No abstract

We simulated and evaluated multistate capture–recapture models to estimate mortality rates using telemetry data. Four field designs were considered: (A) fixed receivers to estimate total instantaneous mortality (Z), (B) manual searches to estimate instantaneous fishing (F) and natural (M) mortality, (C) fixed receivers combined with external high‐reward tags to estimate F and M, and (D) manual searches combined with external high‐reward tags to estimate M and fishing mortality rates associated with harvest (Fh) and catch‐and‐release death (Fcr) as well as the probability of death due to catch and release (α). Estimates generally appeared to be unbiased for a simulated study with five periods and releases of telemetered fish at the start of periods 1–4. Compared to estimating Z, larger sample sizes are needed to achieve reliable estimates of component rates (F and M). Estimates of component rates were more precise when that source of mortality was directly observed (M in design B, F in design C). The field design using fixed receivers and high‐reward tags should be especially useful in practice, because manual searches are not required to estimate F and M. Multistate models are useful for clarifying the connection between field observations and ecological processes. Reliable estimates of mortality rates, coupled with information on behavior, habitat use, and movement, make telemetry a highly valuable tool for improving fisheries management and stock assessment.

Anthropogenic dewatering of aquatic habitats can cause stranding and mortality of burrowed larval lampreys; however, the effects of dewatering have not been quantified. We assessed: (a) changes in spatial distribution, abundance, and emergence of larvae dewatered at Leaburg Reservoir (OR); (b) emergence and mortality of larvae dewatered in a laboratory; and (c) bias, precision, and interpretation of field results by simulation and modeling of laboratory results. In the field, we examined the distribution, abundance (by N-mixture model), and density of larvae by electrofishing at randomly selected sites before dewatering and after refill, and assessed the emergence rate by observation and excavation during dewatering. Due to dewatering in the field, about 42% of larvae emerged and spatial distribution changed toward sites dewatered less than 20 hours. Estimated average density decreased from 10.8 larvae/m 2 before dewatering to 2.3 larvae/m 2 after refilling, suggesting that abundance declined by 79%; simulation suggested this decline ranged 71-84% (interquartile range). In the laboratory, we examined the emergence and mortality rates of larvae dewatered 0-48 hrs. The emergence rate in the laboratory was similar to that in the field. Mortality rate increased with hours dewatered and was higher for emerged than burrowed larvae. Laboratory estimates of mortality rate predicted a 61% decline in abundance if only burrowed larvae survived and a 54% decline if both burrowed and emerged larvae survived. Abundance declines in the field could be from mortality (e.g., desiccation, predation) and relocation to watered habitat. Our results indicate dewatering can substantially affect spatial distribution and abundance of larval lampreys in freshwater ecosystems.

The distribution of threatened Gulf of Mexico sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi

Dewatering of fine sediments in rivers and streams can kill many thousands of larval lampreys (Order Petromyzontiformes) burrowed in these habitats. The larval life stage for lampreys lasts 3‐ 10 years, and because larvae often aggregate in large numbers, negative impacts from dewatering could potentially deplete local populations and affect multiple year classes. Larval lampreys have not traditionally been considered during in‐stream projects, but recent efforts to increase awareness of lamprey habitats have resulted in guidance on dewatering approaches to limit impacts to lampreys. Salvage efforts to rescue and relocate lampreys aim to mitigate losses, but a lack of understanding of lamprey responses limits optimization of dewatering and salvage procedures. We summarize the state of the science for nine factors that influence larval lamprey (Entosphenus and Lampetra spp.) responses to dewatering, including: burrowing depth, the prevalence and timing of emergence, movements, survival, and the influence of slope, dewatering rate, light, and lamprey size. Research suggests that shoreline slope influences movement capability; hot and sunny conditions increase the risk of mortality; salvage activities cause minimal direct mortality; and smaller larvae are especially vulnerable to negative impacts from dewatering because they are more likely to emerge and are less capable of movement. Critical uncertainties associated with dewatering include cues that drive emergence, influence of sediment composition and stratigraphy, vertical distribution of larvae in natural settings, use of the hyporheic zone, the scale of predation losses, and the effectiveness and impacts of salvage activities. Balancing investments in salvage efforts and lamprey exclusion efforts (e.g., screening) and developing field survey approaches to evaluate use of the hyporheic zone by lampreys are identified management implications and research needs. Addressing the critical uncertainties discussed here and providing updated, science‐based guidance on dewatering and salvage practices are suggested management actions to support lamprey conservation.

ObjectiveHuman‐induced dewatering of freshwater habitats causes mortality of larval lampreys (family Petromyzontidae). Salvage by electrofishing at dewatering events is assumed to reduce this mortality, but to our knowledge this assumption remains unassessed.MethodsWe estimated mortality of salvaged larval lampreys (Lampetra spp. and Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus) within 24 h following collection at field dewatering events in July and October. To assess when salvage may reduce mortality, we compared mortality of salvaged individuals from field dewatering events to mortality of burrowed and emerged individuals in dewatered habitats in the laboratory. Salvage protocols included electrofishing and foot pressure from walking in test enclosures before and after dewatering. Electrofishing after dewatering (“dry shocking”) involves positioning probes on moist sediment to entice burrowed larval lampreys to emerge.ResultDuring the July salvage, air temperature averaged 36°C, bottom water temperature averaged 20°C, and many emerged larval lampreys were dead on the sediment surface. During two October events, air temperatures averaged 18°C and 11°C, bottom water temperatures averaged 12°C and 7°C, and only one dead emerged larval lamprey was observed. Estimated mortality of salvaged larval lampreys was 0.20 (90% credible interval = 0.09–0.37) in July and 0.00 (90% credible interval = 0.00–0.06) and 0.06 (90% credible interval = 0.01–0.18) in October. All larval lampreys that remained burrowed and were excavated from enclosures after salvage were dead in July but alive in October. Logistic regression suggested that mortality declined with increasing larval length. Mortality of salvaged 80‐mm larval lampreys in October was lower than that of 80‐mm individuals emerged for 1 h or burrowed for 8 h at similar water temperatures (8–10°C) in the laboratory.ConclusionIn this study, electrofishing for salvage caused minimal mortality of burrowed and emerged larval lampreys in dewatered habitats. Thus, salvage using electrofishing methods could aid conservation of native lampreys by reducing mortality associated with human‐induced dewatering events, especially when temperatures are elevated.

No abstract

American shad Alosa sapidissima are in decline throughout much of their native range as a result of overfishing, pollution, and habitat alteration in coastal rivers where they spawn. One approach to restoration in regulated rivers is to provide access to historical spawning habitat above dams through a trap‐and‐transport program. We examined the initial survival, movement patterns, spawning, and downstream passage of sonic‐tagged adult American shad transported to reservoir and riverine habitats upstream of hydroelectric dams on the Roanoke River, North Carolina and Virginia, during 2007–2009. Average survival to release in 2007–2008 was 85%, but survival decreased with increasing water temperature. Some tagged fish released in reservoirs migrated upstream to rivers; however, most meandered back and forth within the reservoir. A higher percentage of fish migrated through a smaller (8,215‐ha) than a larger (20,234‐ha) reservoir, suggesting that the population‐level effects of transport may depend on upper basin characteristics. Transported American shad spent little time in upper basin rivers but were there when temperatures were appropriate for spawning. No American shad eggs were collected during weekly plankton sampling in upper basin rivers. The estimated initial survival of sonic‐tagged American shad after downstream passage through each dam was 71–100%; however, only 1% of the detected fish migrated downstream through all three dams and many were relocated just upstream of a dam late in the season. Although adult American shad were successfully transported to upstream habitats in the Roanoke River basin, under present conditions transported individuals may have reduced effective fecundity and postspawning survival compared with nontransported fish that spawn in the lower Roanoke River. Received August 8, 2010; accepted December 30, 2010