An evaluation of multiple-pass seining to monitor blackstripe topminnow Fundulus notatus (Rafinesque, 1820) in the Sydenham River (Ontario, Canada)

Abstract

SummaryMultiple-pass (i.e. removal) sampling and mark-recapture experiments were undertaken in the Sydenham River (Ontario, Canada) to assess the effectiveness of seining to detect and estimate the local abundance of blackstripe topminnow, Fundulus notatus (Rafinesque, 1820) as well as to compare catch characteristics from closed and open (with and without block nets) sample units. Probability of species detection using three-pass seining was estimated to be 0.58 in closed units, and 0.51 in open units. To be 95% confident of occupancy status, a minimum of five repeat surveys is required. A decline in catch occurred in only half of the sample units, population size estimates were often imprecise, and attempts to generate mark-recapture population estimates were unsuccessful. Mean capture probabilities were 0.48 in closed units and 0.65 in open units, when depletion occurred. For blackstripe topminnow and other fishes encountered, there were no significant differences between closed and open units in the frequency of depletion or capture probability. Compared to single-pass surveys, monitoring programs that employ three seine hauls are more likely to detect the presence of the blackstripe topminnow and any decline in local abundance.

Monitoring lake populations of Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida): a comparison of two seines

“…Estimates of power 80 (Cohen 1988;Peterman 1990) the minimum value (p > 0.3) recommended for occupancy-based studies and the likelihood of species detection with a beach seine is considered high with an estimate of p = 0.72 (MacKenzie et al 2006). Detection probabilities for both seines were also similar to estimates calculated for bag seine surveys of southern Ontario rivers for Eastern Sand Darter (p range: 0.41-0.71, Dextrase et al 2014a), and another Ontario fish of conservation concern, Blackstripe Topminnow (Fundulus notatus; p = 0.51, Reid and Hogg 2014). The probability of detecting a species is related to the local abundance and the probability of individual capture, both of which may be influenced by habitat (Bayley and Peterson 2001).…”

“…Repeated standardized sampling is needed to determine population status and trajectory, and to evaluate conservation actions. Previous attempts to generate removal-based population density estimates for imperiled Canadian fishes with a bag seine have had varying levels of success (Poos et al 2012;Finch et al 2013;Reid and Hogg 2014;Neufeld et al 2016). In our study, removal-based sampling of Eastern Sand Darter with either seine was not a reliable strategy to generate site-level density estimates.…”

Geospatial modeling of the Birch River: Distribution of Carmine Shiner (Notropis percobromus) in Geomorphic Response Units (GRU)

“…The river was fished approximately twice a week following this strategy from June 6th to July 20th, 2011. Fish were collected at each sample site with three pass seining similar to Reid and Hogg (). The seine was 9.14 m long × 1.82 m high with a 1.82 × 1.82 m bag and 4.76 mm ace meshing throughout.…”