I ' ! " j
Fishes and Other Aquatic Resources ' i i I of Acadia National Park: J
A Synopsis of Published and Unpublished Information
', I l ; Kathleen Bowes Jon Le I • and John R. Moring
Technical Report NPS/BSO-RNR/NRTR/00-6
June 1999 r i I , Department of the Interior National Park Service f Boston Support Office
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\ j i ;
1 I , The Boston Support Office (BSO) of the National Park Service is responsible for preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural resources and processes of national park areas in the States of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Natural Resource Management and Research Program conducts natural resource and social science research, designs long-term monitoring, conducts inventories, and provides technical assistance in support of these activities. 1 The Natural Resources Management and Research Office publishes and distributes natural resource technical reports and natural resource science reports as a part of the NER Regional Publications Series in accordance with the I I Natural Resource Publication Management Handbook (1991). 1
Copies are available from the following:
National Park Service Boston Support Office
Natural Resource Management and Research ( '·, . 15 State Street Boston, MA 02109-3572
' 'I !
l j Fishes and Other Aquatic Resources of Acadia National Park:
A Synopsis of Published and Unpublished Information
Kathleen Bowes Jon Le and John R. Moring
Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit U.S. Geological Survey University of Maine 5751 Murray Hall Orono, Maine 04469-5751
June 1999
National Park Service Boston Support Office t_J Natural Resources Management 1 5 State Street Boston, Massachusetts. 02109-3572 r1 j ! y -1-
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The fish communities of ponds and brooks of Mount Desert Island,
particularly those within the boundaries of Acadia National Park, have been
influenced by humans for well over a century. Angling pressure has increased
substantially, especially in the second half of the twentieth century. This has
resulted in extensive stocking of fish species native to Mount Desert Island as well
as those that are non-native and exotic (e.g., brown trout).
As a prelude to a detailed field inventory of waters within or adjacent to
Acadia National Park, published and unpublished records were searched for
information on fish species, angler harvest, stocking, and water quality. Most of
this material is unpublished and is stored in files at the regional and research offices
of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, at Park headquarters in
Bar Harbor, Maine, at Fogler Library at the University of Maine, and at the Maine
State Library in Augusta.
Virtually all ponds have been influenced by stocking at some point during
the century. Of 24 ponds, only 3 have not been stocked, and these are all under IO
acres in size. The first intentionally introduced species was lake whitefish, reared
at Craig's Brook Hatchery (now Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery) in 1882. fJ Smallmouth bass were introduced in 1891. Since that time, brook trout, rainbow
trout, brown trout, Sunapee char, lake trout, landlocked salmon, alewives, rainbow
smelt, largemouth bass, steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout), sea-run Atlantic -2- salmon, and various species of sticklebacks and cyprinids all have been stocked in waters within or adjacent to boundaries of Acadia National Park.
As a consequence of these community species alterations, 91 % of the ponds that contain fishes (21 of23) no longer contain their original species mixture. The remaining ponds are small in size (5 and 6 acres) with limited species (5 species and 1 species, respectively), and little angler pressure.
Historically, 31 species or subspecies of fishes have been confirmed for waters within the Park, but only 13 to 15 of these are native to Mount Desert
Island. The most widespread of these native fishes are banded killifish and golden shiner, each found in 79% of the ponds, as well as in several brooks. Both species are l~kely native the Mount Desert Island but may have been more widely distributed on the Island as a result of angler bait releases. Other widely distributed fish species within Park waters (historically) are brook trout (75% of ponds), pumpkinseed (67%), American eel (63%), white sucker (54%), and northern redbelly dace and rainbow smelt (each 50%).
As a general trend, there has been less multi-species stocking in the 1990s compared to even two decades ago. Most recent stocking has been with salmonid J \ fishes. Numbers stocked have declined, but the size of stocked fish is larger, to L.. 1 promote higher survival. Only Bear Brook Pond and Duck Pond have presumably never had stocking (Sargent Mountain Pond likely lacks fish). Thus, if natural fish communities are to be studied, these three small ponds probably reflect the original r1 -3-
fish communities.
The National Park Service now maintains a fairly extensive water quality
database that includes periodic measurements collected by the Maine Department
of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as far back as 1942. More recent data are primarily
from a regular water quality monitoring program by the National Park Service on
selected ponds.
Information on angler use is generally spotty. A majority of waters have only
minimal creel survey data (or none) except for personal angler diaries and letters.
When such indicators of angler pressure and harvest are available, it is generally for
the winter ice fishery rather than the open water fishery.
Little information currently exists for fish communities in brooks, but these
waters will be inventoried soon. However, in streams draining southern Mount
Desert Island, brook trout and American eel are typically the dominant or the only
species present.
Almost all waters within the Park are biologically altered from their original
species mixture. Thus, most fish communities will never return to their original
state, especially with assumed high angler demands of salmonids from local
residents and tourists. Stocking has been a tool for meeting this demand--to
f )'I introduce· new species of game fish or to supplement existing populations. t.J However, logical research directions for the future could address the
biogeographical progression of community changes and their consequences.
(] -4-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION 6
OBJECTIVES 8
METHODS 8
Notes on the records for lakes and brooks 12
STATE OF KNOWLEDGE 16
Lakes 16
Aunt Betty Pond 16 Bear Brook Pond 19 The Bowl 20 Break.neck Ponds 22 Bubble Pond 25 Duck Pond 29 Eagle Lake 30 Echo Lake 37 Halfmoon Pond 45 Hamilton Pond 47 Hodgdon Pond 50 Jordan Pond 54 Lake Wood 61 Little Long Pond 64 Long Pond, Isle Au Haut 69 Long Pond 71 Lower Hadlock Pond 78 Round Pond 83 Sargent Mountain Pond 86 Seal Cove Pond 87 Somes Pond 93 The Tarn 96 Upper Hadlock Pond 100 Witch Hole Pond 105 -5-
Brooks 108
Duck Creek 108 Hunter's Brook 109 Little Harbor Brook 109 Marshall Brook 109 Richardson Brook 111 Stanley Brook 111
GENERAL SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 112 FROM HISTORICAL SUMMARY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 115
LITERATURE CITED 115
APPENDIX 119 -6-
INTRODUCTION
In August 1997, The National Park Service authorized a multi-year inventory
of freshwater lakes and brooks and their aquatic inhabitants and habitat at Acadia
National Park, Maine. Prior to initiating extensive field investigations, the state of knowledge was assessed using published and unpublished records available from
State, Federal, and University sources. This document reflects an assessment of
these data and serves to focus future research in areas where information is
needed.
Acadia National Park--largely centered on Mount Desert Island, Maine--was
established in 1916. Only limited information is available regarding native species,
their distribution, and abundance in lake waters. Since the creation of the Park,
both the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and the
National Park Service have had management responsibilities and interest in
aquatic areas at Acadia National Park. Management and protection of native
species and aquatic communities, while still providing fishing opportunities, is a focus of the National Park Service, while the MDIFW has management
responsibilities for waters larger than 1 o acres and their fisheries. These responsibilities include angling regulations, stocking, and population assessment.
This is an authorization that dates back to the 1641-1647 Colonial Ordinance of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony. Over the years, non-native and exotic fish species have been introduced into waters within the Park and several native species have been -7-
actively stocked in these waters, to provide a variety of angling opportunities for
visitors and residents to this very popular National Park.
By conventional scientific definition, "non-native" fishes are those North
American species that have been introduced beyond their natural distribution
range (e.g., smallmouth bass in Maine, brown bullhead on Mount Desert Island). In
contrast, "exotic" fishes are those introduced from a foreign land (e.g., brown trout
in the United States).
Although the MDIFW has identified most of the fish species found in
individual lakes and ponds during the course of its management assessments
(netting, creel surveys, etc.), most of this information exists in unpublished form in
files at the MDIFW regional office in Machias. Little is known of the aquatic life of
the Park's brooks and streams, and some types of fishes heretofore have been only
grouped by broad category (e.g., minnows). Game fish species are generally well
documented for ponds within Park boundaries, but complete fish community
profiles of species, relative abundance, and origin are often incomplete. Although
some published studies do exist, much information on the aquatic resources must
be gleaned from labor-intensive examinations of file data.
The draft Acadia National Park Water Resource Plan includes two Park goals
that relate to inventory assessment of fisheries resources: (1) Foster fisheries
management activities that restore and perpetuate, to the greatest degree possible,
natural assemblages of indigenous fish species and aquatic communities, and (2)
1 r y j j -8-
.Work with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) and local groups to provide a diversity of quality fishing experiences, including opportunities where the number or size of fish caught is :not the primary recreational focus.
OBJECTIVES
1. To summarize the available data--published and unpublished--on waters within
or adjacent to boundaries of Acadia National Park, prior to 1998.
2. To specifically identify historical changes in stocking and management
strategies, species presence and abundance of freshwater fishes within Park
boundaries.
METHODS
Most previous information on fish resources within the boundaries of Acadia
National Park is unpublished. No one agency has a complete file of all such information. We have attempted to consolidate these records and accounts, summarize them in this report, and cross-reference all records to photocopies of original documents that are maintained in a series of binders at Acadia National
Park headquarters in Bar Harbor, Maine (data sheet codes next to the name of each lake or brook refer to the coding references in these binders). -9-
To do this, we examined the files of the Machias regional office of the Maine
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and photocopied all internal reports,
data sheets, derby results, creel census records, stocking reports, and fish inventory
and water quality sheets. All permit applications and correspondence relating to
specific waters have been examined.
We also examined Procter's series of volumes on the biota of Mount Desert
Island (Procter 1933), Batchelder's (1927) report on the fishes of eastern Mount
Desert Island, and other material housed in the Park library at Park headquarters,
as well as Park-financed and supported research projects and correspondence on
independent studies.
At Fogler Library, at the University of Maine, we examined Master of Science
theses and Ph.D. dissertations for research that has been conducted in waters
within the Park, as well as papers published in scientific journals that relate to
fishes in these waters. Additional State reports and other documents were
\ reviewed at the Maine State Library in Augusta and the Bangor office of the -1. f MDIFW.
Newlin's (1989) guide to Mt. Desert Island lakes provides information on
principal sport fisheries, although some information is erroneous and is based on
unsubstantiated reports. Fuller and Cooper's (1946) surveys of Mt. Desert's lakes
and ponds in 1942 were excellent early records of fish species present, food habits,
habitats, plankton, and stocking records. However, most of the smaller ponds ( < 10 -10- acres) of Mt. Desert Island were not smveyed. Procter's (1933) fauna! survey of
Mount Desert Island was updated by Borei et al. (1963), but the inclusion of
American eel and brown bullhead does not add to the known inventory, nor is it referenced by lake--only that these species were found locally.
The Resource Management Plan for Acadia National Park (1998) addresses fisheries and aquatic research, monitoring, inventory, and management needs.
This Plan also references several published and unpublished reports dealing with previous studies, such as those by Bishop and Clark (1922) and Manville (1964) on aquatic studies on Isle au Haut, as well as other studies referenced in the text. The
Resource Management Plan (versions of 1988 and 1992) also includes a chapter on native fishes of Acadia National Park and a general review of the difficulties in determining which species were introduced and which are native.
A listing of common and scientific names of fish species historically present in waters within Acadia National Park--whether native or introduced--is provided in Appendix 1. Although the history of stocking in Acadia National Park waters
(extending back to well before the creation of Acadia National Park) can be traced to, at least, 1882, consistent stocking by the MDIFW has been a more recent activity. Except for the very smallest ponds, most waters have been intentionally stocked at some point in history. Other fish introductions have resulted from illegal transfers of fish.
Additional, general references on the subject include a popular article by -11-
Brokaw (1983) on fishing opportunities at Acadia National Park and a general
summary of some fish species by Calhoun et al. (1994) in discussing freshwater
fishes of wetlands. Other references on macroinvertebrates and water quality are
included in summaries for specific bodies of water. Batchelder (1927) provided,
perhaps, the best explanation for the presence of each species offish encountered
in eastern Mount Desert Island waters, which species were likely native and which
species were introduced. The earliest known introduction to waters now within
Acadia National Park was of lake whitefish in 1882. Eggs were reared at Craig's
Brook Hatchery (now Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery) and the resultant fry
were stocked into Eagle Lake (U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries 1884).
Another early stocked species was the smallmouth bass, probably stocked into The
Bowl in 1891 (Batchelder 1927). This historical review, partially based on work by
W.C. Kendall, also documents the first (unsuccessful) introductions of rainbow
. trout to Jordan Pond in 1899 and 1915 and Upper Hadlock Pond in 1909.
Steelhead were unsuccessfully introduced into Jordan Pond in 1899 and brown
trout were unsuccessfully introduced into Long Pond in 1900. Golden shiners and
banded killifish--two common and widely-distributed species today--may have
been dispersed as bait released by anglers. But Batchelder (1927) suspects that
. l these species may be native because, even in the early part of the twentieth ..r ]
·, century, their presence was not always correlated with waters where people fished. I I )
'1 I I I -12-
Notes on the Records for Lakes and Brooks
I. Units
Original records were kept in English units, while more recent measurements were recorded in metric units or a combination of the two systems.
In summarizing the data, we have kept the style of the original records, and converted later measurements to English units.
2. Data Sheet Codes
Listed next to the names of lakes or brooks, data sheet codes refer to copies of data sheets, publications, stocking records, correspondence, angler creel surveys, etc. that are available prior to 1998. These copies are coded and collected in binders provided to Park Headquarters, Acadia National Park. These coding numbers do not refer to other coded material maintained by the Park.
3, Probable Native Species
Species so noted are those likely native to a particular pond. Some species are exotic introductions (e.g., brown trout), or non-native (e.g., smallmouth bass).
Stocking records indicate the origins of some species. Others have been reported by Batchelder (1927) as being native to the mainland, but not to Mount Desert
Island (e.g., landlocked salmon, lake trout, common shiner, chain pickerel, brown bullhead). Although Batchelder considered some species of cyprinids to have been -13- distributed via bait bucket releases to other Island lakes, several of the species are still believed to be native, while others, because of their abundance off the island and isolation on the Island, probably represent bait introduction by anglers. -14-
Table I. Summary of pond size, number of fish species historically found in waters, number of probable native species, and species known to have been stocked at some point in history in ponds within or adjacent to the boundaries of Acadia National Park (Hamilton Pond, Somes Pond, and Little Long Pond are not currently within Park boundaries).
Total Number of Species Probable Species Ever Inten- Pond Size (acres) Historically Native Species tionally Stocked*
Aunt Betty Pond 34 7 5 BT
Bear Brook Pond 5 5 5
The Bowl 6 3 2 SB
Breakneck Ponds 8,9 8 5 BT
Bubble Pond 32 9 8 BT
DuckPond 6 1 1
Eagle Lake 436 11 5 BT, LL, LT, AS, LW
Echo Lake·· 237 17 11 BT, RT, LL, LT, SC, SB,AS
Hadlock Pd. (Lower) 39 13 7 LL. BrT, BT, RS
Hadlock Pd. {Upper) 35 10 8 BrT,BT,RT
Halfmoon Pond 3 4 3 BT
Hamilton Pond··· 40 6 4 LB,UC
Hodgdon Pond··· 35 8 3 RT,SB
Jordan Pond 187 18 8 BT, LT, LL, AS, ST, SH,RT
Lake Wood 16 6 4 BT
Little Long Pond··· 38 12 9 LL,BT, UC
Long Pond (Isle Au 73 5 3 BT,LL Haut)"*
Long (Great)Pond •• 897 16 9 SB, LL, AS, AW, BrT, BT -15-
Round Pond 38 8 4 SB,BT
Sargent Mt. Pond <10 0 0
Seal Cove Pond·· 283 13 9 BrT,SB,BT
Somes Pond ... 104 9 5 SB
The Tarn 8 9 6 BT
Witch Hole Pond 28 8 5 BT *Species codes: LL = landlocked salmon; AW = alewife; BT = brook trout; LT = lake trout; RT = rainbow trout; BrT = brown trout; SC = Sunapee char; RS = rainbow smelt; LB = largemouth bass; SB = smallmouth bass; ST = sticklebacks; AS = Atlantic salmon; SH = steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout); LW = lake whitefish; UC = unspecified cyprinids.
**Waters bordering Acadia National Park land.
***Waters outside current boundaries of Acadia National Park. -16-
STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
Lakes
Most of the enclosed bodies of water within the boundaries of Acadia
National Park have been influenced by intentional stocking and/or the spread of
fishes by non-biologists (Table 1). Twenty-one of the 24 ponds examined have fish
communities that include non-indigenous fishes. Only three ponds lack such
biological influences (Bear Brook Pond, Duck Pond, and Sargent Mountain Pond)
and one of these is devoid of fish. The others are quite small in size.
AUNT BETTY POND (data sheet codes 401-402)
Size: 34 acres
Historically known species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Threespine stickleback (tributary, 1998 smvey by Le) White sucker
I , Probable native species: American eel l , Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Threespine stickleback White sucker
Fish Smveys
The initial survey of fishes was in September 1962. MDIFW biologists used a -17- gill net and minnow traps to collect white suckers and golden shiners. There also was evidence of predation by American eels and/or turtles on fishes captured in the net. No fishes were encountered in the outlet, Richardson Brook, but the inlet contained abundant numbers of ninespine sticklebacks, golden shiners, and white suckers. In more recent years, there have been unconfirmed reports of brook trout found in Richardson Brook.
Jon Le, of the University of Maine, surveyed Aunt Betty Pond in 1998 and was able to confirm the presence of American eels and banded killifish. He also collected golden shiners, ninespine sticklebacks, and white·suckers in the southern tributary to Aunt Betty Pond and American eel, threespine sticklebacks, white suckers, and golden shiners in the eastern tributary to the Pond.
Stocking
Biologists in 1962 did not recommend stocking in Aunt Betty Pond.
However, by 1985, new information on the success of stocking similar, small ponds, led the MDIFW to initiate stocking of brook trout, and this continued annually through 1993. Between 500 and 600 brook trout (initially yearlings, later fall fingerlings) were stocked each year, and these were obtained from Palermo and
Enfield hatcheries. -18-
Angler Smveys
The only information on angler catches comes from a personal angler survey book from May 1990. Twenty brook trout, ranging in size from 4 to 10 inches, were caught during that month.
Water Quality
In 1962, MDIFW biologists recorded water temperatures, pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen. The National Park Service maintains a water quality database that includes records of transparency from 1994 and 1995, water temperature and dissolved oxygen in 1962 and 1994, and other parameters from 1962, 1983-1984,
1987, 1994, 1996, and 1998.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Little information is available concerning Aunt Betty Pond, a small body of water with nongame fishes and a pond that has been stocked in the past. It is not known whether any brook trout, originating from such stocking, may still exist, or r i. ' whether native brook trout inhabiting Richardson Brook may still be present.
However, because of its small size, it is doubtful that other fish species may be present. Angler use is probably minimal since the cessation of brook trout stocking. Once the results of the Acadia ponds fish inventory study are published,
Aunt Betty Pond will likely not need additional studies for several years. i ·1 1 -19-
BEAR BROOK POND (data sheet code 501)
Size: 5 acres
Historically known species: Banded killifish Creek chub (tributary, 1998 survey by Le) Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed
Probable native species: Banded killifish Creek chub Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed
Fish Surveys
A survey conducted by John Burgess, of the University of Maine, was conducted in July 1995, and included Bear Brook Pond. Minnow traps and a gill net collected large numbers of pumpkinseed. Small pumpkinseed were abundant, but larger fish--up to 12 - 15 cm--were present. Golden shiners also were abundant, along with fewer numbers of banded killifish. Northern redbelly dace were present, but uncommon.
Jon Le, of the University of Maine, surveyed fishes in Bear Brook in 1998 and collected pumpkinseed and creek chub.
Stocking
There has been no stocking in Bear Brook Pond. -20-
Angler Surveys
There have been no angler surveys.
Water Quality
No water quality information exists.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Bear Brook Pond is an extremely small body of water that is unsuitable for salmonids, even with the absence of water quality data. Because of the abundant nongame prey species present, it could possibly support a small centrarchid or e~ocid fishery or a fishery for native fishes (pumpkinseed). But, the angler harvest and recreational benefits would be minimal. An inventory study by the University of Maine in 1999 will provide current assessments of fish species in the pond.
THE BOWL (data sheet code 501)
Size: 6 acres
Historically known species: Banded killifish Golden shiner f Smallmouth bass (1891 through at least the \_ J 1920s)
Probable native species: Banded killifish Golden shiner -'21-
Fish Surveys
John Burgess, a graduate student at the University of Maine, conducted a
fish survey at The Bowl in 1995. Golden shiners were abundant in gill nets and
minnow traps, and banded killifish were present, but less abundant. There have
been stories of large brook trout in The Bowl (Newlin 1989), but these reports have
never been substantiated. Batchelder (1927) provided evidence that smallmouth
bass were introduced (successfully) to The Bowl in 1891. By the 1920s, a
population was still established.
Stocking
Except for stocking of smallmouth bass in 1891, there are no other stocking
records.
Angler Surveys
None
( I Water Quality
The National Park Service maintains a water quality database, with records
of transparency for 1996-1998 and water temperature and dissolved oxygen from I 1996. Some additional water quality data are available for 1982-1984, 1986, 1989, and 1994-1998. 1 ! -22-
Synopsis and Information Gaps
The Bowl is a small pond with no species of game fishes. Only two species of fish are confirmed in the Pond presently, but a new fish inventory will be conducted by the University of Maine in 1999. This is not a likely candidate for salmonid sport fisheries or stocking and the fishes probably represent the native fish community.
BREAKNECK PONDS (data sheet code 601)
Size: 9 acres {Upper), 8 acres (Lower)
Historically known species: American eel (lake survey, 1988) Banded killifish Brook trout Creek chub (1998 survey by Le) Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed White sucker (lake survey, 1988)
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed
Fish Suiveys
Information is limited on the aquatic community of Upper and Lower 1 Breakneck ponds. The fish community has only been suiveyed twice, in 1962 and
1998. The August 1962 examination by the MDIFW used gill nets and minnow -23- traps set in each pond, the connector stream between the two, and in the inlet.
Banded killifish, golden shiners, northern redbelly dace, and pumpkinseeds were all taken and there was evidence of predation of fish caught in gill nets by
American eels. The MDIFW also reported white suckers as being present in its
1988 lake suivey summary.
Jon Le, of the University of Maine, conducted a fish suivey in 1998. No new species were captured in Lower Breakneck Pond, but creek chub were identified in
Upper Breakneck Pond. Le also suiveyed fishes in Breakneck Stream and captured pumpkinseed, American eel, brook trout, and an unidentified cyprinid.
Stocking
Upper and Lower Breakneck ponds have been stocked annually with brook trout since 1964 (with the exception of 1969). Generally, stocking rates were about 400 fall fingerlings annually in each pond until the late 1970s, and have been
150 fall fingerlings annually in Lower Breakneck and 1oo fall fingerlings annually in
Upper Breakneck in the past decade. Brook trout have originated from Palermo,
Enfield, and Dry Mills hatcheries.
Angler Suiveys
There are no angler sutvey data. -24-
Water Quality
Some water quality measurements were made in conjunction with the
August 1962 fish inventory study. Water temperatures in Lower Breakneck Pond ranged from 67 F at the surface to 56 F at the bottom, while dissolved oxygen ranged from 7 .6 ppm at the surface to 0,4 ppm at the bottom (levels at or above 6 ppm are suitable for salmonids while warmer water species often can withstand lower levels; eggs have even lower minima. Upper Breakneck Pond had temperatures ranging from 65 and 67 F and 8,4 ppm dissolved oxygen. Waters were slightly acidic in Upper Breakneck (pH = 6.6), but more so in Lower
Breakneck (pH = s. 9-6.1).
The National Park Service maintains a water quality database that includes data for Upper and Lower Breakneck ponds. For Upper Breakneck, water temperature and dissolved oxygen data are available from 1962, and 1995-1996.
Transparency information is stored for 1995 and 1996, and other water quality parameters are available for 1962, 1984, and 1994-1996. For Lower Breakneck, data years are the same, except for the absence of water temperature and dissolved oxygen in 1995.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
The two Breakneck ponds are quite small but maintain relatively cool water temperatures. Thus, the MDIFW has considered the two ponds adequate -25-
candidates for a put-grow-take fishery for brook trout using supplemental stocking
with fall fingerlings. There have been few fish inventories over the years, but the
1998 study only added one previously-unidentified species.
There is no information on angler harvest and pressure in the Breakneck
ponds, but the fishery is likely sporadic and would be a very labor-intensive
investment to obtain limited data. Water quality data for the two ponds has been
limited until the last few years, but the Breakneck ponds are not routinely
monitored as part of the Park's water quality monitoring program.
BUBBLE POND (data sheet codes: 701-709)
Size: 32 acres
Historically known species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Common shiner (1998 smvey by Le) Golden shiner .I I \ Northern redbelly dace (1998 survey by Le) I, I \ . Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Threespine stickleback (1998 survey by Le)
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish )J Brook trout Golden shiner Northern redbelly.dace [] Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Threespine stickleback -26-
Fish Surveys
Bubble Pond was first surveyed in August 1942 during Fuller and Cooper's survey of fishes of Mount Desert Island (Fuller and Cooper 1946). This is one of the best sources for the status of what species might have been part of the native fish community. Fuller and Cooper noted that banded killifish and American eels were abundant and pumpkinseeds and brook trout common. They also collected a rainbow smelt and two golden shiners and made notes on insects and aquatic vegetation.
Other fish surveys have been conducted by the MDIFW in July 1979,
September 1981, June 1993, and July 1994 using gill nets. The same species as those found by Fuller and Cooper were captured in each of these surveys, although golden shiners were much more abundant in the catches in 1979. Wild brook trout continued to be captured during the 1994 survey. White suckers are noted as being present in the 1988 lake survey summary, but this species does not appear in any inventory catches in the files.
Jon Le, a graduate student at the University of Maine, conducted extensive surveys of 12 ponds in 1998 and was able to identify common shiner, northern redbelly dace, and threespine stickleback and add them to the list of fish species for
I Bubble Pond. This information, along with indicators of abundance, will appear in {.l the Acadia National Park fish inventory report (to be issued in 2000). Le also surveyed fishes in Bubble.Brook and found common shiner and brook trout. -27-
Stocking
Bubble Pond has been stocked with brook trout since 1937, although numbers have been reduced to promote production of larger fish. Between 3,000 and 5,000 brook trout (2 to 4 inches in length) were stocked in Bubble Pond annually between 1937 and 1940. Stocking ceased for a decade, then 12,000 fry were put in the Pond in 1950 and 500 fish of unknown size in 1954. Since 1959, there has been annual stocking ofup to 3,000 fish annually. Since 1994, however, numbers stocked have only ranged from 100 (spring yearlings) to 800 (fall fingerlings. During the 1990s, stocked brook trout have been reared at Enfield,
Palermo, and Embden hatcheries.
Angler Surveys
Angler surveys of catch information have been sparse for Bubble Pond. In
April 1979, a warden survey noted two brook trout for eight anglers. Another survey, by MDIFW personnel in June 1986, also noted a few (3) brook trout being caught by angling. The only other creel information comes from a personal catch book provided by two anglers in June 1990, with 9 brook trout captured in 1.5 hours.
Water Quality
Some basic water quality information (water temperature, dissolved oxygen) -28- has been gathered over the years by the MDIFW, usually associated with a fish inventory. Temperatures reached 63 Fat the surface in July 1979, and 70 Fat the surface in July 1994. A synopsis of water quality data from Bubble Pond was compiled by the MDIFW in 1995, showing information on file from 1942 to 1995.
Dissolved oxygen levels were above 8.8 ppm down to 40 ft in June 1995. The
National Park Service maintains a database for waters within the Park boundary, with much information collected by the MDIFW. Transparency data are available for Bubble Pond for 1981 and 1983-1998. Dissolved oxygen and temperature data are available for 1942, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1992-1996, and 1998. Other water chemistry information is available for 1942, 1982-1984, 1986, 1988-1990, and 1992-
1998.
As part of the REMAP study (Regional Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment Program), some fishes in Bubble Pond were examined for levels of mercury (Mower et al. 1997). Brook trout from Bubble Pond were part of the study, and specific analyses were reported by Stafford (1994).
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Bubble Pond is a small pond that contains a persistent brook trout population. However, the location of the Pond makes it accessible to large numbers of potential anglers and it has been stocked almost annually for decades.
Numbers stocked have been reduced during the 1990s, but there is only limited -29-
information on angler success or contributions of specific sizes of stocked fish.
Jon Le's recent confirmation of additional species in Bubble Pond does not
necessarily indicate that these are new members of the fish community. Likely,
these three species were always present, but were not specifically targeted during
gill net surveys or by anglers. Except for supplemental stocking of brook trout over
the years, it does not appear that the fish community has changed since Fuller and
Cooper's initial survey in 1942. Although the species richness is likely unaltered,
fish abundance data from 1998 fish inventory studies (being completed) will
provide an indication of current population levels of these native species.
DUCK POND (data sheet code: 501)
Size: 6 acres
Historically known species: Golden shiner
Probable native species: Golden shiner
Fish Surveys
John Burgess, a graduate student at the University of Maine, conducted a t j fish survey at Duck Pond in 1995. His gill nets captured 25 large golden shiners LJ (12-16 cm) in an overnight set. No smaller sizes were captured in minnow traps. -30-
Stocking
None
Angler Surveys
None
Water Quality
Very limited water quality data exists, and these data are in the water quality database maintained by the National Park Service. No transparency, dissolved oxygen, or temperature data are available, but some other water quality measurements exist from 1994-1996.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Fishes in Duck Pond will be reassessed in a survey by the University of Maine in 1999. The current fish community likely reflects the native species; this is not a salmonid water nor is it a candidate for stocking.
EAGLE LAKE (data sheet codes 901-925)
Size: 436 acres
Historically known species: Atlantic salmon (1994 stocking) Banded killifish Brook trout Lake trout -31-
Landlocked Atlantic salmon Ninespine stickleback (1967 report) Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Threespine stickleback White sucker
Probable native species: Banded killifish Brook trout Pumpkinseed Threespine stickleback White sucker
Fish Suiveys
Eagle Lake is large in size with convenient access. It'is (along with Long
Pond) one of the two most popular lakes for angling within or adjacent to Park
boundaries. Its fisheries have been studied extensively, beginning in 1942 with
Fuller and Cooper's (1946) suivey. Newlin (1989) quotes Clara Barnes Martin in
her Mount Desert on the Coast of Maine (1874) as noting, "This year fifteen trout,
weighing fourteen pounds and a half, were caught there (Eagle Lake) in two
hours." I~ August 1942, landlocked salmon, banded killifish, pumpkinseed, and a
threespine stickleback were collected and preseived. A month later, further
sampling captured landlocked salmon, brook trout, and pumpkinseed.
A tributary (Duck Brook) was sampled in May 1962. No fishes were
captured at one location, although a landlocked salmon was obseived, but brook
trout and landlocked salmon were collected at another site, along with banded [ { killifish, golden shiners, American eel, ninespine stickleback, and a species of -32-
"minnow." (See additional information on Duck Brook under section on
BROOKS). On a different tributary, landlocked salmon and brook trout were collected just below Eagle Lake.
In August 1990, the MDIFW conducted a survey of fishes in unnamed tributaries to the southern end of Eagle Lake. Biologists collected 45 brook trout in one brook, but only American eels in other tributary brooks. Trap netting in Eagle
Lake in 1995 resulted in catches of wild and hatchery-origin landlocked salmon and wild lake trout. Additional trap netting in 1997 collected landlocked salmon (4% noted as wild) and brook trout.
In 1998, Jon Le, of the University of Maine, conducted fish inventory surveys on Eagle Lake and was able to confirm the presence of six additional fish species: common shiner, fallfish, golden shiner, northern redbelly dace, rainbow smelt, and
American eel (previously collected in tributaries).
Stocking
Eagle Lake is apparently the site of the first intentional stocking of a hatchery-cultured fish on Mount Desert Island. In 1882, 1 million lake whitefish [ eggs were hatched at Craig's Brook Hatchery (now Craig Brook National Fish
Hatchery), at the request of Montgomery Sears. The resultant fry were stocked into
Eagle Lake but, apparently, a population never became established (U.S.
Commission of Fish and Fisheries 1884). Eagle Lake also has been stocked with at -33-
least one other species of salmonid every year since 1971, and these have included
brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and excess Atlantic salmon brood stock
(from Green Lake National Fish Hatchery in 1994). Landlocked salmon were first
stocked long before 1972, as Fuller and Cooper (1946) encountered the species in
their 1942 survey. However, state stocking records go back to 1971 and 1972, then
1975-1978, and annually between 1980 and the present. In the 1990s, numbers of
landlocked salmon stocked have ranged from 150 to 200 spring yearlings annually,
and over the years they have originated from Casco, Enfield, Grand Lake, and
Palermo hatcheries.
Brook trout have been stocked since 1972, obtained from Enfield, Dry Mills,
a,nd Palermo hatcheries. Brook trout were stocked annually from 1972 through
I 1 1982, then from 1985 through the present--both fall fingerlings and spring yearlings.
Lake trout have been stocked in Eagle Lake since 1973, and have been I 1 / l t ; obtained from Governor Hill and (primarily) Dry Mills Hatchery. Stocking has not
( been annually, but occurred in 1973 -1974, 1977- 1978, 1980-1981, 1983-1986,
1988-1990, and 1992-1994. Since 1994, the lake has been managed for wild lake
trout. tJ Eagle Lake served as a location for studies on brook trout brood stock [J selection in the 1970s and 1980s. Havey and Locke (1983) summarized the test stocking of brook trout strains in Eagle Lake, and the MDIFW indicated in a memo
in 1986 that the Department would continue to evaluate strains of brook trout in -34-
Eagle Lake.
The MDIFW underwent a change in management strategies for Eagle Lake
in 1988. Following angler queries about the need to stock three species of
salmonids in the lake (brook trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout) and further
evaluation by regional biologists, the MDIFW proposed two options. First,
emphasize lake trout by increasing stocking and decreasing stocking of the other
two species. Second, emphasize brook trout fisheries by reducing stocking of the
other two species. Following a public meeting, the MDIFW elected to emphasize brook trout, while limiting lake trout to alternate years and stocking 200-225
landlocked salmon annually, with size and gear restrictions and the transfer of
r~inbow smelt eggs to the Lake. In 1990, there was another request (to
Commissioner Vail) asking that lake trout stocking be halted in Eagle Lake. Today, the fishery for this species is managed for wild fish.
Angler Surveys
Most evaluations of angler harvest are derived from winter creel surveys. A warden survey in January 1979 showed anglers catching landlocked salmon and r I brook trout, but catch rates were low. In winter 1987, a creel survey recorded l catches of brook trout (of the Tomah and Phillips strains) and lake trout, while a I I\ personal angler record in 1988 reported catches of landlocked salmon and brook trout, but "poor" fishing for lake trout. Rainbow smelt, however, continued to be -35-
abundant and were actively jigged by anglers. Other winter creel records are
available from 1989 through 1995 for catches of brook trout, landlocked salmon,
and lake trout. The 1991 suivey estimated 12.5% of the anglers were successful for
salmonids (0.05 salmon/angler; 0.14 brook trout/angler). Catch rates were higher in
1992.
Water Quality
The MDIFW conducted a water quality assessment of Eagle Lake in
September 1971, which showed water temperatures of 68 F at the surface and 47 F
at 98 feet. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 8. 7 ppm at the surface to 5.8 ppm. The
pJ-1 ranged from s. 7 to 6.5. The National Park Seivice maintains a water quality
database that includes data on water transparency for 1971, 1981, and 1983-1998.
Water temperature and dissolved oxygen information is on file for 1942, 1971, 1981, i ' ! i l J 1984, 1986, 1990, and 1992-1998. Other water quality data are available for 1942,
1971, 1981-1984, 1980-1990, and 1992-1998.
Eagle Lake was part of a study conducted by Burgess (1997) that assessed
mercury levels in fishes. Lake trout samples from Eagle Lake had concentrations IJ less than the state averages for this species. [J Synopsis and Information Gaps
[l Eagle Lake, because of its central location and high accessibility, is a popular -36- body of water within Park boundaries. It has been known for its fishery for at least
125 years. The large lake is managed primarily for brook trout and landlocked salmon (supplemented by stocking) and wild populations of lake trout. There has been a long history of stocking, with State records going back 57 years; landlocked salmon also were stocked well before then. In more recent times, stocking of lake trout has ceased in favor of managing wild fish, and numbers and sizes of brook trout and landlocked salmon stocked have undergone adjustments as biologists have accumulated more biological data.
The most recent fish survey of 1998 confirmed six species in the fish community list for the lake, which probably was a function of the large size of the lake and the use of sampling gear that targeted game fish species. Tributaries were examined in 1962 and 1990, but fishes in the main lake only were assessed in 1942
(Fuller and Cooper 1946) and by trap netting in 1995 and 1997. However, except for that trap netting, fishes of the lake proper have been little studied. A fish inventory study by the University of Maine should provide more recent assessments of species and relative densities.
There is a glaring lack of information on angler harvest and use for the open
f water fishery. Regular creel surveys have been conducted for the winter ice fishery, l but virtually no information is available for the open water season. Water quality / data are now adequate as the National Park Service has included the lake in its regular monitoring program. -37-
ECHO LAKE (data sheet codes 1001-1028)
Size: 237 acres
Historically known species: Alewife (landlocked) American eel Atlantic salmon (1994 stocking) Banded killifish Brook trout Brown bullhead . Golden shiner Landlocked Atlantic salmon (1978 report) Ninespine stickleback Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed · Rainbow smelt Rainbow trout (1975 census, stocking in 1970s) Sunapee trout (char)(l 978 report, stocking in 1970s) Threespine stickleback White perch (pre-reclamation) White sucker
Probable native species: Alewife (present prior to reclamation, restocked in 1966) American eel Banded killifish Brook trout I Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Threespine stickleback White sucker
! 1 I ! t J Fish Suiveys
i The fish community of Echo Lake and the characterization of native and I . I • Il L J -38- non-native species are clouded because Echo Lake was reclaimed by rotenone in
September 1956. Although it is unlikely that there was complete mortality of all fishes in Echo Lake following the treatment, the fish community established (or rebuilt) after 1956 largely reflects the introduction of hatchery-origin fish and the intentional translocation of fishes native and non native to Mount Desert Island.
Fuller and Cooper (1946) examined the fish species in Echo Lake in 1942 and captured landlocked salmon (rare), brook trout (common), rainbow smelt
(common), alewife (common), American eel (abundant), pumpkinseed (common), white sucker (abundant), and one or more species of "minnows" (abundant).
Havey (1952) conducted the other pre-reclamation surveys offish species in Echo
Lake during 1951 and 1952 The biological data for this period are extensive because this was the first phase of reclamation that addressed angler harvest, spawning behavior of brook trout, and survival of stocked brook trout (Havey 1956).
Three game fish species were fished (brook trout, smallmouth bass, white perch), but only brook trout was targeted by most anglers and reclamation was recommended because of the poor brook trout fishery.
During three days in 1956 (September 24, 25, and 26th), 1,500 gallons of rotenone were applied to the Lake. The 13 species of fishes collected following this treatment provide an excellent listing of species present at that time: American eel, white perch, brook trout, rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, white sucker, golden shiner, northern redbelly dace, pumpkinseed, ninespine stickleback, -39-
threespine stickleback, and banded killifish (Davis 1958). At least two of these
species (smallmouth bass and brown bullhead were not native to Echo Lake. In
1957, 42,562 trout--most of them fingerlings, but 7,562 oflegal size were stocked
into Echo Lake.
Two years after reclamation, Davis (1958) reported established populations
of brook trout, American eel, banded killifish, and ninespine sticklebacks.
Fingerling brook trout were observed entering Lurvey Brook. These brook trout
were likely the result of reintroduction stocking and segments of the other three
species probably survived the application of rotenone. Thus, some of the fish
species .noted as probable native species in the list above may be reestablished
native species.
By the 1960s, other species of fish were being identified in Echo Lake.
MDIFW biologist Keith Havey observed some (unidentified) fishes feeding on
alewives and a dead alewife was encountered during sampling in October 1967. I MDIFW trap net records in 1967 showed landlocked salmon (from stocking) in L, parts of Echo Lake, and marked and unmarked brook trout entering Lurvey Brook.
Lackey (1968a) prepared a report for the MDIFW dealing with techniques for
evaluating fish populations using the Peterson estimate. The evaluation concerned
the difficulties in making population estimates for landlocked salmon in Echo Lake.
Lackey (1968b) also conducted a study on forage fishes (rainbow smelt, landlocked
alewives) in Echo Lake and their use by brook trout and landlocked Atlantic -40- salmon. Alewives were introduced from Cayuga Lake, New York, in 1966 and were utilized by larger salmon and trout in Echo Lake and Lackey (1969, 1970) later published the material in journal articles.
The MDIFW used trap nets to examine game fishes in 1969, 1985, 1995, and
1997. In 1969, nets captured alewives, landlocked salmon, American eels, and brook trout. Alewives also were studied by Spiers (1972) and Squiers (1973).
Brook trout consumed primarily sticklebacks, rainbow smelt, banded killifish, and aquatic macroinvertebrates, while landlocked salmon consumed rainbow smelt, alewives, and terrestrial insects. Spiers (1974) later published the material in a journal article, ~nd Gately (1978) examined the population structure of landlocked alewives and rainbow smelt in the Lake. Trap netting in 1985 captured brook trout and landlocked salmon; both wild and hatchery-origin brook trout were examined and five of the fish had been marked. In 1995, trap nets collected brook trout, landlocked salmon, pumpkinseed, alewives, rainbow smelt, and American eels. In
1997, fishes collected were brook trout, landlocked salmon, American eel, and brown bullhead.
The University of Maine will conduct a fish inventory of Echo Lake in 1999.
The MDIFW has some indication that common shiners also may be present in Echo
Lake (G. Burr, MDIFW, Machias, ME, pers. comm.). , -41-
Stocking
Echo Lake has a long history of fish stocking, beginning with brook trout in
1938. In these early years, stocked brook trout were generally fry or fingerlings and
these were stocked almost annually in the late 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. After
197 4, stocking of brook trout was stopped until 1986 as rainbow trout, then just
landlocked salmon were brought to the lake. Since 1986, brook trout have been
stocked annually, usually of spring yearling size, and ranging in number from 500-
700 in the mid- to late 1990s. Brook trout have originated from the Enfield,
Palermo, and Embden hatcheries, and these have been stocked from shore and by
boat.
Landlocked salmon have been stocked since at least 1965, and almost
annually since.I 976. In the last decade, about 75 spring yearlings have been
stocked annually. In recent years, these have originated from Grand Lake
Hatchery, but earlier stockings also have been from Casco and Palermo hatcheries. r -all stocked from shore. t ! l Three non-native species also have been stocked in Echo Lake over the years. Rainbow trout were stocked from 1974 to 1977, obtained from Embden
Hatchery. From 1,000 to 2,400 yearlings were stocked annually. Lake trout (200 r I spring yearlings) were stocked in 1994, and Sunapee char (trout) were introduced I J in 1974, and restocked in 1975 and 1976. These fish were raised at Enfield ' ', i i I ! I I Hatchery and over 17,000 2- to 6-inch fish were introduced during those years. In -42- addition, 50 excess hatchery brood stock of Atlantic salmon were stocked in Echo
Lake in 1994, having originated from Green Lake National Fish Hatchery. These marked salmon were 20 to 22 inches in length.
Today, the lake is supplemented by the stocking of brook trout and landlocked salmon.
Angler Suiveys
Several angler creel suiveys have been conducted by the MDIFW over the years, beginning with suiveys by Havey (1952) in the early 1950s, and by Davis
(1958) following reclamation. During the open water season of 1975, 493 interviewed anglers caught 109 salmonids Oandlocked salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout). Angler use and haivest for the ice fishing season are better known: creel suiveys have been conducted in 1986 through 1989, and 1992, 1994, and
1995. The 1988 winter census showed it took an average of 17.2 hours to catch a legal brook trout. This rose to 18,4 hours in 1989, 18.9 hours in 1992, 23,7 hours in
1994, and 30.5 hours in 1995. In that latter year, most of the brook trout examined were of hatchery origin.
Water Quality
Except for summary water quality data reported by Davis (1958) for three years (including data collected in 1942 by Fuller and Cooper 1946), the only -43-
information on water quality of Echo Lake is in the water quality database
maintained by the National Park Service. Water transparency data are available for
1976-1977 and 1981-1998. Water temperatures and dissolved oxygen data are
available for 1942, 1981, 1984, 1987, 1990, and 1992-1998. Other parameters were
measured in 1942, 1976-1977, 1981-1984, 1986-1990, and 1992-1998.
Burgess (1997) examined mercury concentrations in landlocked salmon in
Echo Lake and found levels well below the state average for the species.
Other
McCullough (1978) studied the feeding behavior of larval rainbow smelt in
Echo Lake, finding rotifers and copepods to be the most important foods in the
early diet. McCullough also noted that ninespine stickleback, American eel, golden
shiner, banded killifish, alewife, brook trout, landlocked salmon, Sunapee char f I I (trout), and rainbow trout were present in Echo Lake at that time, the latter three
species being maintained by stocking. Sunapee char and rainbow trout have not r , been stocked for over 20 years. t '
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Echo Lake is a large, multiple species lake that is popular with tourists and
residents alike. It has been the location for several species-specific studies by f 1
I 1· t ··i I ; research biologists with _the MDIFW and graduate students at the University of f. \ ,I. ,I -44-
Maine, most notably for alewives, rainbow smelt, and brook trout. Water quality data are quite adequate, as the lake has been monitored almost yearly since 1986.
The composition of the fish community and the relative.abundance of species will be better known after the completion of 1999 inventory studies by the
University of Maine. At the present time, game fish species are known, but other fish species may not. This is largely because fish inventories in the past have targeted game species, usually with trap netting. Thus, other smaller, prey species may be native, or have been introduced, and these will, hopefully, be identified in
1999.
Similarly, angler use and hmvest patterns are known largely from winter creel suiveys. These are quite extensive, although open water fishing effort is little known.
The fish community in Echo Lake has been affected by stocking for over 50 years, and several non-native species have been introduced, especially in the 1970s
(rainbow trout, Sunapee char, lake trout). It is unlikely that the progeny of any of these species still reside in the lake, but the possibility exists pending further inventories. The changes in the fish community of Echo Lake are difficult to interpret because the Lake was treated with rotenone in 1956, killing most fishes I and eliminating several fish species. Many of the former native species are again (. part of the fish community, but their current presence is due to stocking, reintroductions, and unintentional and illegal introductions. -45-
When the first fish inventory was conducted in 1942, there already was at
least one non-native species present, due to stocking in an earlier time. By 1956,
when the lake was treated and carcasses were identified, 13 species were present.
At least two of those species were non-native, and another was largely supported
by stocking. After reclamation, at least 12 species have been identified over the
years--5 non-native and at least 6 as a result of stocking.
HALFMOON POND(data sheet codes 1101-1103)
Size: 3 acres
Historically known species: Banded killifish Brook trout Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace
Presumed native species: Banded killifish Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace
Fish Surveys
Halfmoon Pond is a very small body of water and the only survey of fishes
was by the MDIFW on August 22 and 23, 1962. Minnow traps collected banded
killifish, northern redbelly dace, and golden shiners, all quite abundant. The outlet
of the pond contained northern redbelly dace when sampled with a seine. At the f l I I l._) time of the survey, the outlet was a slow-moving beaver flowage with at least one
. I I I deep pool. The Pond and its fish community will be surveyed by a team from the I) University of Maine in 1999. -46-
Stocking
Brook trout were recommended for stocking in Halfmoon Pond following the initial survey in 1962, and between 50 and 300 brook trout have been stocked annually since 1964. For most of these 35 years, stocked fish have been fall fingerlings, 4 - 6 inches in length. They have originated from Enfield, Palermo, and
Dry Mills hatcheries and are typically stocked from shore.
Angler Surveys
Only two pieces of angler harvest data exist for Halfmoon Pond. A personal creel census record from three days in April 1986 showed four brook trout caught, the largest being 13 - 14 inches. Another personal creel record from April - May
1995 shows 12 brook trout caught over 5 days, with sizes up to 15 inches.
Water Quality
Very limited water quality data exist for Halfmoon Pond. In conjunction with the fish inventory survey in August 1962, biologists found water temperature of 70 r , l F at the surface and 52 F at 20 feet. Temperatures recorded by anglers were 48, 50,
52, and 58 F over four days in April and May 1995. The National Park Service maintains a water quality database that includes information from 1982-1984, 1989, f / , L j and 1995-1996. The only dissolved oxygen recording is quite dated: 8.6 ppm at the surface and 3.6 ppm at the bottom in August 1962. -47-
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Halfmoon Pond is a small body of water that maintains a hatchery-supported fishery for brook trout. Water quality data are very limited, but temperatures appear to be suitable for salmonids. Only one set of dissolved oxygen measurements are available; surface levels were adequate, concentrations at the bottom inadequate, but those measurements were recorded almost 37 years ago.
Thus, additional water quality data would be useful, although this small pond will never support a major fishery.
Similarly, fish suiveys are limited, but the Pond will be assessed in 1999, which should provide current indicators of species and species abundance. Based on the size and characteristics of the Pond, current stocking levels are probably adequate. Angler hatvest data are almost non-existent, so even reduced stocking may be an option.
HAMILTON POND (data sheet codes: 1201-1204)
Size: 40 acres
Historically known species: American eel Banded killifish Chain pickerel Largemouth bass Pumpkinseed White sucker
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Pumpkinseed -48-
White sucker
Hamilton Pond is not currently within the boundaries or bordering a boundary of Acadia National Park. However, it is geographically close to an existing, detached plot of Park lands, and the National Park Service maintains a water quality database for the Pond. As such, information on the historical features of the fish community may be of use to Park managers in the future.
Fish Surveys
The one survey of fishes on record is from July 1992, when the MDIFW surveyed the Pond to assess its suitability for the introduction of largemouth bass. lylinnow traps and gill nets collected a chain pickerel; pumpkinseeds and unidentified minnows also were observed. Fish species in Hamilton Pond are somewhat difficult to assess as the Pond contains many stumps and is quite weedy.
A gill net set in the outlet of the Pond captured a chain pickerel, and seines captured American eels, pumpkinseed, white sucker, and banded killifish.
Stocking
Largemouth bass were introduced into Hamilton Pond by the MDIFW in the
1990s, but no further data are available for that species since the introduction. A note from fall trap netting in Little Long Pond in October 1992 indicated that an unknown number of bait fishes (minnows) were transferred to Hamilton Pond. -49-
Angler Smveys
Angler surveys have been conducted in January 1983 and May, June, and
July 1995, The 1983 survey, during the ice fishing season, recorded 7 chain
pickerel taken by 6 anglers over 14 days. The other survey, during the open water
fishery, also recorded chain pickerel.
Water Quality
!,, ) Surface water temperature measured during the 1992 MDIFW fish inventory was 71 F. The National Park Service maintains a water quality database, that
includes data for transparency in 1995, no other recordings of temperature or
dissolved oxygen, but some other water characteristics from 1995 and 1996.
Burgess (1997) examined mercury concentrations in chain pickerel in Hamilton
Pond and found levels to be less than the state average for the species.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Hamilton Pond is considered an excellent chain pickerel pond. Because it is
(presumably) warm and quite shallow, with considerable weeds and other cover,
the introduction of chain pickerel and (more recently) largemouth bass seem
appropriate. However, there are no data on angler harvest of largemouth bass, or
information on growth, availability of prey items, etc. Very limited biological data
are available for chain pickerel in the Pond, except for some recorded angler -50-
catches.
Although Hamilton Pond and its associated fishery are quite small, it would
be useful to know how successful the introduction of largemouth bass has been. In
addition, water quality data, especially in summer, are sparse, with virtually no
information on water temperatures and dissolved oxygen. Once such data are
obtained, it likely will show that a fishery for non-native species may be the ~mly
logical management option under such conditions.
HODGDON POND (data sheet codes: 1301-1310)
Size: 35 acres
Historically known species: Brown bullhead (Burr in 1993) Chain pickerel Golden shiner Rainbow trout (1987 stocking) Smallmouth bass White perch White sucker Yellow perch
Probable native species: Golden shiner White perch (! ? White sucker i
Fish Surveys
The first MDIFW fish survey was conducted on September 4, 1973 using gill nets, minnow traps, and seines. White suckers, yellow perch, white perch, and golden shiners were captured, along with six smallmouth bass, ranging in size from 1 10 to 15 inches. The north inlet to Hodgdon Pond also was checked on the same -51-
date but no fishes were encountered. Biologists concluded that the inlet would
provide good spawning habitat and fair nursery habitat for brook trout, but
biologists in more recent suiveys concluded that appropriate habitat was not
present in the inlet. A day later, Hodgdon Brook, a tributary, also was checked, but
no fish were captured. Potential brook trout habitat was virtually non-existent in
Hodgdon Brook.
Fishes were again suiveyed in August 1991, with a smallmouth bass and
some yellow perch captured. In June 1993, 7 smallmouth bass and 32 white
suckers were collected from Hodgdon Pond as part of the REMAP program (a U.S.
Department of Environmental Protection program that examines water quality and
biological characteristics of water bodies). These fish were examined in the
laboratory for mercury content (see section on Water Quality)
The most recent suivey of fishes was in May 1994; white suckers, chain
pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass were collected. The
University of Maine will conduct a fish inventory in 1999 to further assess the
species and their abundance.
Stocking
In response to an inquiry from a sports club concerning potential rainbow
trout stocking, biologist Ron Brokaw wrote a letter on February 19, 1986, indicating
that Hodgdon Pond offers only marginal habitat and water quality for any trout
I I' -52- species. Although Brokaw recommended against stocking any trout, he did provide suggestions for numbers and sizes of rainbow trout if the sports club elected to obtain a stocking permit for club-financed stocking of trout. That apparently occurred in 1987 (Newlin 1989), but there are no records of any other stocking of salmonids in Hodgdon Pond.
Angler Smveys
There are no angler smveys for Hodgdon Pond, although the Porid has been known for sport fisheries at various times in the past for yellow perch and smallmouth bass, both introduced non-native species.
Water Quality
A water quality survey was conducted by the MDIFW in September 1973.
Water temperatures ranged from 63 F at the bottom to 76 Fat the surface.
Dissolved oxygen levels dropped below the minimum required for growth and survival of salmonids (6 ppm) below 12.5 feet and pH was slightly acidic. Another such survey by the MDIFW occurred in July 1991. Dissolved oxygen levels were again lethal below 12.5 feet ( <3 ppm), and water temperatures were very high (68
Fat 17 feet, 81 Fat the surface). One and two years later, in August 1992 and
August 1993, water quality surveys indicated similar features: 75 F and 74 F surface temperatures, respectively, and lethal dissolved oxygen levels below 12.5 feet. · -53-
The National Park Service maintains a water quality database and stores
records of transparency from 1983-1984, 1989, 1992-1993, and 1996, Records of
water temperature and dissolved oxygen are available for 1983, 1992-1993, and
1996. Other water quality parameters were measured in 1982-1984, 1989, 1992-
1993, 1995, and 1996.
Of more recent concern has been the level of mercury found in fishes from
Hodgdon Pond. A letter from Acadia National Park Acting Superintendent
Bobinchock requested that the Maine Department of Human Resources examine
the potential causes of high mercury levels in fish from Hodgdon Pond, particularly
in two smallmouth bass. These two large smallmouth bass had the highest levels
(3-4 and 2.8 ppm) of any fish from 120 Maine lakes that were surveyed (Mower et al
1997), while two smaller smallmouth bass had mercury levels of 0.8 ppm. As the
FDA limit is 1.0 ppm, this finding caused more than minor concern among state
officials, Park biologists, and the general public. These data, part of the earlier
REMAP collections, were reported to Acadia National Park officials in a letter dated
March 29, 1994. Further data analysis is provided in Burgess (1997).
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Hodgdon Pond is a warm water site that has never been considered for
stocking salmonids. Rainbow trout were introduced in 1987 at the urging of a local ,,, rod and gun club, but it is extremely unlikely that any of the progeny of those non- -54- native fish have survived. Water quality characteristics are sufficiently known that the Pond is considered a minor sport fishery on Mount Desert Island, primarily for smallmouth bass, with apparently large numbers of white suckers.
This Pond is very warm in summer and dissolved oxygen levels below 13 ft are extremely low. Although there are no assessments of angler use, this is not a water body that is specifically managed for game fishes, except under general angler regulations.
JORDAN POND(data sheet codes 1401-1431)
Size: 187 acres
Historically known species: Alewives American eel Atlantic salmon (excess brood stock in 1994) Banded killifish Brook trout Common shiner (1998 survey by Le) Fallfish (1998 survey by Le) Golden shiner Lake trout Landlocked Atlantic salmon Northern redbelly dace (1998 survey by Le) Pumpkinseed (1998 survey by Le) Rainbow smelt Rainbow trout (1899, 1915 stocking) Steelhead (rainbow trout) (1899 stocking) Sunapee charr (only in 1942 survey) Threespine stickleback White sucker (1998 survey by Le)
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout -55-
Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt White sucker
Fish Surveys
Jordan Pond is one of the most extensively-studied lakes within the
boundaries of Acadia National Park, partly because of its size, and partly because of
its access and popularity for recreation. Newlin (1989) mentioned a report of two
anglers catching 500 brook trout in one day of fishing on Jordan Pond, in about
1870, as cited in the book, Mt. Desert and Acadia National Park (1878).
Although Jordan Pond was successfully stocked with landlocked salmon in
the early part of the twentieth century and unsuccessfully stocked with rainbow
trout in 1899 and 1915 and with steelhead in 1899 (Batchelder 1927), the initial
State survey of Jordan Pond was in 1942 (Fuller and Cooper 1946). Brook trout,
landlocked salmon, golden shiners, banded killifish, rainbow smelt, and American
eel were collected with gill nets. Records indicated two Salvelinus aureolus, or
"silver trout," or "golden trout." This is the older name given to the Sunapee
trout, also known as the silver charr or Sunapee char. These fish were raised at a } 1~,; hatchery near Green Lake, and stocked in several waters during this era, including
[/ Jordan Pond.
Another fish survey in August, 1964 captured brook trout, and two years
later, a visual inspection of.the outlet, Jordan Stream, failed to reveal fishes. In -56-
August 1971, a gill nets set by the MDIFW captured lake trout and landlocked salmon (each containing rainbow smelt in the stomachs), along with rainbow smelt, and gill nets set in June 1974 captured rainbow smelt and lake trout.
The next fish smvey was conducted in April 1983, with brook trout, golden shiners, and American eels captured in Jordan Stream. Trap netting by the
MDIFW in fall 1991 and 1994 recorded length, weight, sex, and age of lake trout and landlocked salmon. Gill nets set by the MDIFW in July 1995 collected lake trout, and length, weight, ages, and condition factors were recorded.
Newlin (1989) noted that a tributary to Jordan Pond contained a population of wild brook trout.
Stocking
Jordan Pond has an extensive stocking history, with landlocked salmon, lake trout, brook trout, and sea-run Atlantic salmon (captive brood stock) all released into the lake in the past. In addition to rainbow trout, steelhead, and landlocked salmon introduced first in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, brook trout, landlocked salmon and lake trout have all been regularly stocked since the
1930s.
Brook trout stocking records extend back to 1937, and the species was stocked annually through 1940. Stocking was periodic until the 1960s (1954-1955,
1959) but was almost annually from 1959 through 1974 (1959-1965, 1968, 1974). -57-
Brook trout have not been stocked since 1974. There are no records of the
hatchery origin of these trout, but most fish stocked were of fingerling size and 725
(yearlings) to 11,000 (fingerlings) in number. In 1975, in response to an inquiry
about stocking plans for Jordan Pond, MDIFW biologists indicated that they would
not be pursuing an annual brook trout stocking policy.
Lake trout have been stocked since 1944, irregularly at first, with 10,000 to
15,000 fry in the early years (1944-1946 and 1952-1953). Later, fry and yearlings
were stocked (1956-1960, 1967-1970, 1972-1977, 1983-1984, 1987-1991), with
fewer, larger fish stocked as time went on (in the latter years, typically 100 spring
yearlings were stocked annually). Lake trout have originated from Embden,
Governor Hill, Palermo, and Dry Mills hatcheries and were occasionally marked
with fin clips.
Landlocked salmon were first introduced into Jordan Pond in the early 1900s
and MDIFW records extend back to 1966. Typically, 750 to 1500 fry/fingerlings
were introduced annually (1966-1967, 1969-1973). But, in more recent stockings c (1978-1979, 1981-1996), 75 to 100 spring yearling landlocked salmon have been I \:., introduced. Fish have originated from Grand Lake, Casco, Palermo, and Enfield
hatcheries and, in the 1990s, these have typically been fin-clipped. Following an
(i inquiryin 1975, MDIFWbiologists indicated that theywould cease stocking of ~ j landlocked salmon until they could determine "that the forage fish situation in
Jordan Pond warrants resumption of the program." By the late 1970s, stocking was -58- resumed
Atlantic salmon (excess captive brood fish from Green Lake National Fish
Hatchery) were introduced in 1994; 25 fish of 20 to 22 inches in size. Anglers
proposed stocking landlocked alewives in Jordan Pond in the mid-1970s, but this was rejected in favor of a mysid stocking program (See section on Other).
However, landlocked alewives were introduced into Jordan Pond prior to 1978 as a
potential forage fish. In addition, rainbow smelt were introduced from Pleasant
River Lake in April 1976 in order to enhance the depressed rainbow smelt
population in Jordan Pond. Four burlap bags with attached rainbow smelt eggs
were transported to and placed in Jordan Pond. Partly because of these efforts,
limited numbers of landlocked salmon were stocked beginning in 1978.
Finally, threespine sticklebacks (167) were collected from Eagle Lake and were stocked into Jordan Pond in April and May 1981.
Angler Surveys
The initial angler harvest records come from creel surveys of the winter ice fisheries of the late 1970s. Data on landlocked salmon and lake trout were recorded. Individual angler records are available for the ice fishery in January 1972 and 1986 and February 1987 and these documented sizes of landlocked salmon and lake trout, while a personal angler diary from an angler reported catches of rainbow smelt and landlocked salmon. Brook trout also were taken in 1972. Another spotty -59-
report from 1990 documented lake trout and landlocked salmon.
Another creel census, of the 1991 ice fishery, documented catches of
landlocked salmon, and a personal angler diary from the 1994 ice fishery showed
catches of lake trout and landlocked salmon (283 hours ·of effort by 34 anglers to
catch 5 legal salmon and 5 legal lake trout.
Water Quality
In August 1971, MDIFW biologists recorded water temperatures in Jordan
Pond that ranged from 68 F at the surface to 43 F at 125 feet; dissolved oxygen was
excellent for salmonids. Another survey, in June 1994, recorded water
temperatures of75 Fat the surface and 42 Fat the bottom. The National Park
Service maintains a water quality database that includes transparency data from
1971, 1981, 1983-1993, and 1995-1998. Water temperature and dissolved oxygen
data exist for 1942, 1971, 1977, 1981, 1987, 1990, 1992-1993, and 1995-1998. Other
data are available from 1942, 1971, 1981-1984, and 1988-1998.
Records of light penetration in Jordan Pond are available for September 24,
1977, down to 92 ft, compiled by Marty Bridgham, Scott Schulz, and Lynnetta f; ' Li Stanwood for the MDIFW. Profiles of dissolved oxygen, temperature, phosphorus, nitrogen, ammonia, and calcium were plotted on graphs. A hypsographic curve
(area vs. depth) also was plotted. The same researchers also examined
zooplankton. Crustaceans (primarily copepods) and rotifers accounted for most of -60- the samples, and the researchers also examined phytoplankton. Similar water quality profiles were plotted by Garcelon and Bacon on September 27, 1980, and provided to the MDIFW.
Burgess {1997) examined mercury concentrations in landlocked salmon in
Jordan pond and found the range of values to be less than the state average for the species.
Other
One unusual historical aspect of the aquatic community of Jordan Pond was the introduction of mysid shrimp in the early 1970s. Director of Fisheries, Lyndon
Bond indicated that landlocked alewives were rejected as a potential prey species in favor of mysids because of their potential value as prey for lake trout. A trawling smvey in Jordan Pond in 1972 did catch some mysids, but a limited sample of lake trout in 1972 revealed only rainbow smelt.
In June 1973, beam trawls and otter trawls failed to catch mysids, and the introduction was considered a failure. A final series of trawl samples in July 1984 also failed to find mysids.
Synopsis and Information Gaps \\ Considerable management efforts have occurred at Jordan Pond, and these have included the stocking of several species, and the introduction of mysid shrimp -61- and several species of non-native fishes. The Pond is difficult to sample because of the steep submerged banks in some parts and the logistical constraints of sampling cyprinid species in such areas. Much of the management manipulations of the past have been directed at establishing fisheries for salmonid fishes and providing adequate prey for those salmonids. As a result, rainbow smelt, threespine sticklebacks, and mysids--among other options--have been introduced. However, as with other waters on Mount Desert Island, fish stocking in Jordan Pond is not nearly as extensive as in the past.
With Jon Le's inventory study in 1998, a fairly complete listing of the fish community of Jordan Pond is now available. Water quality data, particularly in the
1.990s, is readily available, but angler harvest and indicators of angler effort are spotty. Much such information is based on personal angler diaries or individual reports. More extensive creel surveys have been for the winter ice fishing season.
But, even in that fishery, creel records are available only from the late 1970s and
1991. Thus, this information would be useful to collect for one of the Island's most popular lakes.
LAKE WOOD (data sheet codes: 2601-2603)
Size: 16 acres
Historically known species: Banded killifish Brook trout (1970 stocking) Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace -62-
Rainbow smelt White sucker
Probable native species: Banded killifish Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace White sucker
Fish Surveys
The lake was only surveyed in September 1962 using seines and gill nets; white suckers, golden shiners, and banded killifish were captured, along with one rainbow smelt. Northern redbelly dace, banded killifish, and white suckers were captured in the outlet of the lake. The inlets were considered to be of little use as spawning or nursery areas and were presumed to be dry in summer. MDIFW biologists observed banded killifish along the shoreline of Lake Wood during a visit in July 1978, but fishes were not sampled. The University of Maine will conduct a fish survey of the pond in 1999.
Stocking
The Lake was stocked twice with brook trout, in May and June 1970, but has not been stocked since.
Angler Surveys
There have been no angler surveys. However, the MDIFW made a check of fishing access in July 1978. Biologists noted there was limited access, but the pond -63-
was quite popular with swimmers.
Water Quality
In July 1990, the MDIFW conducted a water quality survey in Lake Wood.
Water temperatures were quite high (81.5 Fat the surface, 75 Fat about 13 ft.
Dissolved oxygen levels were adequate at the surface, but dropped to only 2,5 ppm
at the bottom.
The National Park Service maintains a water quality data base and stores
records of transparency (1993-1996), dissolved oxygen and temperature (1993-
1995), and other parameters (1982-1984, 1988-1989, 1992-1996).
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Lake Wood is a small, warm water pond that supports a non-game fish
community. The water quality characteristics, size, and apparent lack of suitable
spawning and nursery areas seems to diminish the possibilities of maintaining
salmonid populations without stocking. There have been occasional,
unsubstantiated reports of brook trout being taken in Lake Wood, but these are t.. i very unlikely after the two instances of intentional stocking in 1970. Newlin (1989) also reported seeing American eels in the lake--certainly a possibility--but this
species is presently unconfirmed by sampling. The fish survey that will be
conducted in 1999 may be able to confirm the presence of American eels and other J r \ i. ) 1. -64- possible species. It is probable that the current fish community reflects species originally present, unaffected by stocking.
LITTLE LONG POND (data sheet codes: 1501-1508)
Size: 38 acres
Historically known species: Alewife American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Fallfish Fourspine stickleback Golden shiner Landlocked Atlantic salmon (only a 1976 record) Ninespine stickleback ·Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt (only a 1991 record)
Probable native species: Alewife American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Fourspine stickleback Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed
Little Long Pond is sometimes known simply as Long Pond, while another body of water in western Mount Desert Island--Long Pond--is sometimes known as
Great Pond to distinguish it from this smaller pond on the eastern part of the island.
For these discussions, the smaller pond will be known as Little Long Pond. -65-
Little Long Pond is not currently within Park boundaries and does not border
on Park lands. However, Jordan Stream drains into Little Long Pond and the upper
portion of Jordan Stream is within Park boundaries. Also, the National Park
Service maintains a water quality database for the Pond. Thus, Little Long Pond is
included in this historical report.
Fish Surveys
The initial fish survey of Little Long Pond was by the MDIFW in August 1966.
Biologists used gill nets to collect fourspine sticklebacks, ninespine sticklebacks,
pumpkinseed, and golden shiners, along with "numerous" alewives and banded
killifish. Subsequent fish surveys were conducted in June 1976, fall 1991 and fall
1992.
The 1976 survey also used gill nets, along with minnow traps to capture the
same species, as well as American eels, northern redbelly dace, and two landlocked
salmon. Biologists were extremely surprised by the presence of the latter two
fishes as Little Long Pond is shallow and only marginally suitable for salmon
reproduction and growth. This has been the only report of landlocked salmon / !. . encountered in the Pond. Numerous pumpkinseed nests were noted along the
shore during this survey in June.
The other two fish surveys were in the fall, using trap nets. The 1991 catches
included brook trout, golden shiners, banded killifish, American eel, white sucker, -66-
and pumpkinseed, along with one rainbow smelt and one fallfish. This is the only
report of rainbow smelt encountered in the Pond. The 1992 trap net catches were
similar.
In fall 1992, three brook trout redds were obseived in a tributary, with seven
brook trout positioned over the redds. There have been reports of sea-run brook
trout entering the lake via the ocean (local reports, as well as Newlin 1989).
Stocking
Landlocked salmon were stocked irregularly between 1938 to 1990, with
numbers ranging from 750 yearlings to 15,000 fry or fingerlings. But these
introductions ceased as salmon were not encountered in trap nets and angler creel
data were not available. Landlocked salmon stocked in the 1970s and 1980s came
from Grand Lake Stream, Casco, and Enfield hatcheries. Brook trout were stocked
between 1947 and 1974. MDIFW biologists recommended discontinuing the
stocking of brook trout following the 1976 suivey, based on the apparent poor
sutvival of brook trout and the warm water temperatures in summer.
During October 5 - 7, 1992, baitfish species were captured in Little Long
Pond and transferred to Hamilton Pond. Species and numbers were not noted, but these were, apparently, golden shiners or banded killifish. -67-
Angler Suiveys
Little Long Pond was closed to ice fishing in 1982. A petition was filed by
State Representative Zimkilton to open Little Long Pond to ice fishing in the 1984 season. The request was denied by the MDIFW based on the fragile numbers of native brook trout in the Pond that spawned in Jordan Stream, a tributary.
The only angler haivest records are from a personal angler creel diary from
May 4, 1986. Other than noting successful fishing for brook trout, the information is of little use.
·Water Quality
Limited water quality data are available for Little Long Pond, collected by the MDIFW in conjunction with fish surveys; these are available for August 1966 and June 1976. These summer water temperatures ranged up to 74 Fat the surface. Some higher surface readings may have been caused by an inaccurate meter. Dissolved oxygen levels at these times were adequate. The National Park
Service maintains a water quality database, but it does not include measurements of water transparency, and only the 1966 records of water temperature and dissolved oxygen. Other parameters were measured in 1966, 1982-1984, 1989, and
1995-1996.
A meeting was held in 1992 with representatives of several state agencies and interested landowners concerning water.levels and water quality at Little Long -68-
Pond. It was concluded that the depth of the Pond had decreased over the years due to seepage of water under nearby carriage roads and Route 3 into Bracey Cove.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection suggested that several habitat improvement procedures might be warranted.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
For its relatively small size, Little Long Pond has a high species richness, with 12 species captured in the Pond at some time in the past. The two species that have been stocked in the past--landlocked salmon and·brook trout--are no longer being introduced. Brook trout stocking ended in 1974, yet brook trout continued to be captured during fish surveys in the 1990s. It is apparent that the wild brook trout continue to exist in the pond at some unknown population level.
The fragile nature of this wild population and the small size of the Pond suggest a very limited sport fishery. Thus, the lack of angler harvest and use data is not a major information gap. Regular water quality monitoring is lacking for the water, especially easily-measured water temperatures and dissolved oxygen.
Little Long Pond has several unique characteristics. There are many potential prey species present, and the lake may seive as a conduit for movements of sea-run brook trout. The tributary does provide acceptable spawning grounds for brook trout. The fish inventory for the Pond as well as a more detailed study of brook trout movements by a team from the University of Maine in 1999 may help to -69-
assess the extent of this spawning population of brook trout.
LONG POND, ISLE AU HAUT (1601)
Size: 73 acres
Historically known species: American eel Brook trout Landlocked Atlantic salmon (1922) Ninespine stickleback Rainbow smelt
Probable Native Species:: American eel Ninespine stickleback Rainbow smelt
Fish SuIVeys
Long Pond of Isle au Haut was first suIVeyed in 1922 (Bishop and Clarke
1923). At the time, it was known as Turners Lake. Vertebrates were identified by
Sherman C. Bishop, and included American eels (very abundant, but small),
ninespine sticklebacks (extremely abundant, small in size), rainbow smelt (a few
taken each year through the ice), and landlocked salmon. According to Bishop,
landlocked salmon were stocked "a few years" before the 1922 suIVey and had
apparently become established. Fish sizes averaged three to four pounds.
The Pond was revisited in 1996 by John Burgess, of the University of Maine.
He collected hatchery-origin brook trout as part of a mercury study. In 1998, Jon
Le, of the University of Maine, conducted another fish inventory and added banded
r···1'· ) -70- killifish and golden shiner to the species list.
Stocking
Landlocked salmon were stocked in Long Pond in the early 1920s, but are not longer stocked. Brook trout have been stocked regularly over the past decades and current management direction is to provide annual stocking of brook trout.
Angler Surveys
There have been no angler surveys in the Pond, although a small sport fishery exists that relies on periodic stocking of brook trout. The lake, unlike all
~thers on Mount Desert Island, is managed by the Region B office of the MDIFW
(Sydney, Maine).
Water Quality
Bishop and Clarke (1923) made numerous observations of vertebrates, macroinvertebrates, and habitat of Long Pond. They recorded water quality parameters on two occasions. The National Park Service maintains a water quality database that includes water transparency data from 1984 and 1994, temperature and dissolved oxygen records for 1994, and other parameters from 1984 and 1994-
1995. John Burgess, of the University of Maine, measured pH (6.7) and analyzed mercury levels in brook trout collected from Long Pond in 1996. Concentrations -71- were lower than the state average (Burgess 1997),
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Long Pond, of Isle au Haut, is a small, narrow body of water that receives a modest amount of angler pressure. Its relative inaccessibility to anglers makes the angler pressure and harvest data a moot point for managers. Water quality data are spotty, and the native fish fauna has been altered by stocking for at least 80 years. Yet, management options are limited because of the isolation of Isle au Haut and the Pond. No further fish inventories seem necessary to describe the current fish community.
LONG POND (data sheet codes: 1701-1742)
Size: 897 acres
Historically known species: Alewife American eel Atlantic salmon (1994 stocking) Banded killifish Brook trout Brown trout (1900 stocking) Chain pickerel Golden shiner Landlocked Atlantic salmon Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Smallmouth bass Threespine stickleback White sucker Yellow perch (1966 capture) -72-
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Threespine stickleback White sucker
Long Pond is sometimes known as Great Pond or Great Long Pond, to
distinguish it from Little Long Pond in the southeastern part of Mount Desert Island
and Long Pond of Isle au Haut, but it is most commonly known by the identifier
used here: Long Pond.
Fish Surveys
Long Pond is the largest body of water within or adjacent to Park boundaries,
and it has a long history of fish surveys and angler use. The initial fish surveys in
the Pond occurred in 1942 by Fuller and Cooper (1946). Beach seines and gill nets
captured smallmouth bass, rainbow smelt, American eels, white suckers,
threespine sticklebacks, and banded killifish; the latter three species were the most
abundant.
Subsequent fish sampling by the MDIFW occurred in August 1957, July
1962, fall 1966, July 1987, October 1990, fall 1992, fall 1994, fall 1995, fall 1996, and fall 1997. The MDIFW used electrofishing gear to sample Ripple Creek, a tributary of Long Pond, in 1979, 1980, and 1985. SCUBA divers also assessed the habitat and -73-
smallmouth bass population of Long Pond in July 1986. In addition to these fish
smveys, biologist Keith Havey and others have examined the Pond as part of
several intensive fisheries research studies.
Trap netting by the MDIFW (then known as MDIFG) in August 1957 added
alewives and one landlocked salmon to the list of species previously recorded. Gill
netting in July 1962 also added smallmouth bass to the species list. Fall trap
netting has occurred regularly since 1966. Chain pickerel and northern redbelly
dace were encountered, along with other species. One yellow perch was captured,
but this species has never been reported from Long Pond in· the years since. Fall
trap netting in 1966 also reported golden shiners in the collections
Biologists targeted alewives during fish sampling in July 1987, and stomachs
and their contents were transported to the University of Maine, where graduate
student Ronald Mack identified the prey items. Alewives largely consumed insects.
Along with the alewives, gill nets captured landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass,
pumpkinseeds, and white suckers.
Trap netting in fall 1990 captured largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. In
fall 1992, trap nets captured the same species, along with chain pickerel, and { / i alewives. Catches in fall 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 collected the same species, f ·1 along with American eels. Havey (1961a, and unpublished reports) summarized
the species present in the late 1950s and these included brook trout, American eel,
I ,/ northern redbelly dace, white sucker, golden shiners, chain pickerel, alewife, and .
) -74- rainbow smelt. The trap netting records for fall 1994 indicated that about 10% of the captured landlocked salmon were wild but a significant number of salmon
(hatchery as well as wild) showed hooking scars.
The electrofishing surveys of Ripple Brook encountered juvenile landlocked salmon in 1979 and 1980, and salmon, American eels, and white suckers in August
1985. Habitat was considered good, although the survey in August 1985 reported relatively low numbers of juveniles, possibly due to low water levels during the spawning season of 1984.
Smallmouth bass were the target fishes in SCUBA surveys of Long Pond in
July 1986. During 89 minutes of diving/observation time, 111 smallmouth bass were observed, some of which exceeded 18 inches in length. White suckers also were observed.
A fish inventory will be conducted by the University of Maine in 1999 to assess the current fish community,
Stocking
Long Pond has been stocked over the years with landlocked salmon and brook trout, as well as excess Atlantic salmon brood stock from Green Lake
National Fish Hatchery (in 1994). In 1900, even anadromous brown trout from
Scotland were stocked, but unsuccessfully (Batchelder 1927). Landlocked salmon have been stocked almost annually since 1977, primarily spring yearlings and -75- between 370 and 1,000 in number each year. Fish have originated from Palermo,
Enfield, Casco, and Grand Lake hatcheries, and most have been marked with fin clips during the 1990s. In 1986, Atlantic salmon reared at Green Lake National
Fish Hatchery were stocked in Long Pond (and Echo Lake) and some were taken in the 1986 ice fishery
Havey (1961a) reported that landlocked salmon were first introduced into
Long Pond in 1895, and they were first intentionally stocked in 1951. Biologist
Keith Havey published a report (Havey 1981) and a paper (Havey 1980) on stocking rate and growth of landlocked salmon in Long Pond. There· was a significant inverse relationship between stocking rate and growth of landlocked salmon
S.ome other species also have been introduced or stocked into the Pond as well.
Havey (1961a) reported that smallmouth bass--a non-native fish in Maine--were introduced into Long Pond about 1940 and subsequently became a popular sport fish in the Pond. Brook trout were stocked as part of a brood stock development program (Havey and Locke 1980) and sea-run alewives have been stocked in Long
Pond, primarily in the early 1960s, as part of a restoration program (Havey 196Ib).
In 1976, MDIFW Fisheries Division Chief Lyn Bond responded to a request from the
Town Manager of Northeast Harbor to stock alewives in Jordan Pond and Echo
Lake by recommending improvements in fishing access and additional alewife stocking in Long Pond. In addition, Dennis Smith, of Otter Creek, received a permit to collect alewives from the outlet to Long Pond, but was denied on at least -76- two occasions his request to stock lake trout in Long Pond. This request was denied by MDIFW Commissioner Manuel for a number of biological reasons.
Angler Surveys
Considerable information is available on angler harvest and angler pressure in Long Pond. Age and growth of angler-caught landlocked salmon were compiled by the MDIFW in 1974 and 1977, and a warden creel survey during the ice fishery of 1979 reported catches of chain pickerel, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass. Havey and Locke (1980) published a paper on the ice fishery for brook trout, showing heavy exploitation in the late 1970s, and Brokaw (1988, 1993, 1998) s1.1mmarized the status of the landlocked salmon fishery of 1987, 1990 - 1992, and more recent years, respectively. A reduced bag limit initiated prior to the 1993 study had not resulted in an increased number of larger salmon. Angler effort in the winter ice fishery increased between 1987 and 1992, but with wide confidence ranges.
Other winter creel surveys have been conducted in 1987, 1989, 1992, and
1995. In I°989, anglers captured landlocked salmon (averaging 0-41 legal fish per day over the season) and chain pickerel, and the same species were taken in 1992 and 1995. In addition, rainbow smelt were collected, measured, and aged from winter 1992. -77-
Water Quality
The National Park Service maintains a water quality database. The data for
Long Pond is relatively extensive and includes water transparency information
1977, 1980-1993, 1995, and 1997-1998. Water temperature and dissolved oxygen
data are available from 1942, 1981, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1997-1998.
Records of other water quality parameters exist for 1942, 1981-1984, 1986-1990,
1993, 1995-1996, and. 1998. Burgess (1997) examined mercury concentrations. in
smallmouth bass from Long Pond and found values less than the state average for
the species.
Other
As part of several biological studies conducted in Long Pond, Havey (1960)
reported on movements, growth, and recaptures of marked landlocked salmon.
Several other published papers (cited previously) have resulted from this work as
well as studies on the brook trout fishery (Havey and Locke 1980),
Synopsis and Information Gaps { I Long Pond has been well studied and the fish surveys scheduled for 1999
r j \· should confirm or expand existing knowledge. Water quality measurements on file are as extensive as for any water body within Acadia National Park. Several species
of game fishes have been harvested over the years, and characteristics of the -78-
landlocked salmon fishery and population status are quite well known. Because
the MDIFW has undertaken several directed studies of salmonids and centrarchids
in Long Pond, biological data are more extensive than in other waters and current
management approaches seem adequate for these sport fish to monitor the lake's
game fish populations.
LOWER HADLOCK POND (data sheet codes: 1801-1812)
Size: 39 acres
Historically known species American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Brown bullhead (1998 collection) Brown trout Common shiner (1998 collection) Golden shiner Landlocked Atlantic salmon (until 1950s) Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt White perch White sucker
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace White perch White sucker
Fish Suzyeys
Lower Hadlock Pond, a slightly-acidic body of water connected to Upper -79-
Hadlock Pond by Hadlock Stream, has a varied fish community history. Several
species of game fishes have been present over the years, with at least brook trout
and white perch being native (Burr 1983). The initial MDIFW survey was in 1953,
when a gill net collected 65 white perch. Other fish surveys have occurred in 1971-
1973, and 1995.
Landlocked salmon were first stocked in the early 1900s and disappeared in
the late 1950s (Burr 1983), while brown trout were first stocked in the 1940s. The
fish surveys in the early 1970s and in 1995 encountered white perch, golden
shiners, and brown trout. Burr (1983), as part of a winter creel survey, noted that
northern redbelly dace, American eel, banded killifish, and white suckers also were
part of the Pond's fish community.
Jon Le, a graduate student at the University of Maine, conducted a fish
inventory in 1998. He confirmed the presence of one other species--common
shiner--and the li~ely presence of another--brown bullhead. The bullhead was
found dead along the bank of Lower Hadlock Pond. Le also surveyed Hadlock
Stream, the inlet to the Pond and found brook trout, pumpkinseed, and banded
killifish.
Stocking
There has been a long history of fish stocking in Lower Hadlock Pond.
Landlocked salmon were first introduced in the early 1900s and stocked on a more
I ) -80- regular basis in the 1940s and 1950s. Following the end of stocking and the
construction of a dam on Hadlock Stream, landlocked salmon disappeared in the late 1950s (Burr 1983).
Brook trout were first stocked in the Pond in 1938, then irregularly during the 1940s and 1950s. Stocking was annual in the 1960s, but ended in 1967 to switch to the stocking of brown trout. Brook trout stocking was resumed on an irregular basis in 1987 and 1989 to present. During most years, 300 to 800 spring yearlings were introduced, but fry and fingerling numbers of up to 10,000 were
stocked in the early years. In the 1990s, numbers of brook trout have been reduced
to 200 - 400 fall fingerlings annually, obtained from Palermo, Enfield, and Governor
Hill hatcheries. Brown trout were first stocked in 1968. Annual numbers stocked have varied from 75 to 100 yearlings each year in the 1990s, down from up to 400 yearlings per year in the 1960s and 1970s. Brown trout have originated from Casco,
Palermo, and New Gloucester hatcheries.
Rainbow smelt may have been native, but were definitely introduced by the
MDIFW in 1978. In May 1978, rainbow smelt eggs were transferred from Pleasant
River Lake and stocked into Lower Hadlock Pond, approximately 30 feet below the ,· } I . falls on Hadlock Stream. This is the first record of introduced rainbow smelt and was made following a request from Dennis Smith of Otter Creek. -81-
Angler Suiveys
Angler use and haivest information in Lower Hadlock Pond is only available
for the ice fishery, and is based on two winter creel suiveys conducted in 1983 and
1987 and a personal angler diary from 1996. Greg Burr, then a college student,
conducted a suivey in January, 1983, but weather conditions were atypical and
unfavorable and may not have reflected angler patterns of other ice fishing seasons.
In January, 1987, 49 anglers caught three brown trout and a white perch. A
personal angler diary submitted for February 1996 showed catches of brown trout
and brook trout.
Water Quality
The MDIFW has collected some water quality data, usually in conjunction
with fish inventories. These data are available for July 1953 and July 1972. On
those two occasi~ns, water temperatures reached 74 Fat the surface and 43-46 Fat
the bottom; pH levels ranged from 5.5 to 6.7. In summer, dissolved oxygen levels
are adequate to 25-30 feet, but critically low below that depth.
The National Park Service maintains a water quality database that includes Ll transparency data from 1984, 1992-1993, 1995, and 1997. Water temperatures and dissolved oxygen concentrations were recorded in 1953, 1972, 1992-1993, and
l ' 1995, and other water quality parameters were recorded in 1953, 1972, 1982-1984, {j J \ 1988, 1989, 1992, and 1996.
'r·i .I !J -82-
Burgess (1997) examined mercury concentrations of white perch from Lower
Hadlock Pond and found some specimens with levels higher than the state average.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Lower Hadlock Pond has a varied fisheries management history that has included the stocking of non-native landlocked salmon, supplemental stocking of brook trout, stocking of exotic brown trout, and either introduction of non-native rainbow smelt or rehabilitation of the native population of rainbow smelt. In recent years, supplemental stocking of brown trout and brook trout, along with native white perch, have supported a small fishery.
The extent of that fishery is largely unknown and future management decisions may need that key piece of the puzzle, especially for the open water fishery.
Water qual_ity information has been collected periodically but the key constraints seem to be warm summer water temperatures at the surface, the lack of oxygen near the bottom, and the acidic conditions of the water. Additional monitoring may not be necessary, except to document these three parameters.
Biologists with the University of Maine plan additional research studies on brook trout in Hadlock Stream for 1999. -83-
ROUND POND (data sheet codes: 2001-2008)
Size: 38 acres
Historically known species: Banded killifish . \ Brook trout ( Chain pickerel Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Pumpkinseed Smallmouth bass White sucker
Presumed native species: Banded killifish Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback White sucker
Fish Suiveys
The initial fisheries investigations in Round Pond were by the MDIFW in
August 1960. Biologists used a seine in a deep hole to collect banded killifish,
golden shiner, pu.mpkinseed, ninespine sticklebacks and almost two dozen white
suckers. Spawning habitat for salmonids was considered poor because of patchy
gravel. Nursery habitat was considered poor because of high temperatures (75 F).
No fish had been stocked or were recommended for stocking.
MDIFW biologists also assessed fish populations in August 1985, 1987, and
\' i I 1988 using a minnow trap (1985) and gill nets (1987, 1988). The nets captured :1 \ smallmouth bass (one had consumed a chain pickerel), white suckers, and
pumpkinseed, but the minnow trap captured nothing. Biologists in 1987 . i -84- concluded that the pond was "too warm for trout." The specific purpose of the
August 1988 assessment was to check on the survival of brook trout that were stocked in 1988; 34 were recaptured.
Stocking
Fall fingering brook trout were first stocked into Round Pond in 1986, and spring yearling brook trout were first stocked in 1988. Brook trout have been stocked every year since, usually in small numbers (100-150 fish of 10 to 12 inches). -- Partly because of the presence of inshore predators, fish most commonly have been stocked by boat, but other times they have been released from shore. Hatchery fish have been reared at Enfield Hatchery and, more recently, Emden Hatchery.
Smallmouth bass in Round Pond originated from introductions in the past.
The species is not native to Maine and was first introduced into the State in 1869.
The first known introduction to a water on Mount Desert Island was in The Bowl in
1891. The initial appearance in Round Pond is unknown.
Angler Surveys
The only angler catch data available comes from angler reports and angler log books. A letter to the Regional Biologist, dated March 19, 1993, reported four anglers catching eight brook trout--all 12.5 to 15.75inches--in three hours. Other log book records are from May, and June 1995 showing catches of chain pickerel. -85-
Water Quality
MDIFW biologists generally recorded basic water quality data in conjunction with fish inventories. This was the case in 1960, 1985, and 1987. In these visits, water temperatures generally ranged from 73 to 76 F at the surface, but ranged from 64 to 67 F at the bottom in August. There is at least one spring hole, in the southern part of the Pond. Other, occasional water quality data include transparency (Secchi disk), dissolved oxygen, pH, and alkalinity. Dissolved oxygen levels at the bottom were very low (3.6 ppm) in the August 1960 survey, but were good during the survey in August 1985. The National Park Service maintains a water quality database, with visibility data from 1983, 1991, 1993, and 1995.
Temperature and dissolved oxygen data are available from 1983, 1991, and 1993, and other water quality data are available from 1982-1984, 1989, 1991, 1993, and
1995-1996. Burgess (1997) examined mercury concentrations in chain pickerel from Round Pond and measured levels below the state average for the species.
Other
Round Pond was recommended for reclamation with rotenone in 1975, but the request was withdrawn on August 24 of that year following the protests of about 20 people.
Synopsis and Information Gaps -86-
Round Pond is a small pond that has maintained a hatchery-supported fishery for brook trout, as well as other game fishes, such as smallmouth bass and chain pickerel. There are unsubstantiated rumors that brook trout may have been present in the pond prior to the introduction of smallmouth bass and chain pickerel, but current spawning grounds or natural reproduction seem unlikely.
Knowledge of the extent of the Round Pond fishery is very limited, but it seems likely that any brook trout fishery must be supported by limited stocking of larger trout. Most likely, the Pond receives sporadic use by anglers, but overall pressure is probably light. The Pond will be sampled in summer 1999 by a team from the
University of Maine to determine whether previously-unreported species are present in the fish community and indications of their relative population size.
SARGENT MOUNTAIN POND (Data sheet code: 501)
Size: <10 acres
Historically known species: None
Probable native species: n.a.
Fish Suiveys
John Burgess, a graduate student a the University of Maine, completed a smvey at Sargent Mountain Pond in 1995, as part of a larger study on water quality.
No fishes were found, although aquatic insects and amphibians were noted. -87-
Burgess concluded the extremely acidic waters would not support fishes, although
the pH levels were not noted.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Although Sargent Mountain Pond may be of interest to aquatic scientists
dealing with acid water conditions or waters devoid of fish or stocking, it is of little
value for angling. Additional inventories may reveal some minnow residents, but
this is unlikely and further investigations are unwarranted.
SEAL COVE POND (data sheet codes 2101-2121)
Size: 283 acres
Historically known species: Alewife American eel Banded killifish Brook trout (past stocking) Brown trout Chain pickerel Golden shiner Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Smallmouth bass White perch White sucker Yellow perch
Probable native species: Alewife American eel Banded killifish Brook trout (until about 1942, but fJ may still be present) Golden shiner f l -88-
Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt White perch White sucker
Fish Surveys
The survey by Fuller and Cooper (1946) from 1942 used a seine to capture white perch, golden shiners, white suckers, and banded killifish (from original data sheets), as well as brook trout, smallmouth bass, alewives, American eel, and pumpkinseed (from Fuller and Cooper's report). Since that time, there have been fish surveys in 1970, 1972, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1994. In addition, a SCUBA survey was conducted in September 1992 to assess the status of the smallmouth bass population in Seal Cove Pond. In the latter survey, 18 smallmouth bass were observed, along with schools of pumpkinseed. Divers reported extensive submerged vegetation..
Generally, these inventories were conducted in July and August or were trap net records for the fall months. The August 1970 survey added yellow perch and white perch to the species list, and indicated that rainbow smelt were observed spawning in the tributary at the south end of the Pond. Brook trout were noted as having "spawned in (a) brook on north end ofpond"--at some time in the past. The survey in 1972 added brown trout to the species list, along with other species previously recorded. Brown trout had been present since they were first stocked in
1971.
Surveys in August 1973, fall 1976, July 1978, July 1990, August 1991, fall -89-
1993, and May 1994 captured virtually the same fish species--all noted in previous years. There was, however, one species that invaded the Pond during the 1970s.
A report on the data sheets that a chain pickerel was captured in 1975, the first such report of this species in Seal Cove Pond. By the 1990s, chain pickerel were much more common; 42 were collected in trap nets in fall 1993 and 6 were collected with gill nets in May 1994. A few chain pickerel were aged from scale samples in 1993 and these ranged from 2 + to 5 + years.
Stocking
Brook trout were initially stocked in 1938, but brown trout have been the species stocked since 1971. Initially, over 1,400 fall yearlings were stocked annually, but 100-300 brown trout of 10 to 12 inches in length have been stocked in recent years. It appears that, based on inventory reports and records in 1970, wild brook trout largely disappeared once hatchery-reared brook trout began to be stocked. There is some speculation that remnant wild brook trout may still exist in
Seal Cove Pond.
Angler Surveys
A combination of an angler survey box and an on-site creel census clerk I provides the only angler use information, and this was during the ice fishery in
1975. Anglers took 123 brown trout during 385 hours of effort, or 1.82 fish/hour -90-
average for the period. An angler letter from 1976 reported that three anglers took
27 brown trout during "4 to 5 hours" of effort during the open water fishery.
However, only three ofthe fish were of legal size.
Water Quality
Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other water quality parameters
have been assessed in Seal Cove Pond on a regular basis. The initial measurements
were during Fuller and Cooper's (1946) survey in 1942. Other data sets are
available from 1970, 1972, 1981 through 1988, 1990, 1991 (July, August, and
September), and 1992. The National Park Service maintains a water quality
database and has records stored for 1942, 1970, 1978, 1981-1985, 1989-1990, 1992-
1993, and 1995-1998.
In general, summer temperatures in surface waters are in the 70s F, ranging
up to 77 F, but typically in the low 70s in July and August. Bottom temperatures,
however, typically drop to 58 - 64 F because there is a distinct thermocline in
summer. The Pond is deep enough to have a thermocline, with Secchi. disk
readings of 18 to 34 ft. Because of the availability of warm water as well as cool water in the water column, biologists concluded in 1982 that Seal Cove Pond was
suitable for both warm water and coldwater fishes and should be managed for brown trout as the principal salmonid species.
Dissolved oxygen levels in summer can 'drop to low levels below the -91-
thermocline. Generally, summer levels are high down to 25 to 30 feet, but
consistently reach even lethal levels (i.e., O - 2 ppm) near the bottom. Very limited
pH readings indicate a pond of slightly acidic water (6.1 to 6.7).
Burgess (1997) examined mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass from
Seal Cove Pond and found levels above and below the state average for the species.
Other
In 1992, the Bar Harbor Times ran an article concerning stocking of fish into
Seal Cove Pond. The article reported opposition to the State's plan to stock brown
trout, rather than brook trout, at a meeting of the Tremont Board of Selectmen.
Biologist Rick Jordan responded in a letter to the newspaper, reaffirming the
MDIFW opposition to brook trout stocking because of inferior habitat and the
presence of numerous competing species. In particular, the illegal introduction of
chain pickerel in ~he 1970s had created an abundant population of that esocid
species, further intensifying the competition. The MDIFW has stocked brown trout
in the belief that the species would be able to compete in such marginal conditions.
The MDIFW did allow the stocking of 500 brook trout that were purchased from a tJ private hatchery. Very few of the fish were subsequently captured·by anglers, thus r reaffirming the MDIFW stocking strategy. Two other articles from the Bar Harbor Times in May 1992 followed up on the issue. Subsequently, representatives of the . r i MDIFW presented biological data and policy statements before the Fisheries and
[ J
r 1 I J -92-
Wildlife Committee of the State Legislature related to stocking policy in Seal Cove
Pond.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Seal Cove Pond contains a large number of species, perhaps 13 at the
present time. As such, it is a difficult water to manage for salmonid fisheries.
There are several direct competitors and predators to salmonids, thus the MDIFW
rationale for stocking larger-sized brown trout. Add to this the potential two-story
fisheries, with relatively warm water above the summer thermocline and cool
water below, and balancing management goals can be a challenge.
Fish inventory data seem adequate to assess species composition as well as
well as relative abundance. An inventory of the Pond also will be conducted by a
team from the University of Maine in 1999, which will make assessments current.
Water quality data are adequate, especially with the current monitoring program at
Acadia National Park. One area of only limited knowledge is angler pressure and
hatVest. Fishes such as brown trout, white perch, chain pickerel, and smallmouth
bass are sought by anglers. As fishing success increases, angler pressure tends to
increase as well, sometimes resulting in a spiral of demand and hatVest pressure.
But, currently, the MDIFW stocks brown trout at a size to avoid much predation and in numbers apparently satisfying minimal demand. Further creel information would be useful, but also would be labor intensive relative to the benefits. -93-
SOMES POND (data sheet codes: 2201-2207)
Size: 104 acres
Historically known Species: Alewife American eel Brook trout (1942 suivey) Chain pickerel Landlocked Atlantic salmon Pumpkinseed ( 1942 suivey) Rainbow smelt (1942 suivey) Smallmouth bass White sucker (1942 suivey)
Probable native species: Alewife American eel Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt White sucker
Somes Pond is not currently within the boundaries of Acadia National Park, nor does it border on Park lands. However, the Park maintains a water quality database for the Pond, and the water is close enough to the existing Park that historical data on, the fish community may be useful in the future.
Fish Suiveys
Since the initial suivey of fishes in Somes Pond in 1942 by Fuller and Cooper
(1946), there have been no fish suiveys in Somes Pond; although a team from the
University of Maine will conduct such a suivey in 1999. Some species identified in that 1942 suivey have not been encountered since, including brook trout, pumpkinseed, rainbow smelt, and white sucker. However, as most subsequent -94- data come from angler smveys, this is not surprising.
Stocking
Available stocking records indicate that Somes Pond apparently has not been stocked with salmonids, although brook trout were noted there during the 1942 survey by Fuller and Cooper (1946). Brook trout have not been noted in angler catches since that time. Landlocked salmon may have been stocked in the past, but the only reports are from anglers in 1976 who reportedly released all such fish before they could be examined by biologists. In addition, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel have been introduced in the past and these species are now well established in the Pond.
Angler Surveys
lnformatio~ on angler harvest is available from January 1976, January 1983, and February 1989. The MDIFW issued a progress report in 1976 for Somes Pond that summarized the activities during the year. A creel survey in January censused
40 anglers who caught 77 chain pickerel and 7 smallmouth bass, and several landlocked salmon (that were released). An expanded survey was calculated in order to assess winter fishing success for warmwater game fishes.
Another angler survey was conducted on Somes Pond in January 1983; chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon were taken by anglers in the ice -95- fishery. In February 1989, the Lions Club sponsored an ice fishing derby; five
smallmouth bass were weighed and measured. Finally, a personal angler record
from May and June 1995 showed catches of chain pickerel and smallmouth bass.
Water Quality
A water quality survey was conducted by the MDIFW in September 1994.
Water temperatures ranged from 21 C at the ~urface to 15 C near the bottom.
However, the National Park Service maintains a water quality database for Somes
Pond that includes transparency data from 1980-1982, 1984, 1992-1993, and 1995.
Water temperature and dissolved oxygen data exist from 1942, 1981, 1984, 1992,
and 1993, and other water quality data are available from 1942, 1980-1981, 1984,
1992-1993, and 1995-1996. Burgess (1997) examined mercury concentrations in
chain pickerel and found levels below the state average for the species.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
The fishery in Somes Pond is largely for smallmouth bass and chain pickerel.
Water quality information, especially from recent years and stored in the National
Park Service database, seems adequate. However, fishes have not been inventoried
since 1942, and the fish inventory scheduled for 1999 may help identify the species
currently inhabiting the Pond. Angler harvest information primarily comes from the ice fishery, but these data, too, are limited. Thus, an assessment of angler use -96- and harvest may be useful.
THE TARN (data sheet code: 2301-2306)
Size: 8 acres
Historically known species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Brown bullhead Common shiner Creek chub Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Pumpkinseed ·
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Pumpkinseed
Fish Suiveys
MDIFW biologists conducted fish inventories in The Tarn in September 1962 and May 1988, and Zabinski and Olday (1975) captured fishes during a habitat water quality suiveyin August 1975. Species captured during those suiveys included American eel, golden shiner, banded killifish, brook trout, pumpkinseed, common shiner, and brown bullhead. During Zabinski and Olday's study, 90% of the fishes captured were banded killifish, and American eel and banded killifish were the only species encountered every day of sampling.
Examination of the 36 brook trout captured during the suivey in 1988 -97- showed good growth for the fish stocked as fingerlings in fall 1987; one fish exceeded 12 inches in length.
Jon Le, of the University of Maine, was able to confirm the presence of creek chub and ninespine stickleback in The Tam during a fish inventory in 1998. In addition, he electrofished the inlet to The Tam and encountered brook trout. In the outlet, he captured banded killifish, American eel, pumpkinseed, and creek chub.
Stocking
Brook trout have been stocked annually since 1984, typically 200 to 600 fall fingerlings each year (in recent years, typically 500). Fish have been reared at
Palermo and Enfield hatcheries. Although MDIFW biologists recommended not managing The Tam for trout (in 1962) and Zabinski and Olday (1975) later concurred, angler pressure and other considerations changed that earlier assessment. The Tam is largely artificial, having been formed by a dam on a small brook. At the time the land was conveyed to Acadia National Park, the dam had not been constructed, and the pond was essentially a brook containing native brook trout. But The Tam itself is shallow and weedy, with high water temperatures. Thus, the existing brook trout population is fragile and not sufficient to support angler demand. -98-
Angler Surveys
In April 1965, the Mount Desert Island Rod and Gun Club conducted a children's derby with catches resulting primarily from 200 fall fingerlings stocked in fall 1984. However, one wild brook trout also was taken. A year later, another children's derby was even more successful, with catches resulting from fall fingerlings stocked in The Tam in fall 1985, supplemented by brook trout stocked by the Club especially for this derby.
Water Quality
The MDIFW recorded water quality data in September 1962, noting pH of
6.. 3 to 6.4, and dissolved oxygen 8.4 ppm to 8.6 ppm in surface waters. A more extensive study was conducted by Zabinski and Olday (1975), who mapped habitat, identified spawning habitat, noted vegetation, and measured water quality parameters. Temperatures in August 1975 ranged from 69 F near the bottom to 71
F at the surface; some dissolved oxygen levels were low.
The National Park Service maintains a water quality database that includes transparency data from 1994, temperature and dissolved oxygen recordings from
1962 and 1994, and other water quality data from 1962, 1982-1984, 1989, and 1994-
1996. -99-
Other
Zabinsky and Olday (1975) sampled macroinvertebrates in The Tarn in 1975; they considered insects to be quite sparse.
In the mid-1980s, the MDIFW stocked brook trout in The Tam to aid children's fishing derbies sponsored by the Mount Desert Island Rod and Gun Club.
The Club proposed restricting fishing in The Tarn to those 16 years of age and under. However, approval for such a change became quite complicated in light of differing opinions as to management authority, public demand, and management goals.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
The Tarn is a shallow, warm pond that has been created from a brook in the eastern portion of Mount Desert Island. It is easily accessible to tens of thousands of visitors each year, but would be unable to provide an adequate fishery for game fishes without supplemental stocking. A small brook trout population still exists in the lake and in the inlet, along with a number of cyprinid species, but angler demand exceeds any natural production. Any brook trout spawning would occur in the inlet, rather than the outlet, which is warmer and contains several warmwater, highly adapted species.
Temperature and dissolved oxygen data are almost non-existent (1962 and
1994), but stocked fish and native brook trout are able to survive and grow in the -100-
pond. Other water quality data are more adequate. Except for the occasional
records from fishing derbies, there is virtually no angler use data. Even though this
pond is quite small, an open-water angler survey may be useful to management, as
well as identification of specific brook trout spawning areas in the inlet.
UPPER HADLOCK POND (data sheet codes: 2401-2411)
Size: 35 acres
Historically known species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Brown trout Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Rainbow trout (1909 stocking) Redbreast sunfish
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Golden shiner Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt Redbreast sunfish
Fish Surveys
The initial survey of Upper Hadlock Pond was on August 29, 1942, by Fuller and Cooper (1946). Brook trout were noted as being abundant, brown trout
(introduced at some time previously) were rare, rainbow smelt common, and -101-
American eel and "sunfish" abundant. Banded killifish and golden shiners were
collected by seine and were abundant. Additional notes were listed on aquatic
habitat. Subsequent fish surveys have been conducted in 1953, 1972, 1975, 1981,
1984, 1992, and 1994, The August 1953 survey examined the stream (Hadlock
Stream) that connects Upper and Lower Hadlock ponds, and noted banded killifish
and some fishes described only as "salmon." Whether these were salmon, trout, or
other species is unknown. Landlocked salmon have not been stocked in the Pond,
thus, the species is unconfirmed for Upper Hadlock Pond.
There were three surveys in 1972, The one in July was conducted in Upper
Hadlock Pond using gill nets, and rainbow smelt, banded killifish, and golden
shiner were noted. In August, a gill net collected brown trout and redbreast sunfish
while, in September, brook trout, brown trout, American eel, and redbreast sunfish
wee captured with a gill net. In July 1975, brown trout and northern redbelly dace
were captured. In the outlet of Upper Hadlock Pond, banded killifish, brown trout,
northern redbelly dace, and American eel were all captured.
The outlet stream (Route 198 bridge) was surveyed again in August 1981.
Small brown trout dominated the fauna, and American eels also were present.
Another tributary, on the northeastern side of Upper Hadlock Pond, was checked in
.! July 1984. The lower section was boggy and devoid of fish. However, brook trout I and brown trout were encountered upstream from there. ( Fyke nets set in October-November 1986 captured the same species
l ) -102- encountered previously, along with pumpkinseed. At least some of the brook trout were ripe, and brook trout redds were observed in the stream connecting Upper and Lower Haddock ponds.
The final two surveys, in July 1992 and July 1994 captured brook trout, both hatchery-origin and wild (produced in naturally-constructed redds). About 19% of the brook trout in the 1994 sample were wild. The limited food analysis indicated that brook trout were feeding on golden shiners and nymphs.
Jon Le, a graduate student at the University of Maine, conducted a fish inventory of Upper Hadlock-Pond in 1998, but did not encounter any new species- only those previously documented. He also surveyed Hadlock Stream, which connects Upper and Lower Hadlock ponds, and found brook trout, pumpkinseed, and banded killifish. White suckers were noted in a 1988 MDIFW lake survey summary and may be present, but there are no records of the species being captured, so it is not included in the species check list for the pond.
Stocking
Brown trout were stocked in Upper Hadlock Pond from 1968 to 1983, and annually between 1968 and 1980. Numbers varied from 300 to 2,500, but dropped to only 100 fish annually in the early 1980s. Sizes of brown trout stocked in the
Pond have varied from 2-4 inches to 8-1 o inches, with generally fewer, larger fish stocked during the final years. Stocked brown trout were raised at Palermo and -103-
New Gloucester hatcheries.
Brook trout have been stocked almost annually since 1959. Numbers have
ranged from 300 to 1,200 annually, with fewer, larger fish stocked in recent years.
Stocked brook trout have been obtained from Palermo, Governor Hill, and Enfield
hatcheries.
Rainbow trout were introduced into Upper Hadlock Pond in 1909
(Batchelder 1927), but the population soon disappeared.
Angler Surveys
With the exception of records from a fishing derby in 1972, no records of
angler catches and use are available for Upper Hadlock Pond. The derby catches
showed four age classes of (presumably) brown trout in 1972. However, since
brown trout stocking has been discontinued, such records are of little application to
current fisheries and fish populations.
Water Quality
Occasional water quality measurements have been made by the MDIFW, in
\ I conjunction with fish inventories. Temperatures usually were taken, but surveys
with other types of water quality data were made in July 1972 and July 1992. The
1992 measurements showed dissolved oxygen levels 7.6 to 10 ppm in surface
waters, but suboptimal--even lethal--levels near the bottom in these summer -104- samples. The National Park Service maintains a water quality database for waters within Park boundaries. Transparency data are available for 1984, 1989, and 1992-
1998. Dissolved oxygen and temperature were recorded in 1942, 1972, and 1992-
1998, and other water quality data are available from 1942, 1972, 1982-1984, 1986,
1989, and 1992-1998.
Other
Bait trapping requests for Upper Hadlock Pond were denied in 1986.
However, MDIFW biologist Ron Brokaw responded to another such request in
November 1986 by recommending the issuance of permits because of the abundance of golden shiners in Upper Hadlock Pond. The golden shiners "are serious competitors with the newly-stocked brook trout for food." As such, their removal was considered beneficial to the trout fishery.
Summazy and Information Gaps
Upper Hadlock Pond and associated tributaries have been surveyed on a regular basis and the fish community is well known. No additional inventories are needed to fill information gaps on components of the fish community. Although this is a small pond, angler pressure and use is virtually unknown. Surface water temperatures in summer are in the lower 70s F. Summer dissolved oxygen levels apparently restrict salmonids to upper and mid-level depths. That, and the -105-
abundance of prey and competitor species will be factors dictating future
management actions.
WITCH HOLE POND (data sheet codes: 2501-2504)
Size: 28 acres
Historically known species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Fathead minnow Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Northern redbelly dace
Fish Surveys
The initial fish survey of Witch Hole Pond was conducted by the MDIFW in
August, 1962. Seines collected golden shiners along with "abundant" numbers of
northern redbelly dace, and "scarce" numbers of pumpkinseed and banded killifish.
At the outlet, a survey the next day collected "abundant" numbers of ninespine
sticklebacks, along with golde~ shiners and northern redbelly dace. The surveyor
reported that this tributary was very short, actually one long beaver flowage. Brook
\ / trout were recommended for stocking in the Pond in 1962, although the outlet itself
was considered poor spawning and nursery habitat for brook trout. However,
1 -106-
Witch Hole Pond has suitable watet quality and habitat for brook trout, and this species has been stocked almost yearly since 1964.
An undated letter is on file from Kevin Timoney that he used a seine to collect banded killifish, pumpkinseed, ninespine stickleback, golden shiner, and fathead minnows. The latter three species were considered abundant,
The MDIFW conducted two other surveys using gill nets in June 1981 and
July 1995 and collected brook trout, northern redbelly dace, and golden shiners.
There also was evidence of the presence of American eel. Lengths, weights, and condition factors were recorded for the brook trout.
Jon Le. A graduate student at the University of Maine, conducted a fish inventory of Witch Hole Pond in 1998. No new species were added to the community species list.
Stocking
Brook trout have been stocked almost yearly since 1964. Up to 2,700 fish have been stocked annually but, since 1984, annual numbers have been 850. Fish have originated primarily from Palermo and Enfield hatcheries, although Dry Mills f fish have been used in the past. L
Angler Surveys
There have been no angler surveys. -107-
Water Quality
The MDIFW has measured some water quality parameters, usually
associated with fish surveys. These have occurred in August 1962 and June 1981.
Summer water temperatures typically ranged from 67 F at the surface to 54 F at the
bottom. The National Park Service maintains a water quality database that
includes water transparency, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen data for
1995-1998 and other water quality data for 1982-1984, 1989, and 1994-1998.
Synopsis and Information Gaps
Witch Hole Pond is a small pond, but with adequate water temperatures and
other water quality features to support a brook trout fishery. The limited
information on growth indicates the food base is probably adequate for brook trout
as growth is steady from known ages of stocked fish. Whether wild brook trout
could support the fishery is unknown, since regular stocking has occurred for 35
years. Because of the size of the Pond, angler demand may not be met without
supplemental stocking. However, the lack of angler use and harvest data prevents
a conclusive management decision for the pond. This is one information need,
although the fish species composition and relative abundance are known. Once
angler harvest and trout growth data are assessed, future management options can
be considered. 1 .I l -108-
Brooks
DUCK BROOK (CREEK) (data sheet code: 801)
Historically known species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Common shiner Golden shiner Landlocked Atlantic salmon Ninespine stickleback Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Threespine stickleback
Probable native species: American eel Banded killifish Brook trout Golden shiner Ninespine stickleback Northern redbelly dace Pumpkinseed Threespine stickleback
Paul Winkler, of Southwest Harbor, submitted a letter to the National Park
Service in June 1989, reporting the results of a fish survey on Duck Creek that was
part of a field ecology class at College of the Atlantic in summer 1988. Nine species
of fish were collected; at least three were misidentified. Specimens identified as rainbow trout, bluegill, and pugnose minnow are very unlikely (the rainbow trout was later presumably re-identified as landlocked salmon, Salmo salar). Northern redbelly dace were identified by an older scientific name. Winkler asked for permission to collect aquatic insects from the stream in 1989, but there is no record -109-
of the results.
HUNTER'S BROOK
Historically known species: American eel Brook trout
Probable native species: American eel Brook trout
Jon Le, of the University of Maine, conducted a fish inventory of Hunter's
Brook in 1998 and collected only American eel and brook trout. Le (1999) also
conducted a research study on instream movements of brook trout in Hunter's
Brook, which indicated only limited movement between different habitats.
LITTLE HARBOR BROOK
Historically known species: American eel Brook trout
Probable native species: American eel Brook trout
Jon Le, of the University of Maine, conducted a fish survey in Little Harbor
Brook in 1998. He captured American eel and brook trout. f { ..
MARSHALL BROOK (data sheet codes: 1901-1904)
Historically known species: American eel i 1 ) I Brook trout I ) Fourspine stickleback -110-
Probable native species: American eel Brook trout Fourspine stickleback
Three reports have been prepared that deal with water quality of Marshall
Brook: "Reconnaissance of the Effects of Landfill Leachate on the Water Quality of
Marshall Brook, Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, Maine," prepared by B.
Hansen in 1980; "Preliminary Report on the Evaluation of the Water Quality of
Marshall Brook, ANP," prepared by N.J. Mitchell and M.A. Soukup in 1981; and
"Southwest Harbor Landfill Water Quality Impact Study," prepared in 1982 by R.G.
Gerber. All three documents recount water quality investigations.
Another report, by Boyle et al. (1987), examined water quality and biological characteristics of the Brook and indicated that Marshall Brook was one of the best sea-run brook trout streams on Mount Desert Island, based on angler reports. The fish community was reported to be much reduced (in 1987) from that of earlier times due to toxicity of leachates from a local landfill. Aquatic insects and diatoms were examined, and fishes were collected by electrofishing on July 24, 1985
(including Lurvey Brook). Water quality characteristics indicated the brook was highly eutrophic. American eel, brook trout, and fourspine sticklebacks were collected, but ammonia levels apparently restricted the distribution of some species, and concentrated numbers of other species.
A more recent report, by Doering et al. (1995) examined Bass Harbor Marsh, and this study included information on Marshall Brook, such as nutrient loading -111-
from the brook to the marsh. Marshall Brook had the highest concentrations of
nitrate+nitrite, compared to other brooks, and this brook was the major source of
nitrate+ nitrite to the Bass Harbor Marsh system.
RICHARDSON BROOK (data sheet code: 901)
Historically known species: American eel Brook trout White sucker
Probable native species: American eel Brook trout White sucker
One fish inventocy was conducted by the MDIFW in late spring 1962. Brook
trout (2 to over 8 inches in length) and white suckers were captured, and American
eels were observed.
STANLEY BROOK
Historically known fish: American eel Brook trout
Probable native species: American eel LJ Brook trout tJ Jon Le. Of the University of Maine, conducted a fish inventocy of Stanley r( .J1 Brook in 1998. He collected American eel and brook trout. -112-
GENERAL SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM HISTORICAL SUMMARY
Ponds within or bordering the boundaries of Acadia National Park have been influenced by intentional stocking and illegal transfers of fishes, the latter largely through bait releases by anglers. Only 3 of 24 ponds have likely been unaffected by such introductions and these are among the smallest water bodies within the Park.
There is no evidence that non-indigenous species have become established in Bear
Brook Pond (5 acres, 5 species), Duck Pond (6 acres, 1 species), and Sargent
Mountain Pond ( < 10 acres, no fishes).
Beginning with the introduction of smallmouth bass in 1891, species stocked in waters of the Park have included brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, Sunapee char, sea-run Atlantic salmon, landlocked salmon (same species), rainbow smelt, lake whitefish, alewife, smallmouth bass, steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout), and largemouth bass, as well as species of sticklebacks and cyprinids. Not all these species are still present, but they may have influenced other members of the fish community and the food base, either directly or indirectly.
The ponds that have been most influenced by stocking and non-native invasions are Echo Lake (7 species stocked, 11 native species, and 6 non-native species), Jordan Pond (7, 8, 10), Long Pond (6,9,7), Lower Hadlock Pond 4,7,6), and
Eagle Lake (4, 5, 5).
In general, fewer, but larger fish are now being stocked, and fewer species of -113-
fishes--almost all salmonids--are being stocked compared to even 20 years ago.
Stocking continues to be used as a management tool by the MDIFW to address
angler demands in waters where natural populations are not sufficient.
Historically, 31 species offish have been confirmed from the 24 ponds, with
some of the same species also found in brooks. Of those 31 species, 13 are likely
native, with two others possibly native. Thus, more than half of the fish species
that have occurred in waters of Acadia National Park are not indigenous.
The most widely distributed species are golden shiner and banded killifish
(each 79% of ponds), brook trout (75%), pumpkinseed (67%), American eel (63%,
and white sucker (54%). In all likelihood, some species of cyprinids, such as golden
shiner and northern redbelly dace, although native to Mount Desert Island, may
today have a much wider distribution because of their spread by anglers through
bait releases. This is not a new activity. Even Batchelder (1927) discussed this
biogeographical trend in the early part of the twentieth century.
Fish surveys have ranged from non-existent for some waters to regular
monitoring (especially with fall trapnetting). The current species of game fishes are
known, although their relative abundance is often not known. However, smaller, /J non-game species have not always been identified for each pond. This is because l_J fish surveys typically do not target such fishes with sampling gear. In addition,
earlier surveys often categorized all prey species as being "minnows." As a
consequence, the on-going fish inventory for waters within the Park will clarify the [l
r:I :l 1. -114- species richness and relative abundance of pond fish communities.
These same fish surveys in brooks will provide, in many cases, the first records of species present, spawning locations, and habitat features.
Water quality of the major ponds within Acadia National Park are now being monitored on a regular basis, so background water quality data are not limiting management decisions. Angler harvest and use data, however, are lacking for most waters, especially for open water fisheries. Thus, one recommendation is to evaluate sport fisheries in waters that are being stocked at regular intervals, especially in the open water season.
Further evaluation of the role of tributary streams to fish populations in ponds would help clarify the importance of habitat protection of critical spawning and nursery areas, especially if wild salmonid numbers in lakes are limited by appropriate stream habitat during those life stages.
The biogeographic and biohistorical trends associated with waters within the
Park may provide interesting ecological and management conclusions. Using the data in this historical report, Mount Desert Island provides an excellent picture of how fish communities can change while undergoing fluctuating management and political policies and decisions, along with periodic illegal introductions. l After fish inventories are completed, a logical step would be to evaluate what r types of community changes have and are occurring. If 21 of 24 ponds have contained non-native species, evaluating the short-term and long-term -115-
consequences of such changes seems most appropriate.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank Ron Brokaw, Rick Jordan, and Greg Burr, MDIFW, Machias office,
for their assistance in providing access to unpublished data and records, and Dave
Manski. and Bruce Connery and other members of the staff at Acadia National Park,
National Park Service, for access to data files and other sources of information
stored at Mount Desert Island. David Manski., Bruce Connery, and John Portnoy,
National Park Service, and Ron Brokaw, Rick Jordan, and Greg Burr, MDIFW,
reviewed drafts of the report. This project was supported by funding from the
National Park Service.
LITERATURE CITED
J·i Batchelder, C.H. 1927. Inland fishes of the eastern part of Mount Desert Island, Maine. Ecology 8: 327-332.
Bishop, S.C., and N.T. Clarke. 1923. A scientific survey of Turners Lake, Isle-au- ] Haut, Maine. New York State Museum, Albany. 29p.
Borei, H.G. G. Conrad, and C. Wilde III. 1963. Faunal survey. Bulletin of the Mount Desert Biological Laboratory 3: 26.
Boyle, T.P., D.R. Beeson, K.E. Gibbs, and M. Soukup. 1987. The impacts of the I Worcester landfill on the Marshall Brook ecosystem in Acadia National Park, I 1987. Unpublished report prepared for Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine.
Brokaw, R. 1983. Fisherman's visit to Acadia National Park. Maine Fish and Wildlife, Spring 1993: 16-19. -116-
Brokaw, R. 1988. Long Pond salmon management. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Job No. F-104. Progress Report 1 (1987). 12p.
Brokaw, R. 1993. Long Pond salmon management. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Job No. F-103 and F-104. Progress Report 2 (1990- 1992). 9p.
Burgess, J.R. 1995. A fish species suivey of Bear Brook Pond, The Bowl, Duck Pond, and Sargent Mountain Pond. Report to Acadia National Park by the University of Maine, Orono. 4p.
Burgess, J .R. 1997. Mercury contamination in fishes of Mount Desert Island and a comparative food chain mercury study. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 60p.
Burr, G.A. 1983. Creel census of Somes Pond, Hamilton Pond, and Lower Hadlock Pond for the winter of 1983 (January 10th to the 23rd); Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Machias, ME. Unpublished report. 14p.
Calhoun, A.J.K., J.E. Cormier, R.B. Owen, Jr., A.F. O'Connell, Jr., C.T. Roman, and R.W. Tiner, Jr. 1994. The wetlands of Acadia National Park and vicinity. Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station, Miscellaneous Publication 721: 88.
Davis, R.M. 1958. Reclamation of Echo Lake, Mount Desert Island, Maine. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 86p.
Doering, P.H., C.T. Roman, L.L. Beatty, A.A. Keller, and C.A. Oviatt. 1995. Water quality and habitat evaluation of Bass Harbor Marsh, Acadia National Park. National Park Service, Technical Report NPS/NESORNR/NRTR/95-31. 147P, and 55p. of appendices.
Fuller, J.L., and G.P. Cooper. 1946. A biological suivey of the lakes and ponds of Mount Desert Island, and the Union and lower Penobscot River drainage systems. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game, Fish Suivey Report 7. 209p.
I\ Gately, G.F. 1978. Competition for food between landlocked smelt (Osmerus ' mordax) and landlocked alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) in Echo Lake, Maine. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 94p.
Havey, K.A. 1952. The freshwater fisheries of Long Pond and Echo Lake, Mount -117-
Desert Island, Maine. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 68p.
Havey, K.A. 1956. An investigation of the freshwater fisheries of Mount Desert Island. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game. Dingell-Johnson Report, Project F-2-R, 27p.
Havey, K.A. 1961a. Recovery, growth and movement of hatchery-reared lake Atlantic salmon at Long Pond, Maine. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 102: 392-397.
Havey, K.A. 1961b. Restoration of anadromous alewives at Long Pond, Maine. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 90: 281-286.
Havey, K.A. 1978. Stocking density in relation to growth and yield of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at Long Pond, Maine. Unpublished report, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Bangor~ Maine. 30p.
Havey, K.A. 1980. Stocking rate and growth and yield of landlocked Atlantic salmon at Long Pond, Maine. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 109: 502-510.
Havey, K.A., and D.O. Locke. 1983. Evaluation of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) brood stock developed through selection to provide progeny of great longevity. Job Progress Report 6, Job F-805. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Augusta, Maine. Slp.
Havey, K.A., and D.O. Locke. 1980. Rapid exploitation of hatchery-reared brook r trout by ice fishermen in a Maine lake. Transactions of the American l Fisheries Society 109: 282-286.
Lackey, R.T. 1968a. Estimating fish populations using a modified Peterson method. Unpublished report to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Sp.
Lackey, R.T. 1968b. Seasonal abundance and availabilityofforage fishes and their utilization by landlocked Atlantic salmon and brook trout in Echo Lake, Il.,_J . Mount Desert Island, Maine. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. I l Lackey, R. T. 1969. Food interrelationships of salmon, trout, alewives, and smelt in a Maine lake. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 98: 641-646. -118-
Lackey, R.T. 1970. Seasonal depth distributions of landlocked Atlantic salmon, brook trout, landlocked alewives, and American smelt in a small lake. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 27: 1656-1661.
Le, J.B.-C. 1999. Movements of brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, at Hunter's Brook, Acadia National Park, Maine. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 78p.
Manville, R.H. 1964. The vertebrate fauna of Isle au Haut, Maine. American Midland Naturalist 72: 396-407.
McCullough, R.D. 1978. Food niche dimensions by larval rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax). Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 57p.
Mower, B., J. DiFranco, L. Bacon, D. Courtemanch, V. Schmidt, and J. Hopeck. 1997. Fish tissue contamination in Maine lakes. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Report DEPLW97-6. 63p."
Newlin, W.V. 1989. The lakes and ponds of Mt. Desert. DownEast Books, Camden, Maine.
Procter, W. 1933. Biological survey of the Mount Desert Region. Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Several volumes.
Speirs, G.D. 1972. The landlocked alewife's value as a forage fish in Echo Lake, Mt. Desert Island, Maine. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 45p.
Speirs, G.D. 1974. Food habits oflandlocked· salmon and brook trout in a Maine lake after introduction of landlocked alewives. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 103: 396-399.
Squiers, T.S., Jr. 1973. Parameters oflandlocked alewife populations in two Maine lakes, six years after their introduction. Master of Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. 43p. f Stafford, C.P. 1994. Mercury contamination in Maine predatory fishes. Master of L Science thesis, University of Maine, Orono. sop.
U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. 1884. Report of the Commissioner for 1882, Part X: xxiv. -119-
Appendix.
Scientific names and common names of fishes found in the past or currently in waters within the boundaries of Acadia National Park (American Fisheries Society approved names). Although not all species are found in all waters presently, the "Number of Ponds in Park" refers to the presence (either by stocking, introduction, or native status) at some point in the past.
MDI Number of Ponds Common Name Scientific Name Native? in Park (of24)*
Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus yes 6 American eel Anguilla rostrata yes 15 Atlantic salmon Sa/mo salar no 4 Banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus yes 19 Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis yes 18 Brown trout Salmo trutta no 4 Brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus no 4 Chain pickerel Esox niger no 6 Common shiner Luxilus cornutus no 4 Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus no 3 Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas ?** 1
I I Fallfish Semotilus corporalis no 2 I F ourspine stickleback Apeltes quadracus yes 1 Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas yes 19 Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush no 2 Lake whitefish Coregonus clupeiformes no 1 Landlocked Atl. salmon · Salmo salar no 8 ! Largemouth bass I I Micropterus salmoides no 1 t I Ninespine stickleback Pungitius pungitius yes 8 Northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos yes 12 Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus yes 16 Rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax yes 12 Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss no 4 Redbreast sunfish Lepomis auritus ?** 1 Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu no 6 I I Steelhead (rainbow trout) Oncorhynchus mykiss no 1
I'--- Sunapee char (trout) Salvelinus alpinus aureolus no 2 Threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus yes 6 White perch Morone americana yes 4 /, i; White sucker Catostomus commersoni yes 13 Yellow perch P erca flavescens no 3 -120-
*Number of ponds where fish species were present at some point in history (includes three ponds outside Park boundaries. **Native or non-native status unknown. Native to other parts of Maine, but may have been introduced locally via dumping of bait buckets by anglers.
I (
( I j
As the nations 's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The department also promotes the goals of the Take Pride in America campaign by encouraging stewardship and citizen l responsibility of the public lands and promoting citizen participation in their J care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. l administration. NPS D-202 "] l