scholarly journals Effect of Discharge on Hatching and Growth of Age-0 Black Bass in Two Southeastern U.S. Rivers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Sammons ◽  
Laurie A. Earley ◽  
Matthew R. Goclowski
Keyword(s):  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Black Bass ◽  
Discharge Variation ◽  
Habitat Generalist ◽  
Flint River ◽  
Redeye Bass ◽  
Large Discharge

Abstract We examined the influence of variable discharge on hatching and age-0 growth for fluvial specialist and habitat generalist species of black bass Micropterus spp. in two southeastern U.S. rivers, the Flint River, Georgia (unregulated), and the Tallapoosa River, Alabama (regulated by several hydropower dams). Between 2008 and 2010, we collected 285 Largemouth Bass M. salmoides (generalist) and 254 Shoal Bass M. cataractae (specialist) from two reaches of the Flint River. In 2010–2011, we collected 309 Alabama Bass M. henshalli (generalist) and 216 Redeye Bass M. coosae (specialist) from two regulated reaches and one unregulated reach of the Tallapoosa River. Successful hatching of black bass in both rivers generally occurred from late March to early June when water levels were low and stable. Hatching distributions of all black bass were generally unimodal with little evidence of spawning disruption, except for Alabama Bass in the most-regulated reach of the Tallapoosa River, which appeared to be disrupted by large discharge events. Mean growth of both species in the Flint River varied from 0.64 to 0.82 mm/d across reaches and years; Shoal Bass generally grew faster than Largemouth Bass in all reach–year combinations. Largemouth Bass growth was inversely correlated to discharge variation in one reach, but Shoal Bass growth was not correlated to discharge variation in either reach. Alabama Bass and Redeye Bass growth rates in the Tallapoosa River were similar to rates observed for congeners in the Flint River; Alabama Bass grew faster than Redeye Bass. Growth of both species was inversely related to discharge variation in five of six reach–species combinations; the only exception was for Redeye Bass in the less-regulated reach. Results from this study suggest that variable discharge has less influence on successful reproduction of black bass than was reported for other fishes, but growth may be more affected by discharges resulting from anthropogenic sources than those associated with the natural regime.

Managing Centrarchid Fisheries in Rivers and Streams

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Kilpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Rate Function ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
Black Bass ◽  
High Flows ◽  
Basic Biology ◽  
Flint River ◽  
Annual Mortality

<em>Abstract.</em>—Black bass <em> Micropterus </em>spp. are important components of river fisheries in the southeastern U.S., but little is known about their basic life history and population characteristics in these systems. Largemouth Bass <em> M. salmoides </em>and Shoal Bass <em> M. cataractae </em>were collected from three areas in the Flint River on multiple occasions from 2005 through 2013. Collections were taken from the undammed section of the Flint River above Lake Blackshear, within Lake Blackshear, and the regulated reach of river below Lake Blackshear. Shoal Bass do not occur in Lake Blackshear, so only Largemouth Bass were collected. Population and life history data such as body condition, growth, mortality, and recruitment variability were examined for these species in all three areas. Shoal Bass and Largemouth Bass appeared to have similar scopes of growth in this system, reaching similar maximum sizes. However, Largemouth Bass grew slower than Shoal Bass in both river sections. Growth of both species was slower in the upper versus lower area of the river; growth of Largemouth Bass was similar between the lower Flint River and Lake Blackshear. Female Largemouth Bass grew faster than males in both sections of the river; whereas, growth of Shoal Bass was similar between sexes. Longevity of Largemouth Bass appeared to be slightly higher than Shoal Bass, with correspondingly lower annual mortality. Age frequencies and annual mortality was similar between the sexes for both species in all areas. Recruitment of Largemouth Bass was negatively affected by high flows in the spring in the upper Flint River and Lake Blackshear; whereas, Shoal Bass recruitment in the upper Flint River was not correlated to any flow measure. The opposite pattern was found in the lower Flint River, with recruitment of Largemouth Bass unaffected by flow but Shoal Bass recruitment negatively affected by high flows. Shoal Bass exhibited numerous differences from Largemouth Bass in the Flint River, including growth, mortality, and recruitment, demonstrating the danger in applying rate function data or basic biology concepts from one species to another closely related one. Results from this study will help biologists better understand the potential and limitations of black bass fisheries in rivers, and thereby enable more effective management.

Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Physical Habitat ◽  
River Watershed ◽  
Black Bass ◽  
Redeye Bass

<em>Abstract</em>.—Rivers and streams of the southern United States contain more than 1,800 aquatic species, 500 of which are regionally endemic. At present, 34% of the fish species and 90% of the mussel species in peril nationwide are found in these systems. Declines in these imperiled species are due to many factors, including hydrologic alteration, degraded water quality, loss of instream and watershed connectivity, physical habitat degradation, and the negative effects of nonindigenous species (e.g., predation on, competition with, and hybridization with native forms). In addition, this situation is exacerbated through human population growth, competing water demands, land-use changes, and other interrelated issues. If unchecked, these issues will likely continue to contribute to the imperilment and loss of native species in the region. Of the nine described species and subspecies of black bass, six are endemic to the southern United States: Guadalupe Bass <em>Micropterus treculii</em>, Shoal Bass <em>M. cataractae</em>, Redeye Bass <em>M. coosae</em>, Florida Bass <em>M. floridanus</em>, Alabama Bass <em>M. henshalli</em>, and Suwannee Bass <em>M. notius</em>. In addition, undescribed species and subspecies also exist and all are in need of conservation measures to prevent them from becoming imperiled. In an effort to focus and coordinate actions to support the long-term persistence of endemic black bass populations, local, state, and federal agencies, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and corporations from across the region joined with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to form the Native Black Bass Initiative (NBBI). The NBBI provides regional conservation strategies, objectives, and targets to restore and preserve functional processes in those watersheds that support natural habitat conditions and sustainable populations of endemic black bass and other native fishes of the region. Initial actions implemented through the NBBI focus on addressing the conservation needs of Guadalupe Bass in streams of the Edwards Plateau ecoregion of Texas, Redeye Bass in the Savannah River watershed of Georgia and South Carolina, and Shoal Bass populations in the Apalachicola River watershed of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

Epiphyte Flora and Diversity on Basal Trunks of Six Old-Growth Forest Tree Species in Southern and Middle Boreal Finland

1996 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 443-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko Kuusinen
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Boreal Forests ◽  
Forest Tree ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Epiphytic Lichen ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Salix Caprea ◽  
Forest Tree Species ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Habitat Generalist

AbstractEpiphytic lichen and bryophyte species composition, richness and diversity were surveyed on basal trunks of six common old-growth forest tree species, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Betula pendula, Alnus incana, Salix caprea and Populus tremula, in two old-growth forest areas, one in southern and one in middle boreal Finland. The average species numbers per tree ranged from 18 (Picea) to 27 (Salix) in the southern and from 20 (Populus) to 31 (Salix) in the middle boreal area. A few widespread habitat-generalist species, such as the foliose lichens Hypogymnia physodes and Platismatia glauca, were most abundant on all the tree species, except Populus. Most other epiphyte species showed at least a slight preference for one or two tree species. Populus proved to have the most distinct flora characterized by the abundance of certain, rather specialized crustose lichens and bryophytes. The number of species that occurred on only one tree species was highest on Populus (9) in the southern and on Alnus (18) in the middle boreal area. Differences in bark acidity and structure were the most likely explanations for the differences between tree species in the epiphytic flora and diversity. Salix and Populus were the most important of the tree species studied for the conservation of epiphyte diversity in the boreal forests of Finland.

scholarly journals Evidence Dorsal Spine Removal is Nonlethal and Unharmful for Largemouth Bass in Florida

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Summer Lindelien ◽  
Andrew C. Dutterer ◽  
Paul Schueller ◽  
Chris C. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Research Management ◽  
Dorsal Spine ◽  
Black Bass ◽  
New Research ◽  
Sport Fish ◽  
Management And Conservation

Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, Florida Bass M. floridanus, and their intergrade are socially and economically valuable sport fish. In the southeastern United States, it is customary to age black bass (Micropterus) spp. using sagittal otoliths which requires killing the fish. Presently, fisheries managers and black bass anglers show reluctance to sacrifice large individuals. Development of a nonlethal ageing technique would not only allay concerns of sacrificing large black bass, but it could offer a pathway for new research, management, and conservation. We excised dorsal spines III–V from Largemouth Bass in Florida varying from 30–57 cm total length to evaluate the effects of the procedure on survival over 35 days. No mortalities were observed for fish with excised dorsal spines, and experiment-wide survival was 0.94 (0.87–1.00; 95% confidence interval). No significant differences in survival, weight change, or incidence of external injuries were observed between control and excised fish. The areas of spine excision healed with no visible infection or inflammation at the conclusion of the experiment. Therefore, dorsal spine removal offers managers a nonlethal option for collecting ageing structures of adult Largemouth Bass in Florida, including large individuals, and this result likely extends to other Micropterus spp. as well.

Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Salinity Gradient ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Freshwater Species ◽  
Population Demographics ◽  
Bioenergetics Modeling ◽  
Black Bass

<em>Abstract.</em>—Largemouth Bass <em>Micropterus salmoides</em> is typically thought of as a freshwater species, but populations occur in oligohaline portions of estuaries throughout the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, often with popular fisheries. These coastal populations must deal with the physiological stresses associated with salinity variation and may be isolated from inland freshwater populations, increasing the potential for differentiation. To understand factors important to the ecology and management of these coastal populations, we quantified individual- and population-level parameters for Largemouth Bass across a natural salinity gradient in the Mobile-Tensaw River delta in southwestern Alabama during 2002–2009 (including population demographics, feeding ecology, movement, recruitment, and bioenergetics processes). Combining traditional mark–recapture and telemetry techniques with otolith microchemical analyses, we demonstrated that Largemouth Bass of all ages moved very little, even in response to increasing salinity (up to 15‰) in downstream areas. Large individuals were rare in our sampling across both fresh and brackish habitats (only 7 out of 9,530 individuals were >2.27 kg), and fish body condition increased downstream with increasing marine influence. Growth responses for fish across the estuary were more complex, varying with both fish age and salinity. Faster growth was observed in the brackish, downstream areas for fish ≤age 2, while growth of older fish was faster in freshwater upstream sites. Using bioenergetics modeling, we demonstrated that a complex combination of spatial variation in water temperature, prey energetic content, and metabolic cost of salinity was responsible for age-specific spatial variation in growth. Preliminary genetic analysis suggests that these coastal Largemouth Bass may differ genetically from inland fish. Coastal Largemouth Bass populations face a number of potential conservation concerns, and their management will require different approaches compared to their inland counterparts, including different goals and expectations, likely even requiring consideration as unique stocks.

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.

Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Growth Parameter ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Minimum Length ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Black Bass ◽  
Annual Total ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Flint River

<em>Abstract</em>.—The largest native population of Shoal Bass <em>Micropterus cataractae</em> inhabits the Flint River, Georgia and remains relatively unstudied. We examined demographic characteristics of the population in the lower Flint River that is bounded by reservoirs during 2009–2011. We anchor tagged 741 Shoal Bass to evaluate the percentage of caught fish that were harvested. Shoal bass (<em>n</em> = 187) were sacrificed for age and growth analysis. Ages of sampled fish ranged from age 1 to 11. Von Bertalanffy growth parameter estimates were <EM>L</EM><sub>∞</sub> = 564 mm, <EM>K</EM> = 0.312, and<em> t</em><sub>0</sub> = –0.089. Male and female growth rates were similar, with the mean Shoal Bass requiring 2.4 years to reach 305 mm and 5.1 years to reach 457 mm. Growth rates of Shoal Bass were greater than those of previously studied populations and Largemouth Bass <em>M. salmoides</em> in the Flint River and an impoundment bounding the upper end of the study site. Annual total pooled mortality was 49%. Forty-one percent of caught Shoal Bass were harvested by anglers (range 31–60%). Our results suggest that with current population characteristics, an increase in the minimum length limit would not increase yield to the recreational fishery.

Co-occurrence patterns of rodents at multiple spatial scales: competitive release of generalists following habitat loss?

2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 1229-1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Püttker ◽  
Camila S Barros ◽  
Bruno T Pinotti ◽  
Adriana A Bueno ◽  
Renata Pardini
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Niche Partitioning ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Competitive Release ◽  
Spatial Niche ◽  
Habitat Generalist ◽  
Occurrence Patterns

AbstractTheory predicts that habitat generalist species are excluded by specialist species in optimal habitat for specialists, and empirical data commonly show a shift from specialist- to generalist-dominated communities following disturbance. We investigated co-occurrence patterns of habitat generalist and specialist terrestrial rodents at two spatial scales in the Atlantic Forest, aiming at evaluating the following hypotheses: 1) within-patch spatial niche partitioning promotes coexistence of generalists and specialists, leading to checkerboard presence-absence patterns at small (within-patch) rather than large (among-patch) scales; and 2) the decrease in abundance of specialists due to habitat loss promotes a competitive release of generalists, leading to negative covariance in abundance between generalists and specialists among patches. Drawing on a large data set including 363 sites within three patches in continuous forest, and 45 patches within three landscapes, we used C-scores based on presence-absence and abundance data to evaluate spatial segregation. We found consistent segregation between specialists and generalists at the within-patch rather than among-patch scale, but no consistent negative covariance in abundance between generalists and specialists among patches (as covarying species pairs varied across landscapes). Our findings suggest that spatial patterns caused by competition are scale-dependent, and coexistence of generalists and specialists is promoted by within-patch spatial niche partitioning. However, the influence of competitive release on the proliferation of generalists may be outweighed by other factors in fragmented landscapes.A teoria ecológica prevê que espécies generalistas de habitat são excluídas por espécies especialistas em hábitats ótimos para as especialistas, e dados empíricos comumente mostram uma mudança de dominância das comunidades - de especialistas para generalistas - após distúrbios. Nós investigamos os padrões de coocorrência de roedores terrestres generalistas e especialistas de habitat em duas escalas espaciais na Mata Atlântica, para testar as seguintes hipóteses: 1) a partição espacial do nicho dento de fragmentos promove a coexistência de generalistas e especialistas, levando a padrões de presença-ausência “tabuleiro de damas” em escalas pequenas (dentro de fragmento) mas não em escalas grandes (entre fragmentos); 2) a diminuição da abundância de especialistas devido à perda de habitat promove uma liberação competitiva de generalistas, levando a covariância negativa da abundância de generalistas e especialistas entre fragmentos. A partir de um grande banco de dados - 363 sítios dentro de três fragmentos de floresta contínua, e 45 fragmentos dentro de três paisagens, usamos C-scores baseados em dados de presença/ausência e abundância para avaliar a segregação espacial. Encontramos segregação consistente entre especialistas e generalistas na escala menor (dentro de fragmentos) e não na maior (entre fragmentos), mas não encontramos covariância negativa na abundância de generalistas e especialistas entre fragmentos (dado que os pares de espécies que covariaram mudou entre as paisagens). Nossos resultados sugerem que padrões espaciais causados por competição são dependentes de escala, e que a coexistência de generalistas e especialistas é promovida pela partição espacial de nicho dentro dos fragmentos. No entanto, a influência da liberação competitiva na proliferação de generalistas pode ser superada por outros fatores em paisagens fragmentadas.

scholarly journals Urbanization alters the abundance and composition of predator communities and leads to aphid outbreaks on urban trees

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dávid Korányi ◽  
Viktor Szigeti ◽  
László Mezőfi ◽  
Előd Kondorosy ◽  
Viktor Markó
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environments ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Abundance Pattern ◽  
Acer Campestre ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Habitat Generalist ◽  
Filtering Effect ◽  
Predatory Arthropods

Abstract Urbanization can affect arthropod abundance in different ways. While species with narrow habitat range and low dispersal ability often respond negatively to urban environments, many habitat generalist species with good dispersal ability reach high densities in city centers. This filtering effect of urban habitats can strongly influence predator-prey-mutualist interactions and may therefore affect the abundance of predatory and phytophagous species both directly and indirectly. Here, we assessed the effect of urbanization on aphids, predatory arthropods, and ants on field maple (Acer campestre) trees in and around the city of Budapest, Hungary. We used the percentage of impervious surfaces within a 500 m radius of each site as an index of the degree of urbanization. We found that the abundance of aphids increased with increasing level of urbanization. However, abundance of predatory arthropods and occurrence of poorly dispersing species within the predator community were negatively related to urbanization, and we identified these two independent factors as significant predictors of aphid abundances. The abundance of ants decreased with urbanization, and contrary to our expectations, did not affect the abundance pattern of aphids. Our results suggest that urbanization, by altering the abundance and composition of predator communities, can disrupt biological control of aphid populations, and thus may contribute to the aphid outbreaks on urban trees.

Age-dependent colonization of urban habitats: a diachronic approach using carabid beetles and spiders

2013 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Varet ◽  
Françoise Burel ◽  
Denis Lafage ◽  
Julien Pétillon
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Life History Trait ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
High Dispersal ◽  
Specialist Species ◽  
Habitat Generalist ◽  
Habitat Specialist Species

Urbanization creates human disturbance that plays an important role in ecosystem dynamics. Most of the time, there is a time lag between disturbance and colonization. Opportunistic species with high dispersal power colonize first, while habitat specialist species with a lower power of dispersal colonize later; the communities change with time after disturbance. We hypothesize that, following the establishment of a new neighbourhood, arthropod communities will change from habitat generalists to specialists, and will be more similar to those of the adjacent countryside. We selected two groups of invertebrates often used as bioindicators, spiders and carabid beetles. The following parameters were estimated: assemblage composition, species richness, activity-density total and per life history trait (broad habitat preference). The field data were collected in 2010 within 3 towns located in France. Neighbourhoods of 10 and 30 years old were pair-matched in these towns and sampled using pitfall traps set randomly in hedgerows (120 traps in total). 2101 adult spiders belonging to 89 species were collected, whereas the 643 captured carabid beetles belonged to 24 species. We found no evidence of any significant change in carabid beetle and spider communities according to neighbourhood age. The assemblages were mainly composed of habitat generalist species. These results suggest that urban areas can be seen to be in continual state of disruption, and colonization of these areas is assumed to be relatively rapid (i.e., less than 10 years in our case study), although incomplete.

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