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Annual Meeting of the Virginia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society

February 26-28, 2013

Lexington Virginia

The American Fisheries Society (AFS), founded in 1870, is the oldest and largest professional society

dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries

resources.

The Virginia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is a subunit of the American Fisheries Society.

The chapter was established in 1990 to provide fisheries professionals in Virginia with increased access

to AFS; encourage the exchange of information among fisheries and other aquatic resource

professionals; provide a forum for the discussion, debate, and resolution of aquatic resource issues

within Virginia; and serve the Commonwealth by providing expert scientific knowledge to allow for

informed decisions concerning the use and development of the state's natural resources. Check us out at

our website: http://faculty.virginia.edu/vcafs The Chapter awards the Robert E. Jenkins Undergraduate Scholarship and the Robert D. Ross Graduate

Scholarship annually. In addition we recognize biologists and conservationists. Professional Fisheries

Biologist Award: Given to a professional fisheries biologist based on either a number of years of

significant contributions to the field of fisheries science or on the basis of a single very significant

contribution during the calendar year. Natural Resource Conservationist Award: Given to a citizen

or non-fisheries professional who has demonstrated outstanding protection or enhancement of aquatic

resources on their property or who has made significant contributions to the protection of aquatic

resources within the state of Virginia. If you are not a member, join today.

Executive Committee

Vic Dicenzo, President Bob Andrews, Past-President John Copeland, President-elect Mike Isel, Secretary Dawn Kirk, Treasurer

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Table of Contents

Plenary Speaker Biographical Sketches 3

Plenary Session 6

Meeting Agenda 6 Abstracts by Session

Contributed Papers 9

Contributed Posters 21

Maps 24

Program At-a-Glance

Time Place Activity

Tuesday

10-5 Hampton Inn Instream Flow Workshop

6 Hampton Inn Social

Wednesday

7:45 Elrod Commons Registration

8:20-10 Elrod Commons Plenary Session

10:20-4:10 Elrod Commons Contributed Papers

4:20 Elrod Commons Business Meeting

6:30 Hampton Inn Poster Session and Social

Thursday

8:30-2:30 Elrod Commons Contributed Papers

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Plenary Speaker Biographical Sketches

Robert W. Duncan -- Bob Duncan is the Executive Director of the

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), a position he has

held since February, 2008. Bob has been a Wildlife professional for 39 years

with 35 years at DGIF. He served as the DGIF Chief of Wildlife for 18 years

prior to becoming the agency head.

Bob joined DGIF in 1978 as a District Biologist after serving in District

and Regional Biologists roles for the state Wildlife Agencies in Kansas and

Tennessee.

Duncan has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Forestry and Wildlife Management and he is a

Certified Wildlife Biologist. He is a member of a number of professional organizations and has held

leadership roles in a number of those groups. He has served as Vice-President of the Southeastern

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and as Southeastern Representative to the Association of Fish

and Wildlife Agencies and Executive Board.

Bob served for 27 years on the Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Steering Committee

and was Chairman of that regional group for 14 years.

As you might guess, Bob’s work has been recognized by a number of conservation organizations

with awards from the Wildlife Society, the Virginia Wildlife Federation, and the State Chapters of the

National Wild Turkey Federation in both Tennessee and Virginia. In 2002, he was awarded the Leonard

Lee Rue III Natural Resource Stewardship Award presented by the Return to Nature Program for

educational outreach.

Bob is a native of Radford, Virginia and his early days on the New River and in the out-of-doors in

southwest Virginia ensured that he would in fact become an avid lifelong sportsman. He and his wife, Dr.

Suzanne Nash Duncan, reside in Henrico County.

David K. Whitehurst -- David has 38 years of experience with the

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and 40 years of experience

as a fish and wildlife biologist. He is currently Director of the Department's

Bureau of Wildlife Resources. He began his career with the Department as a

district fisheries biologist in south-side Virginia, and was a regional fisheries

manager in Roanoke before moving to Richmond as assistant director of the

Department’s Fisheries Division. David moved from that position to Director

of the Fisheries Division and was also asked by the Board of Game and Inland

Fisheries in 1993 to serve as the Funding Initiative Coordinator for the

Board’s 1994 funding initiative. That effort resulted in the General Assembly

approving a creative new funding source for the Department. He has also

served as Deputy Director of Operations, as Acting Director for Operations and Legislation, as Director of

Planning, Policy, and Public Relations, as Director of Information and Education, and as Director of the

Wildlife Diversity Division for the Agency and has been active in legislative initiatives at the state and

federal level. He led the legislative component of the HB 38 initiative in 1998 that provided another

significant source of funding for the Department.

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David has published a number of papers on various aspects of fisheries management and was

awarded a Certified Fisheries Scientist designation from the American Fisheries Society in 1984. He has

served as President of the Fisheries Administrators Section, President of the Fisheries Management

Section, and President of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society and was a member of

the AFS’s Executive Committee for five years. He has held a number of committee assignments for that

organization and also served as an Associate Editor of the North American Journal of Fisheries

Management. David was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Wildlife Federation for

ten years and served on a number of committees for the Federation. He has been active within the

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Association’s

Teaming With Wildlife Committee. He has served on the National Partners Watchable Wildlife Working

Group and on the Steering Committee for the 1997 Watchable Wildlife Conference. David is a founding

member and past Chairman of the Board of Directors for Watchable Wildlife, Inc. He is a member of the

Society of Conservation Biology, the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, the Virginia Ecotourism

Association, and The Wildlife Society and has served as an officer for the Virginia Chapter of The

Wildlife Society. He currently serves as Chairman of the Management Board for the Appalachian

Mountains Joint Venture, a 13-state cooperative effort to advance bird conservation in this portion of the

Country, is as a member of the Refuge Partners Team for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and serves as

Chair of the Interim Steering Committee for the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative.

A North Carolina native, David received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from North Carolina State

University. He is also the recipient of a number of awards and honors, including the River Conservationist

of the Year award from the Virginia Wildlife Federation and the Conservationist of the Year award from

Trout Unlimited in 1993. In 1997, he was recognized by Channel 12 TV in Richmond for his efforts to

restore anadromous fish populations in the James River, and in 1999 he received the Professional Service

Award from the Virginia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. The Virginia Society of Ornithology

recognized his contributions to bird conservation and the development of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife

Trail in 2002. In 2004, he received the Coastal America Partnership Award from President Bush for his

efforts as a team leader in a multi-organization project to remove Embrey Dam from the Rappahannock

River so that migratory fish could return to their native spawning habitats. In 2005, he received the Dr.

Henry S. Mosby Award from the Virginia Chapter of The Wildlife Society for outstanding contributions to

the wise management of Virginia’s wildlife resources, and a Special Recognition Award from Watchable

Wildlife, Inc. for the establishment of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.

In October of 2012, David was honored by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife

Agencies with their highest prize, the Clarence W. Watson Award for outstanding contributions to wildlife

conservation. David was the third Virginian in 66 years to win the award.

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Michael Leonard -- Mike Leonard is the Ocean Resource Policy Director at

the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), based in Alexandria, Virginia.

ASA is the sportfishing industry's trade association, providing the industry with

a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect

sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. As ASA's Ocean Resource Policy

Director, Leonard is responsible for the association's activities in a variety of

marine resource issues at the national, regional and state level. A native

Virginian, Leonard is a lifelong angler whose fishing experience has evolved

from the farm ponds of the Shenandoah Valley to coastal waters throughout the

country. Before entering the policy arena, Leonard was an aspiring “fish squeezer” (aka fisheries biologist)

and holds a master's degree in fisheries management from Auburn University and a bachelor's degree in

fisheries science from Virginia Tech.

Robert L. Walker, Jr. – Lee Walker is currently the Agency Outreach Division Director for the Virginia

Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and has been with the agency for 25 years. His

current job involves responsibility for supporting the mission of VDGIF through education, public

relations, marketing, and various communication and customer service efforts designed to increase

awareness about Virginia’s wildlife and natural resources. Prior to that, he was the editor of Virginia

Wildlife magazine and an adjunct professor for the School of Mass Communications at Virginia

Commonwealth University. Walker received his B.S. from Ferrum College. He has received many

awards including the National Academy of Arts and

Science Telly Awards in 2001, 2002, and 2003; The

Virginia Public Relations Association Gold Medallion

for Best Documentary in 1996, and the Virginia

Associated Press Broadcasters Douglas Southall

Freeman Award for Public Service by a Television

Station News Photographer 1987. A native of Virginia,

Walker enjoys fishing, hunting, and is an accomplished

outdoor photographer.

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Tuesday, February 26

9:00 Registration at Col Alto Hotel, Hampton Inn, Lexington

10:00-5:00 Continuing Education Workshop, Instream Flow – what it is and why it matters

6:00 Social

Wednesday, February 27

7:45 Registration

8:20 Plenary Session, Outlook on U.S. Sportfishing: where have we come from and where are

we going? Opening remarks, John Copeland, Facilitator

8:30 The greatest story never told: The history of the wildlife and sportfish restoration

programs. Robert Duncan

8:45 Meeting future challenges in sportfish management. David Whitehurst

9:00 Future of sportfishing in the U.S. Mike Leonard

9:15 Angler recruitment and retention in Virginia Lee Walker

9:30 Panel Discussion

10:00 Break

Vic Dicenzo, Moderator

10:20 An ecosystem service framework to evaluate landscape-level sustainability of freshwater

recreational fishing. Beatriz Mogollon

10:40 Can Clinch Dace survive in Virginia? Shannon White

11:00 Use of otolith chemistry to track smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) movement.

Sasha Doss and Caroline Wass

11:20 Genetic monitoring and an experimental test of genetic rescue in fragmented populations

of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Zach Robinson

11:40 Riparian canopy restoration of Smith Creek: a cost effective analysis of three different

riparian tree plantings. Christina Anderson

12:00 Lunch

Bill Kittrell, Moderator

13:30 Variations in community fish biomass across the southern Appalachians: implications or

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climate change. Bonnie Jean Myers

13:50 Effects of a Stream Restoration Project on Physical Habitat, Aquatic Insects, and Fish.

Brandon Baker

14:10 American eels in Virginia mountain streams. Colin Krause

14:30 Food web subsidies in intermittent streams: implications for small isolated populations of

native brook trout. Jennifer Courtwright

14:50 BREAK

Paul Bugas, Moderator

15:10 Assessing striped bass habitat in Lake Anna, Virginia. Walter Via

15:30 Evaluating age and growth of blue catfish in Kerr Reservoir, Virginia. Nathaniel Adkins

15:50 Preliminary results from a comprehensive grass carp study in Claytor Lake, Virginia.

Matthew Weberg

16:20 Business Meeting

17:20 Adjourn

18:30 Social and Poster Session at Hampton Inn, Col Alto

Poster Presenters and Titles

Spatial and temporal variation in secondary production of smallmouth bass from the New River,

Virginia. Morgan Brizendine

Private Trophy Bass Management in the Mid-Atlantic: Challenges and Solutions. Aaron Cushing

Occurrence of juvenile southern flounder in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Sean Lusk

Variations in community fish production across the southern Appalachians: implications for climate

change. Bonnie Jean Myers

Lake Keokee: Physical and chemical attributes and management issues. Michael Pettit

Secondary Production of Fishes in Stroubles Creek, Virginia. Brendan Runde

Cross-population comparisons of grass carp growth: implications for hydrilla management in an

Appalachian reservoir. Matthew Weberg

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Thursday, February 28

Steve Reeser, Moderator

8:30 Status and trends of aquatic resources in Shenandoah National Park – a summary of

monitoring results (1979-2009). Jeb Wofford

9:10 Distribution of stonerollers (Campostoma spp.) in three Virginia watersheds. Morgan

Brizendine

9:30 Occurrence of juvenile southern flounder in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Sean

Lusk

9:50 BREAK

Dan Michaelson, Moderator

10:10 Temporal variation in food habits, condition, and growth. Britney Kreiner

10:30 A Mid Atlantic brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) sustainability statistic for rating

streams. Kirk Smith

10:50 Controlling the North River: Lessons in restoration. Dawn Kirk

11:10 North River habitat restoration project: 2005-2012 and beyond. Louise Finger

11:30 Results from 2012 fish tissue mercury concentration sampling from South River, South

Fork Shenandoah and Shenandoah Rivers. Calvin Jordan

11:50 John Copeland, Student Awards

12:00 Lunch

Eric Brittle, Moderator

13:10 Age and growth of northern snakehead in Potomac River tributaries, Virginia. John

Odenkirk

13:30 Dam removal in Virginia: “Dammed if you don’t, undammed if you do” Alan Weaver

13:50 Lake Burton, a trophy largemouth bass fishery in the making? Dan Wilson

14:10 Another Yankee Comes to Virginia: Steelhead Introduction to Lake Moomaw and the

Jackson River. Steve Reeser

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An ecosystem service framework to evaluate landscape-level sustainability of freshwater recreational fishing

BEATRIZ MOGOLLÓN1, AMY VILLAMAGNA1, PAUL ANGERMEIER2

1Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech 2U.S. Geological Survey, Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

Cultural ecosystem services, such as recreational fishing, are important contributors of intangible benefits to human well-being, yet their current and future delivery are not well understood. Knowledge of how and to whom ecosystem services are delivered can help inform resource management decisions related to sustainability at landscape scales. We used publicly available data to develop an ecosystem service framework to map the capacity to provide and the demand for freshwater recreational fishing (FRF) across Virginia and North Carolina. We mapped FRF capacity – the potential of the landscape to provide fishing opportunities - based on a suite of biophysical and social attributes. We estimated demand – the number of people with intentions to fish - based on the number and location of fishing license-holders. Results from individual and aggregated indicators provide a current snapshot of spatial variation in FRF capacity and demand. In particular, we identify areas where 1) local demand exceeds capacity (e.g. urban areas like Raleigh-Durham, NC), and 2) capacity exceeds local demand (e.g. upper Roanoke River basin). These patterns suggest that management tactics such as stocking efforts and facilitating fishing access may be differentially applied to balance FRF capacity and demand.

The Disappearing Dace: Can Clinch Dace (Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori) Survive in Virginia?

SHANNON L. WHITE, DONALD J. ORTH

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 Clinch dace (Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori) are a presently undescribed species that are listed as a Federal Species of Concern and on Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan as Tier II- Very High Conservation Need because of potential threats from habitat degradation, high population fragmentation, and a largely unknown distribution. Sampling from 2011-2012 showed that Clinch dace are patchily distributed in only eight small tributaries to the Clinch River. In addition, populations are small with, on average, less than six fish captured per stream. Further analysis of reproductive and life history characteristics indicated that Clinch dace have a lower fecundity, maximum age, and proportion of males than other Chrosomus species. From this, we conclude that Clinch dace populations in Virginia are at risk of extirpation and should receive further protect measures at the state and federal level. Efforts should be made to conserve critical habitat, particularly during the April-July spawning season. In addition, within and across stream translocation and captive breeding programs could promote population stabilization and future loss of subpopulations. Future genetic analyses and stream occupancy studies will be needed to help determine the genetic structure of Clinch dace and identify temporal and spatial variability of populations.

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Use of otolith chemistry to track smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) movement

SASHA DOSS1, CAROLINE WASS1, SCOTT SMITH2, SIMON THORROLD3, ROBERT HUMSTON1

1 Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450

2 Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Forest, VA 24551 3 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, MA 02543

Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) constitute one of the most popular recreational fisheries in Virginia. Better understanding of their dispersal and migration behavior in riverine networks can facilitate management of the fishery at the scale of basins rather than individual rivers. We conducted a study to test the effectiveness of otolith chemistry for determining smallmouth bass movement behavior in the James River and its Piedmont region tributaries. Fish otoliths were mounted using two different methods before Strontium isotope ratios were measured via multicollector ICP-MS. Those values were compared against known Strontium ratios of mainstem and tributary habitats. As tributary habitats tended to be enriched in heavy strontium (87Sr) compared to the mainstem, we were able to reconstruct individual histories of between-river movements from each fish. Results from chemical analyses revealed substantial Strontium isotope variation, indicating fish movement between the James and its tributaries across life history stages. Young of year dispersal was particularly common and tended to happen early in the first few months of life. Isotopic analysis offers several advantages for reconstructing movement history from otolith chemistry; however, determining the ecological function of observed movements remains an important challenge.

Genetic monitoring and an experimental test of genetic rescue in fragmented populations of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

ZACHARY L. ROBINSON1, ANDREW R. WHITELEY, JASON A. COOMBS, MARK HUDY,

AMANDA COLTON, KEITH H. NISLOW, BENJAMIN H. LETCHER

1Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts Amherst

Patch delineation of headwater streams provides a biologically meaningful and practical unit to manage brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations. Brook trout genetic monitoring at the patch scale allows managers to obtain valuable surrogates of demographic metrics. Although, genetic monitoring could identify the most imperiled populations a lack of tested mitigation techniques prevents management action based on genetic data. Translocation of new individuals into small isolated populations, termed “genetic rescue”, may alleviate inbreeding depression, genetic load, and increase individual fitness. Alternatively, offspring of translocated individuals may suffer from reduced fitness or outbreeding depression. In the absence of outbreeding depression, genetic rescue may provide an effective means to increase the probability of persistence of small isolated brook trout populations. We experimentally translocated brook trout from a single source to four geographically proximate fragmented populations in Virginia to perform a replicated multi-generation test of genetic rescue. We will use genetic markers to reconstruct reproductive success of transplant and resident individuals. We will estimate individual survival as a function of cross type to perform tests for the alleviation of inbreeding depression and outbreeding depression. Preliminary results from one experimental population showed that 61.6% of the 2012 cohort had at least one transplant parent and individuals of this cross type were significantly larger ( =

5.841mm, p=0.012).

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Riparian canopy restoration of Smith Creek: a cost effective analysis of three different riparian tree plantings

CHRISTINA M. ANDERSON, JOHN KASTENDIEK, MARK HUDY1

Department of Biology

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22807

1US Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA The Smith Creek Restoration Project was assembled to restore riparian canopy cover to a tract of stream historically inhabited by eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). A number of different restoration techniques were implemented in 2005 and 2011 to re-establish riparian forests along Smith Creek. The purpose of this study was to perform a cost benefit analysis of these different techniques. Other restoration plantings in the ridge and valley regions of Appalachia had average success rates of less than 70%. Low survival rates decrease the return of planting investments making restoration ventures costly and a better understanding of cost effectiveness of different planting techniques is vital. Three different plantings conducted over a seven year period were compared to determine the most cost effective technique to establish riparian buffers. A CREP planting was undertaken in spring, 2005. The second; a monocrop of American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) seedlings, and third; a variety of large root ball trees. A viability census of all plantings was conducted between 2011 and 2012. Cost effectiveness was determined by assessing the initial cost at planting compared to final costs after viability assessments in 2012.

Variations in community fish biomass across the southern Appalachians: implications for climate change

BONNIE J.E. MYERS, C. ANDY DOLLOFF, ANDREW L. RYPEL

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321 Climate change is thought to be a leading driver in the erosion of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability at all scales. However little is known on how diverse ecosystems actually respond to temperature change. Our objective is to use annual secondary production estimates of entire Appalachian stream fish assemblages to assess relationships between ecosystem function and climate at a large spatial scale. During summer 2012, we collected fish biomass, somatic growth, and habitat data for whole assemblages in 20 Appalachian streams spanning from Maryland to North Carolina. We determined Pearson correlations between 33 environmental variables and fish community biomass by site. Maximum and minimum air temperature, elevation, dissolved oxygen, species richness, Simpson’s Index of Diversity, % canopy cover, and standard deviation of mean annual air temperature were significantly correlated to fish community biomass (P<0.05). Ultimately, estimates of annual fish assemblage production will be related to continuous temperature data being logged at each site while attempting to account for other potential covariates of production (e.g., habitat complexity, stream size, nutrient availability). This study will provide rare empirical estimates of whole assemblage production and how this aggregate ecosystem function, as well as species-specific production rates might respond to increasing temperatures.

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Effects of a Stream Restoration Project on Physical Habitat, Aquatic Insects, and Fish

BRANDON BAKER, CHARLES GOWAN

Department of Biology Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, Virginia In Fall, 2010, a $250,000 stream restoration project was completed on 1200 linear feet of Mechumps Creek, a first-order stream that runs through Ashland, Virginia. Aquatic habitat in the creek was degraded by erosion caused by high volumes of storm water runoff generated by urban development. We measured channel cross-sections, physical habitat (width, depths, velocities, substrate, and cover), fish populations, and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities one year before restoration and then for each of two years after. Cross-sections documented severe erosion (downcutting and widening) before restoration, and confirmed that the newly-constructed channel was stable. Compared to before restoration, the post-restoration channel was narrower and shallower on average, and the variation in velocity was higher. Total fish abundance increased, as did overall fish species diversity. Species adapted to riffle and run habitat, which was largely absent prior to restoration, increased significant, and those adapted to very deep pools declined. Stream health scores based on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities increased due to improved habitat conditions, but remained low due to poor water quality.

American eels in Virginia mountain streams

C. ANDREW DOLLOFF1, CRAIG ROGHAIR1, COLIN KRAUSE1, DAWN KIRK2, SCOTT SMITH3

1USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Blacksburg, VA

2George Washington-Jefferson National Forest, Roanoke, VA 3Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Forest, VA

In 1999, we captured a higher than expected number of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) while sampling the South Fork Tye River, Shoe Creek, and South Fork Piney River (James River drainage, Virginia), spurring a series of studies on the 3 streams. Population estimates in 2000 – 2001 ranged from 7 – 54 American eels per ha in the 3 streams. Radio telemetry tracking of 33 eels from July 2000 to July 2001 revealed average ranges of less than 500 m, and use of spaces under stream banks as winter habitat. In a separate but related effort we sampled 2 km long reaches on Shoe Creek and South Fork Tye River annually between 1999 and 2010. We inserted PIT tags into a total of 1,528 individual eels, and recaptured 640 (42%) at least once. Individuals were recaptured up to 9 times with a maximum of 11 years between tagging and first recapture. On average, eels were recaptured within 200 m of release and grew 22 mm (23 g) per year. Our results suggest that American eels in mountain streams can occupy relatively short stream reaches many years, and local habitat conditions may play a larger than expected role in maintaining populations.

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Food web subsidies in intermittent streams: Implications for small isolated populations of native brook trout

JENNIFER COURTWRIGHT, CHRISTINE L. MAY

Department of Biology James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Recent studies in perennial streams have shown that changes in riparian vegetation can reduce terrestrial invertebrate subsides to streams and can cause trophic cascades. Food webs in intermittent streams have not been studied but may be even more dependent on terrestrial invertebrate subsidies because of limited aquatic invertebrate resources. The objective of this research was 1) to quantify the abundance and biomass of invertebrate resources in Appalachian intermittent streams to determine how these resources vary with environmental factors such as stream flow and canopy cover; 2) to determine the consequences of experimental reductions in terrestrial invertebrate subsidies on brook trout diet and other invertebrate resources. Stream flow was the main factor driving resource availability. Terrestrial invertebrates were low in abundance, but were highly selected for by brook trout. Terrestrial invertebrate subsidies were experimentally reduced by 49%, which decreased total brook trout consumption by 55%. In contrast to studies of other salmonids in perennial streams, brook trout did not switch to consuming more aquatic invertebrates when terrestrial invertebrates were experimentally reduced. Therefore, vegetation changes that reduce in terrestrial invertebrate subsides may detrimentally impact already stressed brook trout populations in intermittent streams by reducing caloric intake as fish prepare for fall spawning.

Assessing striped bass habitat in Lake Anna Virginia: Testing for Coutant’s temperature-oxygen squeeze

WALTER S. VIA 60 Live Oak Lane

Stafford, VA 22554

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis, are stocked in Lake Anna annually by the Virginia DGIF. Striped bass are important to reservoir managers because they are pelagic predators and can grow to a large size. I sampled Lake Anna for temperature and oxygen conditions to see if suitable fish habitat is reduced in summer due to temperature stratification and decreased dissolved oxygen (DO) which is a common condition in many southeastern reservoirs. I also used historical data to determine if striped bass habitat in Lake Anna has changed over time. I found that temperatures throughout Lake Anna exceeded the thermal preferences for adult striped bass. However, I found that striped bass had plenty of available habitat with DO concentrations greater than 2mg/L. Striped bass are likely stressed by the higher temperatures but they manage to survive by having access to high quantities of prey which helps to offset the metabolic costs of occupying higher water temperature, which corroborates Thompson & Rice (2012). Historical data reveal a long term trend of slowly increasing average lake temperatures at a rate of approximately 0.25 oC per year. In the next 10 years Lake Anna may start to see summer die-offs of adult fish that are common in other southeastern reservoirs.

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Evaluating age and growth of blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus in Kerr Reservoir, Virginia.

NATHANIEL ADKINS, BRIAN MURPHY, AND STEVE MCMULLIN

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

Blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, first appeared in Kerr Reservoir sampling in the mid 1980s. Since then, population sizes have grown rapidly and the reservoir has received national attention for the world record blue catfish caught in 2010 (64.9kg). Such population growth raises questions as to whether the population dynamics of Kerr are similar to those of other water bodies. In addition, the large population and varied size structure provides opportunities for both recreational and trophy anglers. Current Virginia regulations allow the harvest of only one fish >82cm per day. Given the mixed recreational use and uncertainty over the trajectory of the population, managers need information on the dynamics of the population in order to determine whether this is an appropriate management protocol. In 2011 and 2012, we collected over 400 blue catfish from Kerr Reservoir using gillnets and experimental jugline sampling. Collected fish ranged from 217 mm to 1125 mm in length and otolith analysis aged the fish at 2 to 20 years. Von Bertalanffy growth-parameter estimation calculated an L∞ value = 1250mm, k=0.09, t0=-0.2 years, and a maximum age of 27 years. These values closely match those published in 2009 studies at Wilson Reservoir, Alabama and Kentucky Lake, water bodies similar to Kerr Reservoir. Ongoing work will provide estimates of mortality and harvest to be included in models aimed at determining the effects on the population of different management decisions. These results will provide an evaluation of current regulations as well as recommendations for future management.

Preliminary results from a comprehensive grass carp study in Claytor Lake, Virginia

MATTHEW A. WEBERG1* JOHN R. COPELAND2 BRIAN R. MURPHY1 and ANDREW L. RYPEL1

1Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

2Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are often used as a biological control for nuisance vegetation such as hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) in large reservoirs. In 2011, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries approved the introduction of triploid grass carp into Claytor Lake, VA to control an expanding hydrilla infestation. Additional project objectives include investigating potential intra- and inter-system movement patterns of grass carp in Claytor Lake and the New River through a telemetry study, monitoring annual growth of grass carp to aid in development of future stocking models, and examination of grass carp herbivory potential on hydrilla and native vegetation through an exclosure experiment. Telemetry results indicate that grass carp moved moderately post-stocking until hydrilla was located, at which time fish exhibited highly sedentary behavior during the growing season. Grass carp stocked in 2011 at 393 mm grew to 618 mm and 717 mm during the first and second growing seasons, respectively, whereas fish stocked in 2012 reached 531 mm after one growing season. The exclosure experiment indicated grass carp significantly impacted both native vegetation and hydrilla in 2012. We anticipate this study will ultimately provide a valuable case study for managers contemplating grass carp stockings in similar environments.

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Status and Trends of Aquatic Resources in Shenandoah National Park – A Summary

of Monitoring Results (1979-2009)

JOHN D. JASTRAM1, CRAIG D. SNYDER2, NATHANIEL P. HITT2, KAREN C. RICE1, JOHN E.B. WOFFORD3

1US Geological Survey, Virginia Water Science Center, Richmond, VA 23228 2US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Aquatic Ecology Branch, Kearneysville, WV 25430

3National Park Service, Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA 22835

In 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Shenandoah National Park (SHEN), undertook a study to compile, analyze, and synthesize available data associated with long-term water quality, benthic macroinvertebrate, and fish monitoring programs in SHEN. Ultimately, a 30 year, 20 year, and 14 year dataset was compiled for each resource area, respectively. Here we present a brief review of provisional status and trend results. Stream chemistry results indicated some improvements over time in acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), pH, and sulfate concentrations in basaltic watersheds but conflicting results or continuing acidification in granitic and siliciclastic watersheds, respectively. Analysis of stream temperature showed park-wide increases in mean, median and maximum water temperatures for all time periods assessed. Benthic macroinvertebrate metrics were identified that tracked geology-dependent temporal trends in water chemistry and park-wide trends in temperature suggesting the current biomonitoring program may be effective in discriminating between effects of acid deposition and climate change. Fish species richness and brook trout abundance were lower in acid impaired watersheds. Trends of increasing species richness were observed in some of the larger park streams, suggesting potential changes in local habitat suitability and/or regional colonization dynamics. Brook trout population growth rates were typically stable between 1996 and 2009. Annual variation in population growth rates was highly consistent among sample sites, suggesting an important role for spatially-structured environmental drivers such as flow and temperature on brook trout abundance.

Distribution of stonerollers (Campostoma spp.) in three Virginia watersheds

MORGAN E. BRIZENDINE, DONALD J. ORTH

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

There is much debate about the distribution of central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) and largescale stonerollers (Campostoma oligolepis) in Virginia. While the distribution of central stonerollers is consistently described, the distribution of largescale stonerollers is either ignored or is limited to Tennessee drainages (Etnier and Starnes 1993; Jenkins and Burkhead 1994). In this study, we collected and evaluated specimens from the Clinch River (N=123), New River (N=88), and Upper James (N=94) watersheds in Virginia. We measured and weighed each specimen and performed circumferential and lateral line scale counts. Additionally, we noted the presence or absence of anal fin banding in males, nasal tubercle patterns in males, and mouth shape of both sexes. The sum of circumferential and lateral line scale counts is arguably the singular best way to distinguish between these two species because largescale stonerollers consistently have larger scales than central stonerollers (Burr and Smith 1976; Etnier and Starnes 1993). Largescale stoneroller lateral line and circumferential sum counts usually range from 74-82 scales while central stoneroller sum counts range from 83-102 scales (Burr and Smith 1976). We found that scale counts ranged from 78-93 (Mdn=86) for the Clinch River watershed and ranged from 78-95 (Mdn=86) for the New River watershed. Scale counts ranged from 74-94 (Mdn=85) for the Upper James watershed. These initial results indicate that the majority of fish collected from all three watersheds were central stonerollers. Additional evaluations, for example anal fin banding and nasal tubercle pattern differences in male specimens and mouth shape differences in both female and male specimens, will further supplement these preliminary results.

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Occurrence of Juvenile Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) in Tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay

SEAN C. LUSK1, BRIAN E. WATKINS2, ASHLEIGH RHEA2, CASEY B. DILLMAN2 AND ERIC J. HILTON2

1Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

2Department of Fisheries Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA 23062

Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma Jordan and Gilbert 1884) inhabits the continental shelf and estuarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast of North Atlantic, from peninsular Florida to Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Between May 30 and August 20, 2012, 15 juvenile (71-192 mm) Southern Flounder were collected in fyke nets in the Mattaponi River, a tributary of the York River, in Virginia. All individuals were confirmed to be Southern flounder morphologically and genetically by counting gill rakers and sequencing cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), the so-called bar-coding gene. Length and weight data were evaluated and compared to a population of Southern flounder in South Carolina. Southern flounder from both populations have very similar growth rates. There was no apparent relationship between temperature and capture location of Southern flounder or between the overall diversity of the fish community and the presence of Southern flounder.

Temporal Variation in Food Habits, Condition, and Growth Among Pelagic Predators in Claytor Lake, Virginia

BRITNEY A. KREINER, THOMAS OLINGER, CHRISTINA BOLTON, JESSICA DODDS

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

The dietary habits of striped bass Morone saxatilis, hybrid striped bass M. chrysops x M. saxatilis, and walleye Stizostedion vitreum were examined in Claytor Lake, Virginia. Stomach content from these three pelagic predators was used to calculate percent composition by wet mass and then made into a diet overlap index. This information was compared to historical relative weights, mean lengths-at-ages, and stomach fullness. During 1996 to 1998 the piscivorous sport fishes ate a significant amount of gizzard shad, between approximately 30% and 50% percent of their total diets. In 2012 it was found that all of the species had varying diets with walleye now eating mainly gizzard shad, striped bass eating alewife, and hybrid striped bass eating bluegill. Striped bass stopped eating gizzard shad entirely in 2012. Little to no overlap was found among the diets of these fish, a vast change from 1996 and 1997. Their relative weights increased considerably by 2012, except for hybrid striped bass. Our analysis of mean length-at-ages and stomach full gave no evidence to show temporal changes in growth or feeding intensities. This snapshot of Claytor Lake may provide a basis for future studies about forage abundance, growth and condition relative to forage consumption and stocking, and possible competitive interactions and niche partitioning.

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A Mid Atlantic brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) sustainability statistic for rating streams

KIRK SMITH, DANN SKLAREW

Environmental Science and Policy George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Due to the decline of Mid Atlantic brook trout populations coupled with diminishing budgets of relevant natural resource agencies who monitor the populations, a quick and cost effective assessment of brook trout streams or potential brook trout streams in the Mid-Atlantic United States is warranted. Using five core metrics--three in-stream metrics (riffle/run quality, dissolved oxygen content and water temperature) and two watershed metrics (percent land use in agriculture and distance to the nearest road from the survey site), a classification model has been established to allow resource managers to quickly screen a given stream reach in order to determine its potential for supporting sustainable populations of brook trout. Developed via discriminant analysis using Maryland Department of Natural Resources' historical stream data, two classification equations can be simplified into one equation which produces a sustainability statistic (S). Should the five field measurements from the metrics produce a positive "S" at a given site, then the stream reach most likely favors conditions suitable for sustainable brook trout populations. Conversely, negative "S" values indicate less than adequate conditions for sustainable brook trout populations.

Controlling the North River, Lessons in Restoration

DAWN KIRK

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest PO Box 10, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579

North River is located in northwestern Augusta County. In 1949, a tropical storm caused extensive flooding and landslides in the watershed. Major damage to roads and bridges prompted the bulldozing of rubble out of the stream, which resulted in an even more unstable channel. A decision was made to use the Corps of Engineer’s newest technology, gabions, to prevent further erosion, stabilize banks and control bedload movement. From 1957 to 1965, a total of 7 cross channel weirs, 69 walls, and 17 groins were installed in 5.8 miles of river. A detailed survey to assess the successes and failures of the gabion structures was completed in the summer of 1985, just months before the flood of November 1985. A repeat survey was done in 1986. Prior to the 1985 flood, all of the weirs were failures, with a mixture of success on the groins and walls. After the 1985 flood, most of the gabion structures were buried, gone, or totally collapsed. The overall impact was a widening of the channel and loss of complex habitat. The movement of the river through time and its response to various management actions is examined, with an eye toward current restoration efforts.

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North River Habitat Restoration Project: 2005 -2012 and Beyond

LOUISE FINGER

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Verona, Virginia 24482

The US Forest Service and VDGIF, with assistance from Trout Unlimited, have been implementing a stream-habitat enhancement project on North River in Augusta County since 2005. North River is a native brook trout stream in the George Washington National Forest that has seen extensive manipulation over the years that has impacted the stream morphology and, hence, pool habitat. The primary objective of this long-term project is to create pools in a channel which previously had few or none due to channel widening and aggradation. In order to create and enhance pool habitat, the wide, shallow channel has been narrowed and a floodplain bench constructed. Along with the modification of channel dimension, 48 pool features with woody attributes have been constructed to-date. Many lessons have been learned during all aspects of this on-going enhancement project, including design, construction, pre-construction data gathering, and monitoring efforts. These lessons will be shared, as well as future research and monitoring plans for the project.

Results from 2012 fish tissue mercury concentration sampling from South River, South Fork Shenandoah and Shenandoah Rivers

CALVIN JORDAN Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Since the 1980’s, The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has been monitoring mercury levels in fish of the South River, South Fork and Shenandoah Rivers. Mercury contamination was caused by the use of mercury at the DuPont Plant in Waynesboro, VA from 1929-1950. Currently there is a consumption advisory for all species of fish except trout on the South River recommending that no fish be eaten, and a 2 meal per month advisory on the South Fork. There is no mercury advisory on the Shenandoah because there is a more restrictive PCB advisory currently in place. Initially it was thought that mercury levels would decline over time; however data collected in the 1990’s indicated that levels were not declining. The latest round of fish sampling occurred in 2012 and show similar results to previous year. In addition to whole fillet sampling, DEQ also sub-sampled about 100 fish using biopsy plugs to compare with whole fillet data. If biopsy plug data correlates well with whole filet data we may be able to switch to non-lethal fish tissue sampling in the future. Non-lethal fish tissue sampling is becoming more popular and has been used on South River to measure mercury concentrations in individual fish over time.

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Age and Growth of Northern Snakehead in Potomac River Tributaries, Virginia

JOHN ODENKIRK1, CATHERINE LIM2

1 Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 2 Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Ashland, VA 23005

Northern snakehead Channa argus were first documented in the Potomac River system in 2004. Since that time, their population has expanded in range and number, yet relatively little is known about key population parameters including age and growth. Lack of known age fish with which to compare otoliths from wild fish has hindered verification, and northern snakehead otoliths are particularly irregular, sometimes opaque, and show great variability in morphology between individuals. We compared growth increments (mm/d) of recaptured T-bar anchor tagged fish (n=51, mean time-at-large 310 days) to otolith annuli from fish sacrificed in 2011 and 2012 (n=192). Otolith transverse perspectives were viewed “cracked” with transmitted light while immersed rather than with surface readings of whole otoliths – the predominate prior methodology. Readings from fish aged 1-4 suggested initial growth was much faster than previously reported before reaching an asymptote, but length at age was highly variable. Annual growth increments for fish aged 1-4 (mean length at age of 394, 563, 644, and 721 mm TL, respectively) were converted to estimated daily growth increments (mm/d) which were reasonably similar to daily growth increments of recaptured tagged fish of similar size.

Dam Removal in Virginia: “Dammed If You Don’t, Undammed If You Do”

L. ALAN WEAVER

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Richmond, Virginia 23230

When feasible, dam removal is the preferred fish passage option because of the additional benefits of stream habitat restoration and recreational boating safety improvements. Owner, neighbor and community cooperation, as well as funding and historical mitigation are the main challenges. To date, 14 dams have been removed and several others breached or notched. Riverton Dam was removed from the North Fork Shenandoah River in 2010 for resident and American eel passage and to improve boating safety. Charles Lake Dam was removed from Kimages Creek in 2010 to restore diadromous fish passage and tidal creek habitat. River herring were documented passing into Kimages. Cumberland Marsh Dam was removed from a small tributary of the Pamunkey River in 2010 for habitat restoration. Two dams, Ramworks and DuPont, were removed from the South River in Waynesboro in 2011 to provide passage for resident fishes and American eel, to restore trout stream habitat, and to improve recreational boating opportunities. Water quality improvements are being monitored and fish movement studies are ongoing on the South River. The removal of Harvell Dam from the Appomattox River is planned for 2013. A new Chesapeake Bay fish passage prioritization tool developed by TNC is being used to help identify future projects.

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Lake Burton, a Trophy Largemouth Bass Fishery in the Making?

DAN WILSON

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 1132 Thomas Jefferson Road, Forest, VA 24551

The Lake Burton fishery has historically provided poor fishing opportunities and had low angler visitation. Most fish species at this lake were unbalanced, predominantly high numbers and small sizes. However, this lake has consistently produced a limited number of memorable size (≥ 20 inches) largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) but the population has been limited due to habitual poor spawning success. Management objectives for this reservoir changed in 2004 from common statewide management practices to trophy bass management. The reservoir was stocked with micro wire tagged Florida x Northern largemouth bass (F1LMB), fishing regulations were modified, and attempts were made to reduce some undesirable species. Florida x Northern largemouth bass were stocked in the summer of 2004-2006 and comprised 25%, 12%, and 3% of the age 1 largemouth bass the following springs. Eight years after F1LMB stockings, electrofishing catch rates for memorable size largemouth bass has substantially increased. Additionally, 50% of largemouth bass collected ≥ 22 inches during 2012 sampling were F1LMB. Similar F1LMB stockings at two additional Virginia small impoundments have not produced similar results.

Another Yankee Comes to Virginia Steelhead Introduction to Lake Moomaw and the Jackson River

Stephen J. Reeser

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Verona, Virginia 24482

Lake Moomaw is a 1,024 ha U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir located in western Virginia. The impoundment was constructed in the late 1970’s, and due to its average depth of 25m a “two-story” fishery was developed. Taking advantage of the available coldwater habitat in the reservoir, alewife and both brown and rainbow trout were introduced to develop a coldwater sport fishery. McConaughy strain rainbow trout (originating in Nebraska) were stocked annually in the reservoir by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) 1980-2008. McConaughy rainbow trout were chosen because they exhibited a strong spawning migration (run) behavior during the winter and spring of the year. Spawning “runs” of McConaughy rainbows (20+”) up the Jackson River and Back Creek upstream of the reservoir provided a unique and popular angling opportunity. VDGIF’s sole source of McConaughy eggs was from the state of Montana. In 2008 quarantine was placed on transporting fish or eggs from coldwater hatcheries west of the Mississippi River due to Cutthroat Trout Virus. Chamber’s Creek (WA) steelhead rainbow trout were selected as a replacement for McConaughy rainbow trout. The goal of the project is to develop both a reservoir fishery in Lake Moomaw and a seasonal riverine steelhead fishery in the Jackson River and other tributaries upstream of the reservoir. Evaluation of different stocking strategies will be discussed.

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Posters

Spatial and temporal variation in secondary production of smallmouth bass from the New River, Virginia

MORGAN E. BRIZENDINE1, JOHN R. COPELAND2, GEORGE C. PALMER2, BONNIE J. MYERS, AND ANDREW L. RYPEL1

1 Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

2Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

Production is a core measure of energy flow through ecosystems and the services that ecosystems provide to humans. Here, we provide multiple estimates of secondary production of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), a valuable game fish, from the New River, VA and examine patterns in production both spatially (upstream versus downstream) and temporally (2005 versus 2010). Annual production of smallmouth bass at a site near Blacksburg in 2005 was 2.43 g m-2 but declined to 1.71 g m-2 in 2010. There was a 2-3 fold loss in production for the 3-6 year old age classes. This result supports recent complaints by anglers of a lack of medium-sized bass from this and other sections of the New River. Furthermore, results suggest that over time, changing environmental conditions, angling, or increased interspecific competition may be having a significant negative effect on New River smallmouth bass production.

Private Trophy Bass Management in the Mid-Atlantic: Challenges and Solutions AARON CUSHING AND DAVID BEASLEY

SOLitude Lake Management Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Private pond and lake management for trophy largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) offers many unique challenges to common strategies throughout the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Before harvest rates and common management techniques can even be considered, most water bodies are lacking a number of important qualities required to sustain healthy fish populations. Adequate water quality and habitat, proper vegetation, bathymetry, and skewed predator to prey ratios are all obstacles that must first be overcome. Multiple methods such as liming, aeration, fertilization, and the addition of beneficial bacteria to improve water quality, fish biomass production, and living space must be carefully tailored and balanced to each situation. Habitat improvements can be made with the addition of artificial structures, plantings of beneficial aquatic vegetation, and the removal and control of unwanted nuisance species can be accomplished with herbicides or grass carp. Many lakes are found to be shallow and require dredging to create the proper bathymetry needed to prevent excess vegetation growth. Correcting skewed predator to prey ratios is often the hardest thing to accomplish, as convincing a pond owner to harvest and remove large predators can be extremely difficult. When managing private ponds in the mid-Atlantic, fisheries biologist must remain flexible and adjust their management techniques based on an understanding of each water-body’s unique characteristics and the goals of each land owner.

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Occurrence of Juvenile Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) in Tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay

SEAN C. LUSK1, BRIAN E. WATKINS2, ASHLEIGH RHEA2, CASEY B. DILLMAN2 AND ERIC J. HILTON2

1Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061 2Department of Fisheries Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA 23062

Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma Jordan and Gilbert 1884) inhabits the continental shelf and estuarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast of North Atlantic, from peninsular Florida to Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Between May 30 and August 20, 2012, 15 juvenile (71-192 mm) Southern Flounder were collected in fyke nets in the Mattaponi River, a tributary of the York River, in Virginia. All individuals were confirmed to be Southern flounder morphologically and genetically by counting gill rakers and sequencing cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), the so-called bar-coding gene. Length and weight data were evaluated and compared to a population of Southern flounder in South Carolina. Southern flounder from both populations have very similar growth rates. There was no apparent relationship between temperature and capture location of Southern flounder or between the overall diversity of the fish community and the presence of Southern flounder.

Variations in community fish production across the southern Appalachians: implications for climate change

BONNIE MYERS, C. ANDREW DOLLOFF, AND ANDREW L. RYPEL

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

Climate change is thought to be a leading driver in the erosion of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability at all scales. However little is known on how diverse ecosystems actually respond to temperature change. We used annual secondary production estimates of entire Appalachian stream fish assemblages to assess relationships between ecosystem function and climate at a large spatial scale. During summer 2012, we collected fish biomass, somatic growth, and habitat data for whole assemblages in 25 Appalachian streams spanning from Vermont to North Carolina. Average biomass of fish communities ranged from 0.7 to 12.0 g/m2 in the northern sites and 0.9 to 5.0 g/m2 in the southern sites. We also found a strong positive relationship between α-diversity (e.g., species richness) and average community biomass (R2=0.53). Ultimately, estimates of annual fish assemblage production will be related to continuous temperature data being logged at each site while attempting to account for other potential covariates of production (e.g., habitat complexity, stream size, nutrient availability). This study will provide rare empirical estimates of whole assemblage production and how this aggregate ecosystem function, as well as species-specific production rates might respond to increasing temperatures.

Secondary Production of Fishes in Stroubles Creek, Virginia. Brendan Runde

Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

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Lake Keokee: Physical and Chemical Attributes and Management Issues

MICHAEL E. PETTIT AND DANIEL M. DOWNEY

Environmental Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries owned Keokee Dam impounds a 98-acre reservoir near the headwaters of the North Fork Powell River Lee County, Virginia. Lake Keokee’s purpose is to provide public recreational fishing in a rural mountain setting. The riser is designed to release cold water from the bottom of the lake to warm the lake pool and provide a favorable environment for warm water fish species such as largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, red-ear sunfish and channel catfish. Fish recruitment and growth have not met the expectations of fisheries managers and anglers. Lake Keokee has been treated with limestone to control iron floc and fertilized with a nitrogen-potassium-phosphorous mix. The goals of this project were to analyze Lake Keokee water chemistry and sediments, watershed characteristics, geology and lake morphology to provide data for fisheries managers. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to measure trace elements: iron, aluminum, magnesium and arsenic. Major ions were determined by ion chromatography. Total phosphorous and chlorophyll a were measured colorimetrically and fluorimetry, respectively. Total phosphorous, chlorophyll a and Secchi disk measurements were used to calculate the Trophic State Index (TSI). Sediment samples were taken at multiple locations in the lake and dam and analyzed for iron, aluminum, magnesium, zinc and lead. The results of these analyses will be presented along with recommendations for lake management.

Cross-population comparisons of grass carp growth: implications for hydrilla management in an Appalachian reservoir

MATTHEW A. WEBERG1, JOHN R. COPELAND2, BRIAN R. MURPHY1, AND ANDREW L. RYPEL1

1Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061

2Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Blacksburg, VA 24060

Somatic growth rates of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are related to vegetation consumption, making it a key variable in the development of stocking models for controlling nuisance vegetation such as hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). In 2011 and 2012, age 1+ grass carp were stocked into Claytor Lake, VA to control a rapidly expanding hydrilla infestation. To investigate grass carp growth in Claytor Lake, we subsampled each stocking cohort prior to release. Mean length and weight at stocking was 393 mm and 0.60 kg in 2011, and 334 mm and 0.42 kg in 2012. The 2011 stocking cohort was 618 mm and 3.51 kg after the first year in Claytor Lake, and 717 mm and 4.65 kg after the second growing season. The 2012 stocking cohort reached 531 mm, and 1.88 kg after their first growing season in the lake. In general, growth reported for U.S. populations exceeds that reported for native populations in the Amur basin, Russia. First-year growth of the 2011 stocking cohort in Claytor Lake was comparable to other introduced U.S. populations; however a decline in growth seen in 2012 relative to other populations suggests that hydrilla reductions in this system may have begun limiting growth. Future research will incorporate Claytor Lake grass carp growth estimates with annual hydrilla biomass estimates, and observed environmental data in the development of a stocking model aimed at achieving desirable levels of hydrilla control.

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Map to/from Hampton Inn and Elrod Commons

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A special thank you to those organizations whose

generous donations provided support for this annual

meeting:

Aquatic Biological Monitoring Services, Inc.

John Kauffman, LCC

THANK YOU, also, to those who donated raffle items to benefit the Virginia AFS Student

Scholarships Fund.