Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems

2008 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
The United States ◽  
Freshwater Species ◽  
Reservoir Fisheries ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Management Priorities

<em>Abstract</em>.—Management of reservoir fisheries in Puerto Rico has been an evolving process. Puerto Rico has few native freshwater species, so reservoir fish communities have been created using nonindigenous species introduced to the island from various parts of the world. Early management efforts in reservoirs met with limited success due to low priority and limited use of reservoir fisheries, and management primarily followed temperate models focusing on largemouth bass <em>Micropterus salmoides</em>. Beginning in 1990, management priorities shifted and focus on reservoir fisheries began to increase. This was partly due to the increasing popularity of largemouth bass sport fishing and the organization of fishing clubs and tournament angling. An important early step was the creation of reservoir management stations, which included full-time management biologists, access ramps, and picnic and camping facilities. Cooperative research with university scientists was initiated in 1991. The ensuing research findings, changes in priorities, and establishment of on-site management biologists have combined to create an atmosphere of adaptive management, accompanied by significant changes in reservoir regulations and management protocols. In this overview, the progression of research-based adaptive management is chronicled for Puerto Rico reservoirs, which can help provide a template for management endeavors in the United States and elsewhere.

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.

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):  
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.

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.

Coastal largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) movement in response to changing salinity

2009 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 2174-2188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Lowe ◽  
Dennis R. DeVries ◽  
Russell A. Wright ◽  
Stuart A. Ludsin ◽  
Brian J. Fryer
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Systems ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Salinity Gradient ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Lag Time ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Freshwater Species ◽  
Low Salinity ◽  
Salinity Changes ◽  
Do So

Estuaries are productive, heterogeneous, and dynamic systems that support a diverse array of fishes. However, our understanding of how presumably stenohaline fishes persist in such transitional systems is limited, particularly for most fishes in tidal freshwater areas. We conducted a laboratory experiment and field investigation along an upstream–downstream salinity gradient in the Mobile–Tensaw River Delta, Alabama, USA, to test the hypothesis that age-0 largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), an economically and ecologically important freshwater species that uses low-salinity habitats in many North American estuaries, move to avoid seasonal salinity increases. To do so, we quantified changes in otolith microchemistry (e.g., Sr to Ca ratios) along the major growth axis of otoliths in both field-collected and laboratory-reared individuals. Our experiment revealed a 21-day lag time between initial salinity changes and Sr:Caotolith saturation but that Sr:Caotolith in field-collected fish reflect changes in ambient salinity. Further, contrary to our expectation, otolith microchemical analyses from spring- and fall-collected age-0 largemouth bass indicate no avoidance of increased salinity, which has potential implications for their growth and recruitment in these systems.

scholarly journals Producing and rearing largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides (Lacеpеde, 1802)) fry in conditions of warm-water pond fish farms (a review)

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-38
Author(s):  
I. Hrytsyniak ◽  
◽  
V. Guschin ◽  
O. Polishchuk ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
The United States ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Warm Water ◽  
Recreational Fishing ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Natural Food ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Water Pond

Purpose. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a fish species native to freshwaters of North America, is a promising object of aquaculture all over the world. This is evidenced by the fact that this species is currently actively cultivated in aquaculture of more than 50 countries worldwide, on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica and Australia, both for recreational fishing and as a table fish. If we consider the history of breeding and cultivation of the largemouth bass, we can note a tendency to a continuous expansion of the stages of cultivation and transition from polyculture to monoculture. For example, in the first half of the last century, fish farms in the United States raised mainly juveniles of largemouth bass for stocking to natural water bodies, but currently most farms use the full production cycle from fry to marketable fish. In addition, earlier largemouth bass was used in many countries mainly as an additional object of aquaculture (biomeliorator) to increase the production of common carp, but now, thanks to the development of recreational fishing, it is increasingly becoming the main object of aquaculture, which is facilitated by the intensification of cultivation methods. Nowadays, there are many methods of growing largemouth bass, from the simplest, extensive, when fish are raised on natural food supply, to most intensive using flow-through aquaculture systems and off-season spawning. On the territory of Ukraine, it may be effective to use pond aquaculture of largemouth bass, which begins from the production of larvae and fry at fish farms. This stage of fish farming will be discussed in this article. Findings. This article contains brief information on method of natural spawning of largemouth bass, filling ponds with water, selection of broodstock and norms for their stocking to spawning ponds, spawning behavior of fish, peculiarities of caring for larvae and fry, sorting juveniles, as well as minimizing injuries during manipulations with fish. Practical value. Information from this review can be used for development of a new method for production of largemouth bass larvae and fry at warm-water pond farms in Ukraine, taking into account climatic conditions and local specificities of aquaculture. Key words: Largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, recreation fishing, sport fishing, pond fish farm, aquaculture, biomeliorator, larvae, fry, polyculture, monoculture, intensification, perspective species.

Feeding habits and growth of young-of-the-year largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) near its northern limit, Nogies Creek, Ontario

1979 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1431-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
James G. Hamilton ◽  
P. M. Powles
Keyword(s):  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Micropterus Salmoides ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
The United States ◽  
Northern Limit ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Model ◽  
Growth Increments ◽  
Young Of The Year

Two hundred and twenty-three young-of-the-year (YOY) largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from Nogies Creek, Ontario, grew from 15 to 110 mm total length (TL) over June 1 to October 26, 1977. Growth was rapid through June and July but diminished after August 1. Growth increments formed a single stanza pattern closely fitting the von-Bertalanffy model, Lt = 85.8[1 − e−0.34(t−0.26)] and paralleling seasonal water temperatures.The summer condition index was lower for Nogies Creek YOY bass than populations reported from the United States. This was attributed in part to a shorter, cooler growing–feeding season, and some differences in diet.The most numerous food items were Cladocera. Amphipoda, Ephemeroptera, Chironomidae, and Teleostei, in order, were all of lesser importance. Cladocera, however, did not constitute as much total bulk in the diet as Ephemeroptera and Amphipoda. YOY bass selected the same variety, but larger prey, as they grew in size. Above average (length) YOY bass fed on larger food organisms than did their smaller cohorts for each month.

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