Fishing Mortality and Habitat Loss Affect Largemouth Bass Fishery in the Potomac River (Maryland)

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph W. Love ◽  
Mary Groves ◽  
Branson D. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
The United States ◽  
Potomac River ◽  
Fishing Mortality ◽  
Catch And Release ◽  
Negative Impacts

Abstract Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides is arguably the most popular sport fish of inland waters in the United States. The majority of anglers in the fishery practice catch and release. Catch-and-release guidelines aim to reduce negative impacts of angling on individual fish, though such impacts on populations are not widely reported. We hypothesized that a decline in the population size for Largemouth Bass from a catch-and-release fishery from the Potomac River resulted from a period of greater fishing mortality followed by habitat loss that reduced the recovery of the population. After we analyzed several years of fishery-dependent and independent data (1999–2015), it was determined that fishing mortality and relative exploitation were greater than average in the latter half of the 2000s than in previous years. Fishery-independent survey results suggested a loss of large fish and decline in population size. The relative abundance of juveniles subsequently declined possibly because the area of submerged aquatic vegetation used as nursery habitat had declined after tropical storms. For management purposes, we suggest that fishing mortality not exceed 28% for a sustainable fishery (assuming similar levels of natural mortality) in the Potomac River. Negative impacts to Largemouth Bass populations could be lessened by reduced harvest and widespread enforcement of catch-and-release guidelines, especially during times when angler effort is high, fish are highly accessible to anglers in the fishery, and habitat loss limits recruitment.

Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
The United States ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Minimum Length ◽  
Catch And Release ◽  
Black Bass ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Catch Rates ◽  
Sport Fish

<em>Abstract</em>.—Largemouth Bass (LMB) <em>Micropterus salmoides</em> is one of the most popular sport fish in the United States and is intensively managed across much of its range. Beginning in 1989, Wisconsin implemented more restrictive harvest regulations for LMB, including greater minimum length limits, reduced bag limits, and a catch-and-release-only season during the spawning period across much of northern Wisconsin. We tested for trends in LMB relative abundance, growth, and angler catch and harvest in relation to LMB management policies from 1990 to 2011. We also tested for potential sport fish community responses to changes in LMB abundances using Walleye (WAE) <em>Sander vitreus</em> as an example. Angler catch rates and electrofishing catch per unit effort of LMB greater than 8 and 14 in increased significantly statewide. Mean length of age-6 LMB decreased significantly statewide. Release rates of LMB increased from about 80% in 1991 and then plateaued at more than 96% from 2005 to 2011. Concurrent with increases in LMB, adult WAE densities declined in lakes containing LMB. Ongoing research is being conducted to test for interactions between LMB and WAE and to test for additional environmental drivers, such as climate warming, that may be associated with increased LMB abundances. Largemouth Bass abundances have increased in Wisconsin, possibly in response to changes in harvest regulations, angler behavior, and potentially other environmental drivers. These increases in LMB abundances have had negative intraspecific effects on growth and may be negatively affecting WAE stocks. We recommend that management goals for LMB consider intra- and interspecific consequences, particularly in water bodies where multispecies fisheries are desired.

Assessing the potential to mitigate climate-related expansion of largemouth bass populations using angler harvest

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 520-533
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Sullivan ◽  
Daniel A. Isermann ◽  
Kaitlin E. Whitlock ◽  
Jonathan F. Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Warm Water ◽  
Small Fish ◽  
Fishing Mortality ◽  
Ecological Benefits ◽  
Catch And Release ◽  
New Challenges

Climate-related changes in fish communities can present new challenges for fishery managers who must address declines in cool- and cold-water sportfish while dealing with increased abundance of warm-water sportfish. We used largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in Wisconsin lakes as model populations to determine whether angler harvest provides a realistic method for reducing abundance of a popular warm-water sportfish that has become more prevalent and has prompted management concerns around the globe. Model results indicate largemouth bass will be resilient to increased fishing mortality. Furthermore, high rates of voluntary catch-and-release occurring in most largemouth bass fisheries likely preclude fishing mortality rates required to reduce bass abundance at meaningful levels (≥25% reductions). Increasing fishing mortality in these scenarios may require more “stimulus” than merely providing anglers with greater harvest opportunities via less stringent harvest regulations. Angler harvest could result in populations dominated by small fish, a scenario that may be undesirable to anglers, but could provide ecological benefits in certain situations.

Molecular characterization ofNeoechinorhynchus cylindratusVan Cleave, 1913 (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae), a parasite of the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in northern Mexico

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. García-Varela ◽  
C.D. Pinacho-Pinacho
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Nuclear Dna ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Large Subunit ◽  
The United States ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacers ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Northern Mexico

AbstractMembers of the genusNeoechinorhynchusStiles & Hassall, 1905 are endoparasites of freshwater fishes, brackish water fishes, and freshwater turtles distributed worldwide. In North America, 33 species have been described. One of the most widely distributed species in the eastern United States and Canada isNeoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) cylindratus,a common acanthocephalan that infects centrarchid fishes. In the current study, adult specimens ofN. (N) cylindratuswere collected from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from the Purificación River in northern Mexico. In the same freshwater system, two additional congeneric species (Neoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) emyditoidesandNeoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) panucensis) were collected and analysed. Sequences of the large subunit, internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2, 5.8S from nuclear DNA, and sequences of the cytochromecoxidase subunit I (cox1) from mitochondrial DNA were generated and aligned with other sequences obtained from GenBank. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses inferred for each dataset showed thatN. (N) panucensis,N. (N) emyditoidesandN. (N) cylindratuswere nested within several clades, indicating that these species do not share a common ancestor. Our phylogenies also revealed that the genusNeoechinorhynchusis paraphyletic, requiring further taxonomic revision using phylogenetic systematics and re-examination of morphological and ecological data. The presence of severalN. (N) cylindratusadults in northern Mexico allowed us to typify this species for the first time using a combination of morphological and molecular characteristics. The current record shows a wide distribution range ofN. (N) cylindratusacross Canada, the United States and Mexico in the Nearctic region.

A Geospatial Approach for Estimating Suitable Habitat and Population Size of the Invasive Northern Snakehead

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph W. Love ◽  
Joshua J. Newhard ◽  
Brett Greenfield
Keyword(s):  
Chesapeake Bay ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Tidal Freshwater ◽  
Predatory Fish ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Potomac River ◽  
Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Abstract Northern snakehead Channa argus, an invasive predatory fish species from Asia, may continue to establish itself throughout temperate areas of the eastern United States, particularly in shallow vegetated habitats of ponds and streams. The species was first collected in the Potomac River in 2004 and has become successfully established in several major rivers within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The objectives of this work were to develop habitat suitability criteria using a novel methodology that combines geographic information systems technology and fish surveys to estimate population sizes. A combination of catch data and reported or empirically derived habitat relationships were used to analyze seasonal distributions (March–October) in two tidal freshwater tributaries of the Potomac River: Nanjemoy Creek (2013) and Chopawamsic Creek (2010–2013). Adults were collected in relatively deeper sections of the streams (average depth 0.7–1.0 m) with a low cover of submerged aquatic vegetation (0–21% of site). Using additional distributional data, we identified suitability criteria as: 1) edges of submerged aquatic vegetation that included 5 m of vegetation and 5 m of adjacent open water; 2) less than 30% of mid-channel distance from shore, which may or may not include submerged aquatic vegetation; and 3) the upper 15% of the tidal freshwater stream. An adult population estimate derived from a suitable area in Pomonkey Creek (a tributary of the Potomac River) and estimated densities from Nanjemoy Creek and Chopawamsic Creek (i.e., three adults/ha) was not different from that expected using electrofishing surveys. Assuming approximately 7,093 ha of suitable habitat and three adults/ha, the number of adults was predicted to be 21,279 for 44 major tidal freshwater tributaries of the Potomac River. This is our first estimate of population size of northern snakehead for any river of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its accuracy will undoubtedly improve as additional studies report variation in density for other tributaries. Because of the species’ ability to establish itself in temperate climates, it is important to engage the public to prevent additional releases of northern snakehead, especially to vulnerable habitats.

Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Parental Care ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Selective Breeding ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Smallmouth Bass ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Negative Impacts

<em>Abstract</em>.—Long-term studies in Ontario, Canada on Largemouth Bass <em>Micropterus salmoides</em> and Smallmouth Bass <em>M. dolomieu</em> have demonstrated that angling nesting males (both catch and harvest and catch and release) can have negative impacts on the reproductive success for the captured individual. They have also demonstrated that within a population, the male bass that provide the best and longest parental care for their offspring are the most capable of having the greatest relative contribution to the year-class. Furthermore, those males are also the most aggressive toward potential brood predators and, hence, the most vulnerable to angling. Based on those relationships, we postulated that angling in general, and especially angling for nesting bass, results in selection against aggressive individuals in a population, and as a result, the angled population evolves to become less aggressive, containing males with diminished parental care attributes, an example of fisheries-induced evolution (FIE). We recognize, however, that some change towards less aggressive behaviors may also result from learning and phenotypic plasticity. Controlled, long-term selective breeding experiments over 30+ years have, however, documented the heritability of vulnerability of bass to angling and, hence, the potential for selection to act on that trait. Reproductive competition experiments further demonstrated that the highly vulnerable strain of bass produced in those selective breeding experiments indeed had greater reproductive success than the less vulnerable strain. Because angling for Largemouth Bass has been occurring for decades, we also postulated that there should be some evidence in the wild of this FIE. In fact, we did find that the level of vulnerability to angling of nesting male Largemouth Bass in lakes that have had little to no exploitation was significantly greater than that observed for nesting males in moderately and heavily angled populations.

Management Implications for Different Genetic Stocks of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the United States

1981 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 1715-1723 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. Philipp ◽  
William F. Childers ◽  
Gregory S. Whitt
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Thermal Tolerance ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
The United States ◽  
Temperature Tolerance ◽  
Allelic Polymorphism ◽  
Genetic Stocks ◽  
Starch Gel ◽  
Or Genes

Genetic differences exist among 90 largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) populations from different geographic regions of the United States. Genetic variation at 28 loci was determined through the use of vertical starch gel electrophoretic analyses. Allelic polymorphism was observed at 16 of these loci. Marked differences in allele frequencies at six of these loci exist among the populations. Distinct north–south clinal distributions of the alleles at the MDH-B, SOD-A, IDH-B, and AAT-B loci suggest a possible involvement of the associated enzymes in the thermal tolerance/preference limits for this species.We conclude that one or more of these enzymes may be directly involved in temperature tolerance/preference or indirectly associated with temperature-related effects. In either instance, selection (if occurring) may be acting upon the enzyme locus or genes closely linked to it. Through a combination of ecological and genetic principles, it is becoming increasingly feasible to select or construct specific populations of marine or freshwater fish optimally suited for specific environments. Fisheries management programs would benefit from the application of these principles. Multidisciplinary approaches of this nature are essential to maximize the successful conservation and management of our natural resources.Key words: largemouth bass, allele, loci, polymorphism, selection, population

scholarly journals Global diversity and genetic landscape of natural populations and hatchery stocks of largemouth bass micropterus salmoides across American and Asian regions

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wang ◽  
Hong Yao ◽  
Yan-He Li ◽  
Yong-Jiang Xu ◽  
Xu-Fa Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Wild Populations ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Population Genetic Analysis ◽  
The North

Abstract Although largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides has shown its extremely economic, ecological, and aquacultural significances throughout the North American and Asian continents, systematic evaluation of genetic variation and structure of wild and cultured populations of the species is yet to be documented. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure of M. salmoides from 20 wild populations and five cultured stocks across the United States and China using eight microsatellite loci, which are standard genetic markers for population genetic analysis. Our major findings are as follows: (1) the result of Fst showed largemouth bass had high genetic differentiation, and the gene flow indicated the genetic exchange among wild populations is difficult; (2) AMOVA showed that 14.05% of the variation was among populations, and 85.95% of the variation was within populations; (3) The majority of largemouth bass populations had a significant heterozygosity excess, which is likely to indicate a previous population bottleneck; (4) Allelic richness was lower among cultured populations than among wild populations; (5) Effective population size in hatcheries could promote high levels of genetic variation among individuals and minimize loss of genetic diversity; China’s largemouth bass originated from northern largemouth bass of USA. The information provides valuable basis for development of appropriate conservation policies for fisheries and aquaculture genetic breeding programs in largemouth bass.

Genetic Implications of Introducing Florida Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus

1991 ◽  
Vol 48 (S1) ◽  
pp. 58-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. Philipp
Keyword(s):  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
The Other ◽  
First Year ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Genetic Composition ◽  
Natural Spawning ◽  
Experimental Populations ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Breeding Pool

Stocks of northern largemouth bass (NLMB), Micropterus salmoides salmoides, Florida largemouth bass (FLMB), M. s. floridanus, and both reciprocal F1 hybrids were produced through natural spawning; the genetic composition of each stock was confirmed electrophoreticaliy, and experimental populations established. One set of experimental populations (P1 and P2) contained as broodstock equal numbers of adult NLMB and FLMB, whereas the other set (H1 and H2) initially contained equal numbers of adults of both reciprocal F1 hybrids and both pure subspecies. Each year-class produced experimentally were sampled and individuals analyzed genetically to determine their parentage. Initially, much of the YOY production in P1 and P2 was composed of small FLMB that did not survive winter well; once naturally produced F1 hybrids entered the breeding pool, most offspring were Fx hybrids, and the population became heavily introgressed. In H1 and H2 introgression began with the production of the first year-class. Within each year-class NLMB produced in all ponds were significantly larger than all other genotypes, but it appears likely that after only a few generations, production of pure NLMB ceases, all individuals being Fx hybrids. Results illustrate the potential negative impacts of introducing FLMB or hybrids between it and NLMB into waters within or contiguous to the native range of the northern subspecies.

scholarly journals Successes of Restoration and Its Effect on the Fish Community in a Freshwater Tidal Embayment of the Potomac River, USA

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim De Mutsert ◽  
Amanda Sills ◽  
C. J. Carroll Schlick ◽  
R. Christian Jones
Keyword(s):  
Fish Community ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
White Perch ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Control Plant ◽  
Phase Changes ◽  
Phosphorus Loading ◽  
Potomac River ◽  
Tidal Embayment

After a local pollution control plant significantly reduced phosphorus loading into a phytoplankton-dominated tributary of the Potomac River in the early 1980&rsquo;s, water quality and biological communities were monitored bi-weekly from April-September. After a 10-year time-lag, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), once abundant in this freshwater tidal embayment, returned to the area in 1993. After additional reductions in nitrogen load starting in 2000, the system completely switched to a SAV-dominated state in 2005. Fish abundance didn&rsquo;t change during these distinct phase changes, but the fish community structure did. Increases in SAV provided refuge and additional spawning substrate for species with adhesive eggs such as Banded Killifish (Fundulus diaphanus), which is now the most abundant species in the embayment. Other changes seen were a decrease in the relative contribution of open water dwelling species such as White Perch (Morone americana), and an increase of visual predators such as Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). The 30-year record of data from this Potomac River tributary has revealed many important long-term trends that validate the effectiveness of initiatives to improve water treatment, and will aid in the continued management of the watershed and point source inputs.

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