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.
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.
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.
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.
