2018 VA and VT AFS Meeting Abstracts Fredericksburg, VA

Oral Presentations

Wednesday, February 21st, 2018

8:10 a.m.

Preliminary assessment of within-stream movement patterns of Candy Darter in Virginia

K. E. McBaine*1, P. L. Angermeier2, E. M. Hallerman1 *Presenting, Student Paper 1Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 2U.S. Geological Survey, Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

We examined movement patterns of Candy Darter Etheostoma osburni, an imperiled darter restricted to streams with cool, high-velocity, silt-free riffles in the New River drainage. Our analysis focused on potential effects of: a) habitat availability and distribution, and b) fish density and sex on the distance and direction moved. Mark-recapture methods were used to characterize movement among suitable and unsuitable habitat patches in two streams differing in stream width and spatial distribution of habitat patches and Candy Darter; stream width is a correlate of patch size and inter-patch distance. Preliminary results are based on 16 recaptures (8% of marked fish, n = 200) in Laurel Creek and 31 recaptures (11%, n = 286) in Stony Creek from 2016 to 2017. Movement was observed for 12 individuals in Laurel Creek and 10 in Stony Creek; most movements were upstream. Median and maximum movements in Laurel Creek were 190 m and 768 m, respectively, and 0 m and 354 m in Stony Creek. Size of suitable patches (i.e., riffles) was greater in Stony Creek than Laurel Creek, which presumably led to less movement in Stony Creek. Additionally, longer movements observed among males may reflect territorial behaviors, as population densities did not differ between streams. In future work, molecular variation at eight microsatellite loci among 865 individuals will be examined to characterize movement patterns of Candy Darter, including additional life-stages. Comparisons between molecular and mark-recapture results will help us assess the effectiveness of mark-recapture methods, identify the spatial extent of Candy Darter populations, and understand how individual movements contribute to demographic connectivity.

8:30 a.m.

Phenology and Habitat Use of Larval Darters in the Upper Roanoke River Basin

Eric Hallerman1,* Skylar Wolf1,2, Jane Argentina1, Paul Angermeier1,3, and Tom Grant1 *Presenting 1Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 2Present Address: Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078 3U.S. Geological Survey, Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

Little is known about the larval ecology of federally endangered Roanoke Logperch Percina rex or the other five darters (Chainback Darter P. nevisense, Roanoke Darter P. roanoka, Riverweed darter Etheostoma podostemone, Johnny Darter E. nigrum, and Fantail Darter E. flabellare) in the upper Roanoke River. We aimed to identify spatiotemporal habitat use of P. rex larvae in the upper Roanoke drainage. While genetics-based tools can identify larval fishes and facilitate studies of larval fish ecology, they often need to be refined for species-specific applications. We sampled larval fishes from eight sites and focused our analysis on larvae that were most likely to be P. rex, which reportedly have 20 or more pre-anal myomeres. We designed custom PCR primers to amplify the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences of Percina species known to occur in the Roanoke River system, and used them to identify the larvae to species. Sequences for 269 larvae matched at 99-100% identity archived COI sequences of darter species. These included 114 larval P. rex, 18 P. nevisense, 113 P. roanoka, 4 E. nigrum, and 20 “E. variatum”. Darters were present at all sites sampled; P. rex and P. roanoka were by far the most abundant and widespread, occurring at all sites sampled. Larval darters appeared in our samples episodically, with each species exhibiting marked unimodal or bimodal peaks in catch. Upcoming work will: (1) analyze the remaining 1160 larval darters with lower myomere counts, (2) resolve the identity of “E. variatum”, and (3) model larval-source reaches based on landscape descriptors. Because all darters found in the Roanoke River occur elsewhere in Virginia, our findings will enhance understanding of larval fish ecology across much of Virginia and across other darter species, many of which are imperiled.

8:50 a.m.

Age and Growth of Quillback in a Reservoir of the New River

Haley Jenkins*1, Rachel Wadsworth1, Corbin D. Hilling1, John R. Copeland2, and Leandro Castello1 *Presenting, Student Paper 1Virginia Tech 2Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) were discovered in 2006 in Claytor Lake, a mainstream reservoir of the New River in Pulaski County, Virginia. While Quillback are native in Virginia, they are not native to this region of the New River; however, the age and growth of Quillback in Claytor Lake has not been studied. The goal of this study was to investigate the growth and age structure of Claytor Lake Quillback. We collected 48 Quillback using gill nets set overnight at long-term sportfish monitoring sites. Collected specimens were weighed (g) and measured (mm), otoliths were extracted for age assignment, and growth was described using the von Bertalanffy growth model. The von Bertalanffy parameters were estimated as average -1 maximum length (L∞) = 512 mm, Brody growth coefficient (K) = 0.12 yr , and age at which length would be 0 (t0) = -11 yr. The von Bertalanffy growth model fit the data well, but parameter estimates may be subject to selectivity against small fish, generating an unusually low estimate for t0. Continuing this work using less size-selective sampling gears may help us understand if small Quillbacks are selected against by gill nets or if the population structure of this recent invader is skewed toward individuals longer than 300 mm. The continuation of this study can help to lead management strategies for this potentially invasive species

9:00 a.m.

Steroid hormone levels as an indicator of personality and aggression in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis): A potential animal model for aggression

Ploppert, E.*,1,2; Bardi, M.1; Gowan, C2. *Presenting, Student Paper 1Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland VA USA 2Department of Biology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland VA USA

Dominance hierarchies influence many aspects of animal behavior, and much research has been devoted to investigating if dominant and subordinate animals differ physiologically and, if so, whether these differences are causes or consequences of their differing social positions. In the current study, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were investigated to determine if steroid hormones levels could predict fish behavior in standard laboratory tests of animal personality, as well as the outcome of contests during formation of linear dominance hierarchies. To examine the relationship between personality and steroid hormone levels, blood was drawn before and after fish (n=20) were subjected to three consecutive open field tests (OFT). Pairs of subjects were then size matched introduced to a novel arena where social interactions were recorded over a 2.5 hour period. Testosterone and cortisol levels were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assays (ELISA). A significant negative relationship was found between cortisol and testosterone. Compared to the baseline levels (averaging 25.5 ng/ml; SE=2.7), cortisol was higher by the end of the third OFT (average=51.3 ng/ml, SE=5.3), and increased even more after the agonistic interactions (average=72.3 ng/ml, SE=6.6). In contrast, testosterone decreased after each test (1st test=24.2 pg/ml, SE=1.7; 2nd test=13.8 pg/ml, SE=2.1; 3rd test=9.3 pg/ml, SE=1.6). No relationship was found between hormone levels and OFT scores or the amount of aggression displayed during agonistic interactions. Using Detrended-Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), the -values for behavioral time sequences were calculated. The -values for both aggressive and subordinate behavior showed a significant, but opposite, effect of dominance, thus indicating the dominant fish showed a highly organized sequence of behavioral chains leading to the establishment of dominance. Using a Multi- Dimensional Scaling (MDS) model, we were able discriminate individual dominance very accurately levels (99% corrected allocation), thus confirming that a combination of behavioral and physiological data can reliably predict hierarchical dominance structures.

9:20 a.m.

Mobile Trout Make Faster Decisions Than Sedentary Ones

Gowan, C.,*, Sheire, D., and Sprague, E. *Presenting Department of Biology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland VA USA

There is much interest in understanding how suites of interacting traits in a species are affected by natural selection, and traits involving behavior and cognition have received recent attention. One example is the suite of traits involved in cognition and behavior of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Trout are good candidates for study of cognition and behavior because the selection pressures they face are well-understood: trout aggressively compete for foraging locations with the result that linear dominance hierarchies form that have direct fitness consequences. We asked if a certain behavioral trait (tendency to explore new habitat and hence to be an ‘intruder’ into an existing dominance hierarchy) was correlated with the cognitive ability to ascertain position within a newly-forming hierarchy. We quantified the tendency to explore using an open-field test on 39 trout, and then introduced each into an existing dominance hierarchy composed of three fish. Behavior of the newcomer and residents was quantified for five hours as the new hierarchy formed. We found three factors most influenced formation of the hierarchy: 1) size of the newcomer relative to the residents (only newcomers at least >10% larger than the residents become dominate), prior residency (when size matched to the residents, newcomers only won 28% of the time), and ‘personality’ (fish which scored high on the test to measure exploratory tendency made faster decisions about where they were in the hierarchy). These results support the theory that fish with a tendency to explore new habitat also make faster decisions about where they fit in a new dominance hierarchy. We hypothesize that natural selection has resulted in a balanced polymorphism that maintains both exploratory and sedentary behaviors in the same population, and that each behavior is associated with a unique set of cognitive abilities best suited for each lifestyle.

9:40 a.m.

Population Status and Distribution of Whitespotted Conger (Conger myriaster) in YellowSea, China

Min Li1, 2*, Yiping Ren2, Rujia Bi1, Yan Jiao1 *Presenting, Student Paper 1 Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA 2 Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China

Whitespotted conger (Conger myriaster) is a marine migratory species with important ecological and commercial values in Northwestern Pacific area. The eastern coastal water of China is an important feeding habitat for whitespotted conger. There have been strong concerns on its population trend and potential environmental driven spatial-temporal distribution variation. Based on a stratified random sampling designed bottom trawl survey from 2011~2017 in Haizhou Bay of the central Yellow Sea, we developed a set of generalized linear mixed-effects models to answer these questions. Our results demonstrated that there was no significant changes in the conger biomass during 2011-2017. Bottom salinity, month, depth, latitude and longitude were found significantly influencing the whitespotted conger distribution in Haizhou Bay.

10:20 a.m.

Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling of Environmental and Anthropogenic Influence on Spatiotemporal Dynamics of American Shad and River Herring in Virginia

Rujia Bi*1, Yan Jiao1, Alan Weaver2, Bob Greenlee3, Jeff Kipp4 *Presenting, Student Paper 1 Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 2 Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Richmond, VA 3 Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Charles City, VA 4 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Arlington, VA

American Shad (Alosa sapidissima) and river herring (Alewife A. pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring A. aestivalis) are anadromous pelagic fish, which spend most of their annual cycle at sea but enter the coastal rivers in spring to spawn. They have been described as “the fish that fed the nation’s founders”, but the current populations are at historic lows. In Virginia, these species showed an active and productive fishery in 1950-1970, followed by a steep decline in the late 1970s. Stocks in different river systems show different relative abundance, different recovery rates, and different catch history etc. Synthetic diagnostics on the factors impacting these populations are important in better conserving this species group. We developed a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model to identify the population trends of these species among rivers in Virginia based on the surveys conducted by VDGIF and identify environmental factors influencing their abundance. Our preliminary results demonstrated river- specific heterogeneity of the spatiotemporal dynamics of the species group.

10:40 a.m.

Competition and Predation: Interactions between American eels (Anguilla rostrata) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Virginia mountain streams

J.A. Studio*1, K.A. Reifenberg, and C.L. May1 *Presenting, Student Paper 1James Madison University, Department of Biology, Harrisonburg, VA

The native range of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) historically overlap; however, this relationship has been altered by anthropogenic modifications to rivers. The overall populations of both species have been in decline and subsequent conservation efforts have taken place. Although their populations are decreasing, co- occurrence of these two native predators is likely increasing in Virginia due to the construction of eel ladders and/or removal of dams. Understanding the magnitude of competition and predation between American eels and brook trout will aid in informing management strategies of both fish species. For instance, is there a more effective method for stocking brook trout in streams where eels occur? The purpose of this study was to investigate competition and predation as they are two of the most influential interactions acting on the structure of natural communities. The study was conducted at Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, Virginia, which acts as a natural barrier to eels migrating upstream. As a result, eels and brook trout live sympatrically below the falls and brook trout live in the absence of eels above the falls. Eel and trout diets (n = 33 and 120, respectively) were sampled via gastric lavage, three separate times between May and August 2017, along with benthic and drifting invertebrates. Diet overlap was investigated by comparing trout and eel diets below the falls. Also from the diet analysis of eels, predation on brook trout young-of-the-year was quantified. Prey preference of brook trout in the presence and absence of eels was investigated by comparing trout diets above and below the falls. Diet overlap and prey preference measures, which likely change with seasonal prey availability, will help to identify the magnitude of competition between American eels and brook trout and employ this knowledge through future conservation efforts.

11:00 a.m.

The Waterfall Paradox: Isolating Salmonid Populations in Ideal Habitats

C. L. May*1 *Presenting 1James Madison University, Department of Biology, Harrisonburg, CA

Waterfalls create barriers to fish migration, yet hundreds of isolated salmonid populations exist above barriers and have persisted for thousands of years in steep mountainous terrain. Ecological theory indicates that small isolated populations in disturbance-prone landscapes are at greatest risk of extirpation because immigration and recolonization are not possible. On the contrary, many above-barrier populations are currently thriving while their downstream counterparts are dwindling. This quandary led us to explore geomorphic knickpoints (i.e. waterfalls) as a mechanism for disconnecting hillslope and channel processes by limiting channel incision and decreasing the pace of baselevel lowering. Using LiDAR from the Oregon Coast Range, we found gentler channel gradients, wider valleys, lower gradient hillslopes and less shallow landslide potential in an above-barrier catchment compared to a neighboring catchment devoid of knickpoints. Based on this unique geomorphic template, above-barrier channel networks are less prone to debris flows and other episodic sediment fluxes. These above-barrier catchments also have greater resiliency to flooding, created by wider valleys with greater floodplain connectivity. Habitat preference models further indicate that salmonid habitat is present in greater quantity and quality in these above-barrier networks. Therefore the paradox of the persistence of isolated fish populations is facilitated by a geomorphic mechanism that both limits their connectivity to larger fish populations yet dampens the effect of disturbance by disconnecting hillslope and channel processes above geomorphic knickpoints.

11:20 a.m.

Is VDGIF Lake Fertilization Contradicting Chesapeake Bay TMDLs?

Olivia Swahn*, Bill Latham and Dan Downey *Presenting, Student Paper James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Nitrogen and phosphorus entering the Chesapeake Bay must be reduced to meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 Chesapeake Bay Total Daily Maximum Load (TMDL). Lake fertilization by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is both an accepted management tool for fisheries enhancement and necessary when allochthones sources are limited. The problem is whether or not the addition of fertilizers to recreational fishing lakes is contributing to nutrient loading of the Bay. Since March 2017 we have been conducting a comprehensive lake water chemistry evaluation of four lakes in the watershed of the Bay: Lake Brittle, Burke Lake, Huntsman Lake and Lake Shenandoah. The first two were fertilized by application of Sportmax® during the summer. Samples were taken at each lake from feeder streams, tail waters and within-lakes, assayed and compared for the evaluation. More than twenty chemical and analytical parameters have been measured, with total phosphorus and total nitrogen (NO3-N + NH3-N + organic N) of primary concern. Stream gauge data and rainfall records were used to develop loading and discharge values for water volume, that were combined with observed concentration values to produce nutrient budget data. For the ten months to date, we have found that total nitrogen (average two week loading and release in kg) for the four lakes has been: Brittle (38.6; 23.5), Burke (56.6; 14.6), Huntsman (18.9; 39.6) and Shenandoah (64.2; 31.8) and for phosphorus: Brittle (24.4; 8.0), Burke (67.0; 4.4), Huntsman (3.5; 15.0) and Shenandoah (4.6; 3.4). The mass of fertilizer added by VDGIF along with the feeder stream results were combined for the loading results. The released nutrient values were calculated from the tail water stream concentrations. Thus the data indicate that all three VDGIF lakes are currently storing both nitrogen and phosphorus, while Lake Huntsman is releasing more nutrient than it is currently entering via the feeder stream. Huntsman was dredged and refilled in 2014 and we believe that the disturbance may be a contributing factor to the nitrogen and phosphorous release. Sediment analyses revealed that all four lake have phosphorus stored in the muds.

11:40 a.m.

Limestone Treatment Pilot Study at Montebello Fish Cultural Station

K. J. Kulzer*1, S. J. Johnston1, T. Teears2, D. M. Downey1 *Presenting, Student Paper 1James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 2CMAST, Moorehead City, NC

Montebello Fish Culture Station is the oldest state owned trout production facility in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located in Nelson County Virginia and operated by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) trout farming began here as a private hatchery due to a large mountain spring that provides a steady discharge of cold water. The wooden trout boxes of the 1930s facility have long since been replaced by a series of thirty four concrete ponds in a raceway that occupy the former channel of the spring creek. The spring originates from a granite rock formation and discharges water that is low in pH, calcium and alkalinity that are close to critical values for fish health and viability. We hypothesized that limestone treatment could raise these values and enable better fish production. To date we have conducted two studies to test this hypothesis and develop a cost effective treatment plan. The first study was conducted in the laboratory in the summer 2016 to study the dissolution rate of limestone in de-ionized and tap water. These trial experiments were conducted with old rain gutters filled with limestone of varying sizes and qualities. Metrics included particle size, geometry, temperature, flow rate, bed length and depth. Assays included measurement of pH, alkalinity, dissolved calcium, conductivity, and other components of water discharged from the troughs. Results showed that Frazier # 8 (0.625”, 35.6% calcium) limestone was the best quality product based on dissolution rate. The study was a one year pilot scale test at Montebello in which spring water fed into a 30’ trough filled with limestone gravel, then into a 350 gallon tub with 30 rainbow trout, ultimately discharging off line from the remainder of the raceways. A control section of raceway was also maintained. Water chemistry results showed a significant improvements in pH (+0.5 units), alkalinity (+4.0 ppm), calcium (+2.0 ppm) and other water quality parameters. Trout reared in the treatment tub versus control showed increased survival, improved appearance and vitality. In two trials, growth rates for the treatment tube trout were 10% and 21% higher than the control. We believe that treatment of the upper raceway with several tons of limestone would provide improved water chemistry for the entire hatchery at relatively low cost.

12:00 p.m.

Population genetics of Virginia Walleye

Sheila Harris* and Eric Hallerman *Presenting, Student Paper Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Walleye (Sander vitreus) is a highly valued sportfish that is widely distributed across eastern North America. Within this range, there are a number of genetically distinct populations, including one population presumptively native to the upper New River, Virginia. This population has characteristic genetic markers, has proven to be resilient to environmental changes, and has become a population of interest because of the adaptation to riverine environments and the capability for growth to large ultimate size. To promote a fishery dominated by presumptive native New River Walleye, stocking of non-native Walleye was terminated, and a program aimed at restoration of the native stock was initiated in 2000. Broodstock candidates are screened for diagnostic markers, and offspring of selected individuals are raised in one of two hatcheries and stocked into the upper New River. Over the past 17 years, frequencies of native alleles has increased from around 15% to 70%. This marker-assisted selection approach has been adopted by West Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri. Ongoing work is aimed at evaluating additional genetic markers for purposes of improving the selection protocol and at characterizing population genetic variation of walleye populations in the eastern highlands and southern parts of the species’ range. This knowledge will contribute to implementing genetics- based Walleye management strategies across regions.

12:20 p.m.

Real World Science in the Hands of High School Students, An Overview

H. Abboud*1, A. K. Smith2 *Presenting, Student Paper 1James Madison High School, Vienna, VA 2Department of Environmental Science and Policy (Affiliate), GMU, Fairfax, VA

Spring of 2018 marks the fifth year since the inception of James Madison High School’s Stream Team watershed assessments. With no trout streams located near the Vienna, VA School, the team of students in this club has ventured far from its campus, conducting field activities throughout much of Northwest Virginia. A self-evaluation of activities to date revealed three key factors contributing to the group’s success: (1) collaboration with natural resource governing agencies, (2) substantial support from school administration coupled with considerable support from the Northern Virginia Trout Unlimited local chapter, and (3) a student-run, mission oriented approach which focuses on obtaining tangible, credible results. Four additional Northern Virginia high schools will be joining Madison in 2018. Expanded field work will include stream restoration activities in Prince William County. Officials from Trout Unlimited have examined Madison’s novel approach to field work and are exploring possibilities of piloting the program over a broader geographic region. Features of Stream Team activities will be displayed and explained.

2:00 p.m.

Climate change and Virginia's natural systems

Stephen Nash University of Richmond

Recent improvements in climate physics and available computational resources have enabled climate change projections at the regional scale. What's in store for Virginia, and what are some likely impacts on natural systems?

3:00 p.m.

Lake Experiments to Test Early Warning of Resilience Loss

Dr. Michael Pace Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia

Inland water ecosystems can undergo abrupt change transforming rapidly to a different state. Theory indicates that a detectable loss of resilience may occur in advance of some state changes. We tested this theory with two types of whole lake manipulations – fish additions and nutrient fertilization. The lake manipulations carried out over a seven-year period demonstrated the potential of early warning statistics based on time series data to detect loss of resilience. Many ecosystem regime shifts also involve transitions in spatial pattern. We are currently exploring whether changes in spatial statistics indicate loss of resilience. Overall, high frequency spatial and temporal data have potential to indicate changes in resilience and provide important understanding of ecosystems that are emerging under global trends.

Thursday, February 22st, 2018

9:10 a.m.

Hyperbole, Simile, Metaphor, Invasivore: Messaging around Blue Catfish

D. J. Orth* and J.D. Schmitt *Presenting Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Invasive species are those that spread into the new home and have the potential to cause “harm to the economy, to the environment, or to human health.” In the paper, I review basic invasion ecology theory, compare the theory with messaging surrounding the introduction and expansion of Blue Catfish in mid Atlantic tidal waters, and make modest recommendations about an appropriate path forward regarding the message. The language surrounding the invasive catfish controversy creates or reinforces positions of many stakeholders. Invasion is a metaphor that may connote the invasion of a hostile enemy. Three different models of invasion refer to introduced species as passengers, back-seat drivers model, and drivers of ecosystem degradation. The ‘invasional meltdown’ hypothesis is suggestive of ecosystem collapse by multiple colluding species. Metaphors, such as ‘invasional meltdown’ and ‘nativeness’, may give a stronger voice for change and create a sense of urgency. However, in this case metaphor replaces science in informing policy. The ‘nativeness’ and ‘invasiveness’ metaphors suggest an automatic management position without examining the full suite of management indicators. In journalist reports on Blue Catfish, the species was often vilified as “biggest threat to the Chesapeake Bay” and greatest environmental threat the Chesapeake Bay have ever faced.” Based on discussions with waterman and others, it was quickly reported that “their black-hole-like mouths vacuum up whatever marine life gets in their way.” Consequently, the public discourse regarding the Blue Catfish in the Chesapeake Bay region continues to be characterized by many terms that evoke threats, danger, toxicity and the need for caution, all of which make debate and discourse difficult. My modest recommendation is that “we need to talk,” and when doing so, tone down the rhetoric. Despite many well-conceived studies that derived estimates of consumption by Blue Catfish in Virginia waters, the findings remain inconclusive because we still lack estimates of population abundance of affected species. The Blue Catfish narrative should shift from the invasiveness metaphor to one of collaborative problem solving for meeting the grand challenges of conserving elements of our natural heritage in the face of growing pressures of urbanizing watersheds.

9:30 a.m.

Characterizing Fish Assemblages in Tidal-Fresh Reaches of Virginia’s Tidal Rivers

F.J. Hoogakker* and A.J. Bunch *Presenting Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Charles City, Virginia

Fish assemblages within tidal-fresh reaches of Virginia’s large coastal river systems are comprised of both resident and diadromous fish species. Both estuarine and freshwater fish species reside in these waters, including several species that are already threatened or vulnerable to significant ecological shifts (e.g. American Shad; Atlantic Sturgeon). Salinity regimes can have dramatic effects on species distribution and abundance, and long term factors such as introduction of non-native species, and land use alterations can permanently alter the fish assemblage of these tidal areas. Here, we characterized temporal patterns in the fish assemblages within the tidal-fresh reaches of the James, Chickahominy, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Rappahannock rivers using data collected during fall DGIF boat electrofishing surveys (2001-2017). Some fish species could not be accurately characterized due to gear selectivity, mostly related to size. Overall, the analysis showed significant differences in fish assemblages between systems, and characterized the change or lack thereof over time in these assemblages in each of these rivers. Fish assemblage structure and abundance was likely influenced by ecological drivers such as chemical (e.g., salinity) and physical (e.g. aquatic plant abundance) habitat changes associated with short-term (e.g., hurricanes), and long-term (e.g., prolonged drought; climate change) disturbances.

9:50 a.m.

Accuracy Testing of an Electronic Fish Counter for Walkers Dam Denil Fishway

A. Weaver*1, T. Owen1, and L. Smallwood2 *Presenting Author 1Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Henrico, VA 2Randolph Macon College, Ashland, VA

In 2017 a Smith-Root 16 channel electronic fish counter (SR1601) was deployed for pilot testing in the exit channels of the Denil fishway in Walkers Dam on the Chickahominy River near Lanexa, Virginia. The intent is to establish an annual river herring (Alewife and Blueback Herring) run count estimate. Passage tunnels were fabricated by VDGIF and connected to the SR1601 using 18 gage wire. Visual observations were compared to electronic counts. Multiple inconsistencies in accuracy were discovered and several channels often showed signs of malfunction. Since spring 2017 Smith-Root repaired and tested the unit in a flow tank in their lab using 22 gage shielded data cable. Counting accuracy in the S-R lab ranged from 88% to 100% over 30 passes using Goldfish (~90 mm) passing through 38 mm diameter tunnels. Per Smith-Root’s recommendation the 18 gage wiring on the VDGIF tunnels was replaced with 22 gage shielded wire. VDGIF Fish Passage staff and a Randolph Macon intern conducted multiple test trials with the repaired unit using Brook Trout (~125mm) in VDGIF’s 127 mm diameter test tunnel. The sensitivity setting range was determined using the test count feature and visual observations. Several channels were independently tested by conducting 10 pass trials with a single fish using the settings within the determined range. Several 10 pass trials for channel/sensitivity combinations resulted in 80% to 100% accuracy. The relatively small size of the test fish compared to the tunnel diameter may explain missed counts. The tunnels are sized based on the much larger Alewife and Blueback Herring. Smith-Root’s and our testing indicates that the unit is functioning and ready for re-deployment in the spring of 2018. Further comparisons of visual observations to electronic counts will be conducted to determine the accuracy of results.

10:10 a.m.

Using Remote Trail Cameras To Determine Angler Use Of Stream Trout Fisheries In Virginia

S. J. Reeser*, C.C. George, J.M. Hallacher *Presenting Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Verona, VA

Fisheries managers often utilize angler-creel survey information to complement biological data when making management decisions. One widely accepted survey method involves a creel survey technician on-site counting and interviewing anglers. A “passive” method often used is the “self-serve” drop box where anglers are asked to voluntarily provide fishing trip information. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages plus biases. Conducting active creel-clerk oriented angler creel surveys can be costly and time consuming. VDGIF fisheries managers deployed remote trail cameras on several managed trout streams to collect basic angler use information. These surveys served as an initial “filter” to determine if more intense angler-creel surveys should be undertaken or current management strategies should be reviewed. Managers will discuss how trail camera data can be used in comparison with data obtained through traditional angler–creel survey methods on similar waters, and in some cases streams surveyed in this study.

10:40 a.m.

The Utilization of Common Carp Pituitary Gland to induce Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) Ovulation

J. M. Hallacher Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) are a unique sportfish to Virginia. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) began stocking various rivers and reservoirs with muskellunge in the mid 1960’s. Traditionally, adults are captured from the wild, spawned, and the resulting fertilized eggs are hatched at VDGIF fish cultural stations. When allocations were not met fingerling muskellunge were imported from neighboring states. However, biosecurity protocols have eliminated this option forcing biologists and hatchery staff to meet allocations using muskellunge only from the Commonwealth. One of the major challenges of culturing muskellunge is capturing ripe females. Common Carp Pituitary Gland (CCPG) is used as a fertility aid to induce ovulation or spawning in sportfish. The utilization of CCPG allows biologists to increase their chances of successfully collecting eggs from female muskellunge. In the spring of 2017, nine female muskellunge were collected from the James River and were administered an intracoelomic injection of CCPG (6.6mg/kg). Both males and females were held in separate tanks at Vic Thomas Fish Cultural Station. After three days, the females were checked for ripeness and eggs were collected. Seven of nine females ovulated. Fertilization rate ranged from 28% - 96% resulting in 233,000 fry.

10:50 a.m.

2015-16 James River Angler Survey

Eric Brittle Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Charles City, Virginia

In 2015-16, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries conducted a two-stage, non-uniform probability angler survey. On-site interviews of 843 angling parties on the tidal James River were used to estimate angling effort, catch, harvest, and socio-economic parameters. Effort was also estimated via visual counts from low-altitude flights. Historically, anglers have targeted Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides more often than any other fish species. During our survey, anglers targeted catfish Ictaluris spp. most frequently (>50,000 hours), followed by Largemouth Bass (47,000 hrs), Striped Bass Morone saxatilis (4,800 hrs) and Black Crappie Pomoxis nigricans (2,200 hrs). Harvest was nearly non-existent except for Hickory Shad Alosa mediocris and White Perch Morone chrysops. Anglers spent over $800,000 in the survey period and over a quarter of anglers were associated with tournaments. In addition to onsite interviews, aerial surveys counted over 1,400 boats fishing during the survey time period. Over 50 percent of anglers rated fishing as excellent or good, compared to 21 percent who rated fishing as poor.

11:10 a.m.

Assessing a Recent Freshwater Mussel Mass Mortality Event in the Clinch River

C. Carey*1,2, A. Phipps2, J. Richard3, T. Lane4 *Presenting 1Conservation Management Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 2Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 3U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwestern Virginia Field Office, Abingdon, VA 4Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center, Marion, VA

Originating in southwestern Virginia (VA) and flowing southwest into northeastern Tennessee (TN), the Clinch River supports a diverse assemblage of freshwater mussels, snails, crayfishes, and fishes—many of which are endemic or imperiled. Over an 11-year period from 2004–2014, the status and distribution of the mussel fauna in the Clinch River were quantitatively assessed at 18 sites; including 3 TN sites that were monitored on an annual basis. Data from these long-term monitoring (LTM) efforts serve as a baseline for evaluating temporal and spatial trends that can provide insight to environmental changes. In 2016, several independent accounts of a suspected mussel die-off in the Clinch below the VA-TN border were reported; prompting the need to reinitiate the LTM program and reassess populations. To determine the spatial extent and quantify the severity of the die-off, if one was occurring, demographic data were collected across several TN and VA sites by quadrat sampling in 2017 and species-specific densities were estimated and compared to historical, baseline levels. Results indicated that several species have experienced significant (40–80%) population declines over 1–3 years in TN sites, whereas population densities remain stable in VA sites. Similar to 2016 observations, we encountered an unusually high number of fresh dead, dying, and stressed mussels at TN sites. Evidence of high recent mortality was not observed in VA sites. Our results support conclusions drawn from 2016 field observations that a mussel die-off event has occurred and that its spatial extent appears to be currently restricted to TN reaches. In addition, 2017 assessments showed that this mass mortality event is on-going and not confined to 2016, has impacted several species, and is affecting all age- classes. Continued LTM and additional research are needed to determine factors driving declines and long-term impacts on mussel and other faunal communities.

11:30 a.m.

Aquaculture in Virginia and Beyond

Brendan Delbos Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Henrico, VA

According to the latest data, global production of aquacultured products topped 106 million metric tons in 2016. Additionally, over 50% of the seafood consumed globally is now raised on farms. As the global population increases while capture-fishery landings stagnate, aquaculture facilities will play a greater role in producing nutritious, sustainably raised seafood. In order to meet the growing need for seafood, however, aquaculture producers must address the real and perceived negative aspects of the industry. This presentation will review aquaculture production within Virginia, the US and beyond and will address how VDGIF is taking a lead role in providing a quality farm-raised product for our constituents.

11:40 a.m.

Update on the US Forest Service Freshwater Snorkeling Education Program

C. Roghair*1, K. Williams2, K. Winter3, D. Kirk4, A. Dolloff1 *Presenting 1US Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Blacksburg, VA 2NorthBay Foundation, North East, MD 3US Forest Service, NatureWatch Program, Washington, DC 4George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Natural Bridge, VA

The US Forest Service recently set a goal of increasing by 50% over the next 5 years the number of youth and adults connecting to the outdoors through recreational fishing and other aquatic activities. Concurrently, the Forest Service implemented its freshwater snorkeling education program in several states, including Virginia. In 2017, the program reached over 600 participants, primarily youth in grades 4 – 12. In 2018, we seek to expand the program by engaging local partners in snorkel program implementation. We are partnering with several organizations in northern Virginia and Washington DC to bring snorkeling programs to the Shenandoah River watershed, and we are seeking additional partners to establish snorkeling programs in other areas of the commonwealth.

11:50 a.m.

Using ecological traits to improve seabird bycatch risk analysis

Can Zhou*1, Yan Jiao1, Joan Browder2 *Presenting 1Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 2Southeast Fisheries Sciences Center, NOAA, Miami, FL

Fishery bycatch of seabirds presents an acute management problem, and relatively little is known about seabird bycatch events due to their rarity. The issue is further complicated by the quantity and quality of observation data. Out of the 158 seabirds observed caught by the U.S. Atlantic pelagic longline fleet from 1992 to 2016, only 80 birds were identified to species, 25 birds were only identified to family, and the rest - mainly in the older records - were unidentified. Because of the combination of the relatively low coverage of effort by the observer program, the rarity of seabird bycatch observations, and the high uncertainty in the species ID data, it is important to identify potential seabird species that might be susceptible to longline bycatch but have not been identified historically. In this study, we leverage ecological traits of seabirds to improve the task of bycatch estimation and risk analysis. Bayesian state- space modeling was used to accommodate the high level of uncertainty in the bycatch ID process. Results show that seabird bycatch risk highly depends on the background abundance the seabird. Meanwhile, the large species group was found to be two times as vulnerable as the mid-to-small species group to longline bycatch risk. Temporal migratory patterns were found to be good indicators of seasonal variation in bycatch risk. Based on ecological traits, species found in this region that potentially suffer high fishery bycatch were identified. These species, especially those that have not been identified historically, deserve extra attention in the observer training program.

12:10 p.m.

Evaluations of Walleye and Saugeye Stockings in Eastern Virginia Impoundments

Scott Herrmann Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Charles City, VA 23030

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Walleye Committee established a Walleye Management Plan to set the foundation for walleye stocking efforts in the Commonwealth. Warm water hatcheries have been tasked with rearing upwards of 1.3 million walleye fingerlings annually for the stocking into 17 resources. Hatchery production in 2013 provided a new and exciting opportunity with the inaugural attempt at producing saugeye, the hybrid cross of a female walleye Stizostedion vitreum and a male sauger Stizostedion canadensis. Saugeye have been a popular gamefish in mid-western states for many years. Saugeye fingerlings were stocked into several Virginia impoundments from 2013 – 2015, that were typically stocked with walleye. This initial effort served as a trial run to see if stocked saugeye could provide increased angler catch rates and interest from the general fishing public. Two large impoundments within Region 1, District 1 were chosen for saugeye stockings. Lake Chesdin, a 1,255-ha reservoir on the Appomattox River, received a spilt stocking of walleye and saugeye fingerlings in 2013 and 2014. Little Creek Reservoir, a 383-ha water supply impoundment for the City of Newport News, located in James City County, VA, received a stocking of saugeye fingerlings in 2014. Saugeye have shown a propensity to grow rapidly in turbid systems that experience warm water temperatures, conditions that might hamper walleye survival and growth. Day and night electrofishing surveys along with fall gill net surveys were conducted on Lake Chesdin and Little Creek Reservoir. Population characteristics of CPUE, size distribution, movement, and growth potential were assessed. The walleye and saugeye tagging studies on each impoundment have produced increased interest in the established fishing opportunities. Tag return data has been used to assess the level of harvest on Little Creek Reservoir.

Poster Presentations

Wednesday, February 21st, 2018, 6:00-7:00 p. m.

Can Isolated Salmonid Populations be an Effective Conservation Strategy? Comparing Above and Below Waterfall Populations of Eastern Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Southern Appalachia

Hannah Eisemann¹* and Dr. Christine May¹ *Presenting, Student Poster ¹James Madison University, Department of Biology, Harrisonburg, VA

Salmonids, particularly brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), are declining across their native ranges. New conservation strategies are needed to protect their populations and recent research suggests that waterfalls may isolate brook trout in ideal habitats above them. However, there is a conservation paradigm that isolated populations are always small, inbred and therefore too prone to extirpation from stochastic events to be worthy of conservation focus. However, waterfalls are geomorphologically distinct from other mechanisms of fish isolation, such as dams and culverts, in that they prevent base-level lowering and create broad, shallow-gradient floodplains above them. Such habitats offer refuge for fish during flood events and may support larger populations with larger individuals because this kind of habitat retains nutrients longer than steep, narrow, downstream areas. As fish barriers, waterfalls also prevent wild brook trout from interacting with introduced rainbow trout, brown trout, and hatchery raised brook trout that compete with wild trout for resources, introduce disease, and interbreed with wild trout to produce less fit offspring. I will conduct a study to directly compare brook trout populations above waterfalls to those below them by measures of overall biomass, population abundance, body-size index, and size-class structure. Fish will be counted, weighed, and measured for fork length above and below ten different waterfalls via 100m block-netted electroshock backpack sampling. Sites in George Washington National Forest have been selected for similar drainage basin sizes and the presence of wild brook trout above the falls. Above-waterfall habitats are expected to have larger brook trout populations comprised of larger individuals and a more even age distribution than their below-waterfall counterparts. This would prompt conservationists to reconsider isolated populations for intensive mitigation efforts, such as liming to mitigate acidification. This would be an impetus for a fundamental shift in conservation mind-sets towards reconsidering the value of isolated populations.

Blue Catfish Fishery and Population Characteristics Trends in Virginia Tidal Rivers

C.D. Hilling*1, A. J. Bunch2, R. S.Greenlee2, M. C. Fabrizio3, Y. Jiao1, D.J. Orth1 *Presenting, Student Poster 1Virginia Tech Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Blacksburg, VA 2Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Charles City, VA 3Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, VA

Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) were introduced in Virginia tidal rivers in the 1970s and 80s. Since introduction, the species has expanded to all major Virginia tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay and as far north as the Susquehanna River. Blue Catfish provide commercial and recreational fishing opportunities in many low-salinity portions of the Chesapeake Bay region, but opportunistically consume at-risk and economically important species when locally abundant. We explored patterns in relative abundance of blue catfish using four indices of relative abundance from fishery-independent surveys (high-frequency electrofishing, low- frequency electrofishing and two size-based indices from the VIMS Juvenile Fish Trawl). We also examined commercial landings, reported catches from the trophy fishery and maximum sizes reported from the recreational fishery in Virginia. Length frequency plots and proportional size distribution indices provided convenient tools to improve our understanding of size structure changes over time. We explored changes in growth during the period 2002–2016 using the von Bertalanffy growth model extended to non-linear mixed effects models. Commercial landings have increased since the 1990s with largest catches in the James River, historically. Recently, commercial catch within the Rappahannock and York systems has increased. Trophy fishing citations have undergone a steep decline since the mid- to late- 2000s with a majority of reported trophy fish in Virginia coming from the James River. Further, maximum observed size increased significantly over time in the James, Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers with a recent leveling off. Growth rates of individual fish have declined over time in these systems as populations have become established, likely related to density- dependent factors. Understanding population characteristics and fishery trends will help inform management plans to control these populations.

Longitudinal Distribution, Habitat, and Species Diversity of the Fishes of Back Creek, a Lower New River Drainage Tributary, Virginia

C. B. Hopkins*, P. M. Weiss* *Presenting, Student Poster Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Blacksburg, VA Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Back Creek is an Order 3 tributary of 17.6 miles in length with a total land watershed coverage of 105,117.3 km2 in the lower New River Drainage, Virginia. Based on a total of 120 collections from six localities and personal observations, its present ichthyofauna includes 33 species and one hybrid, distributed amongst six families. The fauna includes two recent invasive introductions, Etheostoma rufilineatum and Etheostoma simoterum. Species richness increased or decreased based upon the following factors: site location (headwater to downstream reaches), habitat features and diversity, anthropogenic impacts (agricultural and removal of riparian buffer), and outside influences (private farm ponds). The most common trends were replacement of intolerant to tolerant species and reduction of species richness in impacted areas: longitudinal zonation of species increasing in the downstream direction and relative to outside influences. We used statistical analyses to relate the proportion of tolerant species to the land use at each site. Three species were sampled at all locations, and two species were sampled in another study from two sites earlier in the spring of the same year but were not collected in this study. Adults of 26 species were found in pool habitat and eight in riffle or run habitat. Juveniles and young of year individuals were often found in various or opposite of the typical habitat type where adults were found.

Fish Assemblage Differences Above and Below a Dam on the Upper New River in Southwest Virginia

H. H. Kim*1,3, C. S. Carey1,2, Q. E. Phelps3, and D. J. Orth1 *Presenting, Student Poster 1 Virginia Tech, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Blacksburg, VA 2Virginia Tech, Conservation Management Institute, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Blacksburg, VA 3 West Virginia University, Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, Morgantown, WV

Dams significantly alter the natural hydrogeomorphic processes that can lead to changes in fish assemblages over time. Dams serve as barriers to upstream species dispersal. The reservoir serves as a sediment trap and creates sediment-starved reaches directly below. These altered habitats support a distinct fish assemblage. The Upper New River extends 83 RM from the North Carolina border downstream to Claytor Lake. Four dams bisect the Upper New River. Fries Dam is a 41-foot high and 610-foot long rock masonry dam. We utilized standardized quantitative and standardized qualitative sampling methods. Six endemic species to the New River were of particular interest during our sampling. Three New River endemic fishes were commonly encountered Bigmouth Chub Nocomis platyrhynchus, New River Shiner Notropis scabriceps, and Appalachia Darter Percina gymnocephala. A total of 41 species were collected, representing five orders and seven families. We assessed multivariate relations in fish community data using Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS). No record of extensive fish surveys exists for this area. We present the first extensive fish surveys in this part of the Upper New River.

Culture of the Alewife Floater (Utterbackiana implicata) at the Virginia Fisheries and Aquatic Wildlife Center

M. C. Odom*1, R. A. Mair1, B. T. Watson2, A. L. Maynard3, B. F. Davis1, and B. H. Maynard1 *Presenting 1U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Charles City, VA 2Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Forest, VA 3Conservation Management Institute, Blacksburg, VA

The alewife floater (Utterbackiana implicata), a freshwater mussel endemic to Atlantic Slope rivers from South Carolina to Quebec, uses anadromous fishes of the Alosa genus as hosts for successful reproduction and dispersal of young. While widespread, some alewife floater populations have been extirpated concurrent with the loss of Alosa spawning runs in the same rivers. The coast-wide collapse of Alosa stocks along the Atlantic Slope stimulated an interest in developing culture methods to provide alewife floater for potential conservation actions in the future. The cooperative Virginia Fisheries and Aquatic Wildlife Center (VFAWC) at Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery began propagation trials with this species in 2009, leading to an effective protocol for the transformation of juveniles utilizing blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) as the host in flow-through circular tanks. To date, the facility has propagated 3.8 million juvenile alewife floaters. Effective techniques to grow the juveniles to taggable size have been achieved at VFAWC but continue to be tweaked to improve efficiency.

Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Virginia

Paul E. Bugas, Jr., Michael J. Pinder, Valerie A. Kells, Corbin Hilling, Derek Wheaton, and D.J. Orth* *Presenting Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

A Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Virginia is needed to fulfill a longstanding need in nature education. Central and Southern Appalachians are unrivaled in the U.S. for aquatic species diversity, which makes this regional field guide extremely important. Most authoritative information is contained in extensive (6.6 pound) references or online databases that are not useful for the beginning naturalist nor a field biologist. Furthermore, biologists worldwide are clamoring for more natural history skills to prepare young biologists for future challenges. We are creating a 5x7.5-inch, field guide on water-resistant paper. The book will teach the beginner how to identify the families and reliably identify Virginia fish species with field characteristics. The taxonomy of family and common names will follow recent authoritative references. The field guide will include introductory chapters on fishes, river drainages, and freshwater habitats of Virginia, how to use the field guide, how to observe fish in the wild and captivity, and essential messages of fish conservation. Distribution maps will be based on recent distributional databases. Color illustrations will be incorporated to provide easy identification. Select illustrations will provide most reliable diagnostic characteristics (e.g., snout shape, pigment patterns, mouth morphology) for field identifications. Poster presentation will include a sample page layout and excerpts from the field guide. Johns Hopkins University Press has agreed to publish the field guide when completed.

Freshwater Invertebrate Community Response to the Presence of Predatory Fish

K. Reifenberg*1 , J.Studio1 , and C.May1 *Presenting, Student Poster 1James Madison University, Department of Biology, Harrisonburg, CA

Macroinvertebrates play a pivotal role in freshwater ecosystems by influencing nutrient cycles, breaking down organic matter, directly affecting primary producers, and serving as a major food source for numerous fish species. The goal of this study was to examine if macroinvertebrate density and diversity were affected by the number of predatory fish species present. As dams are removed along the east coast, American eels (Anguilla rostrata) are able to migrate further inland. Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, Virginia represents the westward boundary for the American eel in the Tye River, and also contains high numbers of Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The falls are an ideal sampling location because the two treatments of interest are incorporated, and confounding variables are limited. Brook trout are the only fish species present above the falls, but below the falls trout and eels co-occur. Designated reaches above and below the falls were divided up into three distinct pool/riffle sequences. Benthic invertebrate sampling was conducted using a D-frame kick net for three minute timed samples, each broken up proportional to the habitat available. Drifting invertebrates were collected overnight after placing drift nets across a narrow section of the stream. Three collection events occurred, both above and below the falls, from May-July, 2017. Comparisons will be made between density and diversity of invertebrates above and below the falls for each sample date. Comparisons will also be made between invertebrate availability and prey selection by assessing diet samples of trout and eels. This data may be used to gain insight on the effects of migratory species on upstream food webs post dam removal and on the effect of multiple predators.

A Proposal to Establish a 501(c)(3) funding source, entitled The Virginia Native Trout Trust, Exclusively Focused on Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Conservation

M.L. Smith U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (retired) & private citizen Lake Frederick, VA

This poster is a prospectus advocating the creation of a single-species focused tax-exempt conservation fund, entitled the Virginia Native Trout Trust, a 501(c (3). The poster enumerates the immediate needs for such a proposed fund, and suggests the potential benefits that could result for public and private conservation organizations, as well as involved and committed trout anglers. The poster is intended to promote ideas and dialog among resource professionals, as well as to foster renewed public/private efforts to address the most pressing conservation needs of the Commonwealth’s only native trout (char) during a time of demonstrated climate change. Among the benefits the proposed fund could offer would be enhanced opportunities for undergraduate research. The poster will also describe areas in which the proposed fund could become a more reliable revenue source than the current region-wide Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture.

Assessing Potential Habitats for Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Sustainability

M. E. Waclawski*1, J. S. Hakeem1, A. K. Smith2 *Presenting, Student Poster 1James Madison High School, Vienna, VA 2Department of Environmental Science and Policy (Affiliate), GMU, Fairfax, VA

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations along the East Coast of the U.S. are declining due to disturbances within watersheds harboring trout populations. Brook trout are vital to ecosystems, cultures, and scientific communities within their native range. Those concerned for declining brook trout populations, such as scientists, activists, and outdoorsmen, have encountered obstacles in monitoring the species: current tools for brook trout habitat assessment are expensive, inconvenient, and unstandardized in the Mid-Atlantic region. To address this issue, the Brook Trout Sustainability Index (BKTI, Smith and Sklarew, 2012), as well as the “S” Statistic (Sustainability Statistic, Smith and Sklarew, 2013) were employed in collaboration and consultation with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, United States Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, and ESRI. In April 2017, students conducted assessments of two subwatersheds (Mill Run and Narrow Passage Creek) near Woodstock, VA. Quality controlled results from the assessments were produced in fall 2017, revealing a BKTI of 85.3 for Mill Run and 86.3 for Narrow Passage Creek. Such favorable ratings suggest the two locations possess the potential to support sustainable brook trout populations. Based on an assessment conducted in 2016, headwaters of Catharpin Creek, Prince William County, were approved for brook trout reintroduction which occurred spring 2017. One carryover trout was visually spotted December 18, 2017. In summary, utilization of the "S" statistic and BKTI have demonstrated a cost effective, convenient, and successful approach in assessing subwatersheds of interest.