Walleye and Sauger were site residents, moving less than 10 km from their tagging location over the study duration. Non-site resident male and female Sauger utilized 44-47 km of the reservoir. Female Walleye utilized more of the reservoir (58 km) than male Walleye (45 km). Walleye tagged near Fort Randall Dam utilized more of the reservoir (69-72 km) than Walleye tagged elsewhere (47 km). Exploitation estimates were derived from angler-reported tags and entrainment estimates were based on detections recorded on receivers placed downstream of Gavins Point Dam. Annual exploitation (0-19%) and entrainment (0-5%) are considerable sources of loss for adult Walleye and adult Sauger in Lewis and Clark Lake. Examination of Walleye and Sauger movement patterns and sources of loss enables fisheries managers to focus management on areas identified to be important for spawning and validates the appropriateness of maintaining current harvest regulations.

Speakers

Will Radigan

PhD Student, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Monday January 20, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

3:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Environmental changes lead to reduced Walleye production in Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota

Monday January 20, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Thomas S. Jones, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Mark Luehring, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Council
Heidi Rantala, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
John M. Hoenig, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences
Patrick J. Schmalz, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Abundance of Walleye in Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, has decreased since the 1990s. Two important environmental changes likely contributed to these declines. First, water clarity increased abruptly in the mid-1990s and increased clarity continues through the present day. Second, zebra mussels and spiny waterflea invaded in the late 2000’s, leading to a 90% reduction in zooplankton. Efforts to rebuild the stock through low harvest since 2013 have met with limited success. This study used multiple approaches to compare Walleye productivity changes associated with three time periods (pre-water clarity, post-water clarity, and post-invasive species). First, we estimated annual harvestable surpluses by summing Walleye fishing mortality and the resultant change in population size estimated from statistical catch-at-age models. These data were fit to surplus production models making various assumptions about the shape of the sustainable yield curve. Second, we estimated total annual Walleye production using an instantaneous growth model. All models showed reduced production after each ecological event. Recognition of reduced productivity may have ramifications for future Walleye management in Mille Lacs Lake.

Speakers

Tom Jones

Treaty Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Monday January 20, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

3:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Spatial and temporal resource use of the Upper Mississippi River

Monday January 20, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Shaley Valentine, Aquatic Ecology Lab, Ohio State University

ABSTRACT: River theory suggests predictable changes in biological resource availability occurs when the river’s physical structure shifts. However, little empirical evidence exists to know if river theories can predict shifts in resource use along environmental gradients and better understand the macrosystem structuring of difficult to study large rivers. Here, I quantified the prey and habitat use of eight native species across space and time using trace element, stable isotope, and diet analyses in the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS). The UMRS varies in its physical structure from homogenous and complex in the upper reaches to (Pools 4, 8, 13) to physically simple and disparate in the lower reaches (Pool 26, the Open River reach, and the La Grange Pool of the Illinois River), and I expected the resource use of fishes to follow this complexity pattern. At the smallest scale, diets of predatory fishes were homogenous in the physically similar upper reaches. At a seasonal scale, contrary to expectations, resource use breadth increased and isotopic overlap decreased from upstream to downstream. And at life-long scales, fish more often originated from tributaries and other river reaches than the mainstem river moving downstream. Combined, these data suggest that the physical environment of the UMRS affects the habitat and prey use of native fishes. These results follow different riverine theories depending on scale: physically homogenous reaches exhibited similar resource use (Serial Discontinuity Concept) and physically disparate research exhibited stark contrasts in resource use (River Continuum Concept or Riverine Ecosystem Synthesis). Regarding macrosystem structuring, these stark differences suggest the upper and lower reaches of the UMRS have different ecosystem structures and functions and that management of this system should occur at both local and system-wide scales.

Speakers

Shaley Valentine

Post Doctoral Researcher, Ohio State University

Monday January 20, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

3:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Evaluating the distribution of fish community production in northern Wisconsin lakes with different walleye recruitment histories

Monday January 20, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Maxwel Wilkinson, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point; Stephanie Shaw, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Escanaba Lake Research Station; Joseph Mrnak, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Escanaba Lake Research Station and University of Wisconsin - Madison, Center for Limnology; Greg Sass, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Escanaba Lake Research Station; Daniel Dembkowski, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point; Daniel Isermann, U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

ABSTRACT: The Ceded Territory of Wisconsin is a lake-rich region that supports important tribal subsistence and recreational fisheries for multiple species. Recently, declines in walleye Sander vitreus production and recruitment, coupled with increases in centrarchid abundance (e.g., largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus) have created challenges for managers in terms of maintaining desired fish community structure amidst changing environmental conditions and angler preferences. Competitive and predatory interactions between centrarchid species and walleye have been hypothesized to influence walleye natural recruitment, notably in small lakes (

Speakers

Maxwel Wilkinson

Graduate Research Assistant, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Monday January 20, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

3:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Macroinvertebrate Assemblages Using Live Freshwater Mussels as Habitat

Monday January 20, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Madison Dunlap, Central Michigan University Biology Department and Institute for Great Lakes Research; Daelyn Woolnough, Central Michigan University Biology Department and Institute for Great Lakes Research

ABSTRACT: Unionids (i.e., native freshwater mussels) provide essential ecosystem services to other benthic macroinvertebrates by concentrating nutrients as well as stabilizing substrate. Research has indicated that different unionid species may contribute unequally to ecosystem services which may be particularly important to epizoic macroinvertebrates living on live unionids. This research sought to understand what ecosystem factors or unionid traits contribute to structuring the epizoic assemblage and how epizoic assemblages relate to the larger benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage. Metadata was collected from unionid surveys between 2015-2023 from across the Chippewa River, Michigan USA. Macroinvertebrate and epizoite data, as well as additional data to fill in data gaps from metadata analyses, were collected during the summer of 2024 at 12 Chippewa River sites. Questions we ask include: 1) What macroinvertebrate assemblages are using live unionids as habitat, 2) Do different traits of unionid shells (e.g., smooth, bumpy, size) contribute to different epizoic assemblages and, 3) How does the epizoic assemblage on unionids compare to traditional D-net macroinvertebrate assemblages? This study considered 5 species of unionids. Analyses is ongoing but will include a comparison of epizoite and benthic macroinvertebrate data across biotic and environmental factors, a prediction of the epizoite density and species richness of epizoite macroinvertebrates based on unionid host traits, and a comparison of epizoic assemblage metrics. Overall, we predict that macroinvertebrate epizoic assemblage will differ from the surrounding benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage and will be structured based on unionid traits. Results give insight into how changes in unionid assemblages, like species extinction and declines, may impact ecosystem services and how data on benthic macroinvertebrates can inform this research. This work is the first to quantify epizoic organisms across multiple species of unionid hosts and compare epizoic macroinvertebrate assemblage to the surrounding macroinvertebrate assemblage.

Speakers

Madison Dunlap

Graduate Student, Central Michigan University

Monday January 20, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

4:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Evaluation of otolith and eye lens chemistry for identifying stocked Walleye

Monday January 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Joshua Fluur, Southern Illinois University; Gregory Whitledge, Southern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a popular sportfish whose populations are often supported by maintenance or supplemental stocking, with most fish stocked as fry, fingerlings, or advanced fingerlings. Evaluation of stocking efficacy is important to inform decisions regarding fish stocking rates and sizes and allocating hatchery fish to locations where maintenance or supplemental stocking is most needed. Several types of artificial tags or marks can potentially be used to identify stocked fish, but many have various drawbacks. Natural chemical markers in otoliths or eye lenses offer several advantages compared to conventional tags or marks and can be used to identify stocked fish when differences between hatchery-reared and wild fish are present. However, the accuracy of these approaches for identifying Walleye stocked at either fry or fingerling sizes has not been evaluated. Thus, the objectives of this study are to assess identification accuracy for Walleye stocked as fry or fingerlings using otolith microchemistry and eye lens stable isotope analysis. Known stocked fish and fish moved between chemically distinct locations to simulate stocking were obtained from several sources. Results to date indicate that otolith microchemistry can identify Walleye stocked as fingerlings with high accuracy and that the source hatchery signature can be detected in fish stocked as early as three days post-hatch. Results of this study will provide guidance regarding applications of otolith and eye lens chemistry techniques to assess contributions of stocking and natural reproduction to Walleye populations and relative efficacy of stocking fish at varied sizes.

Speakers

Joshua Fluur

Graduate Assistant, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

Monday January 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

4:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Spectaclecase Mussel Detection in the Upper Mississippi River Using eDNA

Monday January 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Tariq Tajjioui, U.S. Geological Survey; Daniel Kelner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Stephen F. Spear, U.S. Geological Survey; Diane L. Waller, U.S. Geological Survey; Trevor W. Cyphers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Joseph W. Jordan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Christopher M. Merkes, U.S. Geological Survey; Colin C. Moratz, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Theresa M. Schreier, U.S. Geological Survey; Bernard E. Sietman, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Sarah A. Douglass, Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: The Spectaclecase mussel (Cumberlandia monodonta) is an endangered freshwater species native to the large rivers of the Mississippi River basin in the Midwest and Southeast United States. To support the conservation of Spectaclecase populations, organizations such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are implementing habitat restoration initiatives along the upper Mississippi River (UMR). However, there are few known populations of Spectaclecase in the UMR, and gathering more occurrence data is crucial for effective restoration efforts. Traditional diving methods are typically used for surveying Spectaclecase, but this species’ preference for sheltered habitats, such as large interstitial spaces and crevices, makes these methods risky, costly, and time-consuming. Environmental DNA (eDNA) presents a promising alternative for monitoring aquatic species, although freshwater mussels often yield low detection rates. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for Spectaclecase has previously been developed to detect known populations. Our study aimed to build on this foundation by conducting eDNA surveys throughout the UMR to assess detection rates and locate unknown populations. Between 2020 and 2024, we collected eDNA samples from over 250 sites across 23 pools in the UMR. DNA from the samples was extracted and analyzed using the established Spectaclecase eDNA marker. We also performed dive surveys at any new positive eDNA detection site to confirm the presence of this species. Our findings indicate that eDNA can successfully identify previously unknown populations of Spectaclecase, although locations with documented populations of Spectaclecase sometimes failed to produce positive eDNA detections. Dive surveys revealed that even weak positive eDNA detections were sufficient to locate Spectaclecase mussels. This research highlights the effectiveness of eDNA as a monitoring tool for this endangered species while also addressing the challenges of detecting declining mussel populations in expansive river systems.

Speakers

Tariq Tajjioui

Geneticist, U.S. Geological Survey

Monday January 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

4:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Addressing the Data Need to Manage Future Change in Fisheries

Monday January 20, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Maddy Siller, South Dakota State University; David Coulter, South Dakota State University; Steven Chipps, U.S. Geological Survey; Mark Kaemingk, University of North Dakota; Taufique Mahmood, University of North Dakota; Matthew Maldonado, University of North Dakota; Michaela Neal, University of North Dakota; Ayon Saha, University of North Dakota; Alison Coulter, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Many studies have documented a corresponding shift in fish communities caused by a changing climate. This poses potential problems for managers in the Northern Glaciated Plains where fishing generates millions of dollars annually for local and state economies, and cool-water fish like Walleye are extremely popular. The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework is a new tool for responding to environmental changes due to climate change in ecosystems where there are elevated levels of uncertainty and variability. The RAD framework allows managers to determine if it is most advantageous to a) Resist the change by working to maintain the current ecosystem, b) Accept the changing ecosystem, or c) Direct the change to shape the ecosystem into a new one that achieves the manager’s goals. For this tool to be used, relationships between current habitat characteristics and fish communities need to be determined. Potential changes in fish communities can then be assessed using predicted future environmental conditions due to climate change. Our objective was to classify North and South Dakota lake fish assemblages based on environmental conditions using a multivariant regression tree (MRT). To create this MRT, we examined current environmental conditions including surface area, fetch, shoreline development index, water temperature, watershed area, and watershed land use. Future research will incorporate predicted environmental change to examine shifts in fish communities. The results of this study could guide managers in determining a) which lakes may be most at risk for experiencing changing fish communities, b) which RAD strategy could be best suited for each lake, and c) identify which lakes could be prioritized for ecosystem management (e.g., species and location of fish stocking, habitat renovations) to maintain angler satisfaction.

Speakers

Madalyn Siller

Graduate Research Assistant, South Dakota State University

Monday January 20, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

4:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Mille Lacs Lake Walleye: Changes in Body Condition Over Time in Relation to Biotic and Environmental Changes

Monday January 20, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Levi Suchla, University of Minnesota; Lynn Waterhouse, University of Minnesota/U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Mille Lacs Lake is an economically, recreationally, and culturally significant fishery, with Walleye being one of the the main targets for anglers. Over the past 30+ years, numerous biotic and abiotic changes have occurred within the lake and have had an impact on the fishery. This project aims to explore what factors have had the biggest influence on the body condition of walleye, understand the impact of some aquatic invasive species that are present in the lake, and determine the trends and shifts in walleye body condition and growth over time in relation to changing conditions.

Speakers

Levi Suchla

M.S. Graduate Research Assistant, University of Minnesota

Monday January 20, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

4:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Assessing Habitat Quality Changes for Cool- and Warm-Water Fishes

Monday January 20, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Maddy Siller, South Dakota State University; David Coulter, South Dakota State University; Kaden Ball, South Dakota State University; Mark Kaemink, University of North Dakota; Taufique Mahmood, University of North Dakota; Matthew Maldonado, University of North Dakota; Michaela Neal, University of North Dakota; Ayon Saha, University of North Dakota; Alison Coulter, South Dakota State UNiversity

ABSTRACT: It is known that temperature impacts fish growth and that the influences of temperature on growth depends on the thermal optima of a particular species. This means that the extent of climate change impacts on growth and, ultimately, body length and body weight may vary by species. Additionally, understanding how latitudinal temperature variation influences fish growth may inform planning and management decisions for the future. This is due to climate change potentially producing similar differences to what is already observed with latitudinal variation within species. A common method of assessing fish growth is with well-established bioenergetics equations. However, using bioenergetics equations requires knowledge on food availability. When potential food is unknown, scope for growth (max possible growth at a given temp) can be used to assess potential growth and compare across species, locations, and times. Our goal is to determine how habitat quality for multiple cool and warmwater fishes has changed historically (past 40 years) throughout their distribution. In order to do this, we will (1) quantify how scope for growth and therefore habitat quality has changed in the past 40 years for lakes within species’ ranges, (2) compare how habitat quality has changed across latitude, and (3) compare how habitat quality has changed across species with different thermal optimum temperatures for consumption. Understanding which species have already experienced changes in habitat quality can inform future management under climate change. Additionally, this will reveal what species may be the most resilient to warming temperatures and which may need more support/management.

Speakers

Madalyn Siller

Graduate Research Assistant, South Dakota State University

Monday January 20, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquatic Ecology

4:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Evaluating Data-limited Population Assessment Tools for Walleye

Monday January 20, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Caleb J. Branam, Michigan State University; Holly S. Embke, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey; Chris L. Cahill, Michigan State University

ABSTRACT: A key challenge in inland fisheries is assessing numerous lakes across vast landscapes within an agency’s jurisdiction given limited resources. To reconcile this, a variety of data-limited methods have been developed to assess the status of inland fish populations. However, these tools often do not explicitly address the potential for population dynamics, or they make strong assumptions that a given population or stock is at equilibrium. Furthermore, these assessment tools are rarely simulation tested in inland fishery settings to determine their efficacy. Without knowing how these methods perform when confronted with simulated dynamics where truth is known, the effectiveness of such tools remains uncertain. Our objective was to evaluate how commonly used assessment methods for Walleye Sander vitreus performed when tested against simulated data. To achieve this, we developed an age-structured simulation model for Walleye and then evaluated the performance of the following commonly used assessment methods: mark-recapture, catch per unit effort as an index of relative abundance, size-structure indices as an index for population status, and production-based dynamics as an index of population status. This presentation will lay out the research plan for our study, present initial results for at least one assessment method, and touch briefly on the implications of potential results.

Speakers

Caleb Branam

Graduate Research Assistant, Michigan State University

Monday January 20, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Walleye

10:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Apples and Oranges? Using radio and acoustic telemetry to evaluate restoration success.

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Seth J. Fopma, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Suitable overwintering habitat is considered to be a limiting factor for Centrarchids in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR). Lock and dam construction in the 1930’s greatly increased total aquatic area of the UMR and provided deep backwater areas favorable to Centrarchid populations; however, sediment deposition has reduced the quantity and quality of deep water habitats presumably limiting overwinter survival. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR) initiated a Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project (HREP) project on Pool 12 of the UMR in 2013. Project objectives included the development of approximately 63 acres of suitable overwintering habitat in four backwater lakes found throughout Pool 12 where insufficient overwintering habitat was thought to limit Centrarchid survival. Habitat restoration in Tippy Lake occurred during 2017 with the goal of increasing the availability of habitat suitable for overwinter survival. Pre-project telemetry efforts utilized radio telemetry during the winter of 2014-2015 to estimate habitat utilization distribution of crappie (n = 50). Telemetry efforts resumed during the winter of 2023/2024 to assess crappie habitat utilization post-project. Relatively recent advances in acoustic telemetry technologies offered researchers the opportunity to compare telemetry methods during the post-project evaluation. Radio (n = 20) and acoustic (n = 20) tags were implanted into crappie November 15-16, 2023 and fish were tracked through the first week of June 2024. Habitat utilization distributions pre and post-project were similar when evaluated using data generated from radio telemetry efforts but differed from estimates calculated using acoustic telemetry data.

Speakers

Seth Fopma

Natural Resource Technician, Iowa DNR

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

10:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Determination and Comparison of Morphometrics and Meristics Used to Identify River and Shorthead Redhorse

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Devon C. Oliver, MNDNR; Loren Miller, MNDNR; Anthony Sindt, MNDNR; Cristian Hernandez, University of Minnesota

ABSTRACT: Redhorse species face a diverse array of impacts and conservation issues but often remain overlooked relative to their sportfish counterparts. Furthermore, they often lack constituency groups that advocate for their conservation. River Redhorse is a member of the Catostomidae family that have experienced reductions in abundance and range over the last century and are listed as critically imperiled in Kansas, New York, Louisiana, and Florida, imperiled in Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, and North Carolina, and vulnerable in Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Mississippi, and Georgia; additionally, they are listed as a species of special concern in Canada. Furthermore, like many potentially imperiled or vulnerable catostomid species, River Redhorse suffers from a paucity of demographic and life history information. Additionally, for River Redhorse, there is some ambiguity as to which morphological characteristics should be used to positively identify them relative to Shorthead and Greater Redhorse, which must be addressed first. Morphometrics and meristics used to determine species id can be highly variable, require harvest of the specimen, subjective, or are inconsistent in their determination across metrics both within and across different source material. To address this knowledge gap and to provide clarity in species identification for biologists and conservation hobbyists this study, 1) evaluated and compared morphometrics and meristics used to positively identify River Redhorse relative to Shorthead and Greater Redhorse, 2) determined useful morphometrics and meristics for identification of the three redhorse species within Minnesota based on genetically confirmed specimens.

Speakers

Devon Oliver

Fisheries Scientist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

10:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Enhancing the science of age estimation: the creation of fishage.org

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Victoria Davis, University of Georgia; Martin Hamel, University of Georgia; Dave Buckmeier (retired), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ; and Jeff Koch, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

ABSTRACT: Accurate determination of fish age from hard structures is a cornerstone of informing fisheries conservation and management. Further, the need to validate age estimates from calcified structures is commonly identified by scientists faced with the task of age estimation. Appeals for ensuring accuracy of age estimates have been pervasive in recent times, but unfortunately, natural resource agencies charged with managing stocks do not possess resources to build large collections of structures from known-age fish. To circumvent these challenges, we set out to develop a publicly available, web-based repository of digital images of known-age reference structures for North American freshwater fishes. In spring of 2023, we began collecting reference structures (e.g., otoliths, spines, fin rays, etc.) containing annual or daily age confirmation. At website launch (August 2024), calcified structures of known-age fish have been processed and imaged for five freshwater species: Largemouth Bass, American Shad, Muskellunge, Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, and Lake Sturgeon with over 500 images available for public reference. Images have been uploaded onto our new website, www.fishage.org, and will continuously be updated to include additional species, featuring metadata (e.g., source of structure, preparation method), multiple age classes and geographical data. metadata (e.g., source of structure, preparation method) and new structures.  We envision this application being used for training new personnel, quality control, and to advance the science of age estimation.

Speakers

Mark Pegg

Professer, University of Nebraska

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

10:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Using GPS and Side Scan Sonar Data to Track Yearly Electrofishing Path Variation and Fish Community Assemblages

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Drew Holloway, Muncie Bureau of Water Quality

ABSTRACT: Technology and standardization in electrofishing has come a long way over the years. For this presentation I will be using two of these technologies to help guide future sampling efforts for the Bureau of Water Quality in Muncie, IN. In 2022, we purchased the Smith-Root Apex electrofishing box to replace our outdated and heavily bandaged GPP Electofisher. Now, our historical monitoring stations could be GPS tracked and digitally recorded allowing us to see how yearly variation could affect our electrofishing results. Having previously recorded Side Scan Sonar (SSS) for these same historical sites it gave us the opportunity to not only see if habitats sampled are representative to the species found at each site but if a change in path also changed our fish community diversity. Three years of single pass electrofishing data will be presented from 10 randomly selected West Fork White River sites. The associated habitats will be represented based on SSS categories from previous works done by the Bureau of Water Quality.

Speakers

Drew Holloway

Fisheries Biologist, Bureau of Water Quality

The North Central Division of The American Fisheries Society is comprised of 13 chapters representing 16 states and provinces. The mission of Divisions within the American Fisheries Society is to advance Society goals by coordinating and complementing Chapter activities related to... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

11:00am CST

Fisheries Track: A Wide Net: Identifying Habitat Across Species and Age Groups of Fish for a Holistic View of the Ecosystem

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Kayla Lenz, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Douglass Keiser, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Aaron Shultz, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Adam Ray, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Mark Luehring, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission

ABSTRACT: The Anishinaabe worldview teaches us that all things that western society considers to be “resources” are, in fact, living beings that take care of one another as well as us humans. As human disturbances and climate change (Aanji-bimaadiziimagak o'ow aki; loosely, “a changing world”) alter the habitat of the creatures that care for us, we have a responsibility to, in turn, do what we can to help them. The Minocqua Chain of Lakes in the 1842 Ceded Territory in northern Wisconsin are among the most popular destinations for boating and angling in the state. For Minocqua Chain ogaa (walleye Sander vitreus), poor recruitment to the year-1 age class (likely due to a combination of factors) has resulted in a decrease in adult abundance over time. Observations of age-0 and age-1 walleye have been decreasing for years, reaching an all time low in the mid 2000’s. In an effort to alleviate this decrease, the Minocqua chain of lakes have been stocked annually with thousands of fingerling ogaawag since 2013. However, management and population recovery efforts are rarely effective if the focus is placed solely on the species of interest. As part of a holistic approach to assess the effects of changing ecosystems on the Minocqua Chain, we identified juvenile habitat for several fish species in two lakes in this system: Minocqua and Kawaguesaga Lakes. This was accomplished via snorkeling and electrofishing surveys of the two lakes to locate, map, and characterize juvenile fish habitat across all observable species. “Juvenile habitat” included hatching, feeding, and nursery habitat for age-0 and age-1 fish of any species. These surveys identified hotspots of juvenile fish activity that may be critical to protecting aquatic life of all types in the Minocqua Chain. Juvenile fish were observed to occupy about 12.87 km (48.1%) of Minocqua’s shoreline and 11.24 km (63.5%) of Kawaguesaga’s shoreline. While there were strong territorial boundaries between the ranges of juvenile predator species in Minocqua, they were more likely to cohabitate in Kawaguesaga. In both lakes, juvenile fish of all species were likely to be concentrated in areas of the lakes with little to no shoreline development. The results of these surveys may be used to inform fisheries stewardship/management plans, designate critical habitat for these species, and improve shoreline and up land use policies for this beloved waterway.

Speakers

Kayla Lenz

Fisheries Research LTE, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

11:00am CST

Fisheries Track: Big River Bluegill: How and why bluegill population dynamics vary along a large river gradient

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Kristen Bouska, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center; Levi Solomon, Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois River Biological Station; Andy Bartels, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Jim Lamer, Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois River Biological Station; Hae Kim, Missouri State University; Quinton Phelps, Missouri State University

ABSTRACT: Vital rates (i.e., recruitment, growth, and mortality) are the processes responsible for changes in abundance and biomass of a population through time. Knowledge of vital rates and the factors that contribute to interannual variability in vital rates can provide critical information in determining why fish population abundances increase or decrease across time and space. Between 2018 and 2020, over 2,500 individual Bluegill were collected from five study reaches on the Upper Mississippi River and one study reach on the Illinois River. Together these study reaches span nearly 1500 river kilometers and 7 degrees of latitude and represent gradients such as temperature, discharge, and clarity. From the collected individuals, otoliths were extracted, and ages were estimated. Hierarchical growth models were used to estimate growth model parameters and mean-length-at-age for each species and study reach. Logistic regression was used to estimate average age and length at maturity. Study reach-specific age-length keys were created to assign ages to unaged fish collected during standardized sampling and used to estimate indices of recruitment, stock and annual mortality. We first investigated patterns in growth, maturity, recruitment, and mortality across study reaches. Next, we sought to understand the relative contribution of stock density, habitat availability, temperature gradients, and disturbance dynamics on population dynamics. With this presentation, we aim to improve our understanding of how and why bluegill populations vary across these two large rivers and plan to extend our analyses to several other species of interest.

Speakers

Kristen Bouska

Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

11:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Long-Term Angling for Black Bass During the Spawning Season Reduces Nest Defense and Responsiveness to Lures

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Justin Lombardo, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Cory D. Suski, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; David P. Philipp, Fisheries Conservation Foundation; Joel Zhang, Carleton University; Joseph Parkos, Illinois Natural History Survey; Steven J. Cooke, Carleton University; Jeffrey A. Stein, Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: Spring fishing for spawning black bass is a controversial topic. The aggressive behaviors exhibited by nesting males increases their susceptibility to angling, and should a nesting bass be removed by an angler, all offspring in that nest can be consumed by predators. Over time, this has potential to negatively impact populations, which may suggest the need for regulatory protection for nesting males. Unfortunately, long-term studies that track changes in black bass populations due to angling during the spawn have not been conducted, precluding our ability to make definitive conclusions about the impact on populations. The objective of this study was to quantify how reproductive and behavioral characteristics of spawning black bass in lakes Charleston and Opinicon in southern Ontario have changed due to angling pressure over a 32-year period compared with two control populations that have not received angling pressure. For this, nesting surveys were conducted during two sampling periods by snorkeling along the littoral zone in all four lakes to observe the mating success of nesting males. After snorkeling, nests were angled with 15 standardized casts to quantify susceptibility to angling. Results show that, from the 1990s to 2020s, there was no significant change in mating success in any of the studied lakes. The percentage of strikes on the first cast, however, significantly decreased in smallmouth bass in lakes Charleston and Opinicon, with no significant decreases in the control lakes. Similarly, in lakes Charleston and Opinicon, the percentage of strikes on any cast decreased in largemouth bass, with no significant changes in the control lakes. Results suggest that fisheries induced evolution may be negatively influencing black bass behavior and eroding their response to angling. Results will be further discussed in the context of protected areas to mitigate the consequences of angling.

Speakers

Justin Lombardo

Research Assistant, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

11:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Microplastic Abundance in Fish Species with Differing Feeding Habits in a Large Midwestern River

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Michael Louison, Mckendree University

ABSTRACT: Microplastics have emerged as a major contaminant of concern in a host of ecosystems, including freshwater systems. Previous work has documented the abundance of microplastics in the bodies of various organisms, finding that aspects of an animal’s niche (feeding habits, habitat choice, etc.) may influence exposure to microplastic contamination. To further our understanding of microplastic abundance in freshwater systems, we conducted a survey of freshwater fish taken from the lower Kaskaskia River in Southern Illinois, USA. The first sampling site (done via direct current boat electrofishing) was stationed directly below the Carlyle Lake dam (a heavily used recreational site with abundant pollution from litter) with two additional downstream sites also sampled. Five species of fish (flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris, freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens, smallmouth buffalo Ictiobus bubalus, white crappie Pomoxis annularis, and gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum) of differing feeding ecologies were sampled, dissected, and subsequently examined for microplastics both visually (examinations of gills and stomach contents under microscope) and chemically (analysis of nanoplastic concentration in muscle tissue). Results revealed differences in microplastic load between fish species and between sites, as well as differences in measures of contamination using visual and chemical methods. Our results add to the present knowledge of microplastic abundance in organisms, and specifically how feeding type and proximity to sources of human pollution may impact microplastic abundance in freshwater fish.

Speakers

Michael Louison

Assistant Professor of Biology, McKendree University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

11:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Flow and temperature impacts on catfish populations in two Missouri River tributaries

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Benjamin J. Schall, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; David O. Lucchesi, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Keith E. Schwartz, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Alison A. Coulter, South Dakota State University; Steven R. Chipps, USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Changes to aquatic habitats owing to climate change can impact fish populations. Warming temperatures combined with changes in the magnitude and frequency of precipitation events have resulted in more frequent flooding and increased river flows in portions of the upper Great Plains. The impact of changing flow and increased water temperature on fishes in these systems is not well understood. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the impacts of changing water levels and temperature on Channel Catfish and Flathead Catfish growth and condition. Channel Catfish were collected in eastern South Dakota from the James River from 2017-2024 and the Big Sioux River from 2021-2024. Flathead Catfish were collected from the James River in 2018 and 2022-2024. Growth increments were measured from the three most recent pectoral spine annuli, and lengths-at-age were back-calculated. A series of Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects models were developed to evaluate the relationship between back-calculated lengths and environmental variables, including discharge and cumulative growing degree days (GDD). Fish condition was also assessed by developing annual length-weight regressions and modelling fish weights under varying river discharge and GDD values on the James River. Overall increases in annual growth increment and length-weight regression slopes were observed for Channel Catfish in the James River as river discharge increased. However, growth of Channel Catfish in the Big Sioux River was negatively related to GDD. James River Flathead Catfish condition remained similar across the study years, but growth increments increased with discharge. By modeling potential future environmental conditions under varying climate scenarios, it may be possible to identify how these populations will be impacted by changing climatic conditions and how that may impact their management.

Speakers

BJ Schall

Fisheries Biologist, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

11:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Thermal Tolerances and Heat Shock Protein Regulation of Bigmouth Shiners

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Ella Humphrey, University of Nebraska Lincoln; Jonathan Spurgeon, U.S. Geological Survey & Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Sarah Sonsthagen, U.S. Geological Survey & Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Climate change may impact the persistence of fish species based on their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as decreasing flows and rising temperatures. Fish rely on temperature regimes within their thermal tolerance to maintain metabolic processes. Thus, temperatures outside these tolerances will result in fish losing the ability to continue metabolic processes resulting in severe stress or death. Bigmouth shiner Hybopsis dorsalis is widespread throughout Nebraska and previous studies indicate that increasing temperatures may affect their range. Therefore, we evaluated the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of H dorsalis and analyzed their expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) to quantify a thermal stress response over a gradient of temperatures (25-31°C). We found that HSP-70 expression was upregulated in response to temperatures >25°C, indicating a stress response. We then compared this thermal threshold to the yearly maximum temperatures from 42 rivers and streams in Nebraska to determine areas where H dorsalis may already be at risk for thermal stress within their range. About 88% of the sites surpassed 25°C at some point between May and September. This study provides evidence that H dorsalis may be experiencing thermal stress across Nebraska, which future climate scenarios may worsen.

Speakers

Ella Humphrey

Student, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

1:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Age and Growth Analyses on a Stunted vs. Non-Stunted Population of White Perch in Southeastern Nebraska Reservoirs

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Cali Engel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABSTRACT: Aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been a growing concern for many fisheries managers and biologists throughout the United States. In Eastern Nebraska, White perch (Morone americana) have been found in a variety of lakes, including Branched Oak Lake, Pawnee Lake, Holmes Lake, and Wildwood Lake. Waterbodies with high densities of this species may cause them to become stunted, maintaining a small size and being undesirable by anglers. Branched Oak Lake and Pawnee Lake contain an abundance of stunted white perch, making management of these reservoirs difficult. Interestingly, there are at least two reservoirs in Southeast Nebraska that contain populations of white perch that are not stunted. Despite their geographic proximity to Branched Oak Lake and Pawnee Lake, Holmes Lake and Wildwood Lake contain populations of white perch desirable to anglers. This study assesses the age structure and growth rates of White perch populations in these four lakes to better understand the differences in population dynamics of populations across different densities. Size structures were markedly different among the four study lakes as expected. Exact differences between stunted and non-stunted populations will be compared to begin determining factors that may influence the propensity for stunting.

Speakers

Cali Engel

Undergraduate student, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

1:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Impacts of Habitat Enhancement on Fish Assemblage Integrity in Several Midwestern Streams

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Ryan Skowronski, Eastern Illinois University; Eden Effert-Fanta, Eastern Illinois University; Dan Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Trent Thomas, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Robert Colombo, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: The Midwestern landscape has been converted from forests and prairies into land used for urban development and agricultural practices over the past two centuries. This transformation in landscape composition has disrupted ecosystem function and reduced the stability of stream habitats by accelerating bank erosion, decreasing riparian buffers, and lowering water quality. These changes have led to the degradation of stream habitat heterogeneity, which is a key factor influencing the biotic integrity of fish assemblages. Habitat restoration is a common mitigation strategy for reversing stream degradation, though empirical research evaluating the effectiveness of habitat restoration is insufficient in the Midwestern United States. This study aims to investigate the temporal shifts in fish biotic integrity in four Illinois streams restored in the past 15 years using historical fish community data. We expect habitat enhancement to initially disrupt fish assemblages but show an overall increase in biotic integrity in restored sites over time with a rise in habitat specialist and intolerant fishes. Evaluating the outcomes of these restoration projects is critical to conserve fish communities in degraded streams and improve future restoration methods.

Speakers

Ryan Skowronski

Graduate Research Assistant, Eastern Illinois University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

1:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Response of Fish Communities to Backwater Restoration in the Upper Mississippi River

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Hannah Lenning, Iowa Department of Natural Resources/University of Nebraska at Kearney; Melissa Wuellner, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Seth Fopma, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Keith Koupal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Jayne Jonas-Bratten, University of Nebraska at Kearney

ABSTRACT: This research evaluates the impacts of restoring backwaters, a habitat type in large floodplain rivers that are essential for maintaining their high diversity of fauna. The restoration of backwaters has been an integral part of managing fish populations on the Upper Mississippi River since 1990 and is a major component of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program. This research looks at a 2013 restoration project that expanded on the traditional approach by restoring multiple backwaters in a single effort, resulting in 63 acres of backwater channels dredged within four backwaters, proximal in space (within 14-km reach) and time (2013-2017). Here, we evaluated whether benefits of restoration (increased catch or shifts in size structure) are observed beyond project boundaries and identified species that are indicators of backwater restoration, comparing two river reaches using a BACI approach. The river reach containing restored backwaters (Pool 12) is the Impact area, and a downstream river reach without restored backwaters (Pool 13) is the Control area. Historical, day electrofishing data was utilized, with the before period including sampling years prior to any construction (2006 – 2012) and the after period including years after construction concluded (2018 – 2024). For representative species, relative abundance was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was conducted to visualize the similarities and differences between fish assemblages of each BACI group. Finally, indicator species analysis was conducted on each BACI group, which identified indicators of river reaches with and without this approach to backwater restoration. Understanding the scalar impact of Pool 12 restoration and its impact on fish assemblages informs the future planning of restoration projects to maximize program resources and efficiency.

Speakers

Hannah Lenning

Administrative Intern, Iowa Department of Natural Resources/University of Nebraska at Kearney

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

1:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Smallmouth Bass Demographics in the Kaskaskia and Vermilion Rivers

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Ethan T. Scott, Eastern Illinois University; Daniel R. Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Eden L. Effert-Fanta, Eastern Illinois University; and Robert E. Colombo, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the population dynamics of Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Kaskaskia and Vermilion Rivers in Illinois, comparing supplementally stocked populations with naturally reproduced ones. Stocking efforts in the Kaskaskia River have aimed to support recreational fisheries for over a decade. Yet, the contribution of stocked fish to long-term population sustainability has not been fully assessed. In contrast, the Vermilion River supports natural recruitment, and recent dam removals have improved fish diversity and habitat quality, potentially benefiting the abundance of sportfish like Smallmouth Bass. Our primary objectives are to evaluate the relative abundance and demographics of Smallmouth Bass populations in both rivers and assess dynamic rate functions such as age, growth, and mortality. To achieve these objectives, we conducted surveys at 12 sites in each river using pulsed-DC boat electrofishing during the spring and fall. All fish were measured, weighed, and tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Pectoral fin rays were collected as a non-lethal aging structure, and microchemistry analysis will be used to identify recruitment sources by examining elemental ratios. Initial results from the Kaskaskia River suggest that this population is primarily supported by stocking, with Smallmouth Bass most abundant in areas where stocking occurs, particularly near the Shelbyville Dam. This study will provide critical insights into the effectiveness of supplemental stocking in enhancing Smallmouth Bass populations while identifying the natural factors that contribute to successful recruitment in free-flowing systems like the Vermilion River. By comparing two rivers with distinct recruitment mechanisms and environmental stressors, this research will inform more effective management strategies tailored to each system. The findings will also offer broader applications for managing Smallmouth Bass fisheries across similar Midwestern River systems.

Speakers

Ethan Scott

Graduate assistant, Eastern Illinois University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

2:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Characterizing Riverine Habitat through the Use of UAS and Side-Scan Sonar

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Tyler Hessler, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri; Craig Paukert, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri; Yi Shang, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri; Zhenduo Zhai, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri; Shiqi Wang, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri; Jason Persinger, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: The use of side-scan sonar has seen a dramatic increase in use in a variety of studies including those with the aim to characterize fish habitat. Side-scan sonar has been used to quantify habitat for well over a decade now and has seen promise in a variety of aquatic systems from coastal reefs to backwater bayous. The use of UAS (also known as aerial drones) has also seen more frequent use in mapping features in aquatic systems. In our study, we propose the use of side-scan sonar and UAS to better standardize and streamline the collection of fish-relevant habitat data in non-wadeable, mid-sized rivers. Traditionally, identifying habitat from side-scan sonar and aerial imagery was a manual process that could take several hours to days to complete a site. The amount of data that can be quickly accumulated in riverine systems can be daunting, but the use of AI and other software may streamline the implementation of these data and provide another option for a manager’s toolbelt that can increase confidence associated with making informed decisions that rely on accurate habitat data. To date, we have conducted 25 side-scan surveys across 8 sites across the state of Missouri totaling over 80 river kilometers. In addition, we have conducted 30 UAS surveys across these 8 sites as well as another site just used for UAS imagery. Developing a standardized protocol using side-scan sonar and UAS with the power of AI modeling could significantly increase the quality of data collected in mid-sized rivers and also decrease the costs associated with collecting habitat data and delineating imagery manually.

Speakers

Tyler Hessler

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Missouri

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

2:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Exploring Assessment Techniques for Minnesota's Newest Sport Fish: the Burbot

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Kristen Patterson: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Loren Miller, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Beth Holbrook, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Chris Smith, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Derek Bahr, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Burbot (Lota lota) are a unique fish in Minnesota as the only freshwater member of the cod family Gadidae and the only under ice spawner. There has been a variable history of appreciation across the state from a productive commercial fishery to some generalized opinion as “trash fish”. Although relatively little is known about populations in Minnesota, Burbot was recently designated a game fish and will have a bag limit set in 2025. Minnesota DNR staff have noted increased Burbot angling interest and have expressed concerns about current exploitation and future potential impacts on area lakes if angling pressure continues to build. Burbot are not well represented with methods employed in current fisheries assessments, and generally targeted with methods outside of standard protocols, e.g. hoop or trammel netting, set or long lining. Without employing intensive sampling efforts, we aim to use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to determine whether Burbot are currently showing signs of genetic depression in popular fisheries and if this could be a useful method to gain population level information moving forward. We will share our current knowledge on Burbot populations in Minnesota, preliminary genetic analysis results, and welcome input and discussion for future study and management of this cold-water fish.

Speakers

Kristen Patterson

Fisheries Research Scientist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 2:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Techniques/Population Dynamics

2:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Built to Last? Evaluating the Condition of Fish Habitat Structures in Missouri’s Ozark Reservoirs

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Tyler Ham, Missouri Department of Conservation; Shane Bush, Missouri Department of Conservation; Nathan Recktenwald, Missouri Department of Conservation; Christopher Brooke, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: As many reservoirs constructed throughout the USA continue to age, the quality of the fish habitat in these reservoirs has experienced a concomitant decline. Fish and wildlife agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and concerned anglers have all sought to supplement natural fish habitat by installing habitat structures to concentrate fish and improve angler catch rates. In Missouri reservoirs, these structures are primarily composed of submerged cedar, hardwood, or mixed cedar and hardwood trees. Being natural materials, these structures decay over time and require maintenance to provide adequate fish cover. To that end, there exists a paucity of knowledge on the physical longevity of these structures installed in Missouri reservoirs. The objectives of this study were to define the current condition and longevity of fish habitat structures in Missouri reservoirs and to provide management recommendations for the most efficient long-term maintenance and enhancement of habitat structures. Sonar imaging was employed on Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Harry S. Truman Reservoir in Missouri to generate qualitative categorical condition scores for fish habitat structures. In each reservoir a spectrum of structure types was assessed that represented multiple year classes spanning over a decade. Condition scores were used to further categorize structures based on maintenance needs. We also examined the influence of depth, location, and material on structure longevity. This project focused on evaluating the controllable factors that can improve effectiveness and efficiency of fish habitat projects. Identifying the impact of these factors on fish habitat enhancement projects will have direct application to future decision making and benefit anglers using Missouri reservoirs.

Speakers

Tyler Ham

Sport Fish Ecologist, Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: River/Stream/Habitat

2:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Recruitment of Channel Catfish stocked as advanced fingerlings and yearlings in Ohio reservoirs

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Stephen M. Tyszko, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife; Jeremy J. Pritt, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife; Richard D. Zweifel, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife; Stuart A. Ludsin, The Ohio State University; Joseph D. Conroy, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife; Jay Kelly, The Ohio State University; Michael Figueroa, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

ABSTRACT: Stocking yearling Channel Catfish to mitigate perceived predation by Largemouth Bass has long been the convention despite greater costs compared to stocking smaller life stages. We quantified recruitment of stocked cohorts of Channel Catfish and investigated the effects of stocking life stage (fingerling vs. yearling), Largemouth Bass density (low vs. high), and their interaction on the percentage of a cohort recruiting to the adult population and fishery. Marked (magnetized wire tags) cohorts of advanced fingerling and yearling Channel Catfish were concurrently stocked into reservoirs with low (7 reservoirs, CPUE < 100 fish/h) and high-Largemouth Bass density (5 reservoirs, CPUE > 100 fish/h) populations. We sampled these reservoir Channel Catfish populations with baited, tandem hoop nets 7–8 years after stocking and estimated recruitment. We used a linear mixed model with reservoir as a random effect to test whether cohort recruitment differed by life stage stocked, Largemouth Bass density, or their interaction. Overall, the mean percentage of Channel Catfish recruiting to the adult population and fishery in cohorts stocked as advanced fingerlings was 2.4% (SE = 0.69%) and the mean percentage in cohorts stocked as yearlings was 10.6% (SE = 2.8%). Largemouth Bass density did not have a significant effect on recruitment (P = 0.43) while the effects of stocking life stage (P < 0.001) and the interaction between Largemouth Bass density and stocking life stage (P < 0.003) were significant. The highest recruitment occurred in cohorts stocked as yearlings in reservoirs with high densities of Largemouth Bass. Stocking advanced fingerling Channel Catfish can produce viable year classes in reservoirs with low or high densities of Largemouth Bass. In addition to higher cost, stocking yearling Channel Catfish may result in excessive densities and slow growth.

Speakers

Stephen Tyszko

Fisheries Biologist, ODNR, Division of Wildlife

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

2:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Assessment of Channel Catfish Population Demographics in Illinois Impoundments and Evaluation of Spawning Boxes

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Danielle Shubat, Eastern Illinois University; Daniel Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Robert Colombo, Eastern Illinois University; Eden Effert-Fanta, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are a popular and sought after sportfish to anglers across the United States, having substantial value for both recreational and commercial fisheries. However, their populations in impoundments often rely on stockings of fingerlings. In Illinois, the lack of standardized sampling protocols for catfish has made it difficult to adequately evaluate stocking efforts and assess population dynamics. This study aimed to determine the most effective sampling methods for Channel Catfish in impoundments, assess demographic variation among impoundments, and test the efficacy of artificial spawning structures to increase natural reproduction and recruitment in three Illinois reservoirs (Lake Charleston, Lake Mattoon, and Lake Paradise). After two years of seasonal sampling using multiple gears, we found that baited tandem hoop-nets in the fall yielded the best catch rates and we will continue to use this sampling method. Our population assessments and microchemistry analyses of pectoral spines show that Channel Catfish in these lakes are primarily stocked fish, suggesting low natural reproduction. However, the relationship between stocking rates and the observed differences in population density and demographics remains unclear. We hypothesized that the lack of recruitment may be due to insufficient spawning habitat and sought to increase availability of this habitat by adding nest boxes in the study lakes. Preliminary trials showed that Channel Catfish used these structures, and future goals include expanding nest box installations and monitoring for natural recruitment over time. Adding nest boxes to create suitable habitat for these catfish to reproduce may facilitate annual recruitment thereby reducing cost and effort of hatchery operations. If successful, this approach could be implemented in other lakes and ponds to naturally sustain catfish populations.

Speakers

Danielle Shubat

Graduate Research Assistant, Eastern Illinois University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

2:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Trends in Population Status and Range-Wide Geographic Patterns of Genetic Variation for the Federally Petitioned Bluestripe Darter

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Brittany L. Harried, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Jacob T. Westhoff, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

ABSTRACT: The Bluestripe Darter (Percina cymatotaenia) is endemic to Missouri, is a species of conservation concern, and has been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. We conducted a study to evaluate the species’ threats, genetic diversity, and population trends. Objectives for this study were to: 1) duplicate Bluestripe Darter sampling effort from past sites and observe trends in population status, and 2) assess the range-wide geographic patterns of genetic variation within Bluestripe Darter. Sampling efforts from 2000-2002 were duplicated during June-August 2024 for 46 sites across five rivers in southern Missouri using seining methods that targeted small-bodied benthic fishes. Furthermore, limited environmental covariate and habitat data were collected and additional sampling in a spatially replicated occupancy framework was completed to estimate occupancy and detection at each site. Up to 20 fin clips and vouchers were collected per river to estimate effective population sizes, geographic structure of genetic variation within and between drainages, and contemporary short-term migration rates. Photos of each voucher specimen were also taken to assess external ecomorphology. We detected Bluestripe Darter at 9 out of 46 sites in 2024, which was well below the 23 out of 46 sites where it was detected by surveys from 2000-2002. Results from this study will inform the Species Status Assessment and listing decision for Bluestripe Darter, and will also benefit Heritage reviews, Wildlife Collector Permit reviews, conservation planning, and priority for on-the ground management projects related to identified population threats.

Speakers

Brittany Harried

Postdoctoral Fellow, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri

Brittany is a postdoctoral fellow working with Dr. Jacob Westhoff and Dr. Craig Paukert at the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 2014 and 2016 with a B.S. in Aquatic Biology and a M.S. in Biology, respectively... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Threatened and Endangered

3:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Identifying potential sources of natural recruitment of muskellunge in Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Ryan Eastman, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Jason Breeggemann, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Robert Davis, University of Wisconsin - Madison Center for Limnology; Daniel Dembkowski, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Daniel Isermann, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Green Bay and its tributaries support a world-class fishery for trophy muskellunge that attracts anglers from across North America, but there has been little evidence of natural recruitment and the population remains reliant on stocking to sustain the fishery. Previous efforts to document natural recruitment have focused on the Fox and Menominee rivers where spawning is known to occur. Results of these assessments suggest that hatching success in these rivers is limited. However, recent telemetry-based research indicates that approximately half of Green Bay muskellunge spawn in non-tributary locations. These locations could represent important yet unconsidered sources of natural recruitment in southern Green Bay. Furthermore, anecdotal observations suggest spawning occurs in the Sturgeon Bay area but it is unknown if these fish contribute to the broader southern Green Bay population. Our objectives for this project are to determine if: (1) successful hatching is occurring at open-water locations in Green Bay, including locations in the Sturgeon Bay area, (2) presence of eggs or larval muskellunge at a location is related to a suite of habitat characteristics including distance to shore, bottom slope, depth, dissolved oxygen, substrate type, and aquatic vegetation, and (3) muskellunge spawning in the Sturgeon Bay area contribute to the overall population in southern Green Bay. We are integrating intensive egg and larval fish sampling and acoustic telemetry to address our objectives. We will present preliminary results related to spawning and hatching in non-tributary locations based on sampling efforts during the 2024 field season. We will also discuss the framework of our acoustic telemetry approach to assess the contribution of muskellunge spawning in the Sturgeon Bay area to the broader Green Bay population.

Speakers

Ryan Eastman

Graduate Student, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

3:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Linking Stream Fish Thermal Ecology and Adaptive Capacity to Prioritize Watershed Areas with Greatest Value for Conservation

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Brittany L. Harried, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Wesley Fitzsimmons, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Kaelyn J. Fogelman, Biological and Environmental Sciences Department, Troy University, Troy, AL; Craig P. Paukert, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Jane S. Rogosch, U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Jim A. Stoeckel, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL; Jacob T. Westhoff, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

ABSTRACT: Aquatic organisms are experiencing impacts from anthropogenic influences (e.g. climate change), resulting in the loss of suitable habitat for many species. Consequently, it is imperative to improve our understanding of the thermal ecology of these organisms to predict how individual species may respond to changes in water temperature and habitat availability. This is particularly important for species of conservation concern and species on the periphery of their range which could experience greater impacts from climate change-related stressors. In this study, we examined the thermal ecology of hatchery-reared Topeka Shiners, and wild Blacknose Shiners, Ozark Shiners and Carmine Shiners from Missouri. Some of these species have restricted distributions or small populations while others have broader latitudinal ranges. We performed laboratory studies to assess multiple thermal metrics including 1) thermal preference, 2) acclimated chronic exposure, 3) respiratory enzyme thermal performance, and 4) critical thermal maximum. The laboratory study results were integrated with distribution models for these species, stream temperature models for Missouri, barriers to movement and migration, and watersheds where conservation is focused to estimate the adaptive capacity of these species and identify stream reaches that may serve as refugia or managed translocations in the face of climate change. Estimating multiple thermal metrics allows us to test for relationships among metrics within and across species and provides a more thorough understanding of the thermal ecology of these species to inform management decisions. Additionally, this provides insight into the most ecologically relevant thermal metrics for informing future, large-scale modelling efforts with other species.

Speakers

Brittany Harried

Postdoctoral Fellow, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Threatened and Endangered

3:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Examining stunted Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) population in River Reservoir

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Kaden Ball, South Dakota State University; Chuck Mordhorst, Arizona Game and Fish Department

ABSTRACT: This study examined the population dynamics of a severely stunted Yellow Perch Perca flavescens population in a high mountain reservoir in the White Mountains of Arizona. River Reservoir sustains a low-density population of trophy Brown Trout Salmo trutta creating a highly prized regional fishery. Yellow Perch have been determined to be an important prey item for Brown Trout in this system contributing to the large sizes Brown Trout attain in the reservoir. The yellow perch population has always been assumed to be stunted based on field observations, but this had never been confirmed. In order to determine if stunting was occurring and to what extent we aged Yellow Perch using otoliths and quantified rates of growth recruitment and mortality. We determined that Yellow Perch in this system are severely stunted relative to other populations and discuss the implications for managing a highly utilized trophy Brown Trout fishery based on these results.

Speakers

Kaden Ball

Undergraduate Student, South Dakota State University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

3:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Navigating the Currents: Investigating Environmental Cues for Pallid Sturgeon Immigration and Emigration for a Missouri River Tributary

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Jenna Ruoss, School of Natural Resources - University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Christopher Pullano, School of Natural Resources - University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Mark Pegg, School of Natural Resources - University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Jonathan Spurgeon, U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Kirk Steffensen, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

ABSTRACT: Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus is a long-lived species that occupy the lower Mississippi River and the mainstem Missouri River, along with its major tributaries. In 1990, Pallid Sturgeon was listed as federally endangered, stemming from anthropogenic activities including habitat alterations and overharvesting leading to population declines. Conservation efforts and studies have primarily focused on understanding life-history requirements, population dynamics, habitat use, and productivity in the mainstem Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Limited information exists on the potential role of tributaries for Pallid Sturgeon recovery. Previous studies documented that Pallid Sturgeon occupy the lower Platte River, a large tributary to the Missouri River, year-round. Nevertheless, the environmental cues that trigger movement into and out of the Platte River are not fully understood. Therefore, our objective was to assess potential environmental cues for immigration and emigration between the Platte and Missouri rivers using acoustic telemetry. We implanted 29 acoustic transmitters and recorded an additional 64 unique Pallid Sturgeon, previously tagged by other agencies in the mainstem Missouri River, throughout 2022-2023 in the Platte River. Pallid Sturgeon were assigned to one of three migratory statuses (e.g., immigration, emigration, or individual occurrence). We used generalized linear models to investigate the additive effects of mean discharge, mean temperature, and photoperiod for Pallid Sturgeon immigration and emigration at the Platte River confluence with the Missouri River. We determined that the global model with the additive effects of mean discharge, mean temperature, and photoperiod was the highest-ranking model for predicting the probability of immigration. In contrast, mean temperature was identified as the best candidate model for predicting the probability of emigration. Our findings provide important insights concerning Pallid Sturgeon migration between river systems. The high affinity that Pallid Sturgeon displayed for the Platte River could suggest that the tributary plays an important role in fulfilling their life-history.

Speakers

Jenna Ruoss

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:40pm - 4:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Threatened and Endangered

4:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Applications of Environmental DNA Metabarcoding to Fish Biodiversity Assessments of Missouri Ozark Stream and Mississippi River Lowland Habitats

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: David D. Duvernell, Missouri S&T; Veronica M. Lee, Missouri S&T; Eric J. Ludwig, Missouri S&T; Aaron D. Geheber, University of Central Missouri; Brett Landwer, Missouri Department of Conservation; Leah K. Berkman, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Biodiversity monitoring in freshwater habitats provides essential data for assessing and quantifying spatiotemporal patterns and long-term changes. Fisheries biologists use a variety of capture-based methods for biodiversity sampling. Non-capture-based methods have come into common use that rely on the detection of environmental DNA (eDNA), which is released by organisms into their environment. Metabarcoding involves the filtering and extraction of eDNA from samples, followed by sequencing and alignment to a reference database to infer species presence. We worked closely with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to perform comparative biodiversity assessments using traditional capture-based methods along side eDNA metabarcoding methods. In support of our efforts, we submitted 189 new reference sequences to GenBank, to bring statewide databased coverage of Missouri fish species to over 90%. We teamed with the Resource Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) program to sample sites in six drainages of the Missouri Ozarks, and we worked with Cape Girardeau fisheries biologists to sample lowland habitats in Black Island Conservation Area along the Mississippi River. In Ozark streams we were able to detect approximately double the number of species compared to standard RAM sampling methods, while in the aquatic habitats at Black Island we increased the number of documented species by more than a third relative to MDC survey records dating back to 1940. eDNA sampling missed or failed to discriminate among very few species detected by RAM sampling or documented at Black Island. These missed species were either rare (often single specimens) or were pairs or trios of closely related species with highly similar sequences that were indiscernible using eDNA sequencing methods. Spatial analyses demonstrated that eDNA sampling was sensitive to changes in fish assemblages along Ozark stream habitat gradients, and habitat complexity at Black Island.

Speakers

David Duvernell

Professor, Missouri S&T

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

4:00pm CST

Fisheries Track: Dispersal of Juvenile Lake Sturgeon Stocked in the Saginaw River Basin

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Maxwell D. Majinska, Quantitative Fisheries Center, Michigan State University; Christopher L. Cahill, Quantitative Fisheries Center, Michigan State University; Christopher S. Vandergoot, Great Lake Acoustic Telemetry Obersvation System

ABSTRACT: Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens reintroduction efforts are underway throughout the Great Lakes, often through the stocking juvenile fish. However, little is known about juvenile life-history and system-specific behaviors due to historical population declines prior to detailed scientific study, complicating effective management. Due to late maturation (15-25 years) and natal homing behavior of adults, understanding movement patterns of juveniles may provide useful data for evaluating reintroduction goals.

In 2017, the Saginaw River Basin was selected by the Lake Huron Lake Sturgeon Working Group for reintroduction after being functionally extirpated. Age-0 sturgeon are stocked in four rivers: the Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee. Natal streamside rearing is not currently proposed for this system; therefore, fish are sourced from the Black River Streamside Rearing Facility (BRSF, Onaway, MI) and the Genoa National Fish Hatchery (GNFH, Genoa, WI). Paired stocking provides a unique opportunity to compare the behavior of fish reared in different settings – non-natal streamside versus traditional groundwater – while using fish from the same genetic unit.

Our study evaluated movement patterns of stocked juvenile sturgeon released in 2022 and 2023 using passive acoustic telemetry. Fish (n = 80) from each hatchery were surgically implanted with InnovaSea V7 or V7D transmitters and stocked proportionally by tag type and hatchery origin among the four tributaries annually. Movement patterns were assessed by measuring total distance traveled, time to first detection, river residence time, and last known location. Preliminary results suggest BRSF fish begin moving downstream later; however, both hatcheries exhibit similar residence time and total travel distance.

Speakers

Maxwell Majinska

Graduate Research Assistant, Michigan State University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 4:20pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Threatened and Endangered

4:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Benefits and pitfalls of using time-lapse-photography to collect urban angler information

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Lewis J. Bruce, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; John Lorenzen, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Creel surveys (i.e., counting and interviewing anglers) are one of the sampling tools used to gauge the amount and type of fishing activity on a pond, lake, or river. Creel surveys provide important information about user demographics, preferences towards fish species and sizes of fish, fish harvest, trip length, and trip expenditures. Collecting these data gives managers insight into what their constituents want. A traditional creel survey consists of two components: 1) random counts of anglers to assess the level of use; and 2) angler interviews to determine more about the typical fishing trip (e.g., how long, what they are catching) and other information about the angler. Randomly counting anglers requires a creel clerk to be on site regularly and, therefore, limits the number of concurrent creel surveys that can be conducted using this traditional method. Another issue with traditional creel surveys is the fact that the mere presence of what some of the public perceive to be a law enforcement figure can result in anglers altering their behavior (e.g., leaving the lake). Time lapsed photography (TLP) was used to collect diurnal count data from multiple lakes simultaneously and these data were collected in an unbiased manner. Cameras were used seasonally (i.e., open water and ice fishing) at some locations and year-round at others. During a 4 year period 20 urban ponds were surveyed using TLP. Hide box maintenance, camera reliability, vandalism, and data processing efforts were also monitored and quantified during this project.

Speakers

Lewis Bruce

Fisheries Research Biologist, Iowa DNR

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

4:20pm CST

Fisheries Track: Reproductive Characteristics of a Vulnerable Riverine Specialist in the Unchannelized Missouri River

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Benjamin J. Schall, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Lindsey A. P. LaBrie, USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, University of Arkansas; Tanner L. Carlson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Jeff S. Wesner, University of South Dakota; Chelsey A. Pasbrig, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Steven R. Chipps, USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Reproductive characteristics for populations of imperiled non-game species are not regularly studied but may be important for identifying factors associated with population sustainability. Understanding reproductive traits in vulnerable species, particularly long-lived species, may provide insight for implementing management actions to respond to changes in angling behavior. This study aimed to assess the reproductive characteristics of a stable population of long-lived Blue Suckers Cycleptus elongatus in the unchannelized Missouri River in South Dakota. We collected demographic information and gonads from 182 Blue Suckers in 2021-2022. We used Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess length and weight relationships with gonadosomatic index (GSI) and fecundity and used spawning potential ratios (SPR) to model the influence of varying harvest and minimum length limit (MLL) scenarios. Fish lengths ranged from 560-821 mm. Female GSI increased with length to ~720 mm before declining, and male GSI remained consistent across lengths. Strong positive linear relationships were observed for GSI with fish weight and fecundity. Using recent natural mortality estimates for this population, SPR under current no-limit regulations decreases rapidly as fishing mortality (F) approached 0.10 but implementing a 660-mm MLL would prevent SPR from falling below acceptable limits (0.2-0.3) at F values as high as 0.69. This study demonstrates that reproductive data and SPR modeling can be used to provide length-based regulation recommendations for vulnerable, non-game species that receive less management focus.

Speakers

BJ Schall

Fisheries Biologist, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Non-Game/Non-sport

4:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Lessons and advice on the development of a mobile-entry platform

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Keith Hurley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

ABSTRACT: FinCatchDE is a mobile-friendly, data entry application that was developed as part of the FinCatch ecosystem - Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s new database and analysis system for lentic fish sampling data. Utilizing a University of Nebraska – Lincoln capstone computer science project provided a low-cost alternative in obtaining a team of developers to generate this component. Additionally, along the way both technological and data-driven innovations were implemented to improve fish community sampling in the state. We will discuss the process and ideas used for FinCatchDE during this presentation in the hopes that others who are upgrading and transitioning their sampling databases can benefit from our lessons learned.

Speakers

Keith Hurley

Fish and Wildlife Specialist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

4:40pm CST

Fisheries Track: Native Rough Fish Management Progress in Minnesota

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Shannon J. Fisher, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: “Rough fish” is a term used to describe multiple native fish species historically perceived by agencies and anglers as having limited value to sport fisheries. Rough fish have been frequently deemed to degrade aquatic habitats, compete with more desired gamefish species, and have low-to-no ecosystem or cultural value. In 2022, the Minnesota legislature directed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop recommendations for statutory and rule changes to provide necessary conservation measures and research needs for 26 native species designated as rough fish. The DNR convened a stakeholder group of bowfishers, commercial fish harvesters, anglers, and conservation organizations; collected public input on attitudes and management scenarios; and solicited input from Tribes to inform “rough fish” management recommendations. In 2024, the Minnesota legislature elevated the status of “native” rough fish by removing invasive fishes from this new designation and establishing additional protections. As a result of improved native rough fish status, the DNR has launched rulemaking to establish daily and possession limits and restitution values. This presentation will detail the process the DNR undertook with diverse stakeholders and the legislature to inform the passage of the “native rough fish” law and related recommendations for helping ensure more sustainable management of these underappreciated species in Minnesota.

Speakers

Shannon Fisher

Fisheries Populations Monitoring and Regulations Manager, MN DNR

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:40pm - 5:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Non-Game/Non-sport

8:00am CST

Fisheries Track: Conserving "native rough fish" through fisheries management in the Midwest

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 8:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Steven J. Herrington, The Nature Conservancy, MN-ND-SD;
Tyler Winter, Native Fish For Tomorrow;
Solomon R. David, The University of Minnesota
Matthew L. Miller, The Nature Conservancy, Science Communications

ABSTRACT: North America has the highest diversity of freshwater fishes of any temperate region worldwide. These species face numerous threats to their long-term conservation. Fisheries management is amongst the tools that governments, Tribes, and other interested parties can use to ensure this biodiversity sustainably persists and thrives into the future. “Rough fish” is a pejorative term often used by resource managers and anglers to group a large number of native fishes – including gars and numerous sucker species – that are perceived to have little fisheries or cultural value, and thus are often poorly managed and exploited. In 2024, the State of Minnesota passed the first law in the U.S. affording fisheries management protections for 26 native fishes now recognized by the state as “native rough fish”. This action sets a precedent for recognizing the inherent, cultural, and fisheries importance of these species that can be replicated or adapted by other states nationwide. This presentation will provide an historical perspective of “rough fish” regulations, recommendations for their future conservation management, and applicability to states in the Midwest.

Speakers

Steve Herrington

Associate Director of Water, The Nature Conservancy, MN-ND-SD

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 8:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

8:00am CST

Fisheries Track: Population Characteristics of Buffalo in Wisconsin: Contribution and Resiliency to Bowfishing Harvest

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 8:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Daniel Isermann, USGS-Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Ryan Bohen, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Daniel Dembkowski, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Alexander Latzka, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Joseph Hennessy, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Bigmouth buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus and smallmouth buffalo Ictiobus bubalus (herein buffalo) are native, non-game fishes that rarely receive management attention. Increased participation in bowfishing has prompted efforts to better understand the population dynamics of buffalo and other native fish to determine their resiliency to harvest. Buffalo are native to many water bodies in Wisconsin, but little information exists regarding their population dynamics and contribution to bowfishing harvest. Consequently, our research objectives were to: 1) describe age composition, reproductive traits, and population dynamics for buffalo populations in Wisconsin; 2) assess their resiliency to harvest, and 3) determine the contribution of buffalo to harvest at bowfishing tournaments. We collected buffalo from 14 Wisconsin waterbodies with the help of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Bowfishing Association (WBA). Fish were selected for age estimation using a modified age-length key approach. Lapillus and asteriscus otoliths were used for age estimation. Age structure of buffalo populations varied considerably among populations, with maximum ages ranging between 15 and 70 years. Maturation schedules also varied, with age at 50% maturity ranging between 2.0 and 6.5 years and length at 50% maturity ranging between 382 and 505 mm. Three populations were oversampled (100≤ fish) to determine the minimum number of fish in a subsample needed to fully represent age composition in the population. Bowfishing harvest was recorded at each WBA tournament in 2023 and will be recorded again in 2024. All fish brought to the weigh-in were enumerated and identified to species or species group. Contribution of buffalo to tournament harvest peaked at 70.9% at the first tournament and was lower at the next four tournaments at 10.7%, 6.0%, 0.3% and 3.5%, respectively. Our research provides fishery managers with landscape-level population information on buffalo in Wisconsin and that may help inform future management decisions.

Speakers

Daniel Isermann

Unit Leader, USGS-Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 8:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Non-Game/Non-sport

8:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Evaluating Lake Sturgeon Spawning Site Use and the Relative Contribution of Spawning Tributaries to Harvest in the Lake Winnebago System

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:20am - 8:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Samantha A. Embersits, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Daniel A. Isermann, U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Daniel J. Dembkowski, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Margaret H. Stadig, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: The Lake Winnebago System (LWS) population in east-central Wisconsin represents one of the largest self-sustaining populations of lake sturgeon Acipenscer fulvescens in North America that supports an annual spearing fishery each February. Lake sturgeon spawn at more than 70 locations within tributaries to the LWS, but the extent and timing of spawning that occurs at many sites remains unknown. Understanding lake sturgeon use of spawning locations is important in allocating sampling effort needed to mark fish and obtain population estimates used in setting safe harvest levels for the fishery. Furthermore, some spawning sites represent habitat improvement efforts implemented by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and little to no evaluation has been performed at these sites to determine relative use and potential for successful hatching. Our objectives were to describe lake sturgeon use, measure egg deposition rates and survival, and verify whether hatching is occurring at selected spawning locations in the Wolf River drainage, including sites where habitat improvements have occurred. Spawning sites were or will be visited repeatedly during the 2024 and 2025 spawning seasons and lake sturgeon are visually counted along defined transects. Eggs are collected with a manual transfer pump and D-frame drift nets are used to collect larvae. We will present results from our first sampling season. The information from our research may help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources strategically allocate spring sampling effort so that more sites can be sampled and could provide guidance regarding future habitat improvement projects.

Speakers

Samantha Embersits

Graduate Research Assistant, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:20am - 8:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

8:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Looking Towards the Future: Individual Identification Tag Exploration on Bigmouth Shiners for use on Small-bodied At-risk Fish in Nebraska

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:20am - 8:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Joe Spooner, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Kali Boroughs, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Thad Huenemann, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

ABSTRACT: Multiple options exist to tag freshwater fish including batch marks (Visible Implant Elastomer-VIE or fin clips) and individual marks (P-Chip Microtransponders or Passive Integrated Transponder-PIT tags). Few options exist for individually marking small-bodied fish (i.e., < 100 mm TL) where upon recapture individual identification can be obtained without mortality. Nebraska is home to 26 at-risk listed fish species including many that are small-bodied. There is a lack of information on demographic rates across Nebraska on our small-bodied at-risk. To determine demographic rates through mark-recapture methods, marking techniques are required that enable individual identification, do not modify behavior or mortality of individuals, and remain readable during the duration of the study. In some cases, multiple size options are available with varying results from previous studies on post tagging fish survival and retention rates. New technology also becomes available that have minimal testing results promting the need to test multiple tag options. The objective of this study was to determine post tagging survival and tag retention for four tag types including three PIT tags (8 mm Biomark, 8 mm Voda IQ, 7 mm Voda IQ) and a newly released tag (FRyID) on Bigmouth Shiners Notropis dorsalis in a laboratory setting. Results indicated that fish survival did not differ between any of the tag types and control fish. However, tag retention was significantly lower for FRyID than PIT tags. The results of this study will provide options for use on small-bodied at-risk fish in Nebraska to monitor population demographic rates over time. Some studies may include estimating movement rates, survival, or population size. This will help managers determine their status in the state and may inform if intervention is needed.

Speakers

Joe Spooner

Fisheries Biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:20am - 8:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Non-Game/Non-sport

8:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Assessing Age and Incremental Growth Rates in Cedar River Shovelnose Sturgeon through an 18-year Mark-Recapture Dataset

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:40am - 9:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Juliana Kaloczi, Iowa State University; Michael J Moore, U.S Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Iowa State University; Martin Hamel, University of Georgia; Gene Jones, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Ryan Hupfeld, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Rebecca Krogman, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

ABSTRACT: Globally, sturgeon populations have declined due to overharvest for caviar and habitat fragmentation due to dam construction that impairs water quality and disrupts spawning migrations. North American species have had harvest restrictions enacted to recover populations. While similar life history characteristics make Shovelnose Sturgeon vulnerable to many of these same stressors, populations in the Mississippi River basin still support limited commercial and recreational fisheries for roe and meat - conferring the species’ economic, recreational, and cultural importance. Enacting harvest regulations, such as minimum length limits, ensures sustainable harvest and requires knowledge of dynamic rates such as age-specific growth rates. However, the Shovelnose Sturgeon’s long life span and slow growth make estimating these parameters notoriously difficult with traditional methods that rely on annuli counts on bony structures. As a result, there is a lack of reliable growth rates for this species across its range. Therefore, we used an 18-year mark-recapture dataset for Shovelnose Sturgeon collected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in the Cedar River at Palisades-Kepler State Park to evaluate incremental growth models for Shovelnose Sturgeon. The Fabens modification of the Von Bertalanffy growth function was used within a Bayesian framework to determine how growth rates vary within the population. Additionally, bomb-radiocarbon age estimates were used to inform a second model within the Bayesian framework to assess how the incorporation of previous knowledge may improve the model. Age estimates and growth rates can be used in population simulations to evaluate sensitivity to harvest under harvest regulations and can inform management across the species’ range.

Speakers

Juliana Kaloczi

Graduate Student, Iowa State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:40am - 9:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

8:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Taxonomic and Functional Shifts in Riverine Fish Community Assemblages Across Midwest National Parks

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:40am - 9:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Lily Thompson, University of Missouri; Gregory Jacobs, Cornell University; Brandon Gerig, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Allison Pease, University of Missouri

ABSTRACT: Species introductions and biodiversity loss can result in the global change phenomenon of biotic homogenization, or the process of ecological community assemblages becoming more similar to each other over time. Freshwater fish communities are understood to be particularly at risk for biotic homogenization and shifts in fish community composition can jeopardize the distinctiveness of native communities and the ecosystem services they provide. The US National Parks Service (NPS) is tasked with preserving unimpaired natural and cultural resources, including fish community assemblages. Therefore, there is a clear interest in understanding levels of biotic homogenization in the fish communities within NPS properties. We evaluated changes in fish community assemblages in midwestern National Parks using data from the NPS Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network in two time periods: 2006–2008 and 2021–2023. Our goals were to characterize variation in fish assemblage structure among Parks, to test whether biotic homogenization has occurred over the approximately 15 years between sampling periods, and evaluate whether some Parks have shifted assemblage structure more than others. We explored both taxonomic and functional changes in local contributions to beta diversity of these sites to understand the potential for loss of unique species identities and ecosystem functions, respectively. We compared Park specific estimates of beta diversity change and assessed whether these differences could be explained by associated environmental variation. Overall, we found evidence for both homogenization and differentiation among these midwestern National Parks depending on whether taxonomic or functional homogenization metrics were used. This suggests that ecosystem function may be maintained in these locations even if the species’ identities in the fish assemblages change.

Speakers

Lily Thompson

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Missouri

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:40am - 9:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

9:00am CST

Fisheries Track: If at First You Don’t Succeed: The Evolution of Capture Methods in Great Lakes Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Control

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Robert Mapes, University of Toledo; Christine Mayer, University of Toledo; Song Qian, University of Toledo; Robert Hunter, US Geological Survey; Matt Acre, US Geological Survey; James Roberts, US Geological Survey; Ryan Young, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Ryan Brown, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Lucas Nathan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Eric Weimer, Ohio Department of Natural Resources; John Dettmers, Great Lakes Fishery Commission

ABSTRACT: Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) control efforts in the Great Lakes follow an adaptive management framework to continually improve removal efficiency. Initial planned action events suggested a combination of electrofishing toward trammel nets (combination method) was the most effective method to herd fish for capture. However, these initial attempts had low catches and were focused on locations with low apparent grass carp densities. Following substantial project expansion and increased effort in areas with higher apparent densities of grass carp, field crews began to experiment with other methods. A second post-hoc method comparison found electrofishing without the trammel nets to be at least >2.8 times more efficient than the combination method. The project adapted and began focusing on electrofishing while continuing to explore ways to improve efficiency by leveraging telemetry information and experimenting with other capture methods. Field crews tested passive overnight gill net sets in locations informed by telemetry and previously high capture rates. These efforts collected more grass carp in one night than the previous month of electrofishing. Expanding gill net use has contributed to more grass carp being captured during 2024 than in any other year since control efforts began in 2018. Designing a project to capture novel species with limited information is challenging and therefore an adaptive approach that analyzes data in real time is vital to invasive species control. A multi-disciplinary team with diverse skills, enables near real time incorporation of information to inform ongoing removal efforts. Although adapting to new gears has resulted in increased captures, changing methods creates challenges evaluating the effectiveness of the program through statistical models. The adaptive management framework allows for Great Lakes Grass Carp practitioners to quickly leverage data as it is collected and make concurrent changes in the field, which is invaluable to control the spread of invasive carp.

Speakers

Robert Mapes

Field Research Crew Leader, University of Toledo

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

9:00am CST

Fisheries Track: Molecular Sexing of Lake Sturgeon Allows for Determination of Sex Ratios and Sex-Specific Growth Rates in the St. Clair – Detroit River System

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Andrew Briggs, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Justin Chiotti, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; James Boase, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Jan-Michael Hessenauer, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Jeannette Kanefsky, Michigan State University; Brad Utrup, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Todd Wills, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have been conducting Lake Sturgeon surveys in the St. Clair – Detroit River System (SCDRS) since 1996. Over this period determining sex of Lake Sturgeon has been difficult as the primary method to determine sex has been expulsion of gametes, which rarely occurs (particularly for females). Recent advances in genetic methods have shown that sex of Lake Sturgeon can be determined from a tissue sample or fin clip through molecular sexing. MDNR and USFWS have collected pectoral fin rays from Lake Sturgeon for aging purposes since their surveys began and have stored them over the years, allowing for a portion of these fin samples to be clipped and used for molecular sexing. MDNR and USFWS combined to provide over 2,700 tissue samples to Michigan State University for molecular sexing with 53% of the Lake Sturgeon being classified as female. This presentation will examine if sex ratios differed by location within the SCDRS, how sex ratios change by length, and sex-specific growth rates of Lake Sturgeon.

Speakers

Andrew Briggs

Fisheries Research Biologist, Michigan DNR

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 9:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

9:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Alternative Data Sources Predict (Dis)similar Connectivity Networks Among Minnesota Lakes

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:20am - 9:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Aaron Muehler, Ball State University; Amy Kinsley, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Nicholas Phelps, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Paul Venturelli, Ball State University

ABSTRACT: Recreational anglers and boaters can be a major vector of the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), but movement patterns are oftentimes poorly understood due to the difficulties of collecting data. Currently, Minnesota collects movement data through statewide watercraft inspection stations. In the past these data have been leveraged to predict movement patterns of anglers and boaters. As such, these data are the current gold standard, but there may be another option. A potentially innovative and economical solution is to obtain movement data from smartphone applications (apps) in the form of angler recorded catch times and locations. Aggregate forms of these data can then be used to describe and predict the relative popularity of lakes, and the flow of traffic among them. The goal of this study was to gain insight into the ways that big data can improve predictors of pathways of AIS spread. To that end, we employed predictive modeling previously used to build a movement network with watercraft inspection data and applied it to data from a popular fishing app, Fishbrain. We found that these two networks were comparable and displayed a high level of connectivity among Minnesota waterbodies, potentially furthering the spread of AIS. Although similar, differences present likely stemmed from biases in which group of anglers were surveyed within each collection method. Simply, watercraft inspections only targeted watercraft users, while Fishbrain provided data for both shore and private access anglers, along with boaters. These insights are essential to the design and optimization of prevention, detection, and monitoring efforts for Minnesota and may allow for enhanced resource allocation. These results also provide insight into how this approach can be expanded to inform larger efforts (e.g., the Great Lakes Region, contiguous U.S.), and set the stage for future work.

Speakers

Aaron Muehler

Graduate Student, Ball State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:20am - 9:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

9:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Intraspecific variation in stable isotopes provides insight into adfluvial migrations and ecology of brook trout in Lake Superior tributaries

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:20am - 9:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Brandon Gerig1, School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53204. Email: gerig@uwm.edu

Troy G. Zorn Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, Marquette Fisheries Research Station, 484 Cherry Creek Road, Marquette, MI 49855, USA. Email: zornt@michigan.gov

Kevin Pangle, Central Michigan University, Department of Biology, 1455 Calumet Court, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA. Email: pangl1k@cmich.edu

Nick Peterson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lake Superior Area Fisheries, 5351 North Shore Drive, Duluth, MN 55804. Email: nick.peterson@state.mn.us

Henry Quinlan U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ashland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, 2800 Lake Shore Drive East, Ashland, WI 54806, USA. Email: henry_quinlan@fws.gov

1Presenting author

ABSTRACT: Abstract
Identifying streams that host scarce migratory salmonid life histories, such as coaster brook trout, is challenging due to the lack of inexpensive, non-lethal techniques for confirming Great Lake to stream migrations from observations of fish from a single sampling event. We examined prior foraging (and inferred residency) of brook trout using stable isotope analysis of fin clip tissue from 589 fish captured in Lake Superior or tributaries with vs. without access to Lake Superior. We observed strong isotopic separation in δ13C brook trout between Lake Superior and Lake-inaccessible reaches and developed a linear discriminant function (LDF) which assigned fish to these environments with over 97% accuracy. LDF and Bayesian stable isotope mixing models used to estimate stream and lake energy sourcing by brook trout collected from Lake-accessible reaches identified stream of origin and brook trout length as significant covariates influencing energy sourcing. Brook trout caught in Lake-accessible reaches had isotope signatures and sizes that were intermediate to fish from Lake-inaccessible reaches and Lake Superior, potentially indicative of Lake Superior to stream migrations or possibly an energy subsidy from adfluvial migrants in streams. The LDF was used to estimate the probability that recently grown fin tissue from brook trout collected in Lake-accessible reaches resulted from foraging in Lake Superior, with data on fish length and probability of Lake Superior assignment (Pr) used to identify tributaries with “likely” coaster brook trout. However, further research is needed to distinguish between Lake Superior-based foraging and subsidy effects from adfluvial fishes.

Speakers

Brandon Gerig

Assistant ProfessornSchool of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:20am - 9:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Freshwater fish

9:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Tracking the Spread of Invasive Mollusks in the Illinois River Watershed

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Nicholas Iacaruso, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Natural History Survey; Joel Corush, Illinois Natural History Survey; Mark Davis,University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Natural History Survey

ABSTRACT: Aquatic invasive mollusks (gastropods and bivalves) are among the most ecologically and economically impactful groups of non-native species to the Midwest United States. They can achieve hyper-abundance in freshwater ecosystems, negatively impacting native mollusk biodiversity, damaging infrastructure, altering ecosystem characteristics, and facilitating other invaders. Early detection of new populations before they become hyper-abundant can be an effective strategy for mitigating their worst impacts. However, their small size and cryptic life history often make new invasions difficult to identify. Here, we deploy environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to detect aquatic invasive mollusks across the Illinois River waterway, an aquatic highway connecting the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes. We focused on six focal species with varying levels of establishment and distribution throughout the Illinois River. We sampled the Illinois River and 24 tributaries over two years to estimate the relative distribution of each invasive mollusk. We also performed eDNA metabarcoding to detect the native mollusk and fish communities in each tributary. We intend to find correlations between the presence of the invasive mollusks and the physical habitat measurements, land-use metrics, or native mollusks and fishes that may inform the current heterogeneous distribution of aquatic invasive mollusks. Our study will also serve as a model for studying the fine-scale spatial distribution of aquatic mollusk eDNA and aid in understanding why some tributaries are more heavily invaded than others.

Speakers

Nicho Iacaruso

Graduate Research Assistant, Illinois Natural History Survey

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

9:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Using Eye Lenses to Identify Rearing Origin of Large, Fingerling Walleye

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Justin Sturtz, South Dakota State University; Benjamin J. Schall, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Matthew J. Ward, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Cody E. Treft, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Christopher Cheek, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Determining the natal origins of fish can provide critical information for fisheries management and conservation efforts. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are advanced, fish-rearing setups that filter and recycle water within the system, significantly reducing the need for fresh water and allowing for high-density rearing of fish under efficient growth conditions. In contrast, traditional fish stocking often involves rearing fish in raceways or outdoor ponds. Differences in forage between RAS (pellet-fed) and pond (natural forage) reared fish may result in unique isotopic signatures in the fish tissue. Historically archived isotope signatures in fish eye lenses may be useful in differentiating rearing sources, providing an additional tool for delineating stock contribution. This study investigates the feasibility of using isotopic composition of fish eye lenses to discern the known rearing environment (RAS vs. pond vs. wild) of fall, advanced fingerling age-0 Walleye (Sander vitreus). We collected 10 RAS-reared, pellet-fed walleye from Cleghorn fish hatchery in Rapid City SD (mean = 159mm), 10 pond-reared natural source-fed walleye from Blue Dog hatchery in Waubay SD (mean = 179mm), and 10 wild- caught walleye from Clear Lake in Sioux Falls SD (mean = 170mm). Eye lens layers were delaminated to remove ~300 µm for each layer, resulting in 3 to 4 layers per fish including the core. Eye lens layers were sent for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analysis, and whole eye lenses from the second eye were sent for δ13C, δ15N, and sulfur (δ34S) analysis. Preliminary δ13C and δ15N results illustrated unique signatures among stocking sources, high signature precision for the pellet-fed RAS fish, and shifting signatures with known changes in diet for pond-reared fish. The results of this study could be used by managers who are focusing on identifying the stock contribution of RAS and pond-reared fishes.

Speakers

BJ Schall

Fisheries Biologist, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquaculture-other

10:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Assessing Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Abundance Dynamics in Tailwater Habitats Using Side-scan Sonar Techniques

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Adam C. Jones, US Geological Survey; Jesse R. Fischer, US Geological Survey; Josey L. Ridgway, US Geological Survey.

ABSTRACT: There are over 40,000 dams in the Mississippi River Basin, and concentrations of invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) below them are well documented as populations attempt to migrate, reproduce, and establish in upstream ecosystems. Consumer-grade sonar and image analysis techniques provide an efficient and cost-effective approach to evaluate and monitor the density of invasive carp populations in these unique and intensely managed areas of interest. Current automated image analysis tools are reliable and used throughout the Mississippi River Basin to count, measure, and understand the behavior of invasive carp populations in a diversity of habitats. However, these tools are ineffective in quantifying targets within high density groups (i.e., schools), prompting the need for additional image analysis techniques and an improved understanding of the three-dimensional distributions of invasive carp individuals and concentrations. Overall, our objective is to evaluate fine-scale and reach-wide abundance dynamics through time (i.e., day, night, and season) and environmental conditions (i.e., water discharge, velocity, temperature). We conducted repeated sonar surveys using side-scan and down-imaging sonar in the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley tailwaters (Tennessee River and Cumberland River respectively) throughout 2023 and 2024. Four parallel transects were conducted for each 5-km reach downstream of each dam. Surveys began at the dams and moved downstream at ~8 km/h to ensure consistent images. Current data processing involves the manual identification of fish groups (i.e., area) within side-scan sonar images and the use of simultaneously recorded down-imaging sonar images to quantify depth distributions of high-density schools to estimate volumetric abundances of invasive carp. Manual processing will be used to train machine learning models similar to approaches being used to estimate individual fish targets. These results will inform future research objectives to improve survey design as well as management efforts, such as deterrence and removal actions in these critical bottleneck habitats.

Speakers

Adam Jones

Fish Biologist, United States Geological Survey

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

10:20am CST

Fisheries Track: History of Fish Production and Design in North America

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Matt Cochran, HDR Engineering, Inc.

ABSTRACT: The beginning of formal fish culture in North America dates back to the 1800s when some of the first references to hatcheries being used for population mitigation purposes surfaced. While the early efforts were focused on the actual science of fish culture, the need to support culture efforts with facilities specifically designed to aid production soon followed. The design of coolwater, warmwater and coldwater fish production facilities ranges from simple repairs at existing facilities to full scale renovations or brand new state of the art hatcheries that can meet the needs of conservation based fish culture. This talk will outline the history of facilities in North America and highlight design features utilized for sportfish and conservation focused facilities.

Speakers

Matt Cochran

Director of Fisheries, HDR

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:20am - 10:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquaculture-other

10:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Bioprogramming: A Tool to Help Guide Hatchery Design into the Modern Era

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Baylee Thornton, HDR; Matt Cochran, HDR

ABSTRACT: The origin of fish propagation for population recovery dates back to the mid-1800s. Throughout the centuries to follow, fish hatcheries have been designed to focus on mass production. While previous criticisms of such mass production were founded on the basis of environmental harm – including nutrient pollution from fish waste, extirpation of native species by hatchery fish, disease, and the introduction of invasive species – fish hatchery management has entered a new era. Fish hatcheries are now shifting the production focus to enhance conservation and recovery programs of native fishes, in addition to sport fish production. HDR has constructed a tool to help guide management decisions for designing facilities surrounding such programs. Fish hatchery biological programming (“bioprogramming”) is a tool used to analyze biological questions and anticipate the fish rearing environments necessary to answer these questions. The process references fish culture specifications obtained from recognized fish culture manuals, established fish rearing facilities, and fish production managers. The modeling process anticipates fish growth, desired rearing space, and required flow and oxygen demands to produce healthy fish, making it a valuable tool for managing challenges and conflicts in fish hatchery design. It has been used to model and support recovery strategies for several fish species across North America, including Gila trout in Arizona, Pacific salmon species in Washington, coolwater fish in the Midwest, and salmonid species in Canada.

Speakers

Baylee Thornton

Environmental Scientist, HDR Engineering, Inc.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquaculture-other

10:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Evaluating juvenile Grass Carp behavioral responses to sound

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Christina M Mackey, US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Craig Paukert, US Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Mark L. Wildhaber, US Geological Survey - Columbia Environmental Research Center; Allison A Pease, School of Natural Resources - University of Missouri; Jacob D Faulkner, US Geological Survey - Columbia Environmental Research Center; Robin D Calfee, US Geological Survey - Columbia Environmental Research Center

ABSTRACT: In the Mississippi River Basin and Great Lakes of the USA, behavioral deterrents that utilize acoustic stimuli are being considered for deployment in rivers to deter movement of invasive carps. Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella are ostariophysans that possess an inner ear connection to the swim bladder allowing them to detect a broader range of frequencies compared to non-ostariophysans. This provides the potential for a greater range of response to acoustic stimuli. Previous research demonstrated the ability of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix to avoid acoustic stimuli in the laboratory. Prior to this study, limited data were available to support avoidance of acoustic stimuli by Grass Carp. We evaluated acoustic stimuli as a deterrent for Grass Carp by exposing two naïve juvenile carp together to a recording of one of three acoustic stimuli—a 10 second chirp (0.3 – 5 kHz), continuous 100 horsepower boat motor (0.6 – 10 kHz), and 3-6 beats/second percussion (0.375 – 23.5 kHz). Trials were conducted in a 720-liter indoor tank and Grass Carp behaviors (swimming velocity, proximity among individuals, time near stimulus) were measured for 10 minutes prior to (baseline behavior) and during the presentation of the stimulus (response). Grass Carp swimming velocity was statistically similar among stimuli, though carp in percussion trials appeared to show a slight increase. Compared to baseline behavior, Grass Carp spent more in close proximity when exposed to chirp stimulus and farther apart during exposures of boat motor stimulus. All three acoustic stimuli appeared to increase the time Grass Carp spent near the stimulus source, although responses varied among trials. Preliminary results suggest that Grass Carp response to acoustic stimuli presented in this study is complex and of relatively modest magnitude. The immediate value of acoustic stimuli as a deterrent is unclear from these results and warrants further study.

Speakers

Christina Mackey

Graduate Student, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:40am - 11:00am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

11:00am CST

Fisheries Track: Using Side-Scan Sonar and N-Mixture Models to Estimate the Abundance of Invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in the Lamine River, MO

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Cade Roach, University of Missouri; Matthew R. Acre, US Geological Survey; Allison A. Pease, University of Missouri

ABSTRACT: Efficient methods for estimating species abundance are critical for assessing the status of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in the Mississippi River basin, given the ecological and economic threat this invasive species poses to water resources. Measuring Silver Carp abundance helps to characterize range expansion dynamics and evaluate management strategies. Recreational-grade side-scan sonar (SSS) offers a novel approach to monitoring fish abundance, yielding estimates comparable to traditional mark-recapture methods but at a much lower cost. Regardless of the approach used to estimate abundance, imperfect detection resulting from factors such as survey method, observer subjectivity, environmental conditions, and species behavior can lead to inaccurate estimates. N-mixture models, a suite of hierarchical regression techniques, simultaneously estimate abundance and detection probability from spatially and temporally replicated count data, addressing the issue of imperfect detection. Our study aimed to estimate the abundance of Silver Carp before, between, and after mechanical removal efforts to determine the efficacy of successive removals and characterize the ensuing population dynamics. We conducted SSS surveys in the Lamine River, a tributary of the Missouri River, before and after each of two removal efforts carried out by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in September 2024. We georectified the SSS images, used semiautomated image processing to extract counts of Silver Carp, and fit N-mixture models in frequentist and Bayesian frameworks to estimate abundance and detection probability. Here, we compare abundance estimates between different stages of the removal efforts to quantify removal success and identify trends in population dynamics. We also compare the estimates of abundance and detection, computational intensity, and measures of fit between the frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Finally, we discuss potential methods to improve the differentiation of Silver Carp from other species with similar morphology in SSS imagery.

Speakers

Cade Roach

Graduate Research Assistant at the School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

11:00am CST

Fisheries Track: Variation in Fatty Acid Composition of Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish in Two Central Ohio Reservoirs

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Steven Gratz, The Ohio State University; Jacob Bentley, The Ohio State University; Stuart Ludsin, The Ohio State University

ABSTRACT: Fatty acids are vital for human health and affect overall well-being while reducing disease risk. Fish tissue contains a plethora of fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are primarily found in fish and help the human body to function properly. Little research has been conducted studying the fatty acid composition of freshwater fishes with a majority of research focusing on saltwater fishes. However, it is important to understand the fatty acid composition among freshwater fishes that support locally sourced food. We sought to understand species, size, and seasonal variation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and Channel Catfish (I. punctatus) within two central Ohio Reservoirs to help locavores make informed decisions on which type of fish to consume. Belly fillets with skin attached were collected from Blue Catfish (n=37) and Channel Catfish (n=39) in the summer and fall of 2022 from Hoover Reservoir and Channel Catfish were also collected from Alum Creek Reservoir in the summer of 2022 using short-term gill net sets. We hypothesized that beneficial fatty acid concentrations would vary with environmental seasonal changes (e.g., water temperature) and fish size and species due to differences in feeding ecology. We also expected to observe increasing concentrations of EPA and DHA with an increase in fish size. While understanding the fatty acid composition of different fishes can help locavores make informed decisions, it is dually important to conduct a risk-benefit assessment to ensure that fish have adequate levels of fatty acids while also following fish consumption guidelines to maintain a safe level of contaminant exposure.

Speakers

Steven Gratz

Research Associate, The Ohio State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:20am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquaculture-other

11:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Enhancing proactive aquatic nuisance species management by developing a standardized risk screening workflow

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Lindsey A.P. LaBrie: Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.), Arkansas Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Arkansas, Department of Biological Sciences, Fayetteville, AR, 72703. Email: llabrie@uark.edu

Caleb P. Roberts: Unit Leader, U.S. Geological Survey, Arkansas Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, University of Arkansas, Department of Biological Sciences, Fayetteville, AR, 72703. Email: cr065@uark.edu

ABSTRACT: Preventing new invasions from occurring is the most effective way to avoid the negative ecological, economic, and societal impacts of invasive species. Two established and highly related methods for preventing new invasions are horizon scans and risk screening. Horizon scans use expert consultation and consensus building to conduct rapid risk screening. Arkansas, like the rest of the U.S., is experiencing negative impacts of invasive species, and thus, there is a critical need to prevent new invasions and thereby avoid new negative impacts. Here, we met this need through three objectives: we 1) extracted risk screening results for fish in trade from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Horizon Scan of Vertebrates in Trade and adapted these results to Arkansas, 2) used the fish species screened in the USGS Horizon Scan to determine how climate matching scores shifted under future climate scenarios, and 3) developed a standardized workflow for risk screening for aquatic nuisance species in the United States that incorporates risk of establishment under future climate scenarios. To accomplish the first objective, we pulled risk screening scores (comprised of risk of establishment, invasion history and pathways, and potential negative impacts) for the 319 fish species identified in the USGS Horizon Scan. For the second objective, we used all fish species identified and screened in the USGS Horizon Scan. Then, using future climate models (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways models) for the years 2040, 2070, and 2100, we calculated climate matching scores between potential fish invaders’ native ranges and the climate in the U.S. For the third objective, we created a future risk factor scoring protocol for risk of establishment under future climate scenarios and applied the scoring to all fish species from Objective #2. Under current and future climates, only Prochilodus lineatus and Chondrostoma nasus received high risk scores in Arkansas. However, 11 species moved from low to medium risk under future climates, reflecting increased establishment potential. Most of the species that moved from low to medium risk are known invaders outside the U.S. and are known to have strongly negative ecological impacts in their introduced ranges, such as Clarias gariepinus, Abramis brama, and Hemichromis lifalili. Although climate change is increasing the potential for invasive species to establish in Arkansas, we show that prioritizing invasive species for prevention and watchlists is still feasible as the climate changes. Species identified as medium and high risk in this project are strong candidates for in-depth risk screening summaries and adding to an invasive species watchlist for Arkansas.

Speakers

Lindsey LaBrie

Graduate Research Assistant (PhD), University of Arkansas

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

11:20am CST

Fisheries Track: Influence of Thermal Variation on Paddlefish Thermal Tolerance, Recovery and Post-Release Behavior

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Shasta Kamara, Program of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Jackson Glomb, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Cory Suski, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) have important commercial and recreational fisheries throughout their range, which covers a wide latitudinal gradient. Seasons for Paddlefish angling and harvest are broad and often set by dates, and, as a result Paddlefish can experience capture and release across a range of temperatures. Currently, the impact of thermal variation on Paddlefish response to capture stressors has not been defined, precluding us from making informed management decisions regarding the timing and duration of angling and harvest seasons. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the response of Paddlefish to simulated capture and release across a range of temperatures using two experimental approaches. In the first study, juvenile Paddlefish were acclimated to 13, 17.5, and 22° C. Fish from each of these temperatures were subjected to a simulated angling experience and recovered for 30 minutes, 4 hours, or 8 hours; a second group of fish were given a critical thermal maximum test (CTmax) to quantify heat tolerance. The second study sought to quantify post-release behavior of adult Paddlefish after simulated commercial capture at different temperatures using tri-axial accelerometers. Results from the first study showed that Paddlefish acclimated to 13°C recovered from exercise within 4 hours, while fish acclimated to 22°C did not recover, even after 8 hours. The 17.5°C and 22.0°C treatments had higher CTmax than the 13.0°C treatment suggesting an upper limit to thermal tolerance. Results thus far indicate that Paddlefish experiencing warmer temperatures have reduced performance relative to cooler fish, suggesting that temperatures over 20 degrees may be stressful for released Paddlefish after exercise. Together, these projects can help inform how Paddlefish respond to capture stressors across a range of temperatures and inform future management options to minimize impacts on individuals.

Speakers

Shasta Kamara

Graduate Research Assistant, Univeristy of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:20am - 11:40am CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquaculture-other

11:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Spatial and Temporal Variation of Invasive Carp Spawning Activity in the Illinois River Basin

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Braden Whisler, Eastern Illinois University; Robert Colombo, Eastern Illinois University; Daniel Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Eden Effert-Fanta, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT:
Bighead Carp (Hypophtalmichtys nobilis) and Silver Carp (H. molitrix), often referred to as bigheaded carps (BHC), have invaded many rivers throughout North America and the Mississippi River drainage. With their niche occupation and feeding habits, evidence suggests the degradation of native fish assemblages through competition. Although there are spawning populations located throughout the BHC invasion, few studies have focused on visualizing the timing and location of spawning events. The aim of this study is to examine how spawning BHC utilize tributary versus mainstem river sites throughout the year and in varying environmental conditions. From April to September of 2021-2024, BHC ichthyoplankton were collected from mainstem and tributary sites in the La Grange Pool of the Illinois River throughout an array of different environmental conditions (flood, high/low stream velocity, temperature). Consistent with previous studies, flood pulses, higher water velocities, and temperature thresholds triggered spawning events, contributing to higher densities of BHC ichthyoplankton drifting in the current. High-water years also facilitated the movement of BHC into tributary systems, contributing to spawning events and larger BHC ichthyoplankton catches in the tributaries. This study demonstrates the importance of continued monitoring of spawning conditions and timing in areas where BHC are already established. By developing predictive models for BHC spawning events in both mainstem and tributary habitats, resource managers can implement targeted removal strategies for spawning adults at invasion fronts or areas of special concern, such as the Laurentian Great Lakes. These proactive measures have the potential to significantly reduce year class sizes and mitigate the ecological impact of BHC invasions.

Speakers

Braden Whisler

Graduate Assistant, Eastern Illinois University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Invasive Species

11:40am CST

Fisheries Track: Understanding fecal microbiome of Pallid Sturgeon

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST

TBA

AUTHORS: Israt Jahan, Samodha Fernando, Chris Chizinski, Mark Pegg

ABSTRACT: The gut microbiome plays a vital role in the health and survival of aquatic species, including the endangered Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus), which is experiencing reproductive challenges due to habitat alterations. While hatchery augmentation remains a key strategy to bolster Pallid Sturgeon populations, the reduced survival rates of hatchery-raised individuals present a significant obstacle to delisting efforts. This study investigates the gut microbiomes of wild-caught Pallid Sturgeon from Platte River and hatchery-raised Pallid Sturgeon from Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery to identify differences and their potential management implications. Fecal samples were collected from both groups, and the 16S rRNA gene was amplified to sequence and characterize the microbial communities present. Findings indicate that wild-caught sturgeon exhibit a more diverse and adapted gut microbiome than their hatchery-raised counterparts. These differences may challenge hatchery-raised individuals in adapting to natural environments post-release, potentially affecting their survival and reproductive success. Furthermore, alterations in gut microbiota composition may influence nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall health. Integrating gut microbiome dynamics into management strategies is essential for conserving endangered species, underscoring the necessity for adaptive management approaches incorporating microbial ecology principles to ensure the long-term survival of Pallid Sturgeon populations.

Speakers

Israt Jahan

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:40am - 12:00pm CST
TBA

General Fisheries, General Fisheries: Aquaculture-other