Welcome to the interactive web schedule for the 2017 SEAFWA Conference! For tips on how to navigate this site, visit the "Helpful Info" section. To return to the SEAFWA website, go to: www.seafwa.org/conference/overview
Note: Session titles beginning with an asterisk (*) have student presenters.
AUTHORS: Nathan Aycock, Darrin Hardesty, Donta Reed, Chad Washington – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
ABSTRACT: The invasive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp (collectively known as bigheaded carps) continue to quickly expand their range throughout the United States. Studies have shown the negative effects these fish can have on native planktivores in large river systems, yet their effect on sport fish species is less well known, especially in floodplain lakes connected to large rivers. In 2016 MDWFP conducted rotenone sampling on Lake Whittington, a 3,000 acre oxbow lake of the Mississippi River in Bolivar County, to determine the current fish community composition. This data was then compared to results from rotenone sampling conducted on the lake in the 1980s and 1990s prior to bigheaded carp colonization. We found dramatic differences in the fish community. In 2016 Silver Carp comprised almost 30% of the total fish biomass and was the most abundant fish species by weight. Sport fish biomass has declined from an average of 206 lbs/acre in historical data to 63 lbs/acre today, a decline of 69%. Length data indicates that young-of-year sport fish may be most acutely impacted by the bigheaded carp population. Shad populations also declined dramatically from an average of 283 lbs/acre to 24 lbs/acre. Additional rotenone sampling is planned for 2017 at other lakes to further investigate the abundance and effects of bigheaded carp in Mississippi River oxbows.
Monday October 30, 2017 2:20pm - 2:40pm EDT
French