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strong>Poster Session [clear filter]
Tuesday, January 21
 

6:00pm CST

P-01: Efficacy of Trapping Programs to Control Raccoon Populations
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Jennifer Schultze, Southern Illinois University; Ashley McDonald, Southern Illinois University; Clayton Nielsen, Southern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are an opportunistic and highly adaptable mesopredator that negatively impact several vulnerable avian and reptilian species. Wildlife managers require more information about the efficacy and long-term feasibility of using predator removal to control raccoon populations. We determined the efficacy of raccoon population reduction via trapping on 6 study sites in northern Illinois. Camera traps (n=109) were placed afield during February-August 2022-2024 to monitor raccoon occupancy before, during, and after trapping efforts were performed. During April-June 2022-2024, collaborators removed 680 raccoons to determine the intensity of trapping effort needed to reduce raccoon populations and to estimate pre- and post-trapping abundance of raccoon populations. We ran single-season occupancy models during these 3 temporal periods and multi-season colonization-extinction occupancy models were conducted before and after raccoon removal to determine the efficacy of trapping efforts in the long-term. Single-season occupancy estimates indicated a decrease in occupancy during removal; this reduced occupancy level remained for the duration of the study season. During 2022-2024, multi-season occupancy colonization rates decreased by 43% and extinction rates increased by 13%. In contrast, our control site with no raccoon removal had an increase in colonization by 66% and extinction rates reached nearly 0%. Further, we estimated raccoon abundance using the Leslie depletion method and following trapping, populations declined >32% on each study site. These results suggest that with enough trapping effort at the levels observed in our study, continuous removal programs may be a successful method for reducing and maintaining lower raccoon densities.
Speakers
JS

Jennifer Schultze

Graduate Research Assistant, Southern Illinois University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-02: Zoonotic disease and diet surveys of raccoons (Procyon lotor) across urban-rural gradients in St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri.
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Yonah Bennett, University of Central Missouri; Dr. Nick Barts, University of Central Missouri

ABSTRACT:  Anthropogenic change casts a heavy shadow on the environment, and the urbanization of natural habitats can increase both the spread of zoonotic diseases and the range of its reservoirs. One such reservoir is the raccoon (Procyon lotor), a synanthrope and common carrier of many zoonotic diseases important to human health (Baylisascaris procyonis, Leptospira interrogans, and Giardia duodenalis). As warmer temperatures and human-driven introductions push raccoons and other wildlife into new environments, humans face an increasing number of zoonotic diseases. The wildlife, in turn, faces density increases, poor body condition, and diet changes. These changes are a global concern, and current studies are driven by the One-Health framework, ensuring the human, wildlife, and environmental aspects of these focal diseases are examined together. Following the One-Health framework allows us to make informed decisions for wildlife management strategies. This project aims to inform such management by conducting disease and diet surveys of raccoons across St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri along urban-rural transects using latrines to collect feces, soil, and hair samples. Prior studies of B. procyonis prevalence along urban gradients have had mixed findings. Gradients created using a specified variable like building density may better describe the impact of urbanization on it and other zoonotic diseases. Disease prevalence and load will be determined by surveying for B. procyonis in fecal floats and Giardia and Leptospira in qPCR. Diet assessments to correlate raccoon reliance on anthropogenic foods will be done by determining the stable isotopes in collected hair. Reliance on anthropogenic foods may mean a change in predation on intermediate disease hosts and disease prevalence within raccoons. Overall results may highlight how raccoons' synanthropic nature impacts humans and the environment.

Speakers
YB

Yonah Bennett

Graduate Assistant, University of Central Missouri
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-03: Exploring Variation in Immune Physiology and Movement in White-Tailed Deer
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Holly Redmond; Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Robin Warne; Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
Tadao Kishimoto; Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau; Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

ABSTRACT: How animals move across a landscape is a result of interactions between internal factors, such as physiology, and external factors, such as environmental conditions. Despite the important implications of these interactions in the face of progressively altered physical and disease landscapes, few studies have examined how immune physiology and movement behaviors interrelate, or the context in which variation in such relationships occurs. In some species, immune condition is shown to be influenced by allocation trade-offs, for example energetically favoring migration success at the cost of immune function. Immune condition itself can also be influential, for example in some species it can reduce cognitive ability and alter social behavior, thereby impacting animal movement. We seek to better understand the dynamics between immune physiology and movement in a heavily managed species: the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

To explore these relationships, we will first investigate how three immune-related biomarkers (cortisol, haptoglobin, and natural antibodies) interrelate to characterize immunological profiles for white-tailed deer (n=92) captured in 2023 and 2024 from two free-ranging populations in central and southern Illinois. We will then investigate how deer immunologic profiles relate to their movement across several metric categories (including space use, activity level, and consistency of behavior) and assess the contexts in which intra-individual, inter-individual, and inter-population variation in these relationships occurs. This work will contribute to a more holistic understanding of the dynamics between immune physiology and movement in an economically and ecologically significant species.
Speakers
HR

Holly Redmond

Research Assistant, Southern Illinois University Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-04: Impacts of Targeted Removals on White-tailed Deer Behavior
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Kristine Cotten, Southern Illinois University Carbondale; Peter Schlichting, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Daniel Skinner, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Christopher Jacques, Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

ABSTRACT: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) infection among white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has become increasingly prevalent throughout northern Illinois in recent years, a marked departure from relatively low prevalence rates from its detection in 2003 until 2019. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages CWD primarily through hunter harvest and agency targeted removals, i.e. sharpshooting. Sharpshooting is currently considered the best technique for removing CWD infected deer. Despite this, little is known about sharpshooting’s impact on deer behavior. The increasing prevalence of CWD in our endemic area highlights the need for a better understanding of the role sharpshooting plays in shaping deer behavior and how we can increase the effectiveness of sharpshooting efforts with limited staff and increasing area of infection. To address this, we deployed 75 trail cameras across several CWD-positive counties in northern Illinois. Cameras were deployed from approximately mid-January to mid-March of 2024 at baited sharpshooting sites and will be redeployed over the same period in 2025. We will use images captured by these cameras to examine the rates of deer vigilance behavior and visitation to baited sharpshooting sites as a function of sharpshooting effort . Additionally, we will investigate environmental variables which may have differential influences on deer behavior and site selection. This information will provide valuable insights on deer behavior in the context of disease management. The increase in CWD prevalence in Illinois suggests a shift in the established patterns of infection, highlighting the need for a better understanding of how sharpshooting impacts deer behavior . This work will address this knowledge gap and aid managers in the continued implementation of sharpshooting as a management tool.
Speakers
KC

Kristine Cotten

Graduate Research Assistant, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-05: Analysis of Trap Design Characteristics of Fisher Monitoring Stations
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Erik Holterman, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Kayla Allred, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Tyler Rasmussen, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

ABSTRACT: Camera traps are a non-invasive wildlife sampling method, offering constant surveillance of multiple locations. Capturing pictures of wildlife provides opportunities for identifying individuals in a population, allowing researchers to collect data on home range size and population dynamics. This project aims to identify individuals which directly affects our ability to estimate population size, connectivity between populations, and help wildlife managers develop conservation plans. Focusing on fishers (Pekania pennanti), our team installed Fisher Monitoring Stations (FMS) throughout the George W. Mead Wildlife Area located in central Wisconsin. FMS are designed to attach to trees, where we expect fisher to climb on, touch, or reach out across a stabilizing bar to interact with bait hanging above the FMS. Our camera traps then take pictures of the ventral surface of fishers to capture markings that help identify individuals within the population. This was the first implementation of FMS, so we are analyzing trap characteristics such as bait type and height of the stabilizing bar in relation to the FMS platform. All pictures taken this field season are in the process of being graded on a numerical scale based on image quality in relation to identifying individuals. We hypothesize that a height of 60 cm and the implementation of beaver meat as bait will yield higher quality pictures than a height of 50 cm and jam as bait. In the future, we hope to continue to test more characteristics of trap design, including additional heights of the stabilizing bars, FMS distance to camera, distance to bait, and improved hair snare design.
Speakers
EH

Erik Holterman

Undergraduate Student, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-06: Effect of Prairie Dog Burrow Density on Intensity of Ticks on Small Mammals in South Dakota
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Zack Wilson, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point; Maddie Hartlaub, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point; Dr. Shelli Dubay, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point; Dr. Travis Livieri, Prairie Wildlife Research; Dr. Ben Sedinger, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point

ABSTRACT: Grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) commonly co-occur on grasslands in South Dakota and may be parasitized by Ixodes sculptus and I. kingi tick species. These ticks could serve as bridging vectors for tularemia (Francisella tularensis), a zoonotic bacterial disease, in the grassland ecosystem. Tularemia has caused mortality in prairie dogs, deer mice, and grasshopper mice. Small mammal abundance has been shown to increase on prairie dog complexes. We aim to identify relationships between small mammal densities, prairie dog burrow densities, and tick abundance on hosts in Conata Basin/Badlands National Park, South Dakota. We placed 100 Sherman traps in a 150 x 150 m grid on sites designated as high, medium, and low prairie dog burrow densities. Once mice were trapped, we combed them for 30 seconds and then systematically searched them for ticks. Ectoparasites were counted per individual and placed in ethanol for identification. We hypothesized that the number of small mammals trapped and the abundance of ticks parasitizing them would be positively correlated with prairie dog burrow density. In 2023, we collected 231 ticks on 135 trapped deer and grasshopper mice across two sampling areas in Badlands National Park. In 2024, we expect to find that tick abundance on deer and grasshopper mice will increase with prairie dog burrow density, however, due to allogrooming, we do not expect tick abundance to increase on prairie dogs.
Speakers
ZW

Zack Wilson

Student, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-07: Using Camera Traps to Explore Coyote Presence Across an Urbanization Gradient in St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Jake Meyer, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy; Elizabeth Biro, Washington University in St. Louis; Solny Adalsteinsson, Washington University in St. Louis; Whitney Anthonysamy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy

ABSTRACT: Cities can provide important habitat, such as parks and other green spaces, for supporting biodiversity. As urban areas continue to grow, it is important to understand how urban green spaces affect species’ distributions and behaviors. Coyotes are a common apex predator found in Missouri, including urban areas, and thus serve an important role in regulating ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to use presence/absence data collected using camera traps to estimate average coyote detections along an urbanization gradient (rural, suburban, and urban) in St. Louis. Here we report on our preliminary findings from a 4-year (2019-2022) dataset. Our next steps include exploring temporal activity and performing modeling to formally estimate occupancy patterns. Our findings will aid us in understanding how coyotes utilize the city to inform efforts for managing biodiversity in the region.
Speakers
JM

Jacob Meyer

Full time student, UHSP
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-08: Examining the Intraspecies and Interspecies Communication Between Canid Species in Central Wisconsin
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Adrienne Cohoon, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Kayla Allred, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Helena Stoflet, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Jena Garceau, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Dutch Holland, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Alyssa Kelnhofer, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Samantha Peterson, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point;
Advisor: Dr. Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

ABSTRACT: Howling is a stimulated response in canids used to distinguish territory. Species of the Canidae family tend to respond to other species via howling. Our primary target species are the gray wolf (Canis Lupus) and the coyote (Canis latrans). In our study, we compare which canid species would respond to each artificial species call/howl we used. We conduct howl surveys at two different sites, Buena Vista Wildlife Area and Mead Wildlife Area in central Wisconsin. There are three transects at Mead and five at Buena Vista. Each field night, we select our transect through a random generator. At separate points along the transect, each point one mile apart, we alternate between a male gray wolf and a male coyote call using the ICOtec Gen 3 Electronic Predator Game Call. At each of these points along the transect, we play the call for 30 seconds and wait two minutes after the call for a response. We call three times at one location facing 0°, 120°, and 240° respectively. At each point we record the date, location, road name, latitude/longitude, time of response, the species that is responding, compass bearing of the response, estimated distance to the origin of the response, number of adults heard, whether we heard pups, and ambient noises. We analyzed our data using a Chi-squared test to determine significant differences in response rates between species.
Speakers
AC

Adrienne Cohoon

Student, UW-Stevens Point
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-09: Survey of mammal biodiversity in a midwestern urban natural area using trail cameras: a collaboration between Missouri Western State University (MWSU) and Snapshot USA (2022-2024)
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Angel Justus, Missouri Western State University; Grace Allen, Missouri Western State University; Walter Bicklein, Missouri Western State University; Cooper Bien, Missouri Western State University; Boaz Evans, Missouri Western State University; Veronica Hendrickson, Missouri Western State University; Zachary Hendrickson, Missouri Western State University; Anna Livers, Missouri Western State University; Emily McClellan, Missouri Western State University; Terence Mercado, Missouri Western State University; Jada Sharp, Missouri Western State University; Autumn Shull, Missouri Western State University; Kyla Spradlin, Missouri Western State University; Carissa Ganong, Missouri Western State University; Cary D. Chevalier, Missouri Western State University.


ABSTRACT: Quantifying mammal abundance, species richness, and diversity is a key aspect of wildlife management. Missouri Western faculty and students collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution and the Snapshot USA project to inventory mammal biodiversity on the MWSU campus using Browning Dark Ops Pro DCI trail cameras. We installed eight game cameras throughout the 143-acre forested natural area on campus and swapped out SD cards weekly for eight weeks each fall (September-November, 2022-2024), ensuring that all cameras were at least 200 m apart. We acquired over 180,000 images and identified mammals to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Photos were uploaded to the Wildlife Insights database as part of the Snapshot USA project and will eventually be available to the public. Here we present data on mammalian species richness and relative abundance from our sites and compare our results to similar studies. This project provides baseline data on mammalian communities in an urban natural area and also illustrates the value of applied learning collaborations between institutions of higher education and national scientific institutions.
Speakers
CC

Cary Chevalier

Dr., Missouri Western State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-10: Predicting habitat suitability for endangered Indiana bats using niche-based distribution modeling
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Yoshihiro Yajima, Brown Univeristy; Kim A. Medley, Washington University in St. Louis; Erin O'Connell, Washington University in St. Louis; Vona Kuczynska, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Shelly Colatskie, Missouri Department of Conservation; Elizabeth Biro, Washington University in St. Louis; Solny Adalsteinsson, Washington University in St. Louis



ABSTRACT: Human-driven land-use change is the second most important cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Species like bats that rely heavily on forest resources to forage and reproduce are impacted by increasingly fragmented habitats. Here, we investigated habitat suitability for federally-endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) across a 2,000 acre university field station, Tyson Research Center (TRC), in St. Louis County, Missouri. TRC has long been impacted by human development, including encroachment of urban land-use. To understand the current distribution of M. sodalis, we recorded bat echolocation calls using 65 AudioMoths placed in a grid across TRC during June 2023. We processed audio files using Kaleidoscope Pro to classify calls to species and manually vetted all calls classified as Myotis spp. We then used MaxEnt, a presence-only niche-based modeling algorithm, to identify important environmental features for M. sodalis activity and create a habitat suitability map for TRC. By manually vetting over 1000 audio files, we identified 12 M. sodalis presence locations and created a model with 10 environmental variables. We found that level ground and snag stands were the most influential predictors of M. sodalis habitat suitability, which was consistent with mist net and telemetry studies. This result suggests that the species typically use flat openings near dead standing trees as day roosts, potentially to reduce energy expenditure on flight while having adequate access to insect prey. Our results elucidate how M. sodalis use forests surrounded by human development and will help guide future management action to conserve threatened and endangered bats.
Speakers
EB

Elizabeth Biro

Natural Resources Coordinator & Staff Scientist, Washington University in St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-11: Bat Communities along an Urbanization Gradient in St. Louis, MO
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Erin O’Connell, Washington University in St. Louis; Solny Adalsteinsson, Washington University in St. Louis; Whitney Anthonysamy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy; Beth Biro, Washington University in St. Louis

ABSTRACT: Bats provide ecosystem services as insect predators and nutrient recyclers and are often critical pollinators and seed dispersers. However, bats are in decline across North America due to threats from land use changes, pesticides, disease, invasive species, wind energy, and climate change. As part of the St. Louis Wildlife Project (STLWP), we seek to understand how bat communities are changing over time and in response to urbanization. Our goals for STLWP are to apply this knowledge to influence city planning policy and to spreading awareness about urban bat biodiversity and threats to bats. To monitor bats in St. Louis, we deployed acoustic monitors along an urbanization gradient from the Gateway Arch National Park to Eureka, MO, through the Henry Shaw Ozark Corridor. We recorded bat calls for one month each during spring, summer, and fall in conjunction with St. Louis Wildlife Project monitoring. We then analyzed the recordings using auto-detection software to identify bats to species. We detected ten total species of bats in the greater St. Louis area, including three species of endangered bats: Indiana bats (Myotis sodalist), gray bats (Myotis grisescens), and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis). The most commonly detected bats across the transect included big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus). These findings are critical to informing urban management plans, as well as garnering support for habitat restoration efforts.
Speakers
EB

Elizabeth Biro

Natural Resources Coordinator & Staff Scientist, Washington University in St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-12: Comparing Pre and Post White-nose Syndrome Distributions of Three Bat Species in Eastern Nebraska
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Daniel Peacock, University of Nebraska Omaha; Thomas Raad, University of Nebraska Omaha; Amanda Ciurej, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Jeremy White, University of Nebraska Omaha; Mark Porath, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Han Li, University of Nebraska Omaha

ABSTRACT: White-nose syndrome has caused severe declines in the populations of northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis), little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), and tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) in the eastern United States since it was first detected in 2006. However, little is known about how these species were impacted in Nebraska where white-nose syndrome was first detected in the winter of 2016-2017. Before white-nose syndrome was first detected in Nebraska, an assessment of these species was conducted acoustically at 105 sites throughout eastern Nebraska between 2012 and 2014. In 2024 summer, we revisited 72 of the 105 previously surveyed sites and added 41 new sites to assess the impact of white-nose syndrome. We followed the North American Bat Monitoring Program Stationary Survey protocol for a more robust dataset. Our preliminary results from the first 60 sites were manually vetted for false positive detections and showed presence of tri-colored bats and little brown bats at approximately 40% of sites. However, only one out of 60 sites had northern long-eared bat detections. We will continue manually vetting for the remaining sites and to account for both false negative and false positive detections. From this data we will construct species distribution models before and after white-nose syndrome to examine how the disease has impacted the distributions of the three species. These distribution models will be used to generate distribution maps that will be used to determine each species’ level of decline, where remnant populations might be, and what kinds of habitats support these remnant populations. Assessment of the impact of white-nose syndrome on these three species will provide insights on how to prioritize key habitat protection to ensure long-term bat conservation in the Great Plains.
Speakers
DP

Daniel Peacock

MS Student, University of Nebraska Omaha
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-13: Exploring Fecal and Environmental DNA Detection of Bat Species of Greatest Conservation Need via Nanopore Adaptive Sampling
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Thomas Raad, University of Nebraska Omaha; Michaela Sanford, University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Biology; Daniel Peacock, University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Biology; Shayda Azadmanesh, University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Biology; Jeremy White, University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Biology; Guoqing Lu, University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Biology; Han Li, University of Nebraska Omaha Department of Biology

ABSTRACT: All bat species of greatest conservation need in the Midwest are nocturnal and cryptic. Traditional capture-based methods for detecting bats become challenging as populations experience drastic declines. With recent technological advancements, acoustic monitoring has become a common method for detecting these species. However, similarities in bat calls across species can make it challenging to confirm their presence. To address this challenge, it is important to explore additional species detection methods that complement capture and acoustic techniques. Bat guano samples are abundant and easy to collect in the field and extracting and sequencing host DNA from fecal samples for species identification has proven effective. Additionally, bat DNA has been collected and sequenced from roost surfaces, water, and soil, allowing species detection directly from the environments where they reside. Traditional fecal and environmental DNA sequencing methods often require polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with species-specific primers. However, recent advances in genomic technology have introduced nanopore sequencing, which, through nanopore adaptive sampling algorithms, allows for selective sequencing of specified genomic regions. This method uses a user-defined reference file during sequencing to target DNA sequences of interest, eliminating the need for PCR amplification and enabling the generation of long DNA reads for further assembly. Moreover, it allows for portable, in-field sequencing. Mammalian mitochondrial DNA, with its high copy numbers in cells, is suitable for nanopore adaptive sampling. In this project, we explore the application of nanopore adaptive sampling for bat species identification. We opportunistically collected bat guano samples, verified species through morphological examination during capture, and are currently processing fecal samples in the lab. We will present the success rate of species identification from fecal DNA, as well as from environmental DNA collected at known bat roosts.
Speakers
TR

Thomas Raad

Masters Student, University of Nebraska Omaha
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-14: Tracking Black-crowned Night-herons Across Chicagoland
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Sarah Slayton, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Henry Adams, Urban Wildlife Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo; Michael Ward, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Michael Avara, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Brad Semel, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

ABSTRACT: Black-crowned Night-herons (BCNH) (Nycticorax nycticorax) are a colonial wading bird facing notable declines in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. due to wetland habitat loss and degradation. Although BCNH are globally distributed, they are a special-status species in 11 states including Illinois, where the species has been listed as endangered since 1977. The last major rookery in the state is located at the Lincoln Park Zoo (LPZ) near downtown Chicago. Despite the inherent risks associated with nesting in an urban center the colony appears to be flourishing, with over 300 pairs of birds fledging over 400 chicks in 2024. However, little research has been conducted on how birds are acquiring resources and utilizing city habitat to cope with the environmental pressures posed by urban living. BCNH’s cryptic nature and nocturnal lifestyle have made them challenging to study solely using traditional field methods, making them ideal to study using advanced tracking technologies. During the 2023 and 2024 breeding seasons, we deployed 16 GPS/GSM transmitters on BCNH from this colony to identify critical foraging grounds in the Chicago area. So far, these transmitters have illuminated that birds are utilizing a wide variety of natural and manmade waterbodies throughout the breeding season, some of which are hydrologically influenced by Lake Michigan while others are managed by state and local agencies. They have also revealed unexpected patterns in post-breeding movements, migration routes, and wintering ground habitat use. These insights will help inform conservation efforts for this species in Illinois, and beyond.

Speakers
SS

Sarah Slayton

M.S. Student, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-15: Optimizing Density Estimation Methods Using Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Eastern-Whip-poor-wills (Antrostromus vociferus)
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Haley Holiman, Southern Illinois University; Brent. S. Pease, Southern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Recently, the interest in and use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to assess animal populations has continued to grow in popularity. Data collected from PAM has produced reliable estimates of species occurrence but estimating density remains challenging. For example, accurately estimating distance to individuals, double-counting, and isolating focal species’ calls in diverse areas can hinder density estimation. Eastern whip-poor-wills (Antrostromus vociferus) are nocturnal aerial insectivores with distinct vocalizations and may be ideal candidates for density estimation using PAM, however, little guidance exists for sampling protocols and analytical frameworks. Here we present results from a density estimation pilot study in Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests, Indiana, USA that paired PAM with point count surveys. From May – July 2022, we deployed acoustic recording units and conducted nocturnal point count surveys for whip-poor-wills across different forest management plots. Our objectives were to evaluate four analytical frameworks for estimating density of whip-poor-wills: distance sampling and binomial n-mixture models using time-to-detection from PAM and point counts. Preliminary results suggest that ARUs may provide comparable estimates of nightjar density to traditional point counts, and density estimates appear consistent across varying silvicultural management techniques. Future work to be conducted in 2025-2026 includes expanding the study area, optimizing ARU sampling protocols for density estimation of nightjars, and relating forest management practices to nightjar abundance.
Speakers
HH

Haley Holiman

Research Assistant, Southern Illinois University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-16: Activity patterns of Eastern Whip-poor-wills across different Midwestern forest management regimes
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Holly Coates, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; T.J. Benson, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Mike Ward, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: Eastern Whip-poor-will are a species in steep decline, reliant upon early-to-intermediate-aged forests with moderate canopy cover across their life-history. With large-scale changes to Eastern US forest cover, structure, and composition across the past few centuries, silviculture and forest management regimes that produce intermediate canopy cover and basal area have been shown to be promising methods of increasing Eastern Whip-poor-will habitat, and promote their populations. We investigated the activity and percentage of time Eastern Whip-poor-will spend in differently-managed forests in the Midwest by using the natural ecological experiments created by management regime boundary lines, and an automated VHF-telemetry system. We were then able to generate more precise estimates on whip-poor-will habitat preferences, by correlating these values with prey abundance and a large suite of biotic and abiotic factors intrinsic to each forest management type.
Speakers
HC

Holly Coates

MS Student, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-17: Nestling fecal metabarcoding provides insights into the diet and habitat quality of a declining grassland passerine
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Joshua Angell, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign;
Jeffrey Foster, Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University;
Aron Katz, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ERDC-CERL & Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign;
Jinelle Sperry, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ERDC-CERL & Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: Grassland bird populations are in steeper decline than any other avian group in North America. These declines are primarily caused by the loss of suitable habitat and degradation in the quality of remaining habitat. As such, it is critical to understand how different factors of current grassland habitats impact the birds within them. For nesting birds, one of the most important aspects of their breeding habitat is its ability to provide suitable food resources for their young in the nest. We utilized DNA metabarcoding to determine the diets that have been provisioned to grasshopper sparrow nestlings with fecal samples collected at Fort McCoy, WI. Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera were the most prevalent arthropod orders detected across all samples, while Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera were provisioned proportionally less compared to environmental availability. Additionally, we examined spatial and temporal trends of provisioned diet to explore what influences the foraging ecology of grasshopper sparrows. This study provides insights into how grassland habitats support breeding birds and evaluates fecal DNA metabarcoding as a potential tool to assess habitat quality for threatened and endangered species in the future.
Speakers
avatar for Joshua Angell

Joshua Angell

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-18: Long-term Dynamics of Seasonal Tree Phenology and Forest Songbird Populations Across the Central Hardwoods (Preliminary Findings)
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: 
Benjamin W. Tjepkes, University of Missouri;
Grant P. Elliott, University of Missouri;
Clayton F. Blodgett, University of Missouri;
Thomas W. Bonnot, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT:  Many forest communities across the central hardwoods ecoregion of the United States are experiencing shifts from oak dominance to later successional species after anthropogenic alternations to historical disturbance regimes. This transition, amidst unprecedented climatic variability, casts uncertainty on the future of resident and migratory forest passerines that depend on this region for access to high-quality breeding habitat. Land surface phenology, the timing of annual growth cycles measured from remote sensing platforms, offers a potential proxy for forest ecosystem response to changing bioclimatic conditions that can be used for landscape-based wildlife conservation planning. This research explores how regional forest phenology patterns relate to demographic trends in avian communities across the Central Hardwoods Bird Conservation Region under anthropogenic climate change to assess the utility of phenology-informed models in predicting wildlife habitat suitability at regional scales. We used 40 years of Landsat multispectral imagery to model spatially explicit estimates of phenological transition dates based on gap-filled Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) values, gridded climate data, and Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to represent the temporal progression of passerine habitat within a season while accounting for species-specific responses. These climate-mediated phenological metrics will serve as inputs for hierarchical Bayesian avian community models using relative abundance trends from U.S. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) point counts within the region. We will then be projecting any bird-phenology relationships through the year 2100, using a range of future climate scenarios and forest composition projections. This work will extend existing bird research in the central hardwoods to better understand climatic drivers of forest phenology and whether these patterns relate to diachronic bird abundance trends. The findings of this research will offer insights for conservation initiatives focused on preserving avian diversity by implementing resilient forest management practices informed by climate-based spatial prioritization at landscape scales.
Speakers
avatar for Benjamin Tjepkes

Benjamin Tjepkes

Graduate Student, University of Missouri
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-19: Is there a shift in Migration Timing of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus)?
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Ruby Valadez, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Josiah Gritter, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Elizabeth Peters, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

ABSTRACT:  The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) (NSWO) is a mesopredator commonly found within upland ecosystems across North America. NSWO’s migrate in the fall from September to December, peaking around mid-October, making them relatively abundant in central Wisconsin during this time. Our project began in 2007 and continues to operate at Sandhill Wildlife Area in Babcock, WI, and we have captured over 1,300 NSWOs. These owls are captured using call-playback devices and mist nets. The birds are banded using USGS aluminum leg bands, contributing to national banding data on Northern Saw-whet Owls. Wing and tail chords, weight, age, and sex of birds are recorded with each capture. Our project has previously focused on studying migration patterns and we are curious how migration timing has changed over time. We will use our historic banding data to analyze the timing of migration from year to year and determine if migration is occurring earlier or later. We will also investigate if there has been a shift in the pattern of irruption, which typically occurs every four years.
Speakers
RV

Ruby Valadez

Student, UW-Stevens Point
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-20: Assessing Bird-Window Strike Collisions: Patterns of Avian Mortality and Mitigation Strategies at Ball State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Ashley Fitch, Ball State University; Emily Peterson, Ball State University; Kamal Islam, Ball State University.

ABSTRACT:  Bird-window collisions are a significant source of avian mortality in North America, accounting for 2-9% of bird deaths, with college campuses contributing to 44-56% of these fatalities. This study assesses bird-window strike mortality on the Ball State University campus, where buildings with substantial window surfaces pose risks to migrating birds. Over four academic semesters (September-November 2022 and 2023, February-May 2023 and 2024), five campus buildings were monitored to identify what windows had the highest fatality and the species that were most affected. Data was collected via visual checks of the perimeters of the windows during weekdays. A total of 84 birds were documented, comprising 26 different species and 9 different families. The most collected family was Parulidae, with 20.2%, and the most collected species was Archilochus colubris, with 10.7%. One of our buildings in particular encompassed 50.0% of all species. The study highlighted that buildings with larger and more reflective windows resulted in higher mortality rates. To mitigate these collisions, successful strategies employed at institutions like Duke University and the University of Utah include Feather Friendly vinyl stickers, fritted glass, and ORNILUX UV glass, which achieved up to 84% reductions in collisions. This research serves as a follow-up to previous data collection efforts, aiming to inform architectural practices and establish guidelines for existing and future buildings on campus to enhance bird safety. By promoting bird-friendly designs, Ball State University can contribute to the preservation of avian populations in urban settings.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Fitch

Ashley Fitch

Student, Ball State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-21: Role of acorns in Red-headed Woodpecker overwintering in northeastern Illinois
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Adrianna Yoder, University of Missouri St. Louis; Anastasia Rahlin, Illinois Natural History Survey – Prairie Research Institute; Jalene LaMontagne, University of Missouri St. Louis

ABSTRACT: Loss of habitat is contributing to avifauna decline, including Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) that were historically widespread across eastern-central North America. In northeastern Illinois, Red-headed Woodpeckers are facultative migrators, where some will overwinter while others migrate south. In the winter, Red-headed Woodpeckers switch their diet from insects to tree hard mast, like acorns. However, oak reproduction is spatiotemporally variable, and therefore, acorn quantity likely influences their ability to overwinter by altering food availability. Our objective was to compare Red-headed Woodpecker local habitat use and selection between summer breeding-only tree cavities and those used year-round. In summer 2023, we located Red-headed Woodpecker tree cavities and measured habitat characteristics at four scales: cavity, cavity-tree, surrounding habitat, and territory, which included performing acorn counts. In winter 2023-2024, we monitored the same cavities with camera traps to determine their winter presence. For year-round cavities, the key habitat characteristic of continued cavity use into the winter was high acorn quantity, particularly of the red oak group. This requirement for winter use contrasts with summer breeding cavity selection which typically relies on open canopy, and high decay and diameter of the cavity-tree. Our results suggest that at broad scales, acorn production could also explain regional differences seen in Red-headed Woodpecker distributions which we are currently investigating using eBird data and long-term acorn counts. Our research highlights the importance of oaks and understanding oak reproduction in creating habitats that can sustain Red-headed Woodpeckers year-round.
Speakers
AY

Adrianna Yoder

Graduate Student, University of Missouri St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-22: Investigating Wild Turkey Poult and Hen Diets Across Kansas: Landscape Influences on Arthropod and Plant Diversity
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Cy Marchese1, Caroline Skidmore1, Dave Haukos2, Dan Sullins2,

1Kansas State University Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, Kansas State University

2 United States Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University


ABSTRACT: In Kansas, a decline in Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) reproductive success has been observed, potentially reflecting broader population trends of this important game species. Factors such as predation, starvation, and hunting pressure create complex interactions that influence gamebird survival and reproduction, with varying effects among differing landscapes. To sustain or grow wild turkey populations, adequate poult survival is essential. Despite the importance of poult survival, a critical information gap remains regarding their diets in the Great Plains region. Previous studies, which relied on methods such as crop and fecal dissection are limited, invasive, and may introduce biased detection of soft-bodied prey items. Our study aims to address this gap by comparing the species richness and evenness of arthropods in the diets of wild turkey brood-rearing hens and their poults among three distinct regions and multiple cover types in Kansas. We collected fecal samples (n=246) from GPS-tracked wild turkey hens and their poults during the brood-rearing season (April–July) and used DNA metabarcoding to identify arthropod and plant taxa consumed. We grouped the samples by ecotype (grassland, cropland, woodland, shrubland) based on the 48-hour home ranges in which fecals were collected, linking diet composition to specific foraging areas. Preliminary analyses indicated that the top three arthropod orders consumed included Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera, while the top three plant orders were Poales, Brassicales, and Asterales. The total number of exact sequence variants (ESVs), which represent unique DNA sequences used to identify different species or taxa, was 2,153 for arthropods and 25 for plants. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining arthropod diversity across the landscape to support the dietary needs of wild turkey poults. Management strategies that promote the diversity and abundance of arthropods are important when working to enhance turkey populations throughout Kansas.
Speakers
CM

Cy Marchese

Graduate Student, Kansas State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-23: Functional Connectivity of Blanding’s Turtle Habitat in Central Michigan
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Mirabai Moseley (presenter), Purdue University Fort Wayne; Dr. Bruce Kingsbury, Purdue University Fort Wayne

ABSTRACT: Habitat fragmentation has been found to reduce biodiversity by up to 75%. Reptiles are predicted to be especially sensitive to fragmentation. Blanding’s Turtles are experiencing a decline across most of their range due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Maintaining landscapes of connected wetlands and upland nesting habitat is crucial for Blanding’s Turtle survival. In this study, we are investigating the movement of Blanding’s Turtles across a mixed landscape of high-quality habitat and developed land in Northern Michigan. I am attaching GPS data loggers to Blanding’s Turtles to gather movement and habitat use data, with the intent to identify any trends in corridors used that may be useful in Blanding’s Turtle conservation, and to identify corridors and barriers to movement at my study site for management purposes. I will create a resistance surface based on turtle habitat use that will be used to map linkages between core wetland habitats via circuit theory.
Speakers
MM

Mirabai Moseley

Graduate Student, Purdue University Fort Wayne
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-24: Spatial Ecology of Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) on Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, Northwest Missouri
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Grace Allen, Missouri Western State University; Terence Mercado, Missouri Western State University; Emily McClellan, Missouri Western State University; Falcon Turner, Missouri Western State University; Mark Mills, Missouri Western State University; Darrin Welchert, US Fish & Wildlife Service


ABSTRACT: The Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is listed as a species of concern or state listed (Endangered or Threatened) in every state where it occurs. In Missouri, E. blandingii is a state-endangered and is only known to occur at three locations in the state. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge has documented less than 20 individuals since they were first observed in 1984. We initiated a study of this turtle’s spatial ecology using radio telemetry because of this species' rarity, status, and intensive wetland management that occurs in the study area. The objective of this study was to monitor what type of habitat E. blandingii inhabited, including dominant vegetation type, water depth, water temperature, home range, daily movement, wetland management, and responses to overall weather patterns.
Speakers
GA

Grace Allen

Student, Missouri Western State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-25: Demographics of Two Spotted Turtle Populations in Clark County, Ohio
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Neil Boyles, Wittenberg University; Lily Bonar, Wittenberg University; Tori Hinkle, Wittenberg University; Richard Phillips, Wittenberg University

ABSTRACT: Spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) are a small elusive species of freshwater turtle that lives in wetlands across the Eastern United States. Clark County, Ohio sits on the edge of the turtles’ Midwestern range and their populations there are small with little known about these populations’ current status. We conducted mark-recapture surveys at two sites known to hold turtles using the standardized Regional Spotted Turtle Assessment Protocol. Surveyed populations were compared to healthy known populations from the literature. When compared to the species mean, the surveyed turtles were significantly smaller than expected in five out of eight measurements. The age ratios were different from what is expected in a healthy, stable population as well as from well studied populations using similar survey techniques with no hatchling turtles being surveyed at either site. Since the surveyed populations’ age ratios are different from a theoretical healthy population, as well as from other populations surveyed using similar techniques represented in literature, this could suggest there is a true difference from a healthy population that cannot simply be chalked up to bias in survey technique. Though, there is likely bias in hoop net traps towards adult turtles as juveniles and hatchlings are underrepresented in almost every survey using them. The small sizes of the turtles could be of interest from a genetic standpoint since the mean sizes are small in the region which could indicate genetic drift having a substantial effect on these turtles. There is some interplay in the results since the aging metric is based on plastron size. Our turtles are shown to be smaller than average and as a result their ages are likely underestimated which in turn means some turtles labeled as juvenile could be adults since that distinction is made by age.
Speakers
NB

Neil Boyles

Student, Wittenberg University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-26: Assessment of Spotted Turtle Populations in Southwestern Ohio
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Shayne Harris, Wittenberg University; Neil Boyles, Wittenberg University; Richard Phillips, Wittenberg University

ABSTRACT: Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) populations in the Midwest are of conservation concern. At the southern edge of their Midwestern distribution, spotted turtle populations are closely tied to disjunct fen environments in southwestern Ohio. We examine historical populations of spotted turtles in the context of more recent survey efforts. We further evaluate current populations based on recent surveys and identify recent sightings to steer further sampling efforts. Current spotted turtle surveys in southwest Ohio suggest reduced populations at former strongholds. Using ArcGIS, we evaluate potential sites in need of further surveying based on recent sightings. Finally, we evaluate population viability of current populations based on several years of monitoring. Here we present data to guide further survey efforts and assist managers in conserving currently known populations. The compilation of historic, current, and future spotted turtle locations in southwest Ohio will provide a framework for understanding the distribution and population status of spotted turtle populations in southwestern Ohio.
Speakers
SH

Shayne Harris

Student, Wittenberg University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-27: Metapopulation Dynamics of Urban Turtles: Why Did the Turtle Leave Campus?
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Emily Sweet, Missouri Western State University; Andrew Byler, Missouri Western State University; Jared Kelly, Missouri Western State University; Tadyn Shaffer, Missouri Western State University; Mark S. Mills, Missouri Western State University


ABSTRACT:  Long-term studies of turtle populations that live in ponds or wetlands often fit a metapopulation model, with turtles moving among ponds and recolonizing ponds or wetlands after drying events. However, few studies have examined turtle metapopulation dynamics in urban environments, and we are unaware of any long-term studies of urban turtle metapopulations. Faculty and students at Missouri Western State University have studied turtle populations on campus since 2009 with over 850 captures of five native species and three non-native subspecies. Missouri Western State University is located in Saint Joseph, Missouri and is surrounded by urban areas (e.g., residential, retail, and industry). This long-term study consisted of capturing and marking turtles and recording their movements among nine ponds on campus and three ponds adjacent to campus. This presentation will focus on the movements of the most common species on campus: Chelydra serpentina, Trachemys scripta, and Chrysemys picta. Over the past 15 years we have documented 77 turtles moving among the campus ponds and two turtles moving on or off campus. A male painted turtle moved off campus to a pond near Mosaic Hospital, covering a straight-line distance of 1,430 meters over two years. Another painted turtle moved from an off-campus pond to a campus pond, traveling 1,493 meters over 20 days. Overall, we found no significant differences among distance traveled among the three species; however, male painted turtles traveled significantly longer distances (mean±SE, 428±98m, N=15) than females (172±19 m, N=19; P=0.003). The results of this long-term study are important in the context of documenting the movement patterns of animals within an area, but also in and out of that area, particularly in an urban habitat.
Speakers
MM

Mark Mills

Professor of Biology, Missouri Western State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-28: Spatial and temporal patterns in Galapagos giant tortoise nesting activity
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Emily Buege Donovan, Southern Illinois University; Stephen Blake, Charles Darwin Foundation, Saint Louis University, Max Planck institute of Animal Behavior; Sharon L. Deem, Charles Darwin Foundation, Saint Louis Zoo; Ainoa Nieto-Claudin, Charles Darwin Foundation, Saint Louis Zoo; Patrick Moldowan, Charles Darwin Foundation; Freddy Cabrera, Charles Darwin Foundation; Cristian Peñafiel, Charles Darwin Foundation; Guillaume Bastille Rousseau, Southern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Chelonians are among the most rapidly declining vertebrate groups due to habitat destruction and overexploitation by humans. Information pertaining to when, where, and how often tortoises nest and how nesting behavior responds to environmental variation is useful in developing conservation or remediation plans. However, direct observation of nesting behavior in wild populations can be logistically difficult. We sought to address knowledge gaps in the temporal and spatial patterns of nesting by Galapagos giant tortoises using GPS and triaxial accelerometer data. We applied a Random Forest classification algorithm to historical data from 54 individual Galapagos tortoises across four species from three islands. The algorithm categorized activity as either nesting or non-nesting, ultimately identifying approximately 150 nests between 2010 and 2023. Together with additional field-validated nesting behavior, our total data set consisted of over 250 nesting events. A minimum of 40 individuals nested in multiple years, allowing for year-over-year comparisons in reproductive phenology. We found variation in the timing of nesting both between and within species. In examining spatial patterns, we found that some individuals are highly philopatric, while others displayed more variation in nest site selection. These data provide insights into variation of nesting behavior in vulnerable and critically endangered Galapagos tortoises which can inform conservation strategies and management efforts to protect nests from invasive predators and consider mitigation strategies under climate change. Our approach could also help in addressing these and other conservation challenges in other systems with broad global relevance for threatened chelonians.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Donovan

Emily Donovan

Graduate Fellow, Southern Illinois University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-29: The Incubation Duration of Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Nests Located on Cape Lookout National Shoreline
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Claire Sullivan, Wittenberg University; Dr.Matthew Godfrey, Duke University; Dr.Richard Phillips, Wittenberg University

ABSTRACT: Cape Lookout National Shoreline is a common area for marine turtles to nest in North Carolina. This study focuses on how Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) in situ nest incubation duration has changed over time from 2007 to 2023. Understanding the changes in incubation leads to the further question of estimating the sex ratio for marine sea turtles. The sex of marine turtles is determined by temperature; to estimate the sex ratio of sea turtles, both incubation duration and temperatures are applied. Regarding the temperature-dependent sex determination of Loggerheads, we analyze the changes in incubation duration on a seasonal and annual scale and how they correlate to annual and seasonal temperature changes. Nesting season begins in May and concludes in August. To account for seasonal temperature increases, data were divided into half-months. We hypothesize that as the nesting season progresses and the temperatures increase, the incubation duration of a clutch will decrease. July's first half month (1H) recorded the lowest averages in incubation duration (59.94± 5.641 days and 54.66± 3.478 days, respectively) for 2007-2009 as well as 2023. After assessing changes in half-months from 2007 to 2009 and 2023, an assessment of the annual changes from 2007 to 2009 and 2023 is made. Here, we show an average decrease in incubation duration from 2007-2009 to 2023 by 3.828 ± 2.39 days. Understanding the correlation between incubation duration and temperature and how they change both seasonally and annually may contribute to the understanding of the changing sex ratios for Loggerhead clutches that inhabit the Cape Lookout National Shoreline. Further questions on how sea turtles are affected by climate may involve changes in arrival time for nesting mothers.
Speakers
CS

Claire Sullivan

student, Wittenberg University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-30: Indirect Monitoring of Burmese Python (Python Bivittatus) Populations Through Cause-Specific Mortality of Virginia Opossums (Didelphis Virginiana) In Key Largo, Florida, USA
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Arya J. Sanjar, Southern Illinois University; Brent S. Pease, Southern Illinois University; Michael V. Cove, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

ABSTRACT: Invasive predators have caused extinctions on islands globally and remain a key threat in many ecosystems worldwide. Within the Florida Keys, USA, mammal populations are declining, which can be attributed in part to the presence of invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivattatus) that expanded from Everglades National Park in the 2000s. However, due partially to the species' elusive nature, Burmese python population size is unknown and has not been conclusively linked to mammal population declines as relatively few have successfully monitored the species’ impact, suggesting alternative approaches to the problem are needed. Here, we tested an indirect route to estimating Burmese python impact on mammals in the Florida Keys by radio-collaring Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) - an important food source for pythons in the Keys - and assessing cause-specific mortality in Key Largo, FL. Between May 2023 – Sept 2024. In total, 3,307 nights of trapping effort resulted in 148 collared opossums across the study area. Subsequent VHF monitoring of collared opossums documented 90 mortalities. Overall, 23% (21 individuals) of mortalities were due to vehicle strikes, 17% by Burmese pythons, and 2% by coyotes. 57% of mortalities were either apparent monitoring-related mortalities (5%) or unable to be attributed to a single factor. As a result of our indirect monitoring, to date, 10 individual pythons were removed from the population in Key Largo. These results suggest that monitoring key prey species may be a viable option for indirectly assessing a top, invasive predator’s impact on mammal populations. Additionally, our results indicate that python predation is a notable contributor to opossum mortality, suggesting potential for additive mortality on mammal communities in the region. Future work involves testing this method in various habitats throughout South Florida to assess its viability outside the Florida Keys.
Speakers
AS

Arya Sanjar

Research assistant, Southern Illinois University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-31: On The Overwintering Temperatures Of Eastern Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) in East-Central Missouri And The Influence Of Substrate And Shaded Air Temperature On Emergence, Egress, And Ingress
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Benjamin C. Jellen, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis; Brittany I. Neier, Federal Reserve

ABSTRACT: Though reptiles are largely eurythermic, those residing in temperate latitudes face large daily, and even greater seasonal, temperature fluctuations complicating thermoregulatory efforts. They must therefore employ strategies to avoid reaching critical thermal minimums and maximums for large portions of the calendar year. Such tactics include shuttling between microhabitats, exposure to the elements, and utilizing the various physical qualities of retreats and refuges with many species becoming fossorial during the overwintering period. Though data exists regarding the thermal ecology of temperate zone snakes during the activity period, far less is known concerning their operative body temperature (OBT) during the overwintering period and factors influencing ingress, emergence, and egress. We implanted free-ranging A. contortrix with temperature-sensitive radio transmitters and re-located individuals daily throughout the activity period (April - October) and three times weekly during the overwintering period (November - March) from 2018 - 2023. We recorded the shaded air (SAT) and surface substrate temperatures for each encounter as well as acquired data from a nearby weather station for the substrate temperature at depths of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 m. Though A. contortrix maintained a mean OBT of 10.6°C during the overwintering period, they experienced their lowest mean OBT in February (8.6°C). The peak emergence from overwintering coincided with the first week in April with a mean SAT of 19.4°C. However, this week was also the only week in which the mean substrate temperatures at depths of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 m varied by only 0.5°C (9.9 - 10.4°C) presenting an almost uniform subterranean thermal gradient for these depths and a potential cue for emergence. Though snakes made large daily linear ingress movements (x > 100m) on the day immediately following a considerable SAT drop (typically ~ 10°C), no such cues were detected during the egress period.
Speakers
BJ

Ben Jellen

Associate Professor, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-32: Herpetofauna and Tarantula Avoidance: A Missouri Glades Location Survey
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Zach Pfeiffer, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Becky Hansis-O'Neill, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Dr. Aimee Dunlap, University of Missouri-St. Louis

ABSTRACT: Missouri glades are home to a variety of herpetofauna and one species of tarantula: Aphonopelma hentzi (Texas brown tarantula). These animals traverse through their environment very differently. Herpetofauna tend to travel in search of food, while tarantulas are usually restricted to foraging in areas very close to their burrows. Due to this contrast, and because of potential predator-prey relationships, I wanted to see if there was a pattern in the distances between these two groupings. To do this I conducted a location survey to determine how far each individual was from the nearest spider. After analyzing the data, it was discovered that the further someone was from a tarantula, the more likely they were to find herpetofauna. This indicates that there is a potential avoidance between herpetofauna and tarantulas.
Speakers
avatar for Zach Pfeiffer

Zach Pfeiffer

Research Assistant, University of Missouri-St. Louis
I am a senior at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL). I’m almost finished with my Biology BA degree. As a research assistant, I completed a project on tarantulas and herpetofauna found in Missouri glades. I hope to have a career in animal husbandry, conservation, and/or... Read More →
Herpetofauna and Tarantula Avoidance pdf
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-33: St. Louis Wildlife Project
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Solny Adalsteinsson, Washington University in St. Louis; Whitney Anthonysamy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy; Elizabeth Biro, Washington Univeristy in St. Louis

ABSTRACT: The St. Louis Wildlife Project was established in 2018 as a collaboration between biologists at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis and Tyson Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis. St. Louis serves as a partner city in the Urban Wildlife Information Network, an initiative based at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, whose purpose is to document and study urban wildlife around the world. One of the greatest threats to biodiversity is urbanization and metropolitan areas such as St. Louis can play an important role in maintaining biodiversity. Available habitat patches or green spaces can support species and protect diversity in urban areas. Further, understanding how wildlife utilize these habitats and interact with each other and humans in an urban environment is essential for minimizing human-wildlife conflict. By studying how unique features of the St. Louis landscape—including rivers and parks—affect diversity and abundance of wildlife in the metro region, we can identify important elements that promote biodiversity and the coexistence of humans and wildlife. These elements can be incorporated into sustainable design and planning for St. Louis, while also informing our broader understanding of urban ecology and how best to conserve biodiversity through data-driven urban planning and development worldwide. This presentation will be an overview of the efforts of the St. Louis Wildlife Project to document wildlife presence and behavior in St. Louis.
Speakers
EB

Elizabeth Biro

Natural Resources Coordinator & Staff Scientist, Washington University in St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-34: Testing for Tick-borne Disease Pathogens in the Lone Star Tick in St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Whitney Anthonysamy, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy; Elizabeth Biro, Washington University in St. Louis; Solny Adalsteinsson, Washington University in St. Louis

ABSTRACT: As tick-borne diseases (TBD) are a growing public health problem in the United States, Missouri faces an increase in tick populations and their associated pathogens. Geographic range expansion and increased abundance of many tick species, including the lone star tick, are attributed to human landscape disturbance, increases in host species such as white-tailed deer, and climate change. The lone star tick, an aggressive biter and a vector for many human pathogens, is widely distributed across the eastern half of the United States and abundant throughout the state of Missouri. Although increased health risks are apparent, Missouri lacks a statewide TBD surveillance program, creating an opportunity to investigate pathogen prevalence. In this study, we present preliminary results from screening adult and nymphal lone star ticks collected in St. Louis County for the presence of bacterial pathogens, including Ehrlichia sp. This research will provide valuable data on TBD prevalence in St. Louis County and establish protocols for expanding surveillance efforts across Missouri.
Speakers
WA

Whitney Anthonysamy

Associate Professor of Biology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-35: Measuring welfare of wild tarantulas during field surveys using heart rate.
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Tim Angelo A. Lopez, Becky Hansis-O'Neil, Aimee S. Dunlap

ABSTRACT: Tarantulas (Theraposidae) are predatory arachnids that can help control populations of herbivorous arthropods. We have been monitoring populations of the Missouri brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) in Missouri glades for three seasons and have questions about their welfare during these surveys. Unlike mammals, arthropods are not extensively researched and there only a few known facts about measuring their welfare. Managing stress for wild animals during field surveys is important for reducing the potential negative impacts of research. In mammals, increased heart rate is positively correlated with negative stress and eustress. Using the same logic, we hypothesized that heart rate could be used as a measurement of stress in wild tarantulas. To answer the question of whether heart rate would be a good measurement of stress in wild tarantulas we measured environmental factors that could significantly affect heart rate: body size, body surface temperature, and how long researchers interacted with the tarantula while trying to get them out of their burrows. Alongside the data gathered with these factors, we measured their heart rates using a veterinary doppler flow detector. We predicted that warmer temperatures, smaller animals, and more interaction would be positively associated with heart rate, with interaction time as the most predictive factor.
Speakers
TL

Tim Lopez

Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Missouri St. Louis
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Wildlife

6:00pm CST

P-36: Conservation Status Assessments and Surveys of Cambarus monongalensis and Lacunicambarus thomai Within Western Pennsylvania
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Jaden Rusnak, West Liberty University; Zackary Graham, West Liberty University; David Lieb, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission; Zachary Loughman, West Liberty University

ABSTRACT: Previous large-scale burrowing crayfish collection efforts in western Pennsylvania have suggested that the Blue Crayfish (Cambarus monongalensis) and the Little Brown Mudbug (Lacunicambarus thomai) have limited distributions throughout the state. Range restrictions of C. monangalensis and L. thomai limit available information necessary for current conservation assessment in the state of Pennsylvania. Future conservation assessments may consider relisting these crayfish for a higher ranking, such as critically imperiled. In order to aid in the reassessment of C. monongalensis and L. thomai, this study aims to compile all records from Pennsylvania collected such as unpublished sources, reports, publications, and museum specimens. Data collected will then be utilized to determine the distribution of C. monongalensis and L. thomai, ultimately supplying the information needed to conserve and manage these ecologically important species.
Speakers
JR

Jaden Rusnak

Graduate Student, West Liberty University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-37: A Survey of Crayfishes of the Upper Cumberland & Kentucky River Watersheds in Southeastern Kentucky
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Kaleb Norris, West Liberty University, Eric Ng, West Liberty University, Kathryn Shultz, West Liberty University, Mike Compton, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, Zachary Loughman, West Liberty University

ABSTRACT: The geomorphological and environmental factors within the Appalachian Mountain province of southeastern Kentucky have characterized an ecoregion capable of supporting over 20 species of crayfish. Three larger scale surveys focused on crayfish fauna within Kentucky have been completed since Arnold Ortmann’s survey in 1931. However, a study focused solely on the southeastern province of Kentucky has not yet occurred. West Liberty University’s Astacology Lab will be conducting field surveys within the Upper Cumberland & Kentucky River watersheds, throughout the 2024 – 2025 field season, to compile a comprehensive species list and updated range map of crayfish faunal diversity. Contemporary range maps of crayfish fauna will provide insight into the conservation needs of specimens within the province. Large regional scale crayfish surveys have historically led to new or undocumented discoveries as well as taxonomic revisions of local crayfish fauna. Preliminary data collected from the West Liberty University Astacology Lab during the 2022 – 2024 field season has extended the known ranges of at least 3 species and revealed numerous taxonomic complexities of the crayfish fauna within southeastern Kentucky.
Speakers
KN

Kaleb Norris

Graduate Student, West Liberty
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-38: Effects of Environmental Variables on Crayfish Occupancy in Shallow Eutrophic Lakes and Wetlands
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Dalton Clayton, Iowa State University

Dr. Michael Moore, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Dr. Michael Weber, Iowa State University

ABSTRACT: Crayfish play an important ecological role in freshwater systems, as they are pivotal in freshwater food webs, acting as important consumers and prey resources and as ecosystem engineers. Despite their importance, crayfish populations are declining globally, due to anthropogenic land use changes and competition from introduced species. This decline has raised concerns about crayfish populations in Iowa, especially in the heavy altered prairie pothole region. Thus, our objectives are to determine the environmental variables associated with occupancy of crayfish across the prairie pothole region of Iowa, as well as assess the variables affecting crayfish detection probability to aid in future sampling and monitoring efforts. We sampled 25 wetlands and 19 natural lakes using baited minnow traps, and collected trap-level habitat data that we hypothesized would explain the variation in detection probability among traps including dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, dominant substrate, and presence of cobble and macrophytes. Additionally, we recorded lake-scale data such as waterbody type, mean depth, percentage of macrophyte, and fish stocking effort that we hypothesized would explain variation in occupancy probability among waterbodies. Of our 1195 traps, 110 traps captured Calico Crayfish (Faxonius immunis) across 19 sites and 25 traps captured Virile Crayfish (Faxonius virilis) across 9 sites. There were distinct habitat differences between the two species, with all F. immunis being found in wetlands and all but three F. virilis being found in natural lakes. Our data suggest that occupancy of these crayfish is low, but is strongly associated with water body type and that detection probability is also low. However, detection probability increases when traps are located near cobble habitats for F. virilis and macrophytes for F. immunis. This emphasizes the importance of managing these species separately, but also providing diversity of habitat types across the prairie pothole region for crayfish diversity to thrive.
Speakers
DC

Dalton Clayton

Graduate Student, Iowa State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-39: Freshwater Mussel Diversity and Restoration in Cub Creek, Nebraska
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Alexis Oetterer, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Homestead National Historical Park; Jesse Bolli, Homestead National Historical Park

ABSTRACT: Freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered taxonomic groups in North America, with native mussels having undergone severe losses in the Midwest due to land conversion, loss of host fish, threats from invasive mussels, and hydrological alterations. Nebraska was historically home to 30 species of freshwater mussels, but only about a third of those are currently considered stable in the state. Cub Creek is a tributary of the Big Blue River and runs through Homestead National Historical Park in southeastern Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has been pursuing the hatchery propagation of two native mussel species for reintroduction. Cub Creek was identified as a location to reintroduce the extirpated species. National Park Service staff and volunteers conducted surveys to characterize freshwater mussel populations in Cub Creek from 2020-2024. This resulted in the collection of 2,330 individuals representing 10 species. Mapleleaf, Pimpleback, and (after the 2020 reintroduction) Plain Pocketbook (Lampsilis cardium) and Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) mussels had the highest abundances. Additionally, Plain Pocketbook and Fatmucket mussels were restocked from 2020-2023. A subset of mussels each year was PIT-tagged to evaluate growth and survival of mussels to reintroduced habitats. Fatmucket mussels have higher survival rates than Plain Pocketbook mussels. Surveys are ongoing to generate more baseline data on the status of freshwater mussel populations in Cub Creek. The results can be used to inform future research and conservation efforts.
Speakers
avatar for Alexis Oetterer

Alexis Oetterer

PhD Candidate, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-40: Integrating eDNA Techniques in Freshwater Biomonitoring of Fish and Macroinvertebrates
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Madison Suttman, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Jinelle Sperry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

ABSTRACT: Despite covering just a fraction of Earth’s surface, freshwater ecosystems are critical biodiversity hotspots but are among the most vulnerable of environments for anthropogenic and climate-induced change. Traditional methods of aquatic biomonitoring are labor-intensive and require extensive taxonomic expertise, which can limit the scope and effectiveness of conservation management. Aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) demonstrates a non-invasive approach that enables the detection of taxa based on genetic material shed into the environment. This study aims to compare eDNA biomonitoring and metabarcoding with traditional methods for detecting and identifying freshwater species to generate regional and eDNA-based water quality assessments. It also seeks to evaluate the spatiotemporal effects of habitat quality, seasonality, and climate variability on species assemblages. Through routine fish and benthic macroinvertebrate surveys, physical habitat assessments, and aquatic eDNA sampling of 22 headwater streams on Fort Johnson, Louisiana, this research will contribute to comprehensive natural resource management on military lands.
Speakers
MS

Madison Suttman

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-41: Quantifying Avian Predation Rates of the Colorado Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius)
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Randall H. Wilson, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Division of Biology, Kansas State University

Daniel S. Sullins, United States Geological Survey, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas State University

Keith Gido, Division of Biology, Kansas State University


ABSTRACT: The Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), a federally endangered fish species, historically inhabited much of the Colorado River Basin. Despite extensive restocking efforts in the San Juan River, New Mexico, self-sustaining populations of Colorado pikeminnow have not been established. One potential factor contributing to this failure is predation by avian piscivores, particularly the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) and the Common Merganser (Mergus merganser). Our study aims to quantify predation loss of Colorado pikeminnow to these avian predators, assess avian predator abundance along the San Juan River from Fruitland, NM, to the Four Corners Bridge, and evaluate their habitat use along the river. We will employ a Before-After Control-Impact study design, I will deploy approximately 100 trail cameras prior to the release of Colorado pikeminnow, monitoring for a duration of about two years following stocking. Additionally, point count surveys and behavioral observations will be conducted, alongside vegetation surveys to gain insights into the habitat use of these avian predators. Data collection is set to commence in October 2024. Preliminary analyses of eBird data indicated that Common Merganser abundance peaks from December to February, while Great Blue Herons were most abundant during the fall migration, which coincides with the timing of Colorado pikeminnow stocking. By assessing rates of predation on Colorado pikeminnow, estimating the abundance of avian predators, and exploring their ecological requirements, this research aims to provide critical insights for fishery managers. Our results may also inform other fish stockings by enhancing the understanding of the impacts of avian predation on stocked fish populations. Ultimately, this study seeks to inform conservation strategies to improve the survival and establishment of Colorado pikeminnow in the San Juan River ecosystem.
Speakers
RW

Randall Wilson

Master's Student, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Division of Biology, Kansas State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-42: Assessment of Fish Guilds in the Lower Wabash River Using Standardized Long-Term Monitoring
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Olivia Wertman, Eastern Illinois University; Daniel R. Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Eden L. Effert-Fanta, Eastern Illinois University; Robert E. Colombo, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: Fish communities face many threats such as climate change, natural disasters, invasive species, and anthropogenic impacts such as fertilizers or other pollutants. These threats may affect the communities by removing breeding ground, impacting food sources, introducing new competition, or causing harmful algal blooms. Programs to monitor the communities for these changes are necessary. One program is the Long-Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes, LTEF, which assesses fish populations in the large rivers of Illinois. This program was initiated on the Illinois River in the 1950’s and expanded to include the Wabash River in 2010. Annual direct current electrofishing surveys are utilized to collect fish from 102 random sites across five reaches in the lower 200 miles of the Wabash River over three time periods from June to October. The fish are identified by species and measured to their total length and weight. This study aims to assess how fish communities of the Lower Wabash have changed from 2010-2023. To describe functional changes to the fish community, the USGS Fish Traits Database was used to define guilds (trophic, reproductive, habitat) into which the collected fishes were separated. An earlier study found benthic invertivore, general invertivore, omnivore, and piscivore guilds showed increasing trends, but not all were significant. Previous trends showed significant changes in native planktivore (Gizzard Shad, Dorosoma cepedianum) and invasive planktivore (Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) biomass. Community assemblages remained relatively similar over time, with changes in Cyprinid species abundances contributing the largest amount of assemblage variation during most years. This data is important for understanding the state of fish communities in the Lower Wabash River, assisting with conservation and management efforts, and shows the need for continued monitoring of our rivers.
Speakers
OW

Olivia Wertman

Graduate Student, Eastern Illinois University Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-43: Understanding our past and forecasting our future: discovering associations among hydrogeomorphology, water chemistry, and the distribution and abundance of biota in the Upper Mississippi River System
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Julia R. Hampton, Department of Biology, University of North Dakota; Jason A. DeBoer Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; John C. Chick, Great Rivers Field Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Nathan R. De Jager, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, United States Geological Survey; Mark A. Kaemingk, Department of Biology, University of North Dakota


ABSTRACT: The physical template of the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) is continually shaped by climate, land use, and other regional- to global-scale processes. The Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR) uses a variety of restoration techniques to improve the resiliency of the river to anthropogenic change. To achieve their management goals, the UMRR collects long-term data on water quality, aquatic vegetation, mussel, and fish communities that are spatially linked to aquatic areas (i.e., habitat types) throughout the UMRS. However, we currently lack a basic understanding of associations among hydrogeomorphic conditions, biogeochemistry, and riverine biota in these aquatic areas, and how future hydrogeomorphic changes may affect the UMRS. Our project proposes to 1) use UMRR long-term data sets (1993-present) to develop a comprehensive understanding of how water quality, aquatic vegetation, mussel, and fish communities are structured spatially and temporally across the UMRS and to quantify associations with important aquatic areas, and 2) leverage goal-one results with future river discharge predictions under climate change to assess future distributions and abundances of aquatic areas and associated abiotic and biotic components. We expect to find differences among abiotic and biotic components across aquatic areas within each UMRS pool, and throughout time, given the differences in habitat characteristics across the river system (e.g., temperature and flow regimes). This project is in its early phases; however, this poster will showcase data availability, expected project outcomes, and the usefulness of long-term resource monitoring. Compiling and collectively evaluating potential shifts in UMRS abiotic and biotic components among aquatic areas throughout space and time will help researchers and managers understand which aquatic area habitats have been altered the most through time. We will also use these results to identify which aquatic areas can be restored to achieve desirable management outcomes under different climate change scenarios.
Speakers
avatar for Julia Hampton

Julia Hampton

PhD Student, University of North Dakota
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-44: Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Aquatic Life Monitoring in the Illinois River and Kaskaskia River Basins
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Billy Nixon, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Sarah Molinaro, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Yong Cao, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ABSTRACT: The Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a partnership between the US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA), Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and the county Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) that aims to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff, improve water quality, and create and enhance critical habitat for fish and wildlife populations on private lands in the Illinois River and Kaskaskia River basins. In exchange for voluntarily removing frequently flooded and environmentally sensitive cropland from production, landowners receive compensation to implement conservation practices that support the goals of CREP. Since CREP was established in the Illinois River (1998) and Kaskaskia River (2010) basins, 1,324 parcels totaling 90,000 acres have been enrolled into conservation practices. Beginning in 2013, the CREP Aquatic Life Monitoring Project has conducted wadable stream surveys to monitor progress towards CREP’s aquatic life goal of increasing native fish species and sensitive aquatic insects and evaluate how CREP affects stream habitat, fish communities, and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. This poster gives a brief history of the project and summarizes the current study design and future directions of the monitoring project.
Speakers
BN

Billy Nixon

Scientific Specialist, Stream Ecology, Illinois Natural History Survey
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-45: A Comparison of Gear Efficacy for Sampling Fishes Occupying Near-Shore, Off-Channel Riverine Habitats
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Devon C. Oliver, MNDNR; Charmayne Anderson, MNDNR; Daniel Spence, MNDNR

ABSTRACT: Riverine fish monitoring protocols often focus on sampling main-channel habitats with a limited number of gears (e.g., electrofishing and hoop nets or gill nets and benthic trawls) or, in some cases, a single gear, often electrofishing; there are notable exceptions, like the Long-term Resource Monitoring Program in the Upper Mississippi River. However, some fish species utilize near-shore, off-channel habitats of rivers (e.g., backwaters, partially submerged islands, and side channels) for most of their lives, if not the entirety. Alternatively, for those species that use near-shore, off-channel habitats for a limited part of their life history, sampling these habitats may offer the opportunity to find "the needle in the haystack" before the "haystack" becomes the much larger and deeper main channel of the river, especially in the case of small-bodied species. Nevertheless, gear evaluations and survey designs for sampling these habitats and riverine fish assemblages, in general, have lagged behind those for lentic systems and smaller lotic systems (i.e., streams). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of mini-fyke nets, cylinder minnow traps, shoreline seining, and near-shore backpack electrofishing for sampling fishes in near-shore, off-channel riverine habitats. Sampling was conducted over three weeks in pools 3, 5, and 6 of the Upper Mississippi River; three sites were randomly selected from each pool. Additionally, sampling with each of the four gears was replicated thrice for 108 samples across all sites. Shore seining and cylinder minnow traps were the most likely to produce zero catches. Backpack electrofishing and mini-fyke nets had the most consistent catch rate and highest species richness.
Speakers
DO

Devon Oliver

Fisheries Scientist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-46: Planning for Resiliency: Identifying Aquatic Conservation Priorities
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Josh Bruegge, University of Missouri; Jodi Whittier, University of Missouri; Chris Rice, Missouri Department of Conservation; Mike Leahy, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Conservation networks consisting of lands that are protected from anthropogenic disturbances are the backbone of biodiversity conservation. Traditionally, conservation networks have prioritized the protection of terrestrial ecosystems, and many aquatic ecosystems are only protected incidentally. Missouri is home to an exceptionally diverse suite of aquatic communities across multiple distinct physiographic subregions, ranking 7th in native freshwater fish diversity and 11th in native crayfish diversity. However, many of these unique aquatic communities are underrepresented or absent from Missouri’s current conservation network. We are conducting an aquatic gap analysis to inventory the current protections for aquatic communities across the conservation network and identify priorities for potential inclusion in Missouri’s conservation network. We applied the Freshwater Conservation Network Prioritization Framework using the software Zonation to identify priority stream catchments at the Ecological Drainage Unit scale. This framework incorporates species-specific distribution models and vulnerability weighting along with upstream watershed connectivity metrics and a masking layer of the current conservation network into a prioritization algorithm to rank stream catchments. This process optimizes the selection of catchments to maximize biodiversity conservation in areas of high ecological integrity that are complementary to protected areas within the existing conservation network.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Bruegge

Josh Bruegge

Research Specialist, University of Missouri
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-47: Fishing for recovery: Assessing stream fish and macroinvertebrate community response post-fertilizer spill into an Illinois creek.
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Shaley M. Klumker, Ryan A. Skowronski, Eden L Effert-Fanta

ABSTRACT: Many small streams traverse the agriculturally dominated Midwest, playing an important role in irrigation and drainage. However, these agricultural practices are major drivers of stream degradation. This study investigates the ecological impact and recovery of a Midwestern stream in North Central Illinois following a 20,000-gallon (75,708 L) spill of 28 Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) fertilizer in late March 2024, which caused a large-scale fish kill extending about 32 km from the spill site. Fish recovery was monitored using monthly electrofishing surveys in both the impacted stream and a nearby, unimpacted stream within the same basin as a control. Habitat quality assessments and benthic macroinvertebrate surveys were also conducted to further evaluate stream ecosystem recovery over time. Changes in fish species abundance and diversity as well as the macroinvertebrate EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) Index served as quantitative measures of stream recovery. Preliminary results demonstrate an increase in catch per unit effort (CPUE) and species richness of fishes collected over the sampling period (approximately 2-6 months post-spill). Additionally, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling was explored as a minimally invasive method of fish biodiversity assessment that may provide a better indication of the presence of sensitive or elusive taxa that traditional electrofishing methods may miss. Understanding patterns of stream recovery over time and utilizing novel methods such as eDNA is necessary to enhance our ability to respond to pollution events in vulnerable, agriculturally influenced systems.
Speakers
SK

Shaley Klumker

Graduate Research Assistant, Eastern Illinois University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-48: Life History of Skipjack Herring in the Mississippi River
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Theodore Goetz, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Skipjack Herring (A. chrysochloris) is a Missouri native species of migratory fish found in the Mississippi river and surrounding large river waterways. Due to a lack of information on its status, it is listed as State Unidentifiable on the Missouri Species of Conservation Concern list. This study will investigate the life history of the Skipjack Herring by collecting fish across a broad reach of the Mississippi River, from within varying levels of impoundment, from April through September 2024 and 2025. Skipjack will be collected as bycatch through collaboration with a number of preexisting programs and efforts such as LTRM and LTEF, as well as opportunistic targeted efforts of electrofishing. Workup of A. chrysochloris will take place at the Big Rivers and Wetlands field station, and will include length and weight measurements, extraction and processing of otoliths, removal of a caudal fin clip, removal and processing of a leading pectoral fin spine, weight and identification of gonads, and refreezing the remains for sequential analysis. A choice structure analysis will be completed between otoliths and pectoral fin spines. Samples taken will be used for the calculation of age, growth, sex, gonadosomatic index, CPUE, mortality, and PSD. These metrics will be evaluated to better understand reproductive strategies and timing, age range, rate of growth, condition across increased impediment, and the impact of the interruption of ecological processes caused by barriers and habitat loss along fish migratory routes within the Mississippi river system. A. chrysochloris is also one of the two sole hosts for the parasitic larvae of native mussels Ebonyshell (Federally Endangered) and Elephantear (Missouri State Endangered). Skipjack herring are extremely difficult to keep for artificial propagation, which makes knowledge of their life history all the more significant to the management of these two mussels.
Speakers
TG

Theodore Goetz

Invasive Carp Crew Leader, Missouri Department of Conservation
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-49: Thermal Ecology of Salmonids in Northern Japan: Predicting Co-existence Among Competitors in a Warming World
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Lucas Fischer, University of Wisconsin - Madison; Michio Fukushima, National Institute for Environmental Studies; Shin-Ichiro Matsuzaki, National Institute for Environmental Studies; Matthew Sloat, Wild Salmon Center; Olaf Jensen, University of Wisconsin - Madison

ABSTRACT: Sakhalin taimen are an endangered species of anadromous fish in northern Japan and eastern Russia. They can take over six years to reach sexual maturity and require cold oxygenated water to survive and reproduce. This requirement makes taimen vulnerable to warming temperatures in their native ecosystem. To understand this vulnerability better, we conducted respirometry trials on this and other salmonids in the Sarufutsu river basin to establish a basal metabolic rate for these fishes across a range of temperatures. With these measurements, we then compared it to other salmonids that live in the river system, namely white-spotted char and masu salmon. Understanding the aerobic scope of the different species allows us to understand the different temperatures that these fish are most competitive, as well as which species are going to be affected first by increasing water temperatures due to climate change. As water temperatures across the world increase, it is crucial to understand the range of temperatures this fish can tolerate and thrive in. Sakhalin taimen are a culturally significant fish in Hokkaido, and this research helps to provide scientific evidence of ways to conserve these fish for the future.
Speakers
LF

Lucas Fischer

Graduate Student, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-50: Spatial Extent of Fish Community Change in an Indiana Stream Following Reconnection to the Mississippi River Basin
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Alexander Searfoss, Central Michigan University; Kevin Pangle, Central Michigan University; Jerry Sweeten, EcoSystems Connections Institute; Scott Mcnaught, Central Michigan University

ABSTRACT: In November 2021, the low-head dam in Logansport, Indiana, was removed, reconnecting the Eel River to the Wabash River and the Gulf of Mexico for the first time in over 200 years. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in fish community structure and function and document the upstream recolonization of the Eel River following dam removal. Sampling was conducted annually from 2022 to 2024 at 10 sites along the river, spanning from river mile 1.1 to 74.9, using a combination of electrofishing, seine nets, and environmental DNA (eDNA) methods. The eDNA analysis targeted three native species—Common Logperch (Percina caprodes), Bluebreast Darter (Etheostoma camurum), and Tippecanoe Darter (Etheostoma tippecanoe)—and three invasive species—Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Post-removal fish community data were compared to pre-removal records from the Eel River and the Mississinewa River, a nearby watershed that remains disconnected from the Wabash River. Since the dam removal, 14 new species have been documented in the Eel River, including 12 native and 2 invasive species, resulting in a 14% increase in species richness. In contrast, the Mississinewa River experienced a 14.6% decline in species richness over the same period. Newly detected species were observed as far upstream as river mile 36, with the most significant changes occurring between river miles 1 and 10. Although species diversity has increased, further monitoring is required to understand the long-term impacts on fish community dynamics. The removal of low-head dams offers a valuable restoration tool for improving riverine fish community structure and ecosystem function.
Speakers
AS

Alexander Searfoss

Graduate Student, Central Michigan University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-51: Assessing Differences in Reproductive Potential in Two Shovelnose Sturgeon Populations
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Lydia Flinders, Iowa State University, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Juliana Kaloczi, Iowa State University, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Ryan Hupfeld, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Mark Flammang, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Rebecca Krogman, Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Michael Moore, Iowa State University, U.S. Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: Sturgeon are a group of long-lived, migratory, and late-maturing fishes that often do not reproduce annually. Globally, these traits make sturgeon species vulnerable to overharvest for caviar, habitat degradation, and fragmentation from dam construction, which can disrupt their reproductive migrations. Larger female sturgeon generally have higher fecundity making them reproductively valuable. To protect the reproductive potential of adults and recover or maintain populations, managers have enacted harvest restrictions for North American species. However, managers lack information on how Shovelnose Sturgeon reproductive capacity varies in different environments. Annual or lifetime reproductive output differs based on body-size fecundity relationships or due to varying size distributions in each population. Stage four, or FIV, is the black egg stage when females are considered reproductively ripe. Fish kills and hydrologic alteration have been occurring in the Des Moines River, which may affect fish condition and truncate size distributions. Therefore, we analyzed stage four--the black egg stage--ovaries from 95 Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Cedar River and 8 Shovelnose Sturgeon from the Des Moines River. We assessed differences in reproductive potential between the populations, by comparing length-based fecundity relationships and length distribution of the adult populations in the two rivers, using regression analyses in program R. Additional sample collection will be completed in the Des Moines and Cedar rivers in the following field season. These results may inform the development of appropriate minimum length limits for recreational or commercial harvest to increase the number of larger females in the population capable of producing more offspring, and to maintain sustainable populations.
Speakers
avatar for Lydia Flinders

Lydia Flinders

Undergraduate Research Assistant, Iowa State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-52: From the cradle: genetic diversity of the central Missouri endemic Niangua darter (Etheostoma nianguae)
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Leah K. Berkman, Missouri Department of Conservation;
Christopher J. Rice, Missouri Department of Conservation;
Brandon L. Brooke, Missouri Department of Conservation;
Jacob T. Westhoff, U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

ABSTRACT: The ecological conditions that create biodiversity hotspots (i.e., cradles) are thought to operate similarly at intra- and interspecific levels. The Central Highlands of the eastern US is thought to be such a region for aquatic taxa where many species exist and, within the species, populations are highly distinct. Darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) in particular have undergone multiple rounds of allopatric speciation largely owing to headwater specialization and isolation by large rivers. The Niangua Darter (Etheostoma nianguae) is a central Missouri endemic, isolated from its most closely related species group, the Arrow Darters (E. spilotum and E. sagitta), by the Mississippi River. To inform federal recovery plans we investigated patterns of genetic diversity across the extant range of the Niangua Darter which consists of five distinct tributary systems of the Osage River. Samples from each tributary system were analyzed (n = 75) along with representatives from 3 outgroup species (n = 8) using reduced representation whole genome sequencing (RADSeq). Variant filtering resulted in 66 samples genotyped at 1,354 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The five tributary systems were highly distinct from one another (FST= 0.116-0.375) conforming to the aquatic biodiversity patterns often observed in the unglaciated portion of Missouri. The Niangua Darter represents one of the smallest scales over which the pattern of biodiversity in darters has been replicated in the Central Highlands. The patterns in genetic diversity among populations that we describe can inform managers when considering actions that may affect persistence across the species range or involve translocation or stocking of individuals.
Speakers
LB

Leah Berkman

Biometrician/Geneticist, Missouri Dept of Conservation
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-53: Distributional Survey of the Fishes of the Lower St. Francis River Watershed
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: David Ostendorf, Missouri Department of Conservation; Dave Knuth, Missouri Department of Conservation; Dave Herzog, Missouri Department of Conservation; Christopher Rice, Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: The lower St. Francis River drainage is a unique, biologically diverse ecosystem. Sampling of the fish species in the lower St. Francis River has occurred in limited spatial and temporal scales. However, no single extensive survey has been completed. We completed an extensive and intensive effort under the agency Inventory Program. Standardized electrofishing and benthic trawling was completed using a modified mid-sized river planning tool (Dunn and Paukert, 2020). We completed 50 electrofishing sites and 53 benthic trawl sites capturing 13512 fish. Electrofishing captured 65 fish species and benthic trawling captured 36 fish species. Three fish species are state endangered (Cypress Minnow, Harlequin Darter, and Pallid shiner) and eight are on the SOCC list (American eel, Pugnose minnow, River darter, Starhead topminnow, Scaly sand darter, Mississippi silvery minnow, Weed shiner, and Western sand darter). Silver and speckled chubs were collected in the Missouri portion of the St Francis River for the first time. Also of significance, was the collection of federally endangered Fat Pocketbook mussel shell. This was the first time that Fat Pocketbook has been documented in the mainstem of the St. Francis River in Missouri. The quality and type of habitat present in each river section was also reflected in the species of fish that we captured. The unaltered/remnant of section C was preferable to more species of fish. We were able to capture 11 more species of fish in this section that the other 2 sections. Data suggests that the unaltered habitat of section C was able to provide better habitat for a larger number of species. We must continue to prioritize inventory efforts and distributional data of flora and fauna in appropriate temporal and spatial scales for providing managers the guidance in identifying future protection, mitigation, and restoration efforts of the St. Francis River.
Speakers
DO

David Ostendorf

Large River Biologist, Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-54: Assessing Fish Passage Barriers in Wyoming and Montana
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Stephanie Webster, South Dakota State University; Jacob Zona, South Dakota State University; Tait Ronningen, US Fish& Wildlife Service; Chris Cheek, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Barriers to aquatic connectivity can be present in many forms, (e.g. dams, culverts, and velocity). Most research on barriers to fish passage has focused on large barriers, however small barriers (e.g. culverts, road-stream crossings) are more common across the landscape and can lead to a cumulative impact on the connectivity of aquatic systems. Previous studies have focused on economically valuable and anadromous fishes and more research focusing on the impacts on resident small-bodied fishes is needed. The objectives of this study are 1) Assess connectivity in Bureau of Land Management priority watersheds in Montana & Wyoming by inventorying road-stream crossings and 2) Contribute inventory data to SARP to prioritize passage projects with the most potential for conserving species of conservation concern. We will inventory potential barriers by identifying small structures in selected HUC10 watersheds that contain species of conservation concern, annual rates >3 CFS, and >40% BLM land using aerial imagery. We will assess barrier severity using the protocol developed under the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership. Survey efforts will allow prioritization of barrier remediation projects that provide the greatest connectivity gain for species of conservation concern. We will evaluate the impact of network connectivity on fish communities by using databases from state, private, and federal organizations. We will analyze this data using the spatial stream network modeling function in R to account for spatial autocorrelation that is inherent in most terrestrial-based models. We expect to find that many of the identified barriers will be minor to moderate in severity and that decreased network connectivity will result in homogenized fish communities. The significance of this research is to provide an understanding that network connectivity has important management implications and provide managers with information about which barriers would be most efficient for remediation efforts.
Speakers
SW

Stephanie Webster

Graduate Research Assistent, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-55: Investigating the sublethal responses of Smallmouth Bass to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOS
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Erin L. Pulster, Rebecca Dorman, Jason Magnuson, Brittany Perrotta, Heather Walsh, Cheyenne R. Smith, Vicki Blazer, David Soucek, and Jeffery Steevens



ABSTRACT: Smallmouth Bass (SMB, Micropterus dolomieu) are economically important, freshwater game fish found throughout North America. This species is a focus of research due to recent disease and mortality events observed in some areas of the northeastern United States. PFOS levels measured in the plasma of Smallmouth Bass collected in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed ranged from 20-574 ng/mL. In comparison, PFOS levels measured in muscle tissues from Smallmouth Bass collected nationwide ranged from 0.35 – 110 ng/g. Studies conducted for more than a decade have documented episodic mortality events, high prevalence of skin lesions, endocrine and reproductive disruption in populations of Smallmouth Bass collected in various watersheds. Many of these studies indicated this species is likely subjected to multiple stressors and environmental contaminant exposures, yet no single chemical has been clearly associated with observed impacts. The objectives of this study were to conduct sublethal health assessments in early life stage SMB following exposures to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOS. Smallmouth Bass embryos (24-hpf) were collected from existing brood stock and cultures at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. Exposures (control, low, high treatments) were conducted for a minimum duration of 30-dph in large flow through water systems with pulsed intermittent diluters. The selection of PFOS concentrations is based on surface water concentrations from recent national surveys and highly impacted sites where SMB are found. In this study, the low exposure concentration is the 95th percentile of PFOS concentrations (24 ng/L) reported in nationwide surface water. The high exposure concentration (96 ng/L) represents PFOS concentrations found in surface water from Ashumet Pond, a highly PFAS-impacted site located in Massachusetts. Traditional toxicology and omics-based endpoints (survival, growth, transcriptomics, microbiome, gene transcript abundance, histopathological changes, behavioral assays) were used to unravel the subtle impacts of chronic PFOS exposures in early life stage Smallmouth Bass.
Speakers
EP

Erin Pulster

Research Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-56: Evidence of skin pigment mutations in Blue Catfish and their importance to a Midwestern fishery
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Brett T. Miller, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; Benjamin R. Grubbs, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; Ben C. Neely, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

ABSTRACT: Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus are one of the most sought-after fish species by anglers in Kansas. Perhaps the most popular Blue Catfish fishery in the state is at Milford Reservoir. One novelty of this population is the seemingly increased prevalence of individuals that display unique coloration patterns (i.e., leucism or piebaldism). To quantify prevalence of leucistic/piebald fish and angler perception, we paired a fish population sample with angler interviews. Overall, 2,611 Blue Catfish were collected throughout the duration of this study with 359 fish being leucistic/piebald (13.7%). Anglers displayed positive sentiments towards leucistic/piebald Blue Catfish along with equal to less harvest probabilities compared to fish with normal coloration. These findings quantify prevalence of leucistic/piebald Blue Catfish in this population and provide social information that may be influential for future management.
Speakers
avatar for Brett Miller

Brett Miller

District Fisheries Biologist, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-57: Assessment of Habitat Suitability in Maumee and Sandusky Rivers for Sauger (Sander canadensis) Reintroduction
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Elizabeth Anderson, University of Toledo; Jonathan Bossenbroek, University of Toledo; Christine Mayer, University of Toledo; Jeremy Pritt, Ohio Division of Wildlife; Todd Crail, University of Toledo; Brian Schmidt, Ohio Division of Wildlife

ABSTRACT: The western basin of Lake Erie once supported a significant sauger (Sander canadensis) fishery. However, this native sport fish has been extirpated from the lake since the mid 1960s due to habitat fragmentation, poor water quality, and fishery exploitation. Improvements in Lake Erie water quality and fishery management in recent decades have been well documented, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife is now considering reintroducing sauger into the western basin. While current lake conditions may be able to support a population, the extent of habitat fragmentation and availability of suitable spawning habitat for sauger remain unknown and are important to determine before reintroduction is attempted. Therefore, the goal of this study is to assess the quality, quantity, and connectivity of sauger spawning habitat in the Maumee and Sandusky rivers, two of the historic spawning tributaries of the western Lake Erie population. The quality and quantity of spawning habitat will be assessed using habitat suitability indices (HSIs) for selected study reaches of each river. Suitable spawning habitat will be identified using sauger preferences for river substrate, velocity, and depth. The connectivity between areas of suitable spawning habitat will be assessed using the flow modeling software, HEC-RAS, to model river velocity and depth based on flow conditions, and identify potential barrier locations. The results of this study will inform managers on the capacity of the system to support sauger spawning and help them decide whether species reintroduction should be attempted in the western basin of Lake Erie.
Speakers
EA

Elizabeth Anderson

Graduate Student, University of Toledo
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-58: Stock-Contribution Comparisons for Walleye Over Time in Lake McConaughy, Nebraska
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Robert Allison, University of Nebraska at Kearney

ABSTRACT: Lake McConaughy is the largest reservoir in Nebraska, and Walleye are a focus of management. The Walleye population has been supplemented and maintained by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) through annual stockings since 1989. Historically, NGPC stocked age-0 Walleye fingerling at a rate of 124 fish/ha (1989-2021) but shifted to stocking a combination of fry (2,471 fish/ha) and fingerlings (75 fish/ha) from 2022-2024 to determine which product may lead to better recruitment. The objective of this study is to compare the stock contributions of fry, fingerling, and naturally produced age-0 Walleye from 2022-2024 to the contributions from 2015-2018 and compare the size of each product at the time of capture. Fish were marked via immersion in oxytetracycline (OTC) in the hatcheries and during transport prior to stocking. Age-0 Walleye were collected in early to mid-fall using nighttime boat electrofishing. All captured Walleye were enumerated, measured for total length, and sacrificed for otolith extraction. Preliminary results show that stock contributions of hatchery fish are similar, on average, between 2015-2018 and 2022-2024, though some variability from year to year exists. Additionally, the age-0 Walleye were larger at the time of capture when only fingerlings were stocked than when a combination of fry and fingerlings were stocked, due either to differing environmental conditions (e.g., reservoir elevations) or density-dependent factors. Information gathered from this study will help NGPC make informed decisions on what product and densities to stock in the future.
Speakers
RA

Robert Allison

Research Graduate Student, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-59: Assessing Ogaa Mortality and Angling Practices in a Changing Climate
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Mac McPherson, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Cory D. Suski, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Aaron D. Shultz, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission; Adam Ray, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission

ABSTRACT: One of the fundamental tenets of Anishinaabe philosophy is the commitment to stewardship of natural resources, emphasizing the imperative to ensure their availability for the benefit of the next seven generations. Throughout the Ceded Territory, Ogaa (walleye, Sander vitreus) populations have been declining due to a variety of known and unknown factors. One of the primary factors is the warming of the atmosphere corresponding increases the water temperature linked to climate change. Another factor is indirect mortality as a result of catch and release fishing regulations and practices. In central Wisconsin, the management of ogaa populations is a collaborative effort between the tribes and the state of Wisconsin; however, the existing regulatory frameworks fail to adequately account for post-release mortality. The goal of this study is to elucidate the potential relationship between angling practices and subsequent post-release mortality rates across different water temperatures in ogaa populations. To achieve this, walleye was angled from various lakes in Wisconsin under differing thermal conditions and subsequently maintained in net pens to assess post-release mortality rates; concurrently, a control group of ogaa was obtained through electrofishing to serve as a baseline for comparative analysis. The findings from this study, focus on two different handling techniques, angling (high stress) and electrofishing (low stress) at different water temperatures from the spring through fall 2023 on Tenderfoot Lake along the border of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Preliminary analysis indicates that mortality rates for specific fish size increase significantly when water temperatures exceeded 21.1̊C. The results from this study have potential to inform future regulatory decisions, particularly in the context of climate change, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of ogaa population for the benefit of the next seven generations.
Speakers
MM

Mac McPherson

Research Assistant, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-60: Diet composition and overlap of walleye and largemouth bass in northern Wisconsin lakes: implications for walleye recruitment and size structure of prey fish
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Daniel Dembkowski, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Lauren Allex, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Spencer Baeckman, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Daniel Gillman, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Kayla Reed, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Russell Zwiers, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Maxwel Wilkinson, 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: Over the past two decades, some northern Wisconsin lakes have experienced declines in walleye recruitment and abundance with concomitant increases in largemouth bass abundance, mirroring broader shifts in fish community structure and species dominance that are projected to occur in relation to changing climatic conditions. Differential trends in abundance of these two species could be mediated or exacerbated by trophic interactions. Previous research has indicated that few walleye have been observed in largemouth bass diets but demonstrated moderate-high diet overlap between the two species during some months, suggesting that potential competitive (rather than predatory) interactions may influence observed trends in recruitment, abundance, and community structure. However, whether the magnitude of diet overlap differs between lakes with and without sustained walleye recruitment is unknown. Furthermore, shifts in predatory species dominance from walleye to largemouth bass could have important implications for prey fish abundance and size structure because of differences in gape limitation and size-selective predation. To address these questions, our research objectives are to determine if: 1) diet compositions of walleye and largemouth bass vary in relation to fish size and season; 2) the magnitude of diet overlap between walleye and largemouth bass varies between lakes with declining and sustained natural walleye recruitment; and 3) sizes of predominant ingested prey fish vary between walleye and largemouth bass. Our approach includes an intensive assessment of diet composition for both species collected during May-October in 2012, 2013, and 2024 from northern Wisconsin lakes with and without sustained natural walleye recruitment. Results will provide insight into mechanisms underlying declines in walleye recruitment in some lakes and implications of shifts in predatory assemblages for size structure of prey fish.
Speakers
DD

Daniel Dembkowski

Fisheries Research Scientist, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-61: Building a case for holistic and conservative management of a genetically unique strain of Walleye in Southern Missouri
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Dave Knuth, Missouri Department of Conservation; Paul Cieslewicz, Missouri Department of Conservation; David Ostendorf, Missouri Department of Conservation; Leah Berkman, Missouri Department of Conservation; Blake Stephens, Missouri Department of Conservation; Brett Timmons, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

ABSTRACT: The Black, Current, Eleven Point, and St. Francis rivers in Southern Missouri and Northeastern Arkansas contain the Highland Strain of Walleye, which is more closely related to Eastern United States populations than other Missouri and Arkansas Walleye populations. Largescale efforts have been made to understand the genetics, movement, and population dynamics of the Walleye in this fishery. Acoustic telemetry and reward tag returns from ongoing and past exploitation evaluations indicate largescale movements within and among rivers. Data also suggests spawning site fidelity and seasonal movement patterns. This riverine population exhibits significant sex-specific growth, with females reaching much larger sizes than males. This presents challenges when managing the fishery under current minimum length limit regulations. The Walleye population in these four rivers is currently managed with three different length-based regulations. In some circumstances, there is concern under current regulations that more harvest is directed at females within the population. Management actions are being evaluated collaboratively across state lines to ensure the sustainability and quality of this unique fishery.
Speakers
DK

Dave Knuth

Missouri Department of Conservation
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-62: Growth and Mortality of Devils Lake White Bass
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Todd Caspers, North Dakota Game and Fish Department

ABSTRACT: Devils Lake is one of North Dakota’s most important fisheries. White bass (Morone chrysops) were stocked in Devils Lake one time in 1971 to provide a sportfish that could tolerate the higher salinity levels at the time. White bass gained a foothold in the lake from that stocking and have reproduced naturally since that time. White bass are a secondary sportfish in the lake and most anglers do not target them. As such, little special attention has been devoted to studying the white bass population in Devils Lake. White bass recruitment in Devils Lake is sporadic and “bass booms” can occur when a strong year-class is produced. The 2015 year-class was likely the strongest to date and produced a “bass boom”. However, year-classes for several years before and after 2015 were weak. This situation presented the opportunity to use length frequency information to track the 2015 year-class through time to provide an estimate of growth and mortality. Growth was indexed using mode length and growth was rapid for the first several years, with mode length reaching 310 mm by age 3. The initial mortality estimate for ages 3 through 5 produced a total annual mortality rate of 12%, which is low and indicates that neither natural nor fishing mortality is excessive. Subsequent mortality estimation was complicated by a disease outbreak in 2021, but total annual mortality for ages 3 through 8 was estimated to be 35%.
Speakers
TC

Todd Caspers

District Fisheries Biologist, North Dakota Game and Fish Department
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-63: Where the lake whitefish are in the upper Great Lakes
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Gwendolyn Phillips, Lake Superior State University; Elliana Prow, Lake Superior State University; Jose Bonilla-Gomez, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Alpena; Ben Breaker, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Green Bay; Kennan Bruening, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Green Bay; Lucas Chorba, Lake Superior State University; Ethan DePauw, Lake Superior State University; Brett Diffin, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Silas Dunn, Lake Superior State University; Simon Freeman, Bay Mills Indian Community; Ryan Grow, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; Ian Harding, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; Chris Hessell, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Andrew Honsey, USGS Great Lakes Science Center; Joshua Hug, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Green Bay; Samuel Johnston, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; Jory Jonas, Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Kevin Kapuscinski, Lake Superior State University; Kevin McDonnell, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Gary Michaud, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians; Erik Olsen, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; Paul Ripple, Bay Mills Indian Community; Katherine Skubik, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians; Jason Smith, Bay Mills Indian Community; Mason Spiess, Lake Superior State University; Jacob Synnott, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Green Bay; Jack Tuomikoski, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; Christina VanDoornik, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians; Sarah Woody, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Green Bay; Jonathan Doubek, Lake Superior State University


ABSTRACT: Lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) adult abundances have declined in recent decades in many regions of the upper Great Lakes. Potential mechanisms underlying these declines include, but are not limited to, a decrease in suitable spawning habitat, interactions with invasive species, and poor recruitment. Agencies have been monitoring larval lake whitefish to estimate abundance across the lakes in the spring after ice-off, when larvae are commonly found in shallow waters. However, most data on larval lake whitefish are collected during the day in shallow waters, typically on beaches (≤1 m water depth) and/or nearshore (1-10 m water depth). In order to accurately estimate an age-0 abundance index we need to know where and when to sample for larval coregonines, as not much is known about their early life ecology. More information using standardized sampling along a large spatiotemporal scale is needed to test whether larval lake whitefish abundances differ between day and night and beach and nearshore habitats to better monitor trends in relative abundance. Through an upper Great Lakes wide collaboration, we are processing ~30 paired day-night and beach-nearshore samples across 14 sites from 2023 and 2024, resulting in about 100 total samples. We identified collected fish as coregonine or non-coregonine, and coregonine samples are being identified to species using genetics. Preliminary results indicate that relative abundance of larval coregonines is higher at night versus day and higher on the beach versus nearshore waters. Additional samples will be quantified this fall to add to the existing dataset. Results will improve our understanding of larval coregonine ecology and possibly inform management.
Speakers
GP

Gwendolyn Phillips

Research Technician, Lake Superior State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-64: How will growth of warm-water and cool-water fish change with warming climate?
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Kaden Ball, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management; Maddy Siller, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management; David Coulter, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management; Mark Kaemingk, University of North Dakota Department of Biology; Taufique Mahmood, University of North Dakota, Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering; Matthew Maldonado, University of North Dakota Department of Biology; Michaela Neal, University of North Dakota, Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering; Ayon Saha, University of North Dakota, Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering; Alison Coulter, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management

ABSTRACT: Water temperature is an important factor that can impact fish growth, survival, and reproduction. Fish have an optimum temperature they prefer to inhabit to maximize their growth efficiency. Due to increasing climate temperatures, the southern range for both cool and warm water fishes is expected to shift north. Once moving to higher latitudes, fishes may experience a slower growth rate and mature much later than lower latitude fishes, but this change will vary by individual species. The growth of fishes can be assessed using the bioenergetic equation, which can provide insight into how long-term climate trends will impact fish growth. Using bioenergetic equations, we will quantify the scope of growth of Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), a cool water species, and compare it to Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), a warm water species, in lakes at different latitudes using historical temperature data spanning 40 years. Assessing how the potential scope for growth of fish has changed through time and across latitudes can help make informed management decisions about stocking and angler participation based on the body of water, fish species being considered, and their thermal optima. Due to existing climate trends, it can be hypothesized that Muskellunge will see a decrease in their scope of growth, while Largemouth Bass will have an increased scope of growth with changes in latitude.
Speakers
KB

Kaden Ball

Undergraduate Student, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-65: Big and Small, We Sample Them All: An Assessment of Missouri’s Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) Fisheries to Guide Management and Sampling Efforts
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Robert Weber, Christina Kelsay, Tara Domzalski, Zach Ford; Missouri Department of Conservation

ABSTRACT: Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is a well-known, long-lived ictalurid that is native throughout the Midwest. Despite its popularity among anglers and widespread distribution in Missouri, there is a paucity of information related to population demographics for impoundments containing Flathead Catfish. In addition, there are currently no established standard sampling protocols for this species, complicating assessment of existing populations and associated management goals. Our objectives were to determine population demographics of Flathead Catfish in several of Missouri’s large reservoirs (>2,400 acres) and small impoundments (
Speakers
RW

Robert Weber

Sport Fish Ecologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-66: Examining Age-length Relationships across North Platte Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus)
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Sarah E. Hayden, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management; Justin M. Sturtz, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management, Christopher A. Cheek, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management

ABSTRACT: Understanding the age structure of fish populations within an ecosystem is crucial for fisheries managers, as it provides key insights into reproductive success, mortality rates, and overall population dynamics of the target species. Length-at-age relationships are a common metric used by fisheries managers to assess population health and growth patterns and identify whether growth is being stunted. In addition, age-length relationships are used by fisheries managers to determine the potential health of the fish populations and determine availability, reproductive success, and mortality. Currently, there is no data on the length-by-age of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) on the North Platte River. The objective of this study is to establish age-length relationship for channel catfish in the North Platte River to inform management actions and parameterize bioenergetic models of catfish consumption. To accomplish this objective, channel catfish were sampled via boat electrofishing at two sites on the North Platte River in eastern Wyoming and pectoral spines were collected for age analysis. The spines were placed in 5.0mm microcentrifuge tubes filled with resin. After 24 hours of hardening, spines were removed from microcentrifuge tubes, and cut with a handsaw into 0.5mm-0.7mm thick slices. Slices were then looked at under a microscope, photographed, and aged two times to get an average age. A Von Bertalanffy growth model was applied to the length-at-age data to determine differences based on sampling location. The catfish that were aged ranged in age from 2 years to 8 years old and ranged in size from 12.9 inches to 28.3 inches in length. This data can be used by fisheries managers to determine the health of the catfish populations on the river and to aid in further research on this ecosystem.
Speakers
SH

Sarah Hayden

Undergraduate, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-67: Population Demographics of Three Major Catfish Species on the Wabash River
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Cade Naughton, Eastern Illinois University; Daniel Roth, Eastern Illinois University; Eden Effert-Fanta, Eastern Illinois University; Robert Colombo, Eastern Illinois University

ABSTRACT: The catfish fisheries of the Wabash River is of great historical, cultural, and economic importance to both commercial and recreational anglers. However, this population has declined significantly over the last few decades due to overfishing and other anthropogenic stressors. Catfish populations in the Wabash River require interjurisdictional management strategies as these species are commercially exploited by Illinois and Indiana anglers. This study served to assess the population demographics of three catfish species within the Wabash River, Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus), Blue Catfish(Ictalurus Furcatus), and Flathead Catfish(Pylodictis Olivaris). Results will inform agencies to make better management decisions to ensure population sustainability. We conducted targeted Catfish sampling in three sections of the Wabash River (border commercial reach, Indiana commercial reach, and non-commercial reach) and a portion of the White River using hoop nets electrofishing (high and low frequency). Different gear types were used to accurately represent species and age distribution in the system. The results showed higher relative abundance in the non-commercial reach and the White River at the sites furthest away from the confluence with the Wabash River compared to the commercially exploited reaches of the Wabash. We also found a low abundance of larger individuals in the commercially exploited reaches. The current harvest regulations only prohibit harvest of Channel Catfish under 13 inches and restrict harvest of those over 28 inches to one per day. Blue and Flathead Catfish also have a 13 inch minimum harvest regulation, but those as large as 35 inches have no harvest limit. Due to the lower relative abundance of catfish and low abundance of larger individuals in the commercial reaches of the Wabash River, we recommend putting a limit on the total number of catfish harvested per day, and a shorter trophy size limit. Implementing a more strict management strategy would help to strengthen the fisheries in both relative abundance and size structure, ensuring that sustainable populations of catfish are available to recreational and commercial fishermen for years to come.
Speakers
CN

Cade Naughton

Graduate Research Assistant, Eastern Illinois University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-68: Maintaining Trophy Potential of Riverine Smallmouth Bass Populations in the Menominee River
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm 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; Michael Donofrio, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Joshua Schulze, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit

ABSTRACT: The Menominee River supports high-quality fisheries for smallmouth bass that attract anglers from all over North America and the rising popularity of these fisheries has led to increased fishing effort. Hydropower facilities divide the Menominee River into a series of relatively riverine impoundments that, in addition to naturally occurring features (i.e., falls or rapids), prevent or limit the upstream movement of fish. Our goal was to use electrofishing-based population assessments to determine if smallmouth bass population characteristics vary among impoundments of the Menominee River and determine if current harvest regulations are sufficient to maintain the quality of these fisheries. Dorsal spines were collected from 10 fish per 25 mm TL interval to develop age-length keys used to estimate age structure, growth, proportional size distributions (PSD), and mortality within each river section. Dynamic pool models created in the Fishery Analysis and Modeling Simulator (FAMS) were used to examine how size structure may be affected by increased exploitation or changes to minimum length limits. Our results indicate that growth, natural mortality, and angler exploitation rates of smallmouth bass are similar among the three segments of the Menominee River included in our assessment. Furthermore, current exploitation rates of smallmouth bass in these segments of the Menominee River are likely universally low (
Speakers
SE

Samantha Embersits

Graduate Research Assistant, Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-69: Evaluating Natural Recruitment of Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie in Two Community Fishing Ponds in Southeastern South Dakota
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Jason Uden, South Dakota State University; Peter Nester, South Dakota State University; Benjamin Schall, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks; Dave Lucchesi, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

ABSTRACT: Recently, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) has placed increased emphasis on the development and maintenance of community fisheries to help recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers. One management objective is maintaining high catch rates of popular sportfish, accomplished through frequent stockings of catchable-size fish. However, little is known about the natural recruitment of these species within these community fishing ponds. The objective of this study was to determine if Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) were successfully reproducing in two community fishing ponds.

Seines were used to collect Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie at Lake Ole, Harrisburg, South Dakota, and Tea City Park Pond, Tea, South Dakota. Four 20-meter sampling areas were selected at each pond. A 25-foot seine was pulled along the predetermined length and brought to shore. The captured fish were sorted, measured, and brought to the lab. For each sampling event, otoliths were collected from three fish per 1-inch increment for Bluegill from 1-6 inches, Black Crappie from 1-6 inches, and Largemouth Bass from 1-8 inches. In the laboratory, otoliths were extracted, and a compound microscope was used for observation. Ages were assigned by two SDGFP fisheries management interns and a full-time fisheries biologist. Average ages were taken when discrepancies between our observations were found.

Otoliths were collected from 114 fish, ranging from age zero to five. Assigned ages for Largemouth Bass ranged from 0 to 1, Black Crappie from 2 to 3, and Bluegill from 0 to 5. Our results suggest positive natural reproduction rates of these species in the two ponds studied. Additionally, natural recruitment may play a larger role in maintaining community pond fisheries than anticipated.
Speakers
JU

Jason Uden

Fisheries Intern, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-70: Abundance and growth rates of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) from Lake Michigan and connected tributary habitats
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Mallory R. Wagner, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University; Kathryn E. Buckles, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University; Les D. Warren, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University; Dominique D. Turney, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University & Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant; Tomas O. Hӧӧk, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University & Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant


ABSTRACT: Early-life stages of fish development is a sensitive and critical time that has the ability to influence later recruitment success. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) are an economically and ecologically important species within Lake Michigan. Yellow perch have been observed to spawn within multiple habitats including tributary river mouths, drowned river mouth lakes, and the nearshore environment of Lake Michigan. These habitats have different environmental characteristics that could affect growth rates and the diet of larval yellow perch. Drowned-river mouth lakes are more productive, warmer, and have a higher abundance of zooplankton compared to the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. This study aims to quantify growth rates of larval yellow perch in Lake Michigan and connected tributary habitats. During the summers of 2021 and 2022, larval yellow perch were collected from early May to the end of June. Individuals collected were later processed in the lab to obtain total length and the extraction of the sagittal otoliths to calculate growth rates of larval yellow perch from each habitat. This study aims to quantify how environmental changes in early-life habitats affect growth rates of fish. This information can be implicated in sustainable fisheries management and assist in the assessment of ecological changes.
Speakers
MW

Mallory Wagner

Undergraduate Student, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-71: Factors Affecting Detection Efficiencies of Acoustic Transmitters in a Large Midwestern Reservoir
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Hannah Thomas, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Cali Engel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; William Radigan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Dr. Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Chris Longhenry, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks

ABSTRACT:  Acoustic telemetry has become a common method to track fish movement patterns. Understanding the detection capacity of each receiver is a needed, but often overlooked aspect of acoustic telemetry studies. However, range tests can be used to assess detection capacities and ultimately the overall effectiveness of the receiver network. Recent range test investigations have evaluated the effects of distance, mount design, transmitter depth, transmitter model (V13 or V16) and wind speed on detection efficiencies. However, other environmental factors including human generated noise have not received as much attention. Range tests (n=122) were conducted between March 2022 and August 2024 at each of 14 receivers placed in the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake to evaluate the effect of environment on detection efficiencies. Detection efficiencies were related to boater traffic, wind speed, distance from receiver, and seasonality. Detection efficiencies increased with decreasing distance between the tag and receiver and decreased noise interference from boat traffic and high-speed winds. Detection efficiencies were also found to vary among seasons, with spring showing increased detection efficiency compared to summer and fall. Mean detection efficiency at any given receiver and river kilometer was 34% during spring, compared to 25% in summer and 22% in fall. These findings provide valuable insights for future acoustic telemetry studies by highlighting important environmental factors that managers should consider when planning similar studies.
Speakers
HT

Hannah Thomas

Research technician, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-72: Sanding or Sectioning: how does otolith preparation method affect reader agreement?
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Amelia Finnell, US Fish & Wildlife Service; Patrick Padilla, US Fish & Wildlife Service; Garrett Johnson, US Fish & Wildlife Service; Benjamin Marcek, US Fish & Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are invasive to the Mississippi River Basin and may cause extensive economic and ecological damage. To date, managers have focused on using harvest to control Silver Carp populations. Assessment of harvest as a management tool often requires precise age estimates to understand the changes in population age structure in response to harvest. Currently, two methods are commonly used for preparing Silver Carp otoliths for aging, sectioning and sanding. However, the use of two distinct methods could affect the precision of age estimates and, consequently, alter the perceived age structure of the population. To address this, we aged 155 Silver Carp (total length: 545–800mm) collected during 2023 from JT Myers and Newburgh Pools of the Ohio River. One lapilli otolith from each fish was prepared by sanding the otolith down to its origin, whereas the other otolith was sectioned using an isometric saw. Each otolith was independently aged by five readers and the frequency of agreeance was calculated using an empirical cumulative distribution function. Reader agreeance, two readers aging the otolith identically, did not differ between the two methods. However, when readers disagreed, the magnitude of disagreement was greater when otoliths were prepared by sanding relative to sectioning. These results suggest that sectioning otoliths results in more precise Silver Carp age estimates. Therefore, the sectioning method may produce more consistent age structures for Silver Carp populations which will help managers accurately assess the status of populations as well as the effectiveness of management actions.
Speakers
AF

Amelia Finnell

Biological Science Technician, USFWS
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-73: Temporal Replication of Assigned Ages for Silver Carp Otoliths
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Brendon Tran, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; Liam Odell, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; Ben Neely, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

ABSTRACT: Introduced invasive carp have become established throughout the Missouri River basin. In Kansas, they have entrenched themselves within the lower 37 miles of the Kansas River. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has been conducting invasive carp removals in the Kansas River since 2020. To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the removal efforts, KDWP monitors the demographics within the Kansas River and Missouri River (near Atchison, KS). Aging invasive carp structures, specifically lapilli otoliths, is integral to understanding invasive carp population demographics. Fisheries professionals agree that a team of 2-3 researchers aging otoliths together can produce a precise age for otoliths. However, assembling a team of 2-3 researchers can be challenging, and the process of aging otoliths is time-consuming. As KDWP continues to remove invasive carp and collect more aging structures, it has become evident that we should evaluate other methods of aging otoliths more efficiently. As such, we had two individuals independently age the otoliths twice, with a one-month gap between each attempt, to assess whether a single person’s aging results would be consistent and repeatable.
Speakers
BT

Brendon Tran

Invasive Carp Technician, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-74: Evaluating Flood-Induced Habitat Connections Using Remotely Sensed Data
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Natalie C. Liberati, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University; Alison A. Coulter, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University; Benjamin J. Schall, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Tanner Davis, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Steven R. Chipps, U.S. Geological Survey, South Dakota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit; David P. Coulter, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the northern Great Plains is characterized by extreme weather, fluctuating between droughts and floods. Flooding within this region periodically connects rivers, wetlands, and lakes allowing for the movement of native and invasive species throughout the landscape. These floods also increase resource availability, permitting these species to grow in abundance. Invasive carp, such as silver and bighead carp, are currently present in a few rivers within the PPR and have the potential to spread to other locations due to flood-induced habitat connectivity, posing a threat to native species in the region. Using invasive carp as a case study, we will use Landsat observations of surface water (Dynamic Surface Water Extent) to identify where habitat connections are formed during flooding events between invaded rivers and uninvaded waterbodies. We will be able to further evaluate the relative risk posed by flooding by quantifying the surface area, water velocity, and water depth of these habitat connections. In addition, we will examine whether there has been an increasing frequency of connectivity among waterbodies through time. This technique will be able to be applied to other watersheds within or outside of the PPR. Recognizing where high-risk connections are located will help inform managers where to focus efforts for monitoring and deterring movements into uninvaded waters.
Speakers
NL

Natalie Liberati

Graduate Research Assistant, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-75: Natal Origin and Movement of Invasive Carp in the Missouri River Basin
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Hannah Mulligan, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University; Benjamin J. Schall, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Tanner Davis, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Greg W. Whitledge, Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; Alison Coulter, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University

ABSTRACT: Preventative management strategies are essential for minimizing the negative ecological, economic, and social impacts of invasive species. Silver Carp and Bighead Carp, two invasive species of concern in the United States, are currently managed using various containment and removal strategies to prevent further range expansion. Understanding where Silver Carp and Bighead Carp are recruiting and moving can assist managers in selecting removal locations to reduce recruitment and spread. The objectives of this project are to evaluate the natal origins of Silver Carp and Bighead Carp using otolith microchemistry to 1) determine recruitment sources and 2) identify movement among tributaries and main channel reaches throughout the Missouri River Basin. A maximum of 80 adult Silver Carp and Bighead Carp will be collected from each location (n = 22) in collaboration with state partners. Lapilli otoliths will be removed and processed for trace element analysis (barium, Ba; strontium, Sr; and calcium, Ca) and potentially δ18O analysis. Water samples will also be analyzed for trace elements (Ba, Sr, and Ca) and oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O). To determine natal origin, trace-elemental markers and their ratios (Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca) measured from otoliths will be compared to chemical signatures from the water samples. Correlation analysis will be used to evaluate relationships between element concentrations in water samples and otoliths. Trace elements and δ18O in lapilli otoliths that are correlated to water concentrations will be included in a model-based discriminant function or cluster analysis, such as k-nearest neighbor. Chemical composition results will be used to quantify the amount of movement based on the natal origins of adults. Results will complement ongoing telemetry work and spawning assessments, inform source-sink dynamics, and identify locations for targeted management actions such as removal.
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Mulligan

Hannah Mulligan

Graduate Research Assistant, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-76: Investigating Bigheaded Carp Migratory Behavior in a Large Lotic System
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Logan Zebro, South Dakota State University; Jim Garvey, Southern Illinois University; Tanya Fendler Southern Illinois University; Alison Coulter, South Dakota State University;

ABSTRACT: Migration is a fundamental feature of animal ecology and animals may migrate for a variety of reasons including foraging, reproduction, or to avoid predation. Although migration is commonly observed throughout the animal kingdom, migratory strategies can vary among species, populations, or even individuals within populations. Partial migration is a strategy that can occur when a population is comprised of both migratory and resident individuals. Bigheaded carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) are highly mobile invasive riverine species believed to display various forms of migratory behavior and have been hypothesized to be partially migratory. However, to date no studies have evaluated if partial migration occurs in bigheaded carp nor the extent to which it may occur. Therefore, the objectives of this research are to 1) describe invasive carp migratory behavior 2) describe the timing of invasive carp migration and 3) identify potential environmental factors influencing invasive carp migratory behavior in the Illinois River using acoustic telemetry. Bigheaded carp were collected throughout the Illinois River from 2012 – 2023 and implanted with acoustic transmitters (VEMCO, model V13 or V16). Movement data was collected from stationary receivers that were distributed throughout the study area for previous research to track movements of bigheaded carps between river pools and lateral habitats. To evaluate partial migration of bigheaded carps, we will calculate net squared displacement (NSD) for individual carp then evaluate the influence of ecological variables on the probability and timing of bigheaded carp migratory movements using multiple logistic and linear regression models. Understanding bigheaded carp migratory behavior will provide valuable insight into their ecology and further invasion risk in addition to informing bigheaded carp management such as the timing and location of removal efforts.
Speakers
LZ

Logan Zebro

Graduate Research Assistant, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-77: Temporal Occupancy of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) within Tributaries of the Ohio River
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Patrick W. Padilla, US Fish & Wildlife Service; Garrett R. Johnson, US Fish & Wildlife Service; Benjamin J. Marcek, US Fish & Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Silver Carp is an invasive species found throughout large portions of the Mississippi River Basin that is thought to cause economic and ecological damage to invaded systems. Although Silver Carp use a variety of habitat types throughout this large and heterogeneous river system, they are often found in high densities in areas outside of the main river channel (e.g., tributaries and backwaters). The temporal use (e.g., time of year, duration) of these areas by Silver Carp is, however, poorly understood. To better understand temporal patterns in the tributary residency of Silver Carp and to determine if there is a subset of tributaries that are most frequently inhabited by this species, we examined their temporal occupancy of tributaries in six navigation pools of the Ohio River (J.T. Myers–Meldahl pools). Locations of 935 Silver Carp implanted with acoustic transmitters (Innovasea, V-16H tags) that were detected by 60 receivers in our study area during 2021–2023 were summarized to determine the number of individuals detected within tributaries at monthly intervals. These data were used to estimate the monthly proportional use of tributaries by Silver Carp (i.e., the number of individuals detected in a tributary relative to the total number detected within each pool). Generally, proportional occupancy of tributaries was greatest within each pool during February-April. Further, we identified individual tributaries with the greatest proportional occupancy during these periods of high tributary use. Our results suggest that occupancy of tributaries occurs during cooler months and that certain tributaries within each pool are used by a greater proportion of individuals than others. The reasons behind this relatively high utilization of certain tributaries are unknown and further research is necessary to determine if there are anthropogenic (e.g., harvest) and/or environmental factors (e.g., water temperature) associated with the timing of Silver Carp occupying tributary habitats.
Speakers
PP

Patrick Padilla

Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-78: Community Sampling Gears Affect Silver Carp Density Estimates Derived from Hydroacoustic Surveys
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Garrett R. Johnson U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service;
Benjamin J. Marcek U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Species-specific density estimates derived from hydroacoustic data often require fish community information to apportion hydroacoustic targets to species. However, the tools used to collect fish community data have biases that can affect species composition and size structure. The effect of these community gear biases on species-specific hydroacoustic density estimates is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we collected fish community data using three gears (boat electrofishing, electrified dozer trawl, and gill nets) during hydroacoustic surveys in two navigation pools of the Ohio River (J.T. Myers and Newburgh pools) during fall 2021. Hydroacoustic data were collected using two side-looking, split-beam transducers offset to maximize water volume sampled. We used a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the probability of a fish being a Silver Carp given its length for each community gear. We also estimated the total length of individual fish targets from the hydroacoustic surveys using Love’s 1971 side-aspect equation and the probability of each of these hydroacoustic targets being a Silver Carp based on its estimated length. We then estimated site-specific Silver Carp densities and compared these densities among gears, pools, and habitats (main channel, side channel, tributary, and backwater). The probability of a fish being a Silver Carp given its length differed between community sampling gears. Further, gear affected the overall density estimates with gill nets producing the lowest estimates in all pool-habitat combinations. No apparent difference existed between density estimates apportioned with dozer trawl and boat electrofishing except in Newburgh Pool backwater and tributary habitats where the dozer trawl produced greater Silver Carp density estimates. These findings emphasize the need to consider community gear bias when collecting data to apportion hydroacoustic targets to species. Combining community data from multiple gears may reduce the effect of gear bias on the apportionment of hydroacoustic targets to species.
Speakers
GJ

Garrett Johnson

Fish Biologist, United States Fish & Wildlife Service
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-79: Spatial and Temporal Trends of Silver Carp Body Condition in the Ohio River
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Adam Musolf, Student Conservation Association; Benjamin Marcek, US Fish & Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) have invaded much of the Mississippi River Basin, including the Ohio River. Although understanding the health of individuals within this population is critical to its management, little information is available regarding the body condition of Silver Carp in the Ohio River. To better understand the body condition of Silver Carp in the Ohio River, we used Le Cren’s Relative Condition Factor (Kn) to compare body condition between six pools in the Ohio River (J.T. Myers-Meldahl pools), and to examine temporal patterns during 2014-2024. We found that Silver Carp in the lower three pools of our study area (J.T. Myers, Newburgh, and Cannelton pools) had similar mean Kn values that were substantially lower than the overall mean Kn. The highest mean Kn values, which exceeded the overall mean Kn and were similar to each other, occurred in the upper two pools (Markland and Meldahl pools). The mean Kn of McAlpine pool was greater than the overall mean but lower than that of the upper pools. When examining Ohio River Silver Carp body condition among years, we found the greatest mean Kn values occurred during 2015, 2019, and 2023 and were greater than the overall mean Kn. The lowest mean Kn values occurred during 2016 and 2021 and were lower than the overall mean Kn. The mean Kn for 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2022 is similar to the overall mean Kn. Density dependent factors may explain the spatial differences in mean Kn, but the drivers of the annual fluctuations are harder to explain. Climate, water quality, year class effects, or sampling bias could all play a role. Understanding the causes of these fluctuations could better help predict population changes for use by management agencies and commercial fishers.
Speakers
AM

Adam Musolf

SCA Intern, Carterville FWCO
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-80: Tracking Movement and Habitat Utilization of Invasive Carp Within the Presence Front of the Ohio River
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Andrew Peters, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Katherine Zipfel, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; Tyler Gross, US Fish and Wildlife Service

ABSTRACT: Invasive bigheaded carp (Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis) are a well-known and established aquatic invasive species within the Mississippi River Drainage. As their range continues to expand, state, federal, and university managers establish new projects aimed to better monitor and evaluate these invasive species. However, many low-density, or “presence front”, locations lack valuable fish movement and habitat utilization data. Within the Ohio River, the presence front ranges from the Meldahl Lock and Dam facility (RM 436.2) at Foster, KY to the Belleville Lock and Dam facility (RM 203.9) at Reedsville, OH. We will look to capture invasive bigheaded carp (n=8) in the Robert C. Byrd Pool and tag them with Vemco V16-6x-A69-1604 coded transmitters. Vemco acoustic receivers (VR2Tx and Nex Trak R1) will be deployed strategically in mainstem and tributary locations to monitor movements and habitat utilization within the upper reaches of the Ohio River presence front. This movement data will then be correlated with temperature and flow data to increase our knowledge and understanding of temporal utilization, which could result in more effective future removal efforts. This data will be a part of a larger telemetry project that exists within the Ohio River that we plan to utilize for comparing movement patterns within a river system.
Speakers
AP

Andrew Peters

Fisheries Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-81: Evaluating Conspecific Feeding Sounds as an Attractant for Invasive Carp
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Adam J. McFall, USGS; Jacob D.A. Faulkner, USGS; Andrew T. Mueller, USGS; Curt G. Byrd, USGS; Robin D. Calfee, USGS

ABSTRACT: Invasive carp continue to spread throughout U.S. waterways, threatening native fishes and disrupting ecosystems, yet effective removal methods remain limited. Fish herding methods are used to aggregate carp for removal; however, location, timing, and personnel constraints limit the effectiveness of herding for eradicating carp populations. Baiting and chemical attractants have also been shown to aggregate invasive Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in laboratory settings, but in situ applications are still being tested. Acoustic attractants are an understudied tool that could help aggregate invasive carp for removal in situ. Conspecific feeding sounds attracted Bighead Carp in preliminary laboratory trials. Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) have similar life history strategies, but their response to conspecific feeding sounds have not been evaluated. We examined whether conspecific feeding sounds affect the behavior of Grass Carp. Grass Carp were randomly exposed to three treatments: conspecific feeding sound (projection via underwater speaker), feed (pelleted feed distributed via automatic feeder), and a control (no sound or food). Two trials, each consisting of 12 distinct exposures (four exposures per treatment), were duplicated in two outdoor earthen research ponds (0.09 ha) at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. Fish (n = 29 – 30 per trial) were implanted with acoustic transmitters and distributed evenly in the ponds, where fine scale (< 1 m) positions were recorded by a hydrophone array from 13 May 2024 – 17 May 2024 (Trial 1) and 3 June 2024 – 7 June 2024 (Trial 2). Preliminary results show that total displacement and swimming speed were generally higher following feed and sound treatments compared to control treatments. Fish also spent more time near the feeders, speakers, and in deep water compared to other areas of the ponds. Here we discuss future research needs and how this technology could be utilized in invasive carp management programs.
Speakers
AM

Adam McFall

Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-82: Genetic control of grass carp through RNA interference
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Chris Merkes, U.S. Geological Survey; Tariq Tajjioui, U.S. Geological Survey; James Wamboldt, U.S. Geological Survey; Nicholas Butler, Sundew ApC; Joana Queiroz, Sundew ApC; Jørgen Hansen, Sundew ApC; Giovanni Salerno, Sundew ApC; Jon Amberg, U.S. Geological Survey

ABSTRACT: Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were imported for biocontrol of aquatic macrophytes and still are used today for that purpose, but they have since escaped and invaded many waters. They are listed as an injurious invasive species and can substantially impact aquatic ecosystems, threatening native fisheries. Current control methods include physical removal and chemical piscicide application. While these methods can reduce an invasive population, there are problems with each and new control tools are needed. RNA interference (RNAi) has greatly enhanced our understanding of genetics over the last three decades, and it has been demonstrated that using RNAi to turn off some genes can be lethal. RNAi is in-use today for controlling agricultural pests, and it is gaining traction for future application to control invasive species. We designed small interfering RNAs targeting critical genes in grass carp and showed effective knockdown in primary cultured gill cells. We have cloned selected candidate RNAs for expression in microalgae chloroplasts and are working to incorporate these microalgae into a selective bait for RNAi oral delivery. The goal of this project is an effective control tool that can be deployed like a piscicide but without non-target effects.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Merkes

Chris Merkes

Research Geneticist, U.S. Geological Survey
I am a molecular biologist originally from central Wisconsin. I earned a B.S. in Biology from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and an M.A. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from University of Kansas. I joined the USGS in 2013 to work on developing methods for... Read More →
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-83: Determining hybridization of bighead and silver carp by analyzing body shape with geometric morphometric techniques
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Alexandra Johnson, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management; Hannah Mulligan, South Dakota State
University Department of Natural Resource Management; Amber Ruskell-Lamer, Southeastern Community College; Jim Lamer, Illinois Natural History Survey; Alison A. Coulter, South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management

ABSTRACT: The invasive bighead and silver carp are known for their ability to quickly establish new populations in naive water bodies. Determining cost effective and efficient management strategies for managing these carp can reduce populations and improve ecosystem health. At low density areas (i.e., invasion fronts), silver carp and bighead carp readily hybridize and produce offspring with enhanced survival and dispersal capabilities. However, subsequent hybrid generations display reduced body condition which may prevent them from invading new areas. Understanding the hybridization of silver and bighead carp can therefore provide insights to their spread and subsequently allow for more efficient use of management resources. Genetic testing is costly, and therefore determining how many hybrids exist in a location may be hindered by available resources. The objectives of this research are to 1) Use photographs to analyze body shape differences among bighead carp, silver carp, and their hybrids via geometric morphometrics and 2) Use correlated genetic and morphologic data to create a classification system to determine the hybrid type from body shape. Morphometric photographs of 2,795 bighead and silver carp with varying degrees of hybridization have been collected and genetically analyzed for hybrid type. In a subset of photographs per genetic group (silver, bighead, hybrid), we will place a series of landmarks on different body features using the program TpsDig2. The distances between landmarks will then be imported into MorphoJ software to quantify the body shape of each individual (known as geometric morphometric analysis). The geometric morphometric data paired with the results from the genetic analysis will then be used to create a classification tree that groups genetic types based on body shape. Results will ultimately identify whether morphology can be used to distinguish hybrid types which can help to reduce resource limitations for managing these invasive species.
Speakers
AJ

Alexandra Johnson

Student, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-84: Impacts of Spatiotemporal Variation of Hydrological Conditions on Native and Invasive Ichthyoplankton Communities in the Lower Wabash River Basin
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Alexis L. Gerber; Daniel Roth; Robert Colombo; Eden Effert-Fanta

ABSTRACT: Annual variation in hydrological conditions affects reproduction of riverine species uniquely, with certain taxa relying on flood pulses for successful spawning. Invasive bigheaded carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.), are widely known for their rapid population growth and significant ecological impacts on freshwater ecosystems and native fish assemblages. Previous literature has found invasive bigheaded carp reproduction to be dependent on multiple environmental cues, such as discharge and temperature, for spawning. Discharge specifically is an essential component for bigheaded carp reproduction because their eggs require suspension in the water for proper development. Native fish species have varying spawning strategies, and many utilize similar environmental cues as invasive bigheaded carp. This study aims to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of hydrological effects on reproduction of invasive bigheaded carp and native fish species in the lower Wabash River and its tributaries. Ichthyoplankton push nets and water quality measurements were recorded from April-September 2021-2024 at several tributary confluence sites on the lower Wabash River, which borders Illinois and Indiana. Push net samples were collected within the tributary, at the confluence site, and in the mainstem river both above and below the confluence. Environmental conditions (e.g., discharge and temperature) varied substantially within and among each season of ichthyoplankton sampling. Variation in hydrological conditions among years had a significant impact on total larval fish production. In 2021, a year with multiple high discharge events 240,106 larvae were collected, while in 2023, a year with fewer spikes in discharge only 4,300 larvae were sampled. Although invasive carp have been informally observed to congregate in high numbers within mainstem-tributary confluences, relatively little research has been conducted to analyze the roles of confluences in spawning of both invasive and native fishes. Understanding the long-term trends in hydrological variation and the spatial preferences of invasive fish communities may offer key insights into control methods and factors that influence larval native fish assemblages.
Speakers
AG

Alexis Gerber

Graduate Research Assistant, Eastern Illinois University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-85: Quantifying the Impacts of Invasive Carp through Monitoring Native, Planktivorous Gizzard Shad in the Open River Reach
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Andrew Glen, Missouri Department of Conservation; Kamryn Wittkop, Missouri Department of Conservation; Tyler Bening, Missouri Department of Conservation


ABSTRACT: The establishment of invasive bigheaded carp (Silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) in North American river systems over the last few decades has shown to negatively impact native filter-feeding species through direct competition for trophic resources. In the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) system, the Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) is one of these impacted species and is frequently encountered in routine monitoring of the Open River Reach of the UMR through the Long Term Resource Monitoring (LTRM) element of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program. Because of their high catch rates, monitoring the conditions of Gizzard shad populations in the Open River can be used as an index to how bigheaded carp have and continue to impact native filter feeders over time and as management practices are implemented. Targeted Gizzard shad collections occurred during the observed spring spawning season and in the fall when growth begins to slow for otolith collection. Gizzard shad encountered through LTRM were also included. Individual processing procedures included recording total length, weight, sex, gonad weight, and otolith collection. Otoliths were mounted in resin, cut, and aged. Using this data we calculated Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE), Gonadosomatic Index, body condition, proportional stock density (PSD), and conducted an age and growth analysis. After one season of sampling and analysis, results implied that both CPUE and relative weight were lower than their 5-year average when plotted with existing LTRM data over time. Analysis indicated that while the size distribution appears heavily skewed toward small-bodied fish, PSD remains in the desired range implying there are enough large-bodied individuals and production of age-0 shad is not limiting to the population. Monitoring Gizzard shad condition through time can be used to inform future decisions regarding the success of proposed, established, and newly implemented management techniques for bigheaded carp .
Speakers
KW

Kamryn Wittkop

LTRM Component Assistant, Missouri Department of Conservation
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-86: How invasive carp removal affects fish community size spectra.
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Charles W. McDunn1, Brent A. Murry2, James E. Garvey3, Ruairi MacNamara4, David C. Glover5, David P. Coulter1

ABSTRACT: The invasion of bigheaded carps, Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), has undoubtedly altered biotic communities since their escape from wastewater treatment ponds and aquaculture facilities in North America during the 1970’s. Concerns of the invasion reaching the Laurentian Great Lakes have caused extensive management actions including contracted removal in order to slow the advancement of these fishes in the Illinois River. An additional goal behind the removal of carp is to improve ecological function from its current carp-dominated status. Here, we suggest that it may be useful for community-based alternative indicators to be used in addition to catch rates for more comprehensive management assessments. We will explore this concept using size spectra as a potential indicator of community response to management by examining whether shifts in the annual size spectra regression of six reaches in the Illinois River can be detected since the start of our sampling period in 2012. If shifts in these metrics are measured, they could be related to environmental variability, and the ongoing selective harvest of invasive carps throughout the river. To determine the impact of these factors, we will compare multivariate environmental data and carp removal data to the size spectra metrics using ordination. The results of these analyses will identify which environmental variables are the most impactful to changes in community structure and to what extent the removal efforts have had on the Illinois River fish community over the past twelve years. If the annual community size spectrum is capable of measuring community response to management, it could be an additional tool for assessing and informing management actions and a potential tool for future community-minded management plan development.
Speakers
CM

Charles McDunn

Research Assistant, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-87: EcoPath with Ecosim: Application in the lower Mississippi River for Invasive Bighead and Silver Carp Management
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Kassidy Frame, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota; Richard Erickson, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Steve Chipps, U.S Geological Survey, South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota; Alison Coulter, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota

ABSTRACT: In the Mississippi River, invasive bigheaded carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) can compete with native planktivores, such as Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), by altering plankton and zooplankton composition and abundance. The current management strategy is targeted harvest of adult carp using 75-150 mm mesh gill nets and electrofishing with the goal of reducing the biomass of invasive carp and restoring normal ecosystem function. The harvest of invasive carp is limited to adult individuals, but by using less selective removal methods, such as dozer trawls or seines to select for smaller carp, the effect of invasive carp on the ecosystem could be reduced more efficiently. EcoPath with Ecosim (EwE) is a model that can be used to explore changes in biomass of different community groups (e.g. zooplankton, native fishes) after removal of an invasive species such as bigheaded carp. The objective of this study is to implement an EwE model for Pool 26 of the Mississippi River to assess the ecosystem response to the removal of juvenile only, adult only, and combined removal of bigheaded carp. The use of an EwE model in the Mississippi River is a cost-effective method to improve management of invasive carps by evaluating the ecosystem effect of varying removal scenarios and would complement on-going population models such as the SEICarP model.
Speakers
KF

Kassidy Frame

Graduate Research Assistant, South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-88: Invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and the impact on native fish communities throughout the Mississippi River basin
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Justin Harms, Graduate Research Assistant, Major - Fisheries Biology - Iowa State University
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

ABSTRACT: Invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) have impacted native fish communities throughout the Mississippi River basin in North America. Previous research has related increases in Silver Carp relative abundance to declines in the condition of native planktivorous fishes and sport fishes that are planktivorous as juveniles due to competition for food resources. However, the effects of a range of relative abundances of Silver Carp on other trophic guilds have not been well-defined. Therefore, our goal was to assess the relationship between Silver Carp relative abundance and body condition of native fishes throughout multiple feeding guilds in the Upper Mississippi River basin. We hypothesize that Silver Carp will alter the trophic ecology and condition of species representing multiple feeding guilds. In addition to resource competition, these influences may represent complex middle-out or spillover effects to the food webs discussed in the literature. We used quantile regression to account for variation in allometric growth described by length-weight relationships to compare body condition of native fish species between sites with different relative abundances of Silver Carp (low and high). We sampled 1,026 individuals from 3 species representing benthic insectivore (Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) N=294), piscivore (Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) N=256), and omnivore/detritivore (Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) N=476) trophic guilds across 6 rivers and 12 sites where Silver Carp relative abundance spanned a gradient of 0–80 Silver Carp/hour. Our analyses indicated significant differences in body condition were present in Gizzard Shad and Flathead Catfish between sites with high and sites with low relative abundances of Silver Carp. This information can be used by management biologists to understand the effects of Silver Carp on native fish species in recently invaded areas, evaluate management success, and establish targets for population suppression to limit the effects of Silver Carp on freshwater fish communities.
Speakers
JH

Justin Harms

Student, Iowa State UniversitynDepartment of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-89: Effects of Embryonic Exposure to Predation Cues on Embryo and Larval Behavior in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Abby Yake, Ball State University; Leah Sodo, Ball State University; Jessica Ward, Ball State University

ABSTRACT: The ability of developing embryos to detect and learn to recognize external environmental cues is adaptive because it can improve survival after hatching. Previous research has shown that embryonic fish can detect and respond to predation cues of conspecific adults and learn to identify a potential predator via association with these alarm cues. However, it is not known whether embryos can similarly recognize and respond to cues indicative of attacks on eggs. In this study, we examined the responses of embryonic and larval fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, exposed to various predation cues during the egg phase. Embryos were exposed to predator cue, egg alarm cue, a combination of predator and alarm cue (PAC), or control water for 5 days post fertilization (dpf). Activity levels of 5 dpf embryos were then tested in response to predator cue alone. After hatching, larvae were reared to 21 dpf and tested in two types of behavioral assays, open field and refugium trials, to assess perception of risk. We hypothesized that embryos would be able to recognize and respond to egg alarm cues and make the same associations of predation risk as previously shown with adult alarm cues.
Speakers
AY

Abby Yake

Undergraduate Researcher, Ball State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-90: Density and community composition of aquatic invertebrates in interdunal wetland ponds at Ludington State Park, MI, USA
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Rowan Faust, Lake Superior State University; Jonathan Doubek, Lake Superior State University

ABSTRACT: Interdunal wetland ponds are found at several locations along the shoreline of the Great Lakes, between the slacks of the foredune (dune closest to the lake) and subsequent dunes behind. These ponds are subject to water fluctuations from the Great Lakes via ground- and surface water, and are important “connecting” ecosystems for certain species, such as aquatic invertebrates, between the Great Lakes and smaller inland systems. However, very little research exists that characterizes the density and community composition of aquatic invertebrates in these systems, and how such metrics may vary across ponds of different environmental characteristics and sizes. To investigate this knowledge gap, six interdunal ponds, spanning a vegetation density, at Ludington State Park (west in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula) were sampled biweekly over the Summer of 2024 to characterize the aquatic invertebrate community. Aquatic invertebrates were collected using horizontal plankton tows, and a vegetation density index was calculated for each pond. Water temperature was recorded, and water samples were collected for later laboratory processing of water chemistry variables such as hardness, total phosphorus, and chloride concentration. Preliminary observations thus far indicate that a wide range of zooplankton and macroinvertebrate density and taxa richness exists across the ponds. Common taxa observed are Polyphemus, Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia, and calanoid copepods. Once all samples are processed this Fall, we will test if interdunal pond environmental characteristics and size affect aquatic invertebrate density, taxa richness, and community composition. Results will increase our understanding of these interdunal ponds, which are important to study as connector ecosystems between deeper and larger systems during an era of global change.
Speakers
RF

Rowan Faust

Undergraduate Student, Lake Superior State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-91: Comparisons of Zooplankton Communities Before and After Chemical Renovation in Lake Ogallala, Nebraska
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Theo Huber, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Alex Keiler-Klein, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Melissa Wuellner, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Keith Koupal, Nebraska Game & Parks Commision.

ABSTRACT: Chemicals such as rotenone are used to remove undesirable fishes from lakes and promote the establishment of more desirable, recreationally important species. However, the application of piscicides can directly or indirectly impact zooplankton in both positive and negative ways. Lake Ogallala, a 263-ha reservoir directly below Lake McConaughy, has had several rotenone treatments dating back decades, with the most recent application in October 2023. Here, we compare taxa richness and densities from the zooplankton community in Lake Ogallala before and after the 2023 renovation. Zooplankton were collected monthly from April to November 2023 and from April to October 2024 at nine locations throughout the reservoir using an 80-μm Wisconsin net towed vertically, beginning 1 m from the bottom at each site. For each sample, four 1-mL subsamples were drawn, and zooplankton were identified to the lowest possible taxon and enumerated. Mean total density (number/L) and mean density by taxon were calculated across all sites for each month. In 2023, 14 taxa were found, and densities were highest among cyclopoids, Daphnia, and rotifers. In 2024, 13 taxa were identified, with densities highest for cyclopoids, Bosmina, and rotifers. Two taxa (harpacticoids and Diaphanosoma) were only present in 2023, and one taxon (Leptodora) was only present in 2024. This research adds to what has been found on the impacts that piscicides may have beyond those for fish. Understanding these changes is important in deciding whether to apply piscicides, given the possible benefits, costs, and drawbacks may be.
Speakers
avatar for Theo Huber

Theo Huber

Undergraduate Research Technician, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries

6:00pm CST

P-92: Angler use and satisfaction of South Dakota urban and community fisheries following supplemental stocking of adult Largemouth Bass and Hybrid Sunfish
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Aysah Dondlinger, Alison A. Coulter, Brian G. Blackwell, David O. Lucchesi, Steven R. Chipps

ABSTRACT: Urban and community fisheries (UCF) are often used by state wildlife/fisheries agencies to recruit, retain, and reactivate young, novice, lapsed, and current anglers. Fishing participation has declined nationally and in South Dakota for several decades, particularly among urban youth. Given these recent declines, emphasis has been placed on UCFs to reverse this trend. A primary purpose of UCFs is to minimize barriers to recreational fishing participation while providing quality fishing opportunities that keep young, and novice anglers engaged. Management of UCFs typically focuses on providing amenities and stocking catchable fish to improve young angler recruitment, retention, and overall satisfaction. While many factors can contribute to overall angler satisfaction, catch rates of preferred fish species may be crucial to keeping anglers engaged in recreational fishing. South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks currently uses recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to produce adult Largemouth Bass and Hybrid Sunfish (Bluegill X Green Sunfish) that exhibit fast growth. Although South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks uses supplemental stockings of RAS - produced fish to improve angler satisfaction, it is unclear if young angler recruitment, retention, and satisfaction are being improved. Objectives of this study are to (1) quantify use of UCFs by young, novice, and lapsed anglers using creel survey information from community fisheries in eastern South Dakota, (2) identify if catch rates of preferred fish species are adequate to keep young, novice, and lapsed anglers engaged, (3) determine if supplemental stocking of RAS -produced adult Largemouth Bass and Hybrid Sunfish improves young, novice, and lapsed angler satisfaction. Results from this study will help identify stocking regimes that maximize young, novice, and lapsed angler use and satisfaction in urban and community fisheries.
Speakers
AD

Aysah Dondlinger

South Dakota State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Human Dimensions

6:00pm CST

P-93: Fishy Business: How to Market the Outdoors
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Benjamin Poli

ABSTRACT:  Unfortunately, little is known about the correlation between the outdoors and marketing.
Fishing has always been a quintessential part of society. Over the last hundreds of years, it has become more and more of a social class event. For a long time, the sport was dominated only by the rich elitists of Europe, while peasants’ hand-fished to survive. The more the sport evolved, the more it became marketable. Selling the outdoors remains the biggest mystery to the industry. Thousands of jobs have been created in more recent years in the social media marketing industry with sponsors, influencers, and guide services. All of these industry leaders have had a kickstart to their careers thanks to marketing. By continuing the study of both fisheries and marketing, I aim to further grow my career through an outdoor company or firm such as the DNR. The motivation of a buyer, the mindset of a consumer, and the financial commitment of a great head fascinates me. Marketing the outdoors is more about teaching than convincing like the typical sale. Consumers will purchase every outdoor product imaginable. Knowing this, I want to interview them to find the correlation of what keeps them outdoors and passionate about their hobbies.










Speakers
BP

Benjamin Poli

Vice President of club, Lake Superior State University Fish and Wildlife Club
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Human Dimensions

6:00pm CST

P-94: Urban Wildlife Management success: Eleven years of Canada goose (Branta Canadensis) population management on Missouri Western State University campus.
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Cary D. Chevalier, Missouri Western State University

ABSTRACT: In 2014 we began a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) population monitoring and management project on the campus of Missouri Western State University. The restoration of Canada Goose in NW Missouri has not only been successful over the years, but in some areas, like on our campus, goose populations were reaching levels where they were becoming nuisances. Geese were increasingly nesting near buildings. Nesting geese would often harass people walking by, and defecate with increased frequency near building entrances and on sidewalks, thereby creating potential health hazards as well as general messes. Our objectives were to 1) determine the extent of nesting activity; 2) map the distribution of nesting sites on campus; and 3) institute a population recruitment control program to help keep our goose population at a level where they would be considered treasures rather than nuisances. During the spring nesting season, we surveyed the entire ~ 700 - acre campus. We used mapping GPS and GIS to map nest locations and monitor nest site activity. We counted and oiled all known eggs with corn oil and/or spiked eggs, then documented hatching success. In 2014 – 2024 we recorded the locations of 10, 12, 12, 16, 14, 16, 17, 7, 6, 10, 9 nests, respectively. After treatment, broods observed were 5, 2, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, and 0, 0, 0, 0 for years 2014 - 2024, respectively. The goose reproductive success on campus for these six years was reduced by 50% our second year of effort, then by 100% thereafter for known nests. Further, we documented the locations and distributions of all known nests using mapping grade GPS each season and developed a GIS map that now allows us to help our university develop strategies to modify landscaping to minimize nesting activity.
Speakers
CC

Cary Chevalier

Dr., Missouri Western State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Human Dimensions

6:00pm CST

P-95: Subject Matter Focus of State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Magazines
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: *Ashley Hrdina, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 302 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO 65211, Robert DiStefano, Missouri Department of Conservation, 3500 E Gans Rd, Columbia, MO 65201 Jacob Westhoff U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Columbia, Missouri, USA

ABSTRACT: Magazines are a key communication media used by most state fish and wildlife agencies for public outreach and education. Species conservation and funding can be highly influenced by public perspective and interaction through these magazines. Yet, no studies have analyzed magazine content to assess the relative proportional focus among a range of subjects and species. We quantified the allocation of magazine page space among types of subjects and species , by determining the relative proportional space allocated among these categories: 1) aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial species, 2) “game” and “non-game” species, and 3) subject of article. We contacted all 50 United States’ fish and wildlife agencies to determine if they published a magazine, then obtained and compiled digital or physical copies of all magazine issues published in 2019 (pre-Covid pandemic). We randomly subsampled 30 magazines using “ImageJ ” software for analysis. Results for taxa specific categories show over four times more space was allocated to terrestrial systems than to either aquatic or semi-aquatic systems. The percentage of space occupied by content in the game species category was 1.8 times higher, than for non-game species. Taxonomic groupings showed that mammals (18.1%) and birds (15.4%) occupied significantly greater mean allocated space than all other taxa, followed by fish (5.4%) and plants (2.2%). Subjects of articles were organized into 12 primary categories; among those categories, wildlife harvest (24.0%) occupied significantly greater mean allocated space than all others, followed by natural history (16.5%) and recreation (15.0%). In summary, the main focus of these magazines was terrestrial taxa and game species, often mammals. Article subject matter was aimed towards wildlife harvest, corresponding to a higher percentage of game species within magazines. Our review provides agencies with an understanding of wide-reaching trends within magazines, and facilitates assessment of intended communication goals.
Speakers
AH

Ashley Hrdina

Graduate student, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Human Dimensions

6:00pm CST

P-96: Development and Cloud Implementation of the New Annual National Land Cover Database for the United States
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS: Jesslyn Brown; Charles Robison; Jon Dewitz; Heather Tollerud; Suming Jin; Rylie Fleckenstein; Chris Barber; George Xian; Josephine Horton; Congcong Li; Danny Howard

ABSTRACT: Land cover is a high priority data theme within the U.S. federal government and is foundational for many applications. These data are often combined with other data sources to provide a robust structure for scientific study and to inform decisions by managers and the public. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is building a capability for an integrated annual land cover and land cover change framework using cloud computing. To provide the most relevant land cover and land cover change information for the United States, mapped land cover (and derived products) should involve regular production, updating and improvement based on robust research, and validation of land cover and land cover change. USGS has recently released an annual record of land cover and fractional impervious surface for the conterminous U.S. (CONUS) called Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) spanning a thirty-nine-year period from 1985 to 2023.
The NLCD has characterized land cover and land cover change nation-wide paving the way for Annual NLCD. Utilizing the Landsat observations, legacy NLCD has produced land cover and other data themes at 30-meter spatial resolution. In earlier releases, NLCD released map products for CONUS across nine epochs from 2001 to 2021 (2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021), producing maps describing characteristics of the land surface such as thematic class (e.g., developed, cultivated crops, and forest), percent impervious surface, and percent tree canopy cover.
Annual NLCD employs a new methodology, operating in the cloud, based on the long Landsat satellite record, various chained deep learning models, harmonic time series analysis, and several post-classification procedures producing land cover through time. The database will have higher frequency and lower latency and will inform users of land change dynamics, including forest regrowth after harvest or wildfire, climatologically driven water cycles, and land use management patterns such as urban growth. An update is expected in 2025. Products for other regions (Alaska and Hawaii) are planned in 2026.
Speakers
JB

Jesslyn Brown

Research Geographer, U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Human Dimensions

6:00pm CST

P-97: Impact of L-Dopa on the growth and development of Brassica: Insights from velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) seed metabolomics
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Csengele Barta, Missouri Western State University; Sonja Weber, Missouri Western State University; Rene Frye, Missouri Western State University; Teri Larison, Missouri Western State University; Angel Justus, Missouri Western State University

ABSTRACT:  Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens, VB) seeds were found to produce various allelopathic compounds that influence the growth of neighboring plants. Our laboratory’s prior research highlighted that VB seed coats release metabolites with negative, while the endosperm has positive allelopathic effects. We have demonstrated this effect in various species, including monocots and dicots. Through non-targeted metabolomic analysis of VB seed endosperm, L-Dopa (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) emerged as a significant candidate among the potential allelochemicals. This study investigated the effects of L-Dopa on the growth and development of Brassica species. Our experiments demonstrated that low concentrations of L-Dopa (within 0.01-0.05 mg/mL) enhanced Brassica growth. Treated plants exhibited increased root and shoot length, enhanced biomass accumulation, and improved overall plant vigor compared to control groups. Notably, Brassica plants exposed to L-Dopa showed a marked increase in chlorophyll content, indicating enhanced photosynthetic capacity. Our findings suggest that L-Dopa, derived from VB seed endosperm, holds promise as a natural growth enhancer for Brassica crops. Its application could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the reliance on synthetic growth regulators and fertilizers. Interestingly, the stimulatory effects of L-Dopa were, however, concentration-dependent. While low concentrations enhanced growth, higher concentrations exhibited inhibitory effects, consistent with the typical biphasic response of allelochemicals. This dual role underscores the importance of precise dosage in utilizing L-Dopa for agricultural applications. These insights into L-Dopa's allelopathic effects advance our understanding of plant-plant interactions and highlight the potential of natural compounds in improving crop productivity and sustainability. Future research will focus on elucidating the detailed molecular mechanisms of L-Dopa's action and exploring its potential benefits across different crop species.
Speakers
avatar for Sonja Weber

Sonja Weber

Student, Missouri Western State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Human Dimensions

6:00pm CST

P-98: Velvet bean soil inclusions enhance tomatoes' growth, biomass, and photosynthetic assimilation efficiency
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
AUTHORS:  Sonja Weber, Missouri Western State University; Nora Burroughs, Missouri Western State University; Rene Frye, Missouri Western State University; Angel Justus, and Csengele Barta, Missouri Western State University

ABSTRACT:  Invasive species often employ competitive strategies as the release of allelopathic metabolites into the environment, which negatively impact native species. Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens, VB) has been reported to produce a variety of such toxic compounds, such as L-dopa, tryptamines, phenols, and tannins, with notable allelopathic activities, suppressing the growth and development of competing native species, but without any autotoxic effects. Our current study focused on the chemical impact of degrading VB seeds on tomato seedlings. We found that VB seed inclusions significantly altered tomato growth, biomass, chlorophyll concentrations, light harvesting and processing ability, and photosynthetic efficiency. VB seed coat inclusions inhibited growth and leaf development, and leaves contained 30% less chlorophyll than controls. VB seed coat soil inclusions also induced an over 50% reduction of maximum and effective quantum yields and defects in photosynthetic energy processing, with a corresponding shift in energy processing away from photochemistry towards non-photochemical quenching. VB endosperm, however, stimulated tomato growth and leaf expansion, resulting in doubled biomass compared to controls. Plants growing in soil enriched with VB endosperm inclusions exhibited higher total chlorophyll concentrations and more efficient light harvesting and photochemical energy processing capacity compared to controls, indicators for enhanced photosynthetic capacity in these plants.
Speakers
avatar for Sonja Weber

Sonja Weber

Student, Missouri Western State University
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Human Dimensions

6:00pm CST

P-99: The Next Frontier: Development of a Lake Fish Biogeographical Model in the Canadian Shield, Minnesota
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
Authors: Jessica Massure and Jacquelyn Bacigalupi; MN DNR, Brainerd, MN USA
Key words: Monitoring, Assessment, High Quality Waters, Remote, Index of Biological Integrity
Abstract: 
Fish communities in Minnesota’s lakes have been impacted by various anthropogenic stressors, and to varying degrees. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) created a lake fish index of biological integrity (FIBI) tool that has been used to identify impaired or vulnerable fish communities in lakes across the state. However, the FIBI was not suitable for Canadian Shield lakes as they are situated in a landscape with a limited stressor gradient. In addition, they typically have soft water, low species diversity and a unique geologic history. Further, they often have limited fish survey data due to difficult access and sampling conditions. However, there is a need to describe the fish community to monitor change from climate change, logging, mining, shoreline development, connectivity limitations, predator stocking, non-native fish species impacts (e.g. Smallmouth Bass), aquatic invasive species (e.g. Spiny Waterflea, Zebra Mussels), or other stressors. The goals of this study are to summarize existing fish species survey information and community and niche information on lakes, classify lakes into comparable groupings based on lake characteristics, identify data gaps, determine best sampling methods to fill data gaps, determine stressor gradients in the region, and ultimately create a lake fish biogeographical model for the region. The monitoring data and models developed will be used to protect these high-quality resources and identify restoration needs. We will be presenting the initial investigation of available fish community data and lake classifications.
Speakers
JM

Jessica Massure

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
TBA
  Poster Session, Poster: Fisheries
 
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  • S-01: Flight of Discovery: Bird Research & Monitoring within the Mississippi Flyway
  • S-02: Connecting the Dots: Addressing Aquatic Habitat Fragmentation Across the Midwest
  • S-03: CWD: A Wicked Challenge
  • S-04: Building Resilient Salmonid Populations with Multi-faceted Management and Research Approaches (PART 1)
  • S-04: Building Resilient Salmonid Populations with Multi-faceted Management and Research Approaches (PART 2)
  • S-05: Working Lands & Resilient Streams: The Power of Partnering with Landowners
  • S-06: Restoring and Reconstructing Endangered Ecosystems in Missouri: Case Studies of Prairie/Savanna/Woodland and Wetland Natural Communities
  • S-07: Sharing Knowledge Across Sub-basins: Invasive Carp in the Missouri River Basin and Beyond
  • S-07: Sharing Knowledge Across Sub-basins: Invasive Carp in the Missouri River Basin and Beyond (PART 1
  • S-08: Conservation of Crawfish Frogs and Other Amphibians and Reptiles of the Midwest
  • S-09: Conservation Social Science: Informing Management and Enhancing Engagement in the Midwest
  • S-10: Charting a Path Forward - Fisheries and Aquatic Plant Management Now and in the Future
  • S-11: Crayfish Conservation and Management
  • S-12: Not Just for Ducks…Reframing Marshes as Working Water Gardens
  • S-13: Living Data on the Road to Resilience: Opportunities/Challenges/Best Practices
  • S-14: Thriving Amidst Challenges: Examining Resilient Walleye Populations
  • S-15: The Sustainable Rivers Program - Reoperating Corps of Engineers Water Infrastructure to Enhance Environmental Benefits
  • S-16: Migratory Birds and Climate Change: Science to Inform Management
  • S-17: Applied Science and Adaptation of R3 Efforts
  • S-18: FishCAST: Working Towards a Better Future for All Fisheries Professionals
  • S-19: How is Landscape Conservation Relevant to You?
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