Source: AUBURN UNIVERSITY submitted to
ASSESSMENT OF BLACK BASS POPULATIONS AND FISHERIES IN ALABAMA RESERVOIRS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0196558
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
ALA09-045
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2003
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2008
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Maceina, M. J.
Recipient Organization
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
108 M. WHITE SMITH HALL
AUBURN,AL 36849
Performing Department
FISHERIES & ALLIED AQUACULTURE
Non Technical Summary
Black bass fisheries are popular and economicaly important in Alabama. By collecting and analyzing vital life history parameters and fishery statistics, will provide information necesssary for improving these fisheries. Supply natural resource agencies will information and analyses that can be used towards improving black bass fisheries in Alabama.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
13502101060100%
Knowledge Area
135 - Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife;

Subject Of Investigation
0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
To determine abiotic and biotic factors related growth, mortality, and recruitment of black basses in larger public water bodies in Alabama and provide this information to natural resource management agencies in an attempt to improve fisheries.
Project Methods
This research will be conducted in mainstream public reservoirs and tail races in Alabama. Black basses including largemouth bass, spotted bass and to a limited extent smallmouth bass in the Tennessee River, will be sampled throughout Alabama. These reservoirs span a range of trophic states, represent different flow regimes, and will include both stable and fluctuating water level reservoirs. Black bass age 1 and older will be collected in the spring using electrofishing gear. Fish will be anesthetized with MS-222 until expired then placed on ice. Length and weight will be measured, and otoliths removed to age fish following the procedures of Maceina and Betsill (1987) and Maceina (1988). Year-class strength will be determined from catch rates of age-1 fish and from residuals associated with catch-curve regressions (Maceina 1997). Year-class strength will be related to various reservoir hydrologic factors including retention time and water level fluctuations. Total annual mortality will be computed from catch-curves regressions and growth rates will be described using the von Bertalanffy equation (Ricker 1975). In addition, largemouth bass recruitment will be examined among different types of aquatic vegetation within a reservoir. In August when fish are age-0, young largemouth bass will be collected along randomly chosen transects in coves that contain disparate levels of submersed aquatic vegetation. Copeland and Noble (1994) found young largemouth bass migration after hatching from nursery coves was essentially nil during the first year of life. Collection time will be recorded on the boat. Electrofishing will also be conducted in November of the same year and in March-April and June of the following year, when fish are age 1. Upon collection, live fish will be placed in a 250 mg/L solution of MS-222 until they expire, then will be placed on ice. Fish will be measured (mm TL) and weighed (0.1 g) and otoliths removed to identify age-0, age-1, and age-2 and older fish from the sample. Depending on funding opportunities, creel surveys will be conducted from selected Alabama reservoirs to determine recreational angler catch and harvest, and attitudes concerning specific fisheries, and angler perceptions concerning new regulations. In addition, black bass tournament data will be analyzed using the Bass Angler Information Team program conducted by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fish . These data will be used to assess the impact of bag and length limits on these fisheries. Simulation modeling will be used to assess fish populations and impacts of bag and minimum or slot length limits on the fishery using the FAST software (Slipke and Maceina 2000). In addition, populations fluctuations will be predicted in relation to regulation changes. The response of growth, mortality, and recruitment to abiotic and biotic factors will be predicted using modeling.

Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The shoal bass is native to the Chattahoochee drainage in Alabama and is considered a lotic habitat specialist that prefers rocky and shoal areas. The shoal bass has been listed as a species of special conservation concern by the American Fisheries Society and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Recent surveys on the status of this fish in the state have not been conducted. From 2005 to 2007, we sampled four tributaries of the Chattahoochee River in east central Alabama to determine the amount of shoal habitat and estimate shoal bass relative abundance and occurrence. Fifty kilometers of the four streams were surveyed, and only 5.5 km of shoal habitat were found. The amount of shoal habitat was similar among all four streams, but shoal bass were common (N = 110) at only one site. Shoal bass were infrequently collected in the other three streams (N total = 10); spotted bass and to a lesser extent largemouth bass dominated the black bass communities even though suitable shoal habitat was present. At one site that contained 1.7 ha of shoal habitat, shoal bass survival was 82% over a six-month period during normal flow conditions but declined to 22% as a severe drought greatly reduced water flows. Corresponding to this decline in survival, population estimates declined from 69 -107 shoal bass (> 150 mm) to 13 - 23 fish over a two-year period. Anecdotal evidence indicated shoal bass were previously more common in Alabama tributaries of the Chattahoochee River, but currently this fish is in low abundance and in isolated populations with little or no connectivity among them. I described seasonal movement, habitat use, and home range of 23 shoal bass fitted with radio telemetry transmitters in Little Uchee Creek, Alabama. During this tracking period, the region experienced a drought that likely influenced shoal bass habitat choice and movement during reduced stream flow. During most of the year, shoal bass preferred runs and eddies, low current velocity (&#8804;0.30 m/s), and moderate depth (0.4- 0.8 m), which contained boulder and bedrock substrates. Most shoal bass in Little Uchee Creek had a strong affinity for shoal habitat. Generally, movement was minimal (< 7 m/week), and fish exhibited relatively sedentary behavior and remained within the shoal complex. Home ranges were small and averaged 0.11 ha (50% kernel) and 0.47 ha (95% kernel) as these fish typically inhabited less than 30% of the 1.15 km long study area. However, as stream flow decreased during late summer and fall 2006 and dewatered the shoal, some shoal bass migrated to a nearby deep water pool (> 1.2 m) that contained sand bottom, and where water velocity was nil. Eighty-seven percent of the radio-tagged shoal bass did not emigrate from the shoal habitat as it became dewatered and these fish subsequently perished. Small home ranges and the lack of movement by many shoal bass from the dewatered shoal habitat to refuges of deep water pools warrants concern to maintain and ensure adequate water quantity in streams where these fish are found. PARTICIPANTS: Mr. Matt Marshall (AU earned MS) Mr. Michael Shepherd (AU earned MS) Mr. Ryan Hunter (AU earned MS) Dr. Steve Sammons (AU earned Ph.D) Bass Angler Sportsman Society Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fish U. S. Geological Survey TARGET AUDIENCES: Natural resource angencies Power utility companies Alabama Department of Economic and Community delevelopment Sport fishing anglers PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The results of this investigation will assist state and federal fish conservation agencies improve populations and fisheries for black bass. In addition, this information is useful to black bass anglers in Alabama to understand the dynamics of these populations and fisheries.

Publications

  • Maceina, M. J., M. D. Marshall, and S. M. Sammons. 2008. Impacts of endothall applications on largemouth bass spawning behavior and reproductive success. North American Journal ofFisheries Management 28: 1812-1817.
  • Ricks, B. R., Jr., and M. J. Maceina. 2008. Effects of catch and release tournament fishing on dispersal and population metrics of black bass in Lake Martin, Alabama. Pages 293-308 in M. S. Allen, S. M. Sammons, and M. J. Maceina, editors. Balancing fisheries management and water uses for impounded river systems. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 62,Bethesda, Maryland.
  • Stormer, D. G, and M. J. Maceina. 2008. Relative abundance, distribution, and population metrics of shoal bass in Alabama. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 23:651-661.
  • Hunter, R. W., and M. J. Maceina. 2008. Movement and behavior of largemouth bass and Alabama spotted bass in Lake Martin, Alabama. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 23:599-606.
  • Hunter, R. W., and M. J. Maceina. 2008. Dispersal and accumulation of tournament displaced largemouth bass and spotted bass in Lake Martin, Alabama. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28:768-687.
  • Maceina, M. J., M. D. Shepherd, and R. W. Hunter. 2008. Competitive interactions among striped bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass in Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama. (Study 58). Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Federal Aid in Restoration, F-40, Final Report, Montgomery, 71 pages.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Striped bass have been introduced into over 100 USA reservoirs over the last several decades to provide additional sport fishing opportunities and to control abundant shad populations. Stocking of striped bass has been controversial and-non striped bass anglers have expressed two primary concerns; 1) striped bass consume sport fish including black bass and therefore reduce the abundance of catchable size fish; and 2) striped bass compete for limited prey with other piscivorus fish, which could reduce the growth rates and ultimately the abundance of black bass. Striped bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass were sample every other month in Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama (8,583 ha) between October 2006 and August 2007. In addition, striped bass were sampled in November 2005, April and June 2006. Striped bass and black bass stomachs were examined to describe food habits and striped bass were aged using otoliths to describe striped bass growth and survival. Growth and survival were estimated for largemouth bass and spotted bass from historically collected age data. Striped bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass populations were estimated using striped bass stocking densities, black bass age-0 densities and associated mortality rates. Fish bioenergetics models were used to estimate striped bass and black bass consumptive food demands. Striped bass diets (by weight) were dominated by shad (64%), while black bass and sunfish/crappie comprised 5% and 6% of the diet, respectively. Largemouth bass and spotted bass diets were dominated by crayfish 72% and 75%, respectively and sunfish 21% and 9%, respectively, while shad comprised 6 and 14% of the diets, respectively. Diet overlap values varied seasonally among species with highest overlap in June between striped bass and black bass, but relative weights of black bass did not decline. Black bass diets shifted from shad to crayfish in December when striped bass consumption of shad was the highest. Black bass relative weights were slightly depressed in December and indicated the potential for a competitive interaction between striped bass and black bass. Partitioning of prey resources between black bass and striped bass was evident throughout the rest of the year and diet overlap was minimal. Striped bass and black bass biomass estimates were nearly equal between species and ranged from 0.7 to 9.4 kg/ha, and 1.4 to 8.3 kg/ha, respectively. Overall, consumptive prey demand was similar between striped bass and black bass. Bioenergetics modeling indicated striped bass consume between 3 to 28 kg/ha a year of shad and 0.2 and 2.3 kg/ha a year of black bass, while black bass consume between 1 to 3 kg/ha a year of shad, 7 to 25 kg/ha of crayfish, and 2 to 6 kg/ha of sunfish. All black bass consumed by striped bass were less than the 330-381 mm slot limit on Lewis Smith Lake, and striped bass consumption of these black bass provided an additional resource to reduce small black bass. Although striped bass did consume some black bass, impact on the black bass population was low, striped bass and black bass partitioned prey resources, and impact of striped bass stocking on the black bass population was low. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals Steve Sammons (Post-doctoral Fellow II), Ryan Hunter (Research Associate 1), David Stormer (Graduate Research Assistant, Michael Shepherd (Graduate Research Assistant) assisted with the project. Partners Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fish Bass Angler Sportsman Society Contracts S, M. Sammons and M. J. Maceina. Conservation status of shoal bass in Alabama: distribution, abundance, stocking efficacy, and possible effects of sympatric congeneric black bass in selected tributaries of the Chattachoochee River, Alabama. Funded by the Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. October 2007 to September 2009. Amount: $100,000. M. J. Maceina and S. M. Sammons. Competitive interactions among striped bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass in Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama. Funded by the Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. October 2005 to September 2008. Amount: $177,000. M. J. Maceina and C. J. Johnston. Distribution, abundance, biology, and habitat use of shoal bass and species associates in selected tributaries of the Chattahoochee River, Alabama. Funded by Alabama State Wildlife Grants. October 2004 to September 2007. Amount:$120,000. M. J. Maceina (100%). Impacts of Aquathol K applications on largemouth bass spawning behavior and effects on largemouth bass and bluegill larval and juvenile production. Funded by Cerexagri, Inc. October 1 2004 to September 30, 2007. Amount: $62,000. All individuals including the PI attended professional fisheries meetings in 2007 TARGET AUDIENCES: State fish conservation agencies and anglers throughout the state PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None

Impacts
The results of this study will assist the Alabama Division and Wildlife and Freshwater Fish in improved management of black bass populations and fisheries within the state. Economically, black bass fishing in the most important freshwater fisheries in the state.

Publications

  • Maceina, M. J., and D. L. Pereira. 2007. Recruitment. Pages 121-185 in C. Guy and M. L. Brown, editors. Analysis and Interpretation of Freshwater Fisheries Data. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. (Invited refereed book chapter for a statistical analysis text)
  • Slipke, J. W., and M. J. Maceina. 2007. Movement and use of backwater habitats by largemouthbass and white crappie in Demopolis Reservoir, Alabama. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 22:393-401.
  • Maceina, M.. J., Boxrucker, D. L. Buckmeier, R. S. Gangl, D. O. Lucchesi, D. A. Isermann, J. R.Jackson, and P. J. Martinez. 2007. Current status and a review of freshwater fish aging procedures used by state and provincial fish agencies with recommendations for future directions. Fisheries 32:329-340.
  • Maceina, M. J. 2007 . Use of piecewise non-linear models to estimate variable size related mortality rates. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 27:971-977.
  • Stormer, D. G. 2007. Distribution, abundance, and population characteristics of shoal bass in tributaries of the Chattahoochee River, Alabama. (M. J. Maceina, major professor).


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
In Lake Martin, (16,000 ha), almost all of the black bass tournament activity occurs at Wind Creek State Park (WCSP). Thus, the potential of large-scale displacement of fish to the northern portions of Lake Martin and negative impacts on the populations of black bass inhabiting this area is possible. Tournament-caught black bass (N = 9,750) were coded wire tagged (CWT) and released at WCSP. A high proportion (> 50%) of released tournament-caught largemouth bass remained within 3 km from the release site up to 3 months after release, and relative abundance of these fish tended to be higher near WCSP. However, after 3 months, the proportion and electrofishing catch of released tournament-caught largemouth bass declined near WCSP using electrofishing, which suggested that these fish dispersed from the release area. Tournament-caught spotted bass dispersed at a faster rate than largemouth bass,as proportions of tagged tournament-caught spotted bass within 6 km of the release site were low (3-5%) in 2004 and decreased to 0% in 2005. Twenty bass were radio-tagged and transported to WCSP to simulate tournament displacement. In addition, 19 bass were tagged and released at their capture locations to serve as control fish. Both groups of displaced bass moved farther from the release site than control fish over time. Fish displaced in spring 2005 exhibited higher daily movement than control fish during the spring, summer, and fall. Estimates of black bass biomass possibly doubled within 2 km of WCSP as tournament displaced fish contributed nearly 9 kg/ha during the spring tournament season. We found simulated tournament released black bass moved more than control fish for up to 9 months. The impact of this altered behavior on growth, body condition, survival, and reproduction is unknown, but could negatively affect these attributes and warrants investigation. The energetic demand of higher movement of displaced fish could affect growth and body condition. Relative weights of both black bass species and growth of spotted bass were lower in the Wind Creek region where displacement of fish was high. Based on organized tournament data collected between 1986 and 2005, no evidence existed that the quality of tournament fishing has declined in Lake Martin over time for numeric catch-per-effort, catch-per-effort for weight, or the success rate of weighing in at least one fish. In conclusion, we documented the release of large numbers of black bass at WCSP and some negative impacts of tournament activity, but some of these impacts were short term, fish did disperse over time, and fishing quality appeared unchanged. The approximate displacement of 7,000 to 10,000 black bass per year (< 1 fish/ha) may not be significant enough to effect the overall quality of tournament fishing. Lower growth of spotted bass and reduced relative weights of both largemouth bass and spotted bass were observed in the more limnologically productive Wind Creek region where tournament release rates were high which may compromise the quality of the fishery in this part of Lake Martin.

Impacts
The results of this research will assist state agencies and organized black bass fishing clubs to improve the quality of black bass fishing in Alabama.

Publications

  • Sammons, S. M., and M. J. Maceina. 2006. Changes in diet and food consumption of largemouth bass following large-scale hydrilla reduction in Lake Seminole, Georgia. Hydrobiologia 560:109-120.
  • Maceina, M. J., B. R. Ricks, Jr., and R. W. Hunter. 2006. The effects of tournament fishing on displacement, mortality, and population characteristics on black bass in Lake Martin. Study 55). Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Federal Aid in Fish Restoration, F-40, Final Report, Montgomery, 156 pages.
  • Ricks, B. R. 2006. The effects of tournament fishing on dispersal, population characteristics, and mortality of black bass in Lake Martin, Alabama. Master of Science Thesis, Auburn University (M. J. Maceina, major professor).
  • Holley, M. P. 2006. An evaluation of the catfish fishery in Wilson Reservoir, Alabama. Master of Science Thesis, Auburn University (M. J. Maceina, major professor).
  • Hunter, R. W. 2006. Movement, dispersal, and home ranges of tournament displaced largemouth bass and spotted bass in Lake Martin, Alabama. Master of Science Thesis, Auburn University (M. J. Maceina, major professor).
  • Sammons, S. M.. D. G. Partridge, and M. J. Maceina. 2006. Differences in population metrics between bluegill and redear sunfish: mplications for the effectiveness of harvest regulations. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26: 777-787.
  • Maceina, M. J., and S. M. Sammons. 2006. An evaluation of different aging structures to age freshwater fish from a northeastern US river. Fisheries Management and Ecology 13:237-242.
  • Slipke, J. W., and M. J. Maceina. 2006. The influence of river connectivity on the fish community and the sport fish abundance in Demopolis Reservoir, Alabama. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 59:282-291.
  • Sammons, S. M., and M. J. Maceina. 2006. Population size, survival, and growth of largemouth bass one year after stocking in four ponds. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 59: 241-250.
  • Maceina, M. J., and J. M. Grizzle. 2006. The relation of largemouth bass virus to largemouth bass population metrics in five Alabama reservoirs. Transactions of the American Fishery Society 135:545-555.


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Historical (1989-2004) electrofishing catch-at-age data was assembled for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass from fifteen Alabama reservoirs in four river systems to estimate recruitment and compare these estimates to various hydrologic variables. Residuals derived from catch-curve regressions of age-3 and older largemouth bass and smallmouth bass and catch of age-1 largemouth bass and spotted bass were used as indices of recruitment. Typically in short retention (< 45 d) mainstream impoundments, stronger year-classes of black bass were produced when flushing rates were low (dryer climatic conditions) during and after spawning when fish were hatching or age-0. In addition, in some short retention reservoirs, wet winters followed by dry conditions in the summer and fall increased black bass recruitment. In a few reservoirs with regulated annual water level fluctuations, higher water levels during spawning and in the summer and fall when fish were age-0, increased the probability of producing a strong year-class for largemouth bass, but not for spotted bass. However in most instances, uncontrollable wet and dry climatic conditions were more associated with black bass recruitment variation than water level fluctuation even in longer retention reservoirs. For all reservoirs and species examined, hydrologic variables explained 17 to 86% of the variation in black bass recruitment, but most models accounted for about 25 to 60% of this variation. Over time, year-class strength coincided for largemouth bass and spotted bass in many reservoirs where sympatric populations existed. Growth-rates of age-1 largemouth bass or spotted bass were not related to relative abundances at age-1 for either species where they coexisted. Uncontrollable climatic conditions did not favor species specific recruitment success for largemouth bass or spotted bass in short retention reservoirs.

Impacts
The results of this research will assist state fish conservation and water management agencies to improve black bass populations in Alabama.

Publications

  • Sammons, S. M., and M. J. Maceina. 2005. Activity patterns of largemouth bass in a subtropical U. S. reservoir. Fisheries Management and Ecology 12:331-339.
  • Slipke, J. W., S. M. Sammons, and M. J. Maceina. 2005. Importance of the connectivity of backwater areas for fish production in Demopolis Reservoir, Alabama. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 20:479-485.
  • Sammons, S. M., and M. J. Maceina. 2005. Effect of treatments of Aquathol K on movement and activity patterns of largemouth bass in two coves in Lake Seminole, Georgia. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 43:17-23.
  • Sammons, S. M., M. J. Maceina, and D. G. Partridge. 2005. Population characteristics of largemouth bass associated with changes in abundance of submersed aquatic vegetation in Lake Seminole, Georgia. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 43:9-16.
  • Euten, M. R. 2005. The influence of reservoir hydrology on black bass recruitment in Alabama reservoirs. MS Thesis, Auburn University.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
A total of 23 Alabama reservoirs were sampled for black bass and represented a wide continuum of hydrological, morphological, and limnological conditions. Electrofishing catch-at-age data was assembled for for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass from 1989 to 2004 in reservoirs located seven river basins to estimate recruitment and compare these estimates to various hydrologic variables. Residuals derived from catch-curve regressions of age-3 and older largemouth bass and smallmouth bass and catch of age-1 largemouth bass and spotted bass were used as indices of recruitment. Typically in short to moderate retention (< 55 d) mainstream impoundments, stronger year-classes of black bass were produced when retention was longer (dryer climatic conditions) during and after spawning when fish were hatching or age-0. In addition, in some short retention reservoirs, wet winters followed by dry conditions in the summer and fall increased black bass recruitment. In short retention reservoirs, climatic events did not favor species specific recruitment in sympatric populations of largemouth bass and spotted bass. In a few reservoirs with regulated annual water level fluctuations, higher water levels during spawning and in the summer and fall when fish were age-0, increased the probability of producing a strong year-class for largemouth bass, but not for spotted bass. However in most instances, uncontrollable wet and dry climatic conditions were more associated with black bass recruitment variation than water level fluctuation even in longer retention reservoirs. For all reservoirs and species examined, hydrologic variables explained 11 to 83% of the variation in black bass recruitment, but most models accounted for about 25 to 60% of this variation. Relative abundances of age-1 largemouth bass and spotted bass were strongly associated with trophic state and primary productivity. In eutrophic (chlorophyll a > 9 mg/m3) reservoirs, age-1 catch of largemouth bass was about twice as great than in oligo-mesotrophic (chlorophyll a < 8 mg/m3) reservoirs. As reservoirs became more productive, age-1 spotted bass catch declined and young spotted bass catch was about twice than largemouth bass in oligo-mesotrophic reservoirs. In eutrophic reservoirs where both species existed, age-1 largemouth bass relative abundance was nearly three times greater than spotted bass. In sympatric populations, both largemouth bass and spotted bass lengths at-age 1 were similar for both trophic state categories and length at-age 1 was not related to chlorophyll a for either species. In all reservoirs, spotted bass lengths-at-age 1 were lower than for largemouth bass. Oligotrophication appeared to favor production of young spotted bass over largemouth bass.

Impacts
The results of this project will assist resource and reservoir managers understand and improve black bass fisheries in Alabama. In addition, the impact of largemouth bass virus and the future status of these fisheries was determined.

Publications

  • Sammons, S. M. 2004. Effects fo a drip-delivery fluridone treatment on largemouth bass activity patterns and population characteristics in the Spring Creek Embayment of Lake Seminole, Georgia. Ph.D. Dissertation, Auburn University.
  • Maceina, M. J., and J. W. Slipke. 2004. The response of largemouth bass and aquatic plants to small-scale applications of Aquathol K in Lake Seminole, Georgia. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 57:35-43.
  • Slipke, J. W., M. P. Holley, and M. J. Maceina. 2004. Exploitation of largemouth bass in Wheeler Reservoir, Alabama and simulated effects of minimum length limit regulations. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 57:17-27.
  • Martin, A. D., and M. J. Maceina. 2004. Assessment of detecting minimum length limits changes for crappie in two Alabama reservoirs. Fisheries Research 68:293-303.
  • Maceina, M. J., and J. W. Slipke. 2004. The use of herbicides to control hydrilla and the effects on young largemouth bass population characteristics and aquatic vegetation in Lake Seminole,Georgia. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 42:5-11.
  • Maceina, M. J. 2004. Verifying residuals from catch curves to detect recruitment variation in largemouth bass and crappie. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:231-236.


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Between the early and late 1990s, angler catch rates of large (> 2.27 kg) largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides declined by an order of magnitude in Wheeler Reservoir, Alabama. In Wheeler reservoir, two indices of recruitment indicated relatively stable recruitment over the past 20 years in the population with the exception of a few year classes and was not related to the decline in memorable size fish. In 2001-2003, spring and early summer exploitation estimates adjusted for tag loss and angler non-reporting ranged from 6 to 15%. Modeling predicted that a 406 mm minimum length limit (MLL) could potentially increase by 56% the proportion of a cohort that would recruit to 508 mm, compared to a 305 mm MLL. Thus, current exploitation rates and an angler enforced 305 mm MLL did not account for the dramatic decline of large fish in Wheeler reservoir. Largemouth bass virus (LMBv) appears to be the most likely cause for the decline of memorable length fish in Wheeler reservoir. LMBv infected fish grew slower and expressed lower relative weight. In 2000,it took fish about two years longer to reach memorable length than in 1994. Similarly,infected fish took two years longer to reach 425 mm than uninfected fish. Fish with relative weights less than 85 were associated with higher incidences of LMBv. Occurrence of LMBv was not as great in older and larger fish, but LMBv infection was statistically stronger for length than age. Highest prevalence of LMBv was found in 200-450 mm TL fish. In support of this, total annual survival in 2000 was lower than in 1994. In addition, length-based mortality models indicated that mortality was higher for 300-450 mm fish in 1998-2000 than for larger fish. Results of this study demonstrated that a substantial proportion of angled largemouth bass held in live wells during summer tournaments died in Wheeler Reservoir. A maximum of 36-39% of fish held in live wells initially died or died a few days later after accounting for post-tournament confinement. Although summer tournament induced mortality was likely high in Wheeler reservoir, the direct impact to the overall population was negligible. The sum of direct fishing mortality and tournament induced mortality was likely less than natural mortality rates of largemouth bass in Wheeler reservoir and was not the primary factor related to the loss of memorablesize fish. Similar to Wheeler reservoir, the decline in abundance of fish > 2.27 kg in the late 1990s in other Alabama study reservoirs was primarily due to slower growth and lower survival rates of age-3 and older fish. Most of the relations between LMBv prevalence and relative weight, length, age and growth observed in Wheeler reservoir were also found in these other impoundments. Since 2000 in Wheeler reservoir, survival rates have increased, which has corresponded to a higher proportion and greater abundances of larger fish > 400 and 500 mm TL captured in electrofishing samples and higher angler catch rates of fish > 2.27 kg. However, until growth of larger fish increases to rates observed in the early and mid 1990s, the abundance and angler catch of these larger fish will not be as great.

Impacts
The results of this project will assist resource and reservoir managers understand and improve black bass fisheries in Alabama. In addition, the impact of largemouth bass virus and the future status of these fisheries was determined.

Publications

  • Maceina, M. J., and D. R. Bayne. 2003. The potential impact of water reallocation on retention and chlorophyll a in Weiss Lake, Alabama. Lake and Reservoir Management 19:200-207.
  • Henry, T. B., J. M. Grizzle, and M. J. Maceina. 2003. Comparison of in-water voltage gradients roduced by electrofishing boats. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 55:138-145.
  • Sammons, S. M., M. J. Maceina, and D. G. Partridge. 2003. Changes in behavior, movement, and home ranges of largemouth bass following large-scale hydrilla removal in Lake Seminole, Georgia. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 41:31-38.
  • Henry, T. B., J. M. Grizzle, and M. J. Maceina. 2003. Electroshocking-induced mortality of four fish species during posthatching development. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 132:299-306.